Looking for a fun drinking game that’s full of suspense and strategy? The Killer drinking game is perfect for your next party or gathering. It’s a game that keeps everyone on their toes, with one secret killer trying to eliminate players without being caught, while everyone else works to figure out who the killer is.
The rules are simple, but the tension builds as players must stay alert and watch for any suspicious behavior. Whether you’re new to drinking games or a seasoned pro, Killer offers an exciting twist to your usual party activities.
To make things even more engaging, consider adding a quick round of Pick Me Up between Killer rounds. This fun game offers a lighthearted break while keeping the energy high. Ready to test your observation skills and keep the fun rolling all night? Let’s get started!
What is the Killer Drinking Game?
The Killer drinking game is a social game that involves a deck of cards, a group of players, and one secret killer. It’s a game that requires players to be both sneaky and observant as they try to identify the killer before they’re eliminated.
The rules of Killer are simple, but the game can get pretty intense as everyone tries to stay alive while also figuring out who the killer is.
The Setup
To get started, you’ll need:
- A standard deck of cards (or something similar)
- Drinks for everyone
- A group of at least 4 people, but the more, the merrier
Card Distribution
Before the game begins, the cards are shuffled, and each player draws one. The dealer secretly picks one card to be the "killer" card. The killer will try to eliminate players without being noticed. All other players are bystanders, trying to figure out who the killer is while staying alive.
Assigning Roles
- The Killer: The player who holds the killer card must eliminate other players by making eye contact and winking at them. The "victim" of a wink must pretend to die and stay out of the game.
- Bystanders: The rest of the players are the bystanders, who must carefully observe everyone and try to identify the killer. If they think they know who the killer is, they can make an accusation. If they’re wrong, they must drink. If they’re right, the killer has to drink.
How to Play the Killer Drinking Game
Step 1: Draw Cards and Reveal the Killer
Once everyone has drawn a card, the dealer will assign the secret "killer" card. The killer doesn’t reveal their identity to anyone else. Players now know that the game is on, and everyone must be alert.
Step 2: Start the Winking Game