What is the best party game for people who do not play board games?

Just One is the safest choice. The rules take 30 seconds to explain: write a one-word clue to help someone guess a word. That is the entire game. It is cooperative so nobody feels targeted, there is no complex scoring to track, and the 'aha' moments when the guesser figures out a word are universally satisfying. Wavelength is equally accessible but the debate format can intimidate quieter players.

How many party games should I own?

Three is the magic number for most hosts: one word/clue game (Codenames or Just One), one debate/discussion game (Wavelength or Wits & Wagers), and one creative/drawing game (Telestrations or Pictomania). This covers every group dynamic and mood. Rotate based on the group — competitive groups prefer Codenames, cooperative groups prefer Just One, debate-loving groups prefer Wavelength.

Best Party Board Games 2026