Best Word Games of 2025: Top 8 Reviews
Looking for fun word games? We've tested the best to help you find the perfect one for your game night.
Words! They’re everywhere! And we can’t get enough of ’em in board games. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie just dipping their toes into the vast world of board games, our list of the 8 best word-based board games is here to help. We focus on games that balance fun, challenge, and creativity. Each game is handpicked from our countless game nights filled with laughter, frustration, and that sweet ‘aha!’ moment when you finally find the right word. From the classics to the latest must-plays, there’s something for everyone who loves a good word challenge.
On this list:
8 Codenames
Codenames is a party game where players become spymasters and give one-word clues to help their team. Balance between giving hints and avoiding the assassin word made our game night unforgettable. We found ourselves laughing at some of the bizarre connections our teammates made. The simple concept is mind-bogglingly tricky, and that’s what makes it so great. With so many memorable moments packed into one game, it’s no wonder Codenames has become a favorite at parties worldwide.
7 Scrabble
Scrabble is the classic word game that has been charming players for generations. As we battled for the highest scoring spots, tensions escalated, and dictionaries were consulted. It felt like a workout for our vocabularies. Whether you’re a word wizard or just enjoy casual play, this game brings tons of educational value. Scrabble is timeless and continues to bring families and friends together, leaving a lasting impression of fun. Have a dictionary nearby, though, to settle debates.
6 Bananagrams
Bananagrams is a fast-paced word tile game that tests your quick thinking and spelling skills before your opponents. We found ourselves frantically rearranging our tiles, trying to be the first done. It’s like Scrabble but on caffeine! This game became our go-to for short breaks or when we needed a quick fix of wordy fun. Bananagrams is lightweight, portable, and easily enjoyed by all ages. Plus, there’s no need for paper or pencil, so it’s always a hit.
5 Boggle
Boggle is all about creating as many words as possible within a limited time frame by connecting adjacent letters. This game brought out our competitive side, leading to a lot of fast-paced yelling and laughter. We loved the rush and panic as the timer ticked down. Boggle is perfect for those who love a brain-teaser but may be short on time. It’s simple, fun, and can be played practically anywhere. Everyone left the table grinning.
4 Word on the Street
Word on the Street is a tactical tug-of-war over letters, and it sure kept us on our toes. The arguments over strategy! This game brought out both our creative and competitive sides. While racing to find the best word, we constantly switched between laughter and heated discussions. It’s perfect for word lovers and groups wanting a game that’s both engaging and challenging. Expect a brain workout and pile of excitement.
3 Just One
Just One is a cooperative word game where giving clues is just as thrilling as guessing. As a team, we tried to send the most obscure hints without giving too much away. The teamwork required led to more than a few hilarious moments. The game’s simplicity and required strategy make it both beginner-friendly and endlessly replayable. Our sessions were filled with creativity and laughter, and it was perfect even for larger groups.
2 Decrypto
Decrypto is a cerebral race against time where you’re cracking codes using word associations. The team dynamic made it a hit on our game nights. We strategized, whispered, scribbled, and laughed our way through this game. The satisfaction of solving a puzzle while dodging the opposing team’s guesses is unmatched. Decrypto takes word games to another level of excitement and complexity, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned gamers find it engrossing.
1 Pictomania
Pictomania stands out because it mixes guessing words and sketching them in a wild race against time. You’re not just guessing words; you’re drawing them! Chaos ensues as you try to multitask, both drawing and guessing what others are scribbling. This energetic, hilarious game had us in stitches more than once. The best part is you don’t have to be a Picasso to play. It’s easy to learn and unbelievably fun, making it the best word-themed game for chaotic creativity.
