Best party games for 8 to 12 people
Six games that work from eight through twelve, with the setup and host job spelled out before you choose.
Updated
Compare the sixEight people can split into teams, share one dial, or each open a browser. The headcount does not choose the game for you. Decide how you want the room to behave, then check what the host needs to do before anyone arrives.
Every game below supports each count from eight through twelve. Once you pass eight, Telestrations needs the 12-player edition. Blood on the Clocktower needs a willing Storyteller picked before the night begins.
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| Game | Choose it when | Host setup | Format and time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gartic Phone | You want the shortest option and everyone already has a browser. | Share the room link, choose Normal mode, and have everyone join. | Browser drawing and captions · 10 to 25 min |
| Herd Mentality | You want individual answers instead of teams, and the room is happy to write. | Put a pencil and answer sheet at every seat. Explain that the sole unique answer takes the Pink Cow and cannot win while holding it. | Individual play · 20 to 30 min |
| Telestrations | People would rather draw privately than perform for the room. | For 9 to 12, use the 12-player edition. Put one book and marker at every seat, then pass together. | Draw and write together · 30 min |
| Fishbowl | You want loud teams and a final round of charades. | Set out paper, pens, a bowl, and a timer. Have everyone write three slips. | Two teams · 30 to 45 min |
| Wavelength | You want two teams to argue over one clue and one dial. | Split the teams, choose each first Psychic, and put the dial where both sides can see it. | Two teams · 30 to 45 min |
| Blood on the Clocktower | The game can take the whole evening and somebody wants the Storyteller job. | Choose the Storyteller in advance. They need the script and night order ready. | 1 Storyteller · 60 to 120 min |
Still counting heads? The uncertain-headcount game-night plan helps you decide whether to keep everyone in one room or split into two tables.
Read the full game guides
Fishbowl“The rules fit on an index card, and round three has ended at least one friendship we know of.”PLAY IT TONIGHT♥ maya, 41 plays
Gartic Phone“Telephone meets Pictionary, and everyone's a criminal.”FREE, JUST GO♦ rosa, 12 plays
Blood on the Clocktower“Werewolf for people who got tired of dying first and doing nothing all night.”GOOD WITH THE RIGHT CROWD♣ einar, 6 plays
Wavelength“Argue about whether a hot dog is a sandwich, but with a scoring dial.”WORTH OWNING♠ sam, 11 plays
Telestrations“Telephone gives the message a marker and removes its remaining chance of survival.”PLAY IT TONIGHT♦ rosa, 11 plays
Herd Mentality“Stop looking for the best answer and start worrying about everybody else's.”PLAY IT TONIGHT♣ einar, 7 plays