5 Must-Have Party Games to Spice Up Your Summer Gatherings
- Alex Critchell
- Apr 9
- 6 min read
In this week's article, we're diving into our top five favorite party style games that will add a dash of pizzazz to your summer shenanigans! With a plethora of party games out there, each boasting unique mechanics to spark interaction, your evenings are about to become legendary. Now, to earn our coveted 'party game' badge, a game must tick a few boxes: it needs to encourage social interaction, be as easy to set up as a picnic blanket, and cater to larger groups—because who wants to leave anyone out? Bonus points if it can be played in a flash and has everyone in stitches! So, grab your snacks and get ready for some rollicking fun!
Number 5: CDSK
CDSK isn't just your run-of-the-mill trivia game; it’s a delightful brain-bending extravaganza where you get to rate your own knowledge! Think you’re a trivia titan? Or perhaps you're more of a casual quizzer? You’ll assign a score from 1 to 10 based on how confident you feel about the subject at hand—where 1 is a breeze and 10 is like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded! The goal is simple: answer questions correctly and move forward based on the number you bravely selected. Choose wisely, because if you think you’re a 10 but end up with a question about 18th-century knitting patterns, you might just find yourself in a bit of a pickle! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick round or a marathon trivia showdown, CDSK has got you covered. Depending on where you start, you can tailor your game length to fit your schedule (or your attention span). And let’s talk about group dynamics—this game shines with larger crowds! I once played with a whopping 24 players, and let me tell you, the laughter and friendly banter were worth their weight in gold! With an impressive array of categories, CDSK caters to everyone—even those who usually shy away from trivia games. It dives deep into niche knowledge areas while still keeping things light and fun with general knowledge. So whether you’re a trivia aficionado or just someone who knows a lot about obscure facts, there’s something here for you. If your friends and family have a penchant for trivia, then CDSK is a must-try! Its unique twist on the genre ensures that everyone gets to flex their mental muscles in a way that's both entertaining and enlightening. So gather your crew and prepare for a trivia experience that’s as unpredictable as it is enjoyable!
You can find out more and grab your own copy at:
Number 4: A Fake Artist Goes to New York
The next game on our list is the delightfully deceptive A Fake Artist Goes to New York, where you’ll be channeling your inner detective while trying to unmask the faux Picasso lurking among your friends. In this artful escapade, one player picks a secret object for the group to draw—think of it as the art world’s version of “Guess Who?” but with less hair and more intrigue. They’ll jot down the word on a number of cards equal to the players minus one, marking one card with an X to identify the imposter. Once the cards are shuffled and dealt out like a game of artistic poker, it’s time to put your creativity to the test. Each player takes turns adding a line to the masterpiece in progress, all while the clock ticks and suspicion rises. After a few rounds of artistic collaboration, the group must guess what the image is and, more importantly, who the sneaky fraud is trying to blend in with the real artists. This game is as easy to learn as it is to enjoy, and it’ll have your detective skills working overtime. The thrill of creating something beautiful while simultaneously trying to spot the one who’s just faking it adds a delicious twist. If you’re a fan of drawing games and enjoy a good dose of deduction with a side of hidden roles, then A Fake Artist Goes to New York might just be the masterpiece your game night has been waiting for!
You can find out more and grab your own copy at:
Number 3: Throw Throw Burrito
Up next is the culinary chaos of Throw Throw Burrito, where card collecting meets the art of dodging squishy projectiles! Picture this: you’re frantically trying to gather matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously dodging, ducking, and diving from airborne burritos that seem to have a vendetta against your face. In this zany game, you earn points by scoring sets of cards, but beware! Those burrito bruises can cost you dearly. It’s a classic case of “you snooze, you lose”, except in this version, if you snooze, a burrito might just land on your head. This game is super quick and easy to learn, making it a perfect choice for a lively game night. Just remember to clear the area of any breakables, your fine china doesn’t stand a chance against a flying burrito! And while it’s great indoors, it’s even better outdoors where you can really unleash your inner burrito ninja. Diving and dodging those delightful burritos is not just fun; it’s a recipe for laughter and unforgettable memories. If you're looking for a game that’s a little quirky, gets you moving, and serves up a generous portion of silliness, Throw Throw Burrito is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared, once you start, you might find yourself in a burrito battle for the ages!
You can find out more and grab your own copy at:
Number 2: Crack List
Crack List is not just your average card game; it’s a delightful mash-up of the beloved chaos of Uno and the brain-teasing fun of Scattergories. Picture this: you’re dealt a hand of cards, a category is chosen, and suddenly you’re racing against your friends to conjure up words that match that category, all while sticking to the first letters of your cards. It’s like a spelling bee on caffeine! But wait, there’s a twist! Some letters come with a side of sabotage, cleverly color-coded in blue, yellow, or red. These little troublemakers allow you to hand out extra cards to your opponents, +1, +2, or even +3, because who doesn’t love a little friendly competition that involves tossing more cards into the mix? And let’s not forget about the wild cards in this deck! With non-letter cards like reverse, swap, stop, Crack List, and the ever-mischievous Joker, you can turn the tide of the game faster than you can say “wordsmith.”
The game wraps up when one clever player finally unloads all their cards, but not before plenty of laughs and “Did you really just say that?” moments. It’s the ultimate icebreaker, perfect for teams or groups looking to bond over hilariously broad categories that guarantee everyone has something to contribute. Stuck on a category? No problem! Just whip out a Crack List card and change the subject faster than a magician at a children’s party. Crack List is super easy to learn, making it a go-to choice for casual evenings filled with fun. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, sipping drinks at the bar, or soaking up the sun at the beach, this travel-sized gem is your ticket to laughter and camaraderie. So, if you’re on the hunt for a game that promises endless enjoyment and a whole lot of chuckles, Crack List is definitely worth adding to your collection!
You can find out more and grab your own copy at:
Number 1: Yogi
When it comes to party games that guarantee laughter and a dash of ridiculousness, our top pick this summer is none other than the fabulous Yogi. This fast-paced game is like a social blender, mixing everyone into a delightful concoction of hilarity and absurdity. The rules? Simple! Just draw a card and embrace the chaos as you perform the action listed for the rest of the game. Whether it’s keeping your thumb glued to your nose, your forehead touching the table, or barking like a dog (yes, you read that right), the positions you find yourself in will have you questioning your life choices, especially when competing against someone who takes “competitive” to a whole new level. The goal? Be the last player standing! Fail to perform your action at any point, and it’s game over for you. Talk about high stakes! Yogi brings joy and a hearty dose of laughter to any gathering, making it a must-have for your summer soirées. With a quick playtime and an easy learning curve, Yogi is perfect for evening shenanigans and kid-friendly fun. Plus, the waterproof cards mean you can take the antics poolside or beachside without a worry. Sticky fingers? No problem! Just give those cards a rinse, and you’re back in the game. If you’re on the hunt for a game this summer that promises endless silly antics and unforgettable moments, look no further. Yogi is, without a doubt, one of the best party games we’ve stumbled upon and trust us, you’ll want to add it to your collection!
You can find out more and grab your own copy at:
Commentaires