Board games are often a gateway to quality time, bonding with friends or family, and creating memories. But when you’re dealing with a larger group of people—say, eight players—the task of finding a game that can entertain everyone becomes a bit trickier. Not all games are designed for big groups, and even fewer maintain the excitement and energy needed for a fun night. That’s where the best board games for 8 players come into play. These games are perfect for large gatherings, offering engaging mechanics that keep everyone involved without overwhelming the group. From collaborative team efforts to competitive strategies, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to engage a large crowd. Here, we’ll dive into 12 fantastic games that cater to this specific need, ensuring that your next get-together will be full of fun, laughter, and, of course, healthy competition.
The Best Board Games for 8 Players
1. Codenames
- Players give one-word clues to connect words on the board.
- Split into two teams, each trying to identify their words first.
- The game revolves around spies trying to uncover secret agents.
Codenames is a crowd favorite for large groups, making it one of the best party games for 8 players. Played in two teams, each team has a spymaster who gives one-word clues to help their team guess the right words from a grid. The catch? The clues need to be precise enough to lead the team to the right words but vague enough to avoid the assassin word, which ends the game immediately. We love how this game encourages communication and strategic thinking in a fun, fast-paced environment. The varying complexity of clues ensures that no two games are ever the same. It’s a game of association, wit, and sometimes, pure luck—perfect for groups that enjoy working together and thinking outside the box.
2. Telestrations
- Perfect for groups, Telestrations sparks laughs with its hilarious misinterpretations.
- It’s all about fun, not talent—bad drawings often lead to the most laughs.
- Each round alternates between sketching and guessing, creating a chain of funny outcomes.
If you’re familiar with the telephone but want to add a creative twist to the best board games for 8 players, Telestrations is the perfect choice. This drawing game can handle up to 8 players and delivers an endless amount of laughs. The idea is simple: players alternate between drawing a word or phrase and then guessing what the drawing represents. The twist is that, by the end of the game, the final guess is usually hilariously far from the original phrase. What makes Telestrations stand out is the way it blends creativity and humor. It’s an ideal icebreaker game that encourages everyone to think on their feet and shows that no one is ever quite as good at drawing as they think. This game will have your group laughing so hard, it’s almost impossible not to enjoy.
3. The Resistance: Avalon
- Teams must complete quests, but traitors try to sabotage them without getting caught.
- Everyone participates until the very end, with no players eliminated during the game.
- It is a simple, card-based game with no complicated setup or pieces.
When you want a game that combines mystery, deception, and teamwork, The Resistance: Avalon is the way to go. In this game, players are secretly assigned roles as either members of King Arthur’s resistance or followers of Mordred. Each round, players attempt to complete missions while trying to figure out who the traitors are. The game thrives on interaction and deduction, with constant discussions and accusations flying around the table. Avalon is a great choice for 8 players because the larger the group, the more intricate the deception. We’ve had countless memorable moments of betrayal, trust, and camaraderie, making this an engaging game for those who love strategy and social deduction.
4. Wavelength
- It is fun for groups and ideal for social and casual game nights.
- The clue-giver gets to be creative with how they describe the spectrum.
- Endless combinations of clues make each game unique.
One of the most innovative games on the list of the best board games for 8 players, Wavelength has a simple yet intriguing concept: players attempt to guess which of two given poles a specific target is closer to. For instance, the clue might be “Hot” and the target could be “Cold,” and so on until it could be something like “Warm.” The twist? We have a player read a word and other players have to guess what position it occupies on the spectrum. Wavelength encourages great discussions and good working relationships. When up to 8 players are involved, the game is an impressive and intriguing test of logic and teamwork. I liked it when trying to guess where in his/her head the clue-giver was during our game the most; it was rather entertaining.
5. Catan: Family Edition
- It’s a more accessible version of the classic Catan with easier rules for younger players.
- Streamlined gameplay for quicker sessions, making it perfect for family game nights.
- Resource production is determined by dice rolls, adding an element of chance.
Originally, the standard Catan base game caters to up to 4 players, but the newly created Catan – Family Edition opens up the fun for 6 players. Plus, there’s an option to stretch it even further, allowing up to 8 players to join in on the excitement. In this game, players build settlements, trade resources, keep track of scores, and, most importantly, try to outsmart their opponents. What makes the Family Edition so great for 8 players is the emphasis on negotiation and strategy. This creates a scenario where players often form alliances, but still compete against each other, resulting in a dynamic game where loyalties can shift quickly. Additionally, the blend of strategy and luck keeps everyone engaged, and having a larger group only enhances the enjoyment. It’s perfect for those who enjoy solving problems but want the experience to be fun, too.
6. Just One
- No complex rules, making it accessible to all players.
- Although cooperative, the game challenges players to avoid mistakes.
- The game’s word list keeps things fresh and exciting.
A cooperative word-guessing game among the best board games for 8 players, Just One is perfect for 8 players who want to test their teamwork. In each round, one player is the “guesser,” while everyone else tries to give one-word clues to help them figure out the hidden word. The catch is that no two players can offer the same clue. If they do, the clues are discarded. Just One promotes creativity and collaboration, making it a fantastic choice for a group of friends or family looking to have fun while working together. We’ve had some particularly hilarious moments where we struggled to come up with a clue that wasn’t already taken, but the overall experience is rewarding. This game keeps the energy flowing and is a perfect balance between challenge and fun.
7. One Night Ultimate Werewolf
- The game is played in a single round, lasting just 10 minutes.
- Players have secret roles, such as villagers, werewolves, or special characters with unique abilities.
- Great for all ages, promoting teamwork, strategy, and communication in a lighthearted setting.
