9 Best Games for Large Families
Finding games that work for 9 or more players can be tricky, but they’re perfect for creating fun, bonding moments with family. This list highlights 9 games designed for big groups, with features like simultaneous play and minimal downtime to keep everyone engaged. Here's a quick overview of the top picks:
- Mascarade: Social deduction with hidden identities, best for 9–13 players.
- Saboteur: A mix of strategy and deception for up to 12 players.
- Wits & Wagers: Party Edition: Trivia with betting, ideal for 4–18 players.
- Herd Mentality: Consensus-based fun for 4–20 players.
- Monikers: Team-based charades-style game for 4–16+ players.
- Dixit Odyssey: Imaginative storytelling for up to 12 players.
- What Do You Meme? Family Edition: Meme-captioning fun for 3–20+ players.
- Ultimate Werewolf: Inquisition: Hidden roles with no elimination, great for 9–12 players.
- Sequence: Strategic board game for up to 12 players.
Each game offers unique mechanics, is easy to learn, and ensures everyone stays involved, regardless of age. Whether you’re into strategy, trivia, or storytelling, there’s something here for every family gathering.
Quick Comparison
| Game | Player Count | Age Range | Play Style | Playtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mascarade | 9–13 | 10+ | Social Deduction | ~30 mins |
| Saboteur | 3–12 | 8+ | Strategy & Deception | ~30 mins |
| Wits & Wagers: Party Edition | 4–18 | 8+ | Trivia & Betting | ~15 mins |
| Herd Mentality | 4–20 | 10+ | Consensus-Based | 20–40 mins |
| Monikers | 4–16+ | 12+ | Charades-Style | ~60 mins |
| Dixit Odyssey | 3–12 | 8+ | Storytelling | ~30 mins |
| What Do You Meme? Family | 3–20+ | 8+ | Meme Captioning | ~30 mins |
| Ultimate Werewolf: Inquisition | 9–12 | 8+ | Hidden Roles | ~45 mins |
| Sequence | 2–12 | 7+ | Strategy | 30–60 mins |
These games are perfect for large families looking to spend quality time together, away from screens. Dive in and make your next gathering unforgettable!
Top 8 Games for 8+ Players
1. Mascarade
Mascarade pulls players into a world of hidden identities and clever deception. In this social deduction game, each player assumes the role of a mysterious character with unique powers. The twist? The masks - or roles - are constantly swapped, making alliances as unclear as the identities themselves.
The gameplay is simple but engaging: on your turn, you can swap cards, peek at your own role, or claim a character's identity. But beware - opponents can challenge your claims, adding a layer of suspense and humor to every move.
Player Capacity (9+ Players)
This game truly shines when played with a crowd. Designed for groups of 9–13 players, Mascarade thrives on chaos and unpredictability. Unlike many games that lose focus with larger groups, this one becomes even more entertaining as the player count grows. The constant role-swapping and bluffing ensure that every new participant brings fresh energy and complexity to the table.
Fun for All Ages
While best suited for players aged 10 and up, Mascarade is accessible thanks to its simple mechanics: swap, peek, or claim. Younger players might find the strategic elements challenging, but for most, the mix of bluffing and deduction is easy to grasp. With a solid 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Amazon from 262 reviews, players frequently highlight how fun and quick it is to learn.
Replayability
With 17 unique character cards, Mascarade offers endless combinations to keep gameplay fresh and unpredictable. Each session feels different as new dynamics and strategies emerge. The "swap or not" mechanic ensures every round is packed with surprises, making it a hit for families and groups looking to experiment with different setups.
Easy to Learn, Hard to Master
At its core, the game is straightforward: use character powers to collect gold - either by sticking to the rules or bluffing your way to victory. The element of uncertainty, rather than being frustrating, adds to the excitement. Rounds move quickly, making it ideal for multiple plays in one sitting or as a warm-up for longer game nights. This balance of simplicity and strategy makes Mascarade a standout choice for any gathering.
2. Saboteur
If you're a fan of games that mix strategy with social deception, Saboteur offers a thrilling twist by adding an adventurous underground setting.
This clever card game invites 9 or more players to take on the roles of gold-mining dwarves, working together to dig tunnels toward hidden treasure. But there's a catch - some players are secret saboteurs, determined to disrupt the mission. The result is a game filled with deception, teamwork, and plenty of surprises.
