Table Top and TCGs: Best New Games for Adults

Let’s face it: hanging out with friends just got way better thanks to the latest lineup of tabletop and card games designed just for adults. Whether you’re looking to break out of your routine, share some laughs, or spark friendly competition, there’s a game out there with your name on it.

Here’s our roundup of the best new games for adults to add some serious fun to your next gathering.

Why Tabletop and Card Games are the New “Night Out”

Tabletop and card games have become a top choice for young adults looking to unplug and connect. Unlike classic board games of our childhood, these new games are edgy, funny, and sometimes outright ridiculous (in the best way). Plus, you don’t need to be a pro to play most of them – just bring a sense of humor and a competitive spirit.

1. Best New Party Games for Adults

These games are all about laughs, easy rules, and endless fun, perfect for spicing up any social gathering.

Pick Me Up!

Quick Look: Imagine a game where the main goal is to see how wild and funny your friends can get. Pick Me Up! is all about reading prompts and picking the best responses from your cards – from the most hilarious to the most shockingly relatable.

Why You’ll Love It: This game is like a social icebreaker with a side of comedy. It’s perfect for mixed groups and keeps things light-hearted and unpredictable. Every round brings a new surprise, and it’s great for getting to know your friends in ways you’d never expect!

Exploding Kittens

Quick Look: This viral card game brings suspense and silliness to the table. You’re trying to avoid drawing an “exploding kitten” card, and if you do, you’re out — unless you have a defuse card up your sleeve.

Why You’ll Love It: With unpredictable twists and rounds that go by quickly, it’s the perfect game for keeping energy high and laughs going. Plus, the artwork and game cards are ridiculous in the best way.

What Do You Meme?

Quick Look: This game brings meme culture to life. You match captions to popular images, and whoever has the funniest combo wins the round.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s like making your own memes in real life! If your friends are meme enthusiasts, this is a total crowd-pleaser, full of laughs and pop culture references.

Cards Against Humanity (New Expansion Packs)

Quick Look: The iconic card game of dark humor and not-for-kids jokes, Cards Against Humanity just keeps getting better with new expansion packs.

Why You’ll Love It: If you love a game that’s easy to play, slightly edgy, and always good for a laugh, this one’s a staple. The expansions keep things fresh, so there’s always new content to enjoy.

2. Strategy Games for the Competitive Spirit

Got friends who love a good challenge? These games are all about outthinking your opponents and scoring big.

Wingspan

Quick Look: In this award-winning game, you’re managing a bird sanctuary, building your habitat with an impressive array of species.

Why You’ll Love It: Wingspan is visually stunning and packed with strategic choices, making it a satisfying game for those who love detail and decision-making.

Catan: 5th Edition

Quick Look: A classic for good reason, Catan is all about gathering resources, trading with friends (or enemies), and building up your settlements to rule the board.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s competitive, strategic, and perfect for anyone who loves a blend of luck and planning. Plus, there are expansions galore if you really want to dive deep.

Root

Quick Look: Root is a game of woodland warfare, where different factions fight for control of the forest. Each faction has its own strategy, so it’s never the same game twice.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a strategy lover’s dream, with complex, layered gameplay and tons of replay value. Perfect for a long game night with friends who love to strategize.

3. Cooperative Games for Team Players

If your crew is all about teamwork and group challenges, cooperative games will have you strategizing and cheering each other on.

Pandemic

Quick Look: In Pandemic, you and your team are racing against time to stop outbreaks around the globe. It’s a nail-biting, collaborative experience.

Why You’ll Love It: This game is perfect for groups that love intense, high-stakes gameplay. It requires coordination and is as rewarding as it is challenging.

Forbidden Island

Quick Look: You’re on a sinking island, and it’s up to you and your friends to grab as much treasure as possible before everything’s underwater.

Mysterium

Quick Look: One player is a ghost, and the rest are psychic investigators trying to solve a murder. The twist? The ghost can only communicate through images.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a cooperative mystery with a unique twist, combining spooky vibes and deduction. Perfect for fans of escape rooms and Clue-style games.

4. Fast-Paced Card Games for Quick Fun

Need a break from the long rounds? These fast-paced card games are perfect for a quick laugh or a warm-up to a longer game session.

Unstable Unicorns

Quick Look: Build your unicorn army, sabotage your friends, and defend your stable in this quirky, colorful card game.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s chaotic, quick, and hilarious, with just the right amount of strategy. Plus, unicorns — need we say more?

Coup

Quick Look: This quick-fire game of bluffing and deception has players using their influence to eliminate opponents.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s fast, strategic, and perfect for anyone who loves a bit of psychological play. Great for a filler game between rounds of something longer.

One Night Ultimate Werewolf

Quick Look: A social deduction game where you and your friends take on roles and try to figure out who the werewolves are. No two games are the same.

Why You’ll Love It: Quick, suspenseful, and packed with mystery, this game is perfect for friends who love a good whodunit and some role-playing fun.

Honorable Mentions

These games may not have made the main list, but they’re still worth checking out:

Ticket to Ride: A classic with route-building and strategy.

Secret Hitler: A social deduction game full of twists.

Azul: Visually stunning and perfect for puzzle lovers.

Discover Your New Favorite Game

Whether you’re trying out the quick wit of Pick Me Up! or diving into a strategic showdown with Catan, there’s no shortage of incredible games out there. Grab a few friends, a table, and see which one becomes the star of your next game night. And don’t forget to share your experiences with us — we’d love to know your favorite game moments!