A game is supposed to be fun. Overused and predictable are qualities that do not typically produce a fun experience. We all know those games that are not really that engaging or entertaining, yet every time we gather, someone insists on playing them. Maybe they are stuck in tradition, or maybe they are afraid of change, either way, everyone else is groaning under their breath.
The first step in fixing this is identifying the problem. So, let’s dive into the world of the most overrated party games. We’ll see if we can encourage the world to put these overrated games to rest and consider some better alternatives.
Most Overrated Party Games
Pitch
It never fails, at every family gathering someone above the age of 50 suggests that you play pitch. Pitch is a fine card game but it is way overplayed. The worst part is people are constantly wanting to see what others had in certain suits even though they didn’t win the bid. Seriously it doesn’t matter, playing the “what if” game of what cards your teammate had in other suits is such a waste of time.
Alternatives
- Cribbage: It’s another classic card game that involves strategy, and forward-thinking, and can be very competitive. Plus, you get to use a cool scoring board.
- Euchre: A trick-taking game like Pitch, but with a faster pace and a unique style of play that’s easy to pick up and addictive once you get the hang of it.
Beer Pong
Ah yes, the classic college game where you throw a ball into a cup. Revolutionary. Not to mention the sanitary concerns. Who thought it was a good idea to drink from a cup that’s had a dirty ball thrown into it multiple times? Take away the beer, and this game becomes nothing more than tossing dirty balls.
Even though the game can be fun, only four people can play at a time and if you have a couple of bad teams those games can take forever forever. And it leaves little for the rest of us to do but wait.
Alternatives
- Flip Cup: This is a team-based drinking game where you race to down your drink and then flip the cup upside down from the edge of the table.
- Cards Against Humanity: An adult party game where players complete fill-in-the-blank statements using words or phrases typically deemed as offensive or risqué.
Charades
Nothing says “fun” like watching your Aunt Karen flail around trying to act out “The Godfather.” And let’s not forget the inevitable arguments about whether humming is allowed. Charades has its merits but in order for it to provide any real entertainment value, it requires participants that are really into it.
Additionally, the fact that this game is dated. You aren’t going to impress anyone if you announce you want to play charades. It is just far too common and overused.
Alternatives
- Cranium: A board game with Charades elements but also a fun mix of different challenges from sculpting to word games, trivia, and performance.
- Fishbowl: A three-round game that combines the elements of Charades, Password, and Taboo. Each round becomes progressively harder as the rules become more restrictive.
Bingo
Bingo as the pinnacle of entertainment? Hardly. It’s the ultimate game of luck where strategy is as useful as a chocolate teapot. You sit there, zoning out, dabbing at numbers hoping the fates are on your side. Skill, wit, cunning? Toss those out the window.
You might as well be watching paint dry, except paint drying doesn’t tease you with the possibility of victory. And for some reason, this numbing number-naming ritual becomes the centerpiece of family shindigs. It’s like we’ve collectively decided that the best way to bond is to surrender our brain cells to the whims of a rotating cage of balls.
Alternatives
- The Game of Things: This prompts players with a topic, and everyone writes down a response, real or made-up, and players guess who said what.
- Kahoot!: A digital platform that allows you to create your own quizzes on any topic and players answer on their smartphones or tablets.
Trivia
Trivia games? It’s more like a contest to see who’s crammed their brain with the most useless factoids. Who really needs to know the name of Napoleon’s horse or the deepest part of the ocean on a Tuesday night? Not everyone’s a walking encyclopedia. And let’s be real, they often turn into a stealth brag fest rather than a relaxing game night. It’s supposed to be about fun, not a pop quiz from hell.
Alternatives:
- Escape Rooms: Whether you go to an actual escape room location or try an at-home version, these games are great for puzzle-solving under pressure.
- Tabletop Role-Playing Games (RPGs): Games like “Dungeons & Dragons” require creativity and strategic thinking, and they can be a fun alternative to fact-based games.
Settlers of Catan
We’re probably gonna take some heat for this one. But the truth is this widely popular role-playing game is overhyped. While “Catan” does provide plenty of strategic complexity for the average person, the game lacks imagination. The map, the cards, and the entire overall theme are bland. So overall, the game is fun, but the cult-like following is not warranted.
Alternatives
- Lords of Waterdeep: Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, this game has many of the elements of Catan but with much more interesting characters and settings. Players are lords vying for control of the great city of Waterdeep, using strategy to complete quests and expand their influence.
- Ticket to Ride: Players collect train cards that enable them to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America (or other maps). It’s strategic and competitive like Catan but with a quicker pace
Twister
The game that turns you into a human pretzel, is somehow lauded as a good time. There you are, contorted into a position that would make a yoga instructor wince, cheek-to-cheek with someone’s stinky foot. It’s the game that tests your flexibility and personal space boundaries in one fell swoop – and not necessarily in a good way.
The bottom line is that the premise of the game provides some goofy and awkward entertainment for a minute or two. It quickly loses its luster and it is not a game that you can play for hours if even 10 minutes.
Alternatives
- Dodgeball: A classic playground game that can be played indoors or outdoors. It’s energetic, fast-paced, and involves a lot of movement.
- Laser Tag: Run around and tag opponents with lasers. It’s an action-packed game that involves strategy, teamwork, and agility.
- Capture the Flag: This game requires speed, strategy, and stealth, and it’s a great way to get everyone running around.
Name That Tune
We are not saying the game isn’t fun, but let’s face it — it’s hardly the best use of a killer playlist at a party. The good times fizzle when the game becomes an accidental showcase of who’s spent the most time in Spotify’s deepest recesses, rather than a celebration of shared musical loves. There are just more interesting, inclusive ways to let music be the life of the party.
Alternatives
- Lip Sync Battle: Like karaoke, but without the singing. Contestants mouth the words to popular songs and put on a performance to rival the original artists.
- Don’t Forget the Lyrics!: Like “Name That Tune,” but the challenge is to remember and continue singing the lyrics when the music cuts out.
Hide & Seek
Hide & Seek, is the nostalgic game that loses its charm when you’re old enough to pay taxes. Even for kids, the game does not live up to the expectations. A party should be about connecting and spending time together. Hide and seek separates everyone and makes them sit in silence. Not exactly bringing everyone together.
Alternatives
- Kick the Can: A blend of tag and hide-and-seek. One person guards a can while others hide. If the guard tags you, you’re caught, but if someone kicks the can, all the caught players are released.
- Balloon Stomp: Each player has a balloon tied to their ankle, and the aim is to pop others’ balloons while protecting your own.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, while these games may be fun in the right scenario, they are not worthy of how much they are relied on to entertain. Be creative and willing to try something new. The key is to find a game that involves everyone, provides a challenge, and is entertaining to a wide range of people. For more help identifying a game that perfectly suits the guests at your next gathering check out this guide to finding a game that fits your group.