How It Works
The gameplay centers on creating tunnels by placing path cards, starting from a fixed point and aiming to reach one of three goal cards. Players take turns playing a card to either extend the tunnel or, if they're a saboteur, throw a wrench into the team's plans. With 44 path cards and 27 action cards, each game unfolds as a unique maze-building adventure.
Perfect for Larger Groups (9+ Players)
Saboteur is designed for 3–12 players, making it an ideal choice for large gatherings or family game nights. The game includes 7 gold miner cards and 4 saboteur cards, striking a balance between cooperation and mischief. It shines particularly well with groups of 9 or 10 players, where the layers of deception and strategy become even more entertaining. Its flexible design ensures that everyone, regardless of group size, stays involved and engaged.
Fun for All Ages
With simple rules and a one-card-per-turn mechanic, Saboteur is easy to pick up, even for younger players. Its blend of tactical thinking and social deduction appeals to older participants, while its light complexity (rated just 1.32 out of 5 on BoardGameGeek) ensures that kids can join in without feeling overwhelmed. Each round is quick, lasting about 30 minutes, making it a great option for families with varying attention spans.
Endless Replay Value
What keeps Saboteur fresh is its ever-changing gameplay. The random distribution of roles and the evolving tunnel layout mean no two games are the same. The 44 path cards present new challenges every time, and the straightforward rules keep rounds moving smoothly, even with larger groups. Its compact size makes it a perfect companion for trips and family outings, adding to its versatility.
Easy to Learn, Hard to Put Down
Although the game incorporates elements of strategy and bluffing, its mechanics are surprisingly simple. Players can dive in quickly, thanks to the intuitive one-card-per-turn structure. This accessibility is reflected in its 4.7-star rating from over 2,140 Amazon reviews, highlighting its appeal as a go-to game for family gatherings. The balance of simplicity and depth ensures hours of fun and keeps players coming back for more.
3. Wits & Wagers: Party Edition
Wits & Wagers: Party Edition takes trivia to a new level by combining quirky questions with a clever betting system. Instead of relying solely on knowledge, players submit numerical guesses and wager on which answer they think is closest. This twist makes it perfect for large family gatherings.
Player Capacity (9+ Players)
Ideal for big groups, Wits & Wagers: Party Edition accommodates anywhere from 4 to 18 players. The game comes with six player boards, allowing multiple participants to write down their guesses and place wagers at the same time. This setup ensures everyone stays involved, even in larger groups.
Fun for All Ages
The game’s appeal spans generations, making it a hit with families. With 39 awards under its belt, it’s designed to be knowledge-neutral, meaning players don’t need to be trivia experts to win. Instead, smart betting levels the playing field, so everyone - from kids to grandparents - can join in the fun.
Quick and Easy to Learn
Learning the rules is a breeze. Chad Sapieha from Common Sense Media notes, "Games are refreshingly short -- less than 15 minutes -- and the learning curve is around two minutes. Indeed, players will likely understand the basics by the end of the first round." The gameplay is simple: jot down your guess, reveal it, and bet on the answer you think is closest to the correct one. With a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from 1,197 Amazon reviews, families consistently praise how easy it is to pick up and play.
Endless Replayability
With 700 unique questions, the game offers enough variety to play around 100 times before encountering repeats. Plus, the final round introduces a thrilling twist, giving players the chance to make dramatic comebacks. Since each round wraps up in under an hour, it’s easy to fit multiple games into one evening. The quick pace and betting mechanics make Wits & Wagers: Party Edition a top choice for lively family game nights.
4. Herd Mentality
Herd Mentality flips the script on traditional trivia games by focusing on consensus rather than individual brilliance. The goal? Match the majority’s answer. This clever twist guarantees plenty of laughs as players discover just how aligned - or hilariously offbeat - their thoughts are.
Perfect for Large Gatherings
With room for 4 to 20 players, Herd Mentality is a fantastic choice for big family events. Whether it’s a holiday get-together, a reunion, or just a lively evening with friends, the game’s flexibility makes it a crowd favorite.
Fun Across Generations
One happy customer shared:
"I bought this game to play with family. Ages ranged from 10-70 years old and everyone enjoyed it."
