So, what’s worse than a party with no food? A party with no fun. If you’re just chilling, sipping your drink, and awkwardly eyeing the clock waiting for the night to end, something’s wrong.
You need something to break the ice, spark some laughs, and get everyone out of their seats and into the fun. Because no one remembers the party where you just talked. You want memories, chaos, and moments where everyone’s crying from laughter.
Don’t worry, I got you. No more basic small talk. Here’s a list of games that will make your night one for the books (or at least one people will actually remember).
Team Games
1. Charades
Charades is the ultimate game of non-verbal communication, where players act out a word or phrase without speaking, and their team tries to guess it as fast as they can. You could be miming a movie title, a famous person, or even a viral internet trend.
It’s the kind of game that turns everyone into overactors, and the more ridiculous your clues, the better. It’s like watching a trainwreck, but in the best way possible. You’ll have people acting out “fast food restaurant” like they’re auditioning for Broadway. It’s a fun chaos, and it’s exactly what you need when the conversation is starting to drag.
How to play Charades:
- Prepare a list of words or phrases (e.g., movies, songs, famous people, or any random funny phrases). You can either write them down on slips of paper or use a Charades app that generates random clues.
- One player picks a clue and acts it out without speaking or using props. No sounds, no mouthing words, just pure pantomime!
- Their team has 2 minutes to guess as many clues as possible before the timer runs out.
- Points are awarded for each correct guess within the time limit. If no one can guess the clue, no points are scored.
Players: Large groups, 5+ players ideally split into teams
Location: Anywhere that has space to move around
Special equipment: None
2. Pinoy Henyo
Pinoy Henyo is the Filipino version of Charades, but it brings in a unique twist: communication through yes, no, maybe answers. It’s a game where quick thinking and strategy collide, making it a little less about acting and more about narrowing down possibilities with your questions.
Plus, if you’re really looking to feel the Filipino vibe, Pinoy Henyo is the game you’ll want to play at your next team building or barkada night. Whether it’s guessing “sinigang” or “jeepney,” it’s sure to hit close to home for all the juans ready to flex their native wit and teamwork.
The game is as much about strategy and quick thinking as it is about acting. It combines brainpower and creativity in a fun, fast-paced way and helps people learn how to communicate better.
How to play Pinoy Henyo:
- Write down words or phrases on sticky notes to place on the forehead of the guessing player, so they can’t see the word but the other team can. White board or bond paper works held above the head of the player.
- The guessing player can only ask yes/no/maybe questions to narrow down the word (e.g., “Is it an object?”, “Can you eat it?”).
- The player has a time limit to guess the word correctly before the timer runs out.
Players: Team play alternating guessing player and yes/no player
Location: Anywhere
Special equipment: None
3. Pictionary
Pictionary is a drawing and guessing game where players sketch out a word or phrase, and their team has to guess it before time runs out. The real fun comes from watching how terrible (or amazing!) someone can draw under pressure. Whether you’re a budding Picasso or someone who can’t draw a straight line, it’s a fun, interactive way to get the group laughing.
How to play Pictionary:
- Prepare a set of words or phrases (similar to Charades) and write them on cards or use a Pictionary app.
- One player draws the clue while their team tries to guess what it is. No letters or numbers allowed, only sketching.
- The timer runs for 60 seconds, and you have to guess before the time is up.
- If the team guesses the correct word or phrase within the time limit, they get a point. If no one guesses, no points are earned.
Players: Teams of 3-5 people
Location: Anywhere
Special equipment: None
Drinking Games
4. Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever is the perfect game for those who enjoy getting to know each other a little too well (or in some cases, revealing some embarrassing secrets). Players take turns sharing something they’ve never done, and anyone who has done it takes a drink (or a point if you’re keeping it PG). It’s an easy game to play, but a wild ride of revelations.
It’s one of those games where the more you play, the weirder it gets. It starts with “Never have I ever eaten a balut,” and suddenly, you’re sharing stories about that one time you went to a party and made questionable decisions that are now permanently stored in your Never Have I Ever catalog. It’s a game that encourages bonding, hilarious revelations, and some mild embarrassment, all in the name of fun.
Just remember to keep it spicy but not too shady. There’s a fine line between funny and ‘I’m never talking to you again.
5. Trivia Night
Trivia is all about testing your knowledge in a fun and competitive way. From pop culture to history, science, or specific themes (e.g., Filipino trivia!), it challenges players to remember obscure facts and shows who the real know-it-alls are.
The competitive edge keeps people on their toes, and it’s easy to customize the theme to suit your crowd. It’s a classic game that’s perfect for anyone who loves to show off their smarts.
To play, let the Trivia Master prepare a list of questions ranging from easy to hard, and ask them one by one. Each player or teams earn points for each correct answer.
Break the ice, It’s time for a toast
No matter what game you choose, remember to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable and encouraged to have fun. Games break the ice, spark laughter, and make your event one to remember.
These interactive games will ensure that no one is left sitting on the sidelines. Ready, set, game on!
Which of these games have you tried before? Let us know in the comments!