Best Adult Board Games of 2025: Top 5 Picks

Looking for the best board games for adults? Here's a fun list to spice up your next game night!
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Cards Against Humanity coverCodenames coverSecret Hitler cover

Looking for the best board games to entertain adults at your next game night? You’re in the right place. We focus on games that spark laughter, strategy, and maybe a little chaos among friends. Our picks are all about fun, interaction, and keeping players on the edge of their seats. Some involve secret identities, others a battle of wits, and one even has you teaming up against a global crisis. Whether you’re into party games or intense strategy, this list has something for everyone. Get ready for endless fun with our top picks for adult board games!

On this list:

5 Cards Against Humanity

Cards Against Humanity cover

  • Age Range: 17+
  • Players: 4-20+
  • Play Time: 30-90 min

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Cards Against Humanity is the go-to game when looking for hilarious entertainment for adults. We had a blast playing this at a friend’s party. Even our shy friend, Alan, had everyone in stitches with his wild card combination. The game’s offensive humor might make you blush but in a good way. It’s a game where being funny and edgy earns you the win. Just be ready for some awkward moments and judge your crowd before bringing it out. Perfect for those nights when you’re ready to let loose.

4 Codenames

Codenames cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 15 min

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Codenames is a word game that’s perfect for adults, challenging your intellect and vocabulary. We often play this game during get-togethers. It’s fascinating how a single clue can change the whole dynamic of the board. It puts your mind to work in a way that’s both fun and engaging. Plus, watching your friends pull their hair out over clues is priceless. It’s a great mix of strategy and luck, offering an experience that never feels repetitive.

3 Secret Hitler

Secret Hitler cover

  • Age Range: 17+
  • Players: 5-10
  • Play Time: 45 min

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Secret Hitler is all about deception, strategy, and a bit of chaos, making it a thrilling choice for adults. We played this with our group, and watching everyone’s poker faces was golden. The game makes you question your friends’ trustworthiness, which is both hilarious and stress-inducing. There’s nothing quite like the tension of figuring out who’s lying in your crew while trying to achieve your objective. It’s high-intensity fun that keeps everyone on their toes.

2 The Resistance: Avalon

The Resistance: Avalon cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 5-10
  • Play Time: 30 min

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The Resistance: Avalon is a riot for adults who love deduction games. We couldn’t stop playing it during our game nights. The Arthurian theme adds a dramatic twist to the game of hidden loyalties. It’s a game of deception and trust, where every decision counts and alliances form. It’s all about bluffing and figuring out who’s on your team. The game’s dynamic keeps everyone entertained and guessing throughout. It’s one of those games where even losing feels like winning.

1 Pandemic

Pandemic cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 45 min

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Pandemic tops our list as the best adult board game due to its cooperative play and excitement. It feels like a race against time, as everyone scrambles to save humanity. We remember the tension in the room as we came so close to losing but pulled through at the last minute. The game requires teamwork and strategy, ensuring each player feels vital to the win. No one can coast in this game; every player matters. It’s the game that bonds people and gets everyone fully engaged.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.