It’s no wonder Herd Mentality boasts a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating from over 5,000 Amazon reviews. With no "right" or "wrong" answers - just majority and minority opinions - it ensures everyone, regardless of age, can join in the fun.
Quick to Learn, Easy to Play
As one reviewer put it:
"It's easy to explain and fun from the first round."
The game includes everything you need: question cards, answer pads, cow tokens, and the memorable Pink Cow for standout answers. Sessions last just 20–40 minutes, making it a perfect pick for both quick rounds and extended play.
Replay Value That Keeps You Coming Back
With more than 1 million copies sold worldwide and hundreds of fresh question prompts, Herd Mentality keeps the fun rolling. TechRadar even called it:
"hands down the best party game ever created".
The debates and conversations sparked by the game are what make it truly special. As one reviewer, Sue W, described:
"This is a great game. Fun and good for spending time with family or friends. The more people, the more wild and crazy fun it gets!"
Every round is a chance for new laughs, surprising answers, and unforgettable moments.
5. Monikers
Monikers blends the best parts of Taboo, Codenames, and Charades into one lively and ever-changing party game. Designed for team play, it challenges players to give clues across three rounds, each with stricter rules than the last. This dynamic setup makes it a fantastic choice for big family gatherings, where the energy and interaction can truly shine.
Player Capacity (9+ Players)
With room for 4 to 16+ players, Monikers is built for large groups. Its team-based gameplay ensures that even the biggest family gatherings can split into smaller, manageable groups, keeping everyone involved and entertained.
Ease of Learning
Even with its three-round structure, Monikers is a breeze to pick up. The rules evolve gradually: in the first round, you can give unlimited clues; in the second, you're limited to a single word; and by the third, you’re acting out clues charades-style. The progression is intuitive, making it easy for players of all ages to join in on the fun.
Fun for All Ages
What makes Monikers special is its focus on laughter and shared experiences rather than intense competition. It’s a game that relies on memory and creativity rather than prior knowledge, making it accessible for everyone. With 440 modern cards and an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 3,700 reviews, it’s a hit with players young and old alike.
Replayability
The beauty of Monikers lies in the memories and inside jokes it creates. Its evolving gameplay and variety of cards ensure it never gets old. It’s the kind of game that keeps large families coming back for more laughs, time and time again.
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6. Dixit Odyssey
Dixit Odyssey brings the magic of storytelling to larger groups, blending stunning illustrations with creative narratives. Players take turns as the storyteller, offering clues inspired by beautifully illustrated cards, while others guess which card belongs to the storyteller. This game thrives on imagination and laughter, making it a favorite for gatherings. Let’s explore how it works so well for bigger groups.
Player Capacity (9+ Players)
What makes Dixit Odyssey special is its ability to host up to twelve players, thanks to its thoughtful design as both a standalone game and an expansion. The rules have been slightly adjusted to suit larger groups, ensuring smooth gameplay even with a crowd. For instance, when there are seven or more players, each person gets two vote tokens, creating a balanced scoring system. This makes it a go-to option for family get-togethers or parties.
Fun for All Ages
With over 12 million copies sold and a glowing 4.8-star rating from 961 Amazon reviews, Dixit Odyssey has proven its appeal across generations. The game prioritizes creativity over competition, so anyone can join in - no special skills or prior knowledge required, just a dash of imagination.
The 84 intricately illustrated cards spark endless storytelling possibilities, often becoming conversation pieces themselves. Families love how the game bridges age gaps, allowing kids and adults to play together effortlessly. The artwork often draws admiration, with players pausing to share their thoughts on each card.
Easy to Learn
Even with its capacity for large groups, Dixit Odyssey is remarkably easy to pick up. The rules are simple and intuitive, making it accessible for any gathering. While the scoring system adjusts slightly for bigger groups, the core idea remains the same: share a story, make a guess, and enjoy the creative twists that emerge.
Endless Replayability
One of the game’s biggest strengths is how it stays fresh, no matter how many times you play. Each card can inspire countless interpretations, which means the clues and stories are always changing. One player even noted that after 39 games, they still found the experience engaging and new.
What truly sets Dixit Odyssey apart is how the group dynamic influences the gameplay. Playing with close friends or family often leads to inside jokes and deeply personal stories, while mixed groups challenge players to find clues that resonate universally. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for gatherings that bring together people of all ages and backgrounds around one table.
