Summary
A good party game can turn a night in with friends into a legendary occasion, and while many may instinctively think of the likes ofMario Party Superstarsand other Nintendo favorites, there are plenty of great indie and lesser-known hits that are worth adding to the rotation. A good party game offers not only compelling gameplay but also an easy way to laugh with friends. Whether it’s wonky physics, choosing funny answers to questions, or simply getting first place after a long night, the best party games are incredibly fun.
While there are plenty ofamazing multiplayer Nintendo gamesthat friends and families will typically flock to,there’s a plethora of great non-Nintendo party games that are equally worth checking out. From titles made by small studios to larger double-A experiences, the party game genre has a lot to offer across all platforms. The only trouble is knowing which ones are worth downloading and giving a go.
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Stick Fight: The Game
Stick Fightis a game all about stick people fighting. It’s a simple premise, one made all the more enjoyable thanks to the speed of its action and gameplay, throwing players from one stage to the next.Stick Fightensures at all times that players are entertainedand that those who have been killed are brought back as soon as possible.
This makes it a very engrossing party game, one with easy-to-learn controls, and one that doesn’t take much preparation time to get started. Players literally boot the game up, hop into a match, and then endlessly battle one another with varying stage layouts and weapons.Stick Fight’smyriad of amusing weapons also add to the chaotic fun, and shooting snakes at one another simply never gets old.
Overcooked! 2is one of the most chaotic and stressful party games out there, yet it remains a staple on most players' game night rosters. Each player will need to meticulously piece together meals and dishes to send out while dealing with obstacles, moving stages, and even traffic. It balances the quirky, chaotic nature of absurd stages and varied challenges with the simplicity of its control scheme and objectives.
Overcooked!andOvercooked! 2were packaged together into one game calledOvercooked! All you’re able to Eat. It brings together the content from both games, improves them by adding online multiplayer, and adds in some new levels.
Overcooked! 2has earned its place as one of the best party games thanks to its approachable nature.Even people who’ve never picked up a controller before can hop intoOvercooked! 2and appreciate it for all its brilliant chaos. It is an excellent party game and a great way to spend an evening laughing with friends.
Among Usis one of the greatest party games because it pits family members and friends against one another. While it’s easy to pretend that the best party games bring people together, it’s definitely more fun when everyone is looking over their shoulder, wondering who will backstab them next. With plenty of minigames, maps, and fun cosmetics,Among Usis deservedly a great game to bring out at a party.
What makes it an even more enticing option for the avid partygoer’s game night is that it’s free on mobile devices, makingAmong Usone of the best free multiplayer games. There’s little barrier to entry, andits simple control scheme and overall visual style make it approachablefor those who don’t typically game. For those who want to cause a little chaos among their friends and family,Among Usis the go-to game.
No party would be complete without at least one round ofSuper Smash Bros. Ultimateon the Nintendo Switch. This fighting game brings the best elements from the previousSuper Smash Bros.games, as well as every character and even new ones for those who want to buy the DLC. It is quite literally the ultimate fighting experience for Nintendo fans.
With its staggering roster of over 70 characters, there’s a fighter for everyone. Additionally, thanks to the recognizability of Nintendo’s many franchises, even those with limited gaming knowledge can find someone for them. Fortunately,Super Smash Bros. Ultimateis also a relatively simple game to learn, although challenging to master, giving everyone the chance to be the last one standing.
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6TowerFall Ascension (Maddy Makes Games/Extremely OK Games)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC
TowerFall Ascensionis an action-packed 2D four-player party game in which players must defeat each other using bows and arrows. Its gorgeous pixel art, coupled with its easy-to-navigate stages, makes every match a beautiful yet intense experience. Fortunately,TowerFall Ascensionis a very easy party game to learnwhile offering enough complexity for those who prefer to get sweaty on their game nights.
TowerFall Ascensionis the remastered version ofTowerFalland offers the definitive experience. It introduced more power-ups, a new game mode, and additional archers.
TowerFall Ascensionalso features a Quest mode that can be played alone or in two-player co-op. It is perfect for those smaller gaming sessions or for those who want to continue theTowerFallaction after the party is over. With plenty of power-ups to master and characters to play as,there’s no shortage of fun to be found inTowerFall Ascension.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodesis a unique party game that hasn’t really been replicated since it first launched. It tasks teams of players to prevent a bomb from exploding.One player will have to solve a series of puzzles attached to a bombwhile their teammates guide them through each one using a guidebook.
The twist is that neither team can see what the other has in their hands, meaningcommunication is really important when playingand making it an incredibly intense game that is nonetheless very enjoyable. With a good group of friends who know each other well,Keep Talking and Nobody Explodescan either end in laughs or explosive rage. Either way, it’s a lot of fun.
Moving Out 2combines the hectic qualities ofOvercooked!’s gameplay with the generally messy nature of movingto create a fun-filled, physics-based party game. It is a significant upgrade from the previous game, offering plenty of ways for players to get into sticky situations shoving sofas out of windows. For those looking for something that’s a little easier thanOvercooked!with just as much fun to offer, thenMoving Out 2is a perfect match.
InMoving Out 2, players take on the role of F.A.R.T.s (Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technicians), and it’s their job to help dump people’s beloved belongings and furniture into the truck. Naturally, like all good party games, there’s often an obstacle preventing the move from going smoothly. The physics-based movement makes things even harder, making for a chuckle-worthy experience that never fails to crack a smile.
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3The Jackbox Party Pack 3 (Jackbox Games)
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Android, iOS
While any ofThe Jackbox Party Packgames could be included,The Jackbox Party Pack 3is often ranked high in thelist of the bestJackbox Party Packgames, in large part thanks to the inclusion ofQuiplash 2.The five games featured in the pack are all excellent and offer a decent amount of variety, ensuring that players' game nights don’t grow stale. Fortunately, allThe Jackbox Party Packgames are good contenders as they all offer a lot of enjoyable and unique minigames.
There are five minigames inThe Jackbox Party Pack 3:Quiplash 2,Trivia Murder Party,Guesspionage,Tee K.O., andFakin' It.
Arguably, one of the biggest selling points ofThe Jackbox Party Packgames is their extremely low barrier of entry.Everyone can join every minigame via their phone, ensuring that people won’t be left out due to a lack of controllers. Additionally, each minigame is quite simple to understand, making it an accessible title for the whole family.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxeis the ultimate kart racerand the perfect way to spend a cozy afternoon with friends and family. It succeeds as a party game, in large part thanks to its plethora of tracks and characters, as well as the customizable vehicles. There are plenty of options, ensuring that it never feels stale, and with the added bonus of power-ups, each race can really turn in anyone’s favor.
With all the additional DLC tracks,now is really the best time to jump intoMario Kart 8 Deluxe. While people will likely not be playing it on a rooftop with their friends like the adverts insist will happen,Mario Kart 8 Deluxeis still a great party game worthy of being in everyone’s rotation. The only limitation is how many Joy-Cons are brought to the party.
TheMario Partyfranchise practically kickstarted the party game genre, offering minigame-filled boards packed with fun details from across theMariouniverse.Mario Party Superstarsbrought together some of the best maps and minigames from across the seriesto create the ultimateMario Partyexperience on the Nintendo Switch. It is a must-have for any Switch owner, especially those who enjoy an incredible party game.
With five unique boards and over 100 minigames to get stuck into, players have plenty of content to enjoy with their friends and family. There is also the option to play with AI-controlled players for those who prefer to party alone.Mario Party Superstarsis easily one of the best party games that should be present at every party possible.