For fans of social deduction games, One Night Ultimate Werewolf is a perfect choice. In this fast-paced game, players take on the roles of villagers, werewolves, or special characters, and the goal is to figure out who the werewolves are before it’s too late. The beauty of One Night Ultimate Werewolf is that each round only lasts a few minutes, so there’s constant action and no long periods of waiting. With 8 players, the dynamics become more interesting as there are more potential werewolves to unmask, and the accusations fly thick and fast. We’ve spent many nights going back and forth, trying to convince others of our innocence. It’s a game of bluffing and deduction, perfect for groups who love a good challenge.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf on Amazon
8. Spontuneous
- A great choice for fans of music, karaoke, or anyone who enjoys singing for fun.
- The funny, spontaneous performances lead to lots of laughs and entertainment.
- With endless word combinations, every game is unique and full of surprises.
Looking for something energetic and silly among the best board games for 8 players? Spontuneous is a fantastic game for music lovers and those who enjoy singing. The goal is simple: players try to get others to sing songs that contain a specific word. It could be anything from “sun” to “love” to “party.” Once the word is spoken, players race to sing the first song that comes to mind. The catch is that everyone has to sing loudly and proudly, which leads to tons of laughs. This game is a blast with a large group, and the more people you have, the more entertaining it gets. It’s the perfect game for a party or casual get-together where everyone’s ready to let loose and have fun.
9. Mafia de Cuba
- Each player takes on a secret role with specific goals, like a mafia member, a thief, or a loyalist.
- The mafia works to hide their identities while the loyalists try to uncover them.
- The game is set in Havana, with a fun, mafia-inspired storyline.
Mafia de Cuba adds a very mystique feel to the game night. Teams are assigned roles of members of a Cuban mafia, some of them being actual mafia members, some of them being spies, detectives, or civilians. The objective is to identify the locations of the mafias before that happens. It is turn and turn to either question somebody or bribe that person to uncover the whole truth without being exposed. The stand-out features of Mafia de Cuba are strategy, deception, and negotiation – and you know what? It works perfectly for teams of up to 8 people and provokes the maximum amount of communication and logic. This game has become both interesting and challenging because it has raised the issues of friendship and the formation of alliances.
Mafia de Cuba on Boardgamegeek
10. Bang! The Dice Game
- Use dice to shoot, dodge, and heal in this fast-paced, action-packed game.
- Engage in shootouts, heal wounds, and aim for victory by eliminating opponents.
- Balancing between attacking, defending, and using special abilities is key to success.
Bang! The Dice Game is a spin-off of the popular Bang! Card game in the number of the best board games for 8 players, designed for up to 8 players. It captures that same thrilling, wild west vibe. In each game, players pair up, with one taking on the role of a lawman, outlaw, or renegade. The main goal? To take out all opposing players or accomplish some secret missions. The inclusion of dice adds an element of unpredictability to each round, making it exciting every time. One standout feature of The Dice Game is how easy it is to pick up and how quickly the rounds unfold. We’ve had a blast as outlaws trying to outsmart the marshals, and the large number of players brings delightful chaos to the experience. All in all, if you’re after a game that’s packed with strategy, a bit of luck, and plenty of action, you’ve found it!
11. Tigris & Euphrates
- Place tiles to build kingdoms and expand your influence across the board.
- Manage conflicts and leadership to maintain power and dominance in your civilization.
- Success depends on achieving a balance of resources and managing conflicts effectively.
If you’re looking for a game that mixes strategy with a touch of history, Tigris & Euphrates is an excellent choice. Players build civilizations along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, seeking to collect victory points through strategic moves. With 8 players, the game takes on a deeper level of strategy, as players must compete and collaborate to secure their spots while managing resources and territories. Tigris & Euphrates encourages a balance of long-term planning and short-term adaptation. It’s a complex, thought-provoking game that has become a favorite among those who enjoy a deep, immersive experience.
Tigris & Euphrates on Boardgamegeek.com
12. Avalon Hill’s Betrayal at House on the Hill
- A spooky, fun game suitable for teens and adults, promoting teamwork and strategic thinking.
- The variety of haunts and character abilities ensures no two games are ever the same.
- At a key moment, the game turns into a battle for survival with a traitor in the group.
One of the most iconic games in the genre, Betrayal at House on the Hill is a thrilling adventure with a dark twist. Players explore a haunted house, uncovering secrets and completing challenges, but one player secretly betrays the rest of the group. The game takes unexpected turns, and the traitor’s role only becomes clear partway through. The mystery, suspense, and surprise twists make it an excellent choice for large groups, as it creates tension and excitement.
Betrayal at House on avalonhill
Conclusion
Playing board games with a group of eight can transform any gathering into a memorable event. The games we’ve explored offer a variety of experiences, from strategic planning and deduction to creativity and humor. Each game of the best board games for 8 players brings something unique to the table, ensuring that everyone can find something they enjoy. Whether you’re looking to foster teamwork, spark laughter, or engage in friendly competition, these games are sure to deliver. So gather your friends or family, set up a comfortable space, and dive into the world of board games. The shared experiences and memories you create will be cherished long after the game ends.
What should I do if some players are new to board games?
Start with simpler games that have easy-to-understand rules. This helps new players get comfortable and enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed.
How can I keep everyone engaged during a long game night?
Mix up the types of games you play. Alternate between quick, light-hearted games and more strategic ones to keep the energy levels high and cater to different preferences.
What if we have more than eight players?
Consider games that allow for team play or rotate players in and out between rounds. This way, everyone stays involved and has a chance to participate.