7. What Do You Meme? Family Edition
What Do You Meme? Family Edition brings meme culture to the table, turning it into a hilarious game for the whole family. The goal? Match witty captions with meme-worthy photos. With 300 caption cards and 65 photo cards, the combinations are endless, ensuring plenty of laughs for everyone - even those who join mid-game. It’s an ideal pick for large family get-togethers where keeping everyone entertained is key.
Player Capacity (9+ Players)
This game shines in large groups, accommodating anywhere from 3 to over 20 players. The winning conditions are cleverly adjusted based on group size: smaller groups of 3 need 7 cards to win, while larger groups of 6 or more only need 4. This keeps the game moving at a lively pace.
"The beauty of this game is that it really feels less about competition and more about the fun you have along the way. It's one of the few games really good for large groups, and if you're casually playing, it's easy to just squeeze in another player as someone is added to the group." – GeekMom.com
This flexibility makes it easy for latecomers to jump in without interrupting the fun.
Fun for All Ages
Designed for players aged 8 and up, What Do You Meme? Family Edition strikes a balance between humor that appeals to kids and jokes that adults can enjoy, too. With a solid 4.7-star rating from 592 reviews - and 81% of players recommending it - the game clearly resonates with a wide audience.
Simple and Quick to Learn
The setup is straightforward: players take turns matching caption cards to photo cards, and a rotating judge picks the funniest pairing. The rules are easy enough for new players to pick up in minutes.
Endless Replayability
With 300 caption cards, the game offers thousands of combinations, making every round feel fresh and unpredictable. Even if a few rounds start to feel familiar, the unique humor of the group often creates new inside jokes and memorable moments. This ever-changing dynamic ensures the game stays engaging, making it a great choice to wrap up a lively family evening.
8. Ultimate Werewolf: Inquisition
Ultimate Werewolf: Inquisition takes the classic Werewolf game and gives it a modern twist - no one gets eliminated, and everyone stays engaged from start to finish. It’s perfect for large family gatherings, combining hidden roles, strategic decision-making, and unique character abilities in an intense battle between villagers and werewolves.
Player Capacity (9+ Players)
Although it can be played with as few as 3 players, this game truly comes alive with groups of 9 to 12. The number of werewolves adjusts based on the group size, adding layers of challenge. For example, a 9-player game includes 3 werewolves, while a 12-player game ups the stakes with 5 werewolves. Thanks to its no-elimination rule, everyone stays involved throughout the session, solving a common issue in other large-group games. The inclusion of resident cards, featuring both positive and negative values, ensures balanced gameplay regardless of the group size.
Ease of Learning
While Ultimate Werewolf: Inquisition might feel a bit overwhelming at first - especially for those new to social deduction games - it quickly becomes second nature after a few rounds. The rules may seem complex initially, but once you grasp the flow, the strategic depth becomes a highlight.
"Experienced Werewolf players pick it up pretty quickly, but people unfamiliar with the original game can be pretty confused by it all. That seems to clear up after a play or two, though, and everyone I've played this with so far really seems to enjoy it." – James Moline
This gradual learning process ultimately makes the game accessible and rewarding for all players.
Replayability
With an impressive 4.7-star rating from 1,465 reviews, Ultimate Werewolf: Inquisition is built for repeat play. The included Full Moon expansion adds even more variety, keeping each session fresh. The night phase, where players shuffle cards and make noises to obscure the werewolves’ actions, creates a unique atmosphere every time. Its dynamic roles, flexible player count, and ever-changing social interactions ensure that no two games feel the same.
9. Sequence
Sequence is a brilliant mix of strategy and luck, making it a go-to choice for large family gatherings. The goal is simple: create a sequence of five chips by matching cards from your hand to spaces on the board. With over 35 years of popularity under its belt, this game has cemented its place as a family favorite.
The gameplay revolves around matching cards to place your colored chips on the board, with Jacks acting as wild cards. These wild cards can help you complete your sequence or block an opponent’s progress. This clever blend of card strategy and board tactics keeps the game exciting for players of all skill levels.
Player Capacity (9+ Players)
Sequence’s flexible setup makes it perfect for big family game nights. While it’s officially designed for 2 to 12 players, the team-based format allows even larger groups to join in. This adaptability makes it a hit at family reunions or holiday gatherings, where people can easily jump in or out of the game as the evening unfolds.
Fun for All Ages
Designed for ages seven and up, Sequence bridges the gap between generations. Its straightforward rules make it accessible to kids, even offering a kids' version that requires no reading. At the same time, the game’s strategic elements ensure adults stay engaged, making it a great choice for mixed-age groups.
Easy to Learn
One of Sequence’s standout qualities is how quickly new players can pick it up. The basic premise - match a card, place a chip - is simple enough to explain in just a few minutes. Most families are ready to play within five minutes of opening the box. It’s no surprise that the game boasts a 4.8 out of 5-star rating on Target, with 98% of reviewers giving it a thumbs-up. As one reviewer, TLCSqueak, put it:
"Very fun and incredibly easy. This is a great game for adults, kids, families."
– TLCSqueak, Target reviewer
Replay Value
Sequence shines when it comes to replayability. Games last about 30 minutes, making it easy to play multiple rounds in one sitting. The constantly changing card draws and board dynamics ensure every game feels fresh and engaging. Plus, the game’s relaxed pace encourages conversation and laughter, adding to its charm.
Sequence is a timeless classic that brings families and friends together, creating lasting memories around the game table.
Conclusion
The right games can transform large family gatherings into unforgettable moments. When you’re hosting nine or more people, picking games designed for bigger groups ensures that everyone can join in and feel included. These games create opportunities for meaningful interactions across generations, bridging the gap between grandparents and grandchildren. For families with nine or more players, they don’t just entertain - they bring people closer together.
Family game time offers so much more than just fun. Studies show that playing games strengthens relationships and releases endorphins, boosting everyone’s mood. Ellie Dix, author of The Board Game Family: Reclaim Your Children from the Screen, highlights the unique power of games:
"Board games bring people together and help parents to reclaim family time. Through games, parents can create an irresistible offline world that will restore balance, deepen relationships, develop transferable skills and create shared, long-lasting memories."
Games also help develop important life skills, from critical thinking and decision-making to patience and teamwork. They provide a safe space for kids to experience both wins and losses, building resilience and teaching good sportsmanship. As Elizabeth Brunscheen-Cartagena from K-State Research and Extension explains:
"When we play together, we shape and model each other, including personalities, thoughts, decisions and more. It's really a fertile ground to exercise life skills with no real consequences."
These moments of connection make game nights more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. To create the best environment for your family game nights, set up a cozy, welcoming space that encourages everyone to participate.
Looking to expand your collection? Check out the Brain Games collection for ideas. Whether you prefer strategy games that challenge your thinking or party games that bring out the laughter, there’s something to keep your large family entertained and connected.
FAQs
How can I make large family game nights fun and engaging for everyone?
To make your large family game nights a hit, start by picking games that are simple to learn and work well with bigger groups. Favorites like Codenames or Sushi Go Party! are perfect because they promote interaction and teamwork, ensuring everyone feels included.
Set the stage with a cozy, distraction-free space. Good lighting, comfy seating, and a spread of snacks can make all the difference. To keep the energy up, mix up the types of games, keep rounds quick, and plan for occasional breaks. Switching up teams now and then can also keep things fresh and help everyone connect. With these straightforward tips, you can turn game night into a memorable event for the whole family.
How do these games work for families with different age groups?
Board games tailored for large families aim to include everyone, offering flexible rules and themes that resonate with players of all ages. Take Sushi Go Party or Apples to Apples Junior, for instance - these games are easy to pick up and entertain both kids and adults, making them ideal for multigenerational gatherings.
What’s great about many of these games is the ability to tweak the rules to accommodate younger players. This makes it easier for everyone to join in the fun, creating moments of laughter and connection that strengthen family bonds across generations.
What are the benefits of playing these games during large family gatherings?
Gathering around a table for board games during family get-togethers isn’t just about having fun - it’s about bringing everyone closer. These games offer a chance to spend quality time together, sparking meaningful conversations and interactions without the distractions of phones or screens. They encourage teamwork, patience, and problem-solving, making them a great way for both kids and adults to sharpen their social skills.
Beyond that, board games set the stage for a relaxed and lighthearted atmosphere. They can ease stress, spark laughter, and create moments of genuine connection. It’s hard to beat the joy of shared victories, playful competition, and the memories that naturally unfold when everyone’s gathered around, fully present with one another.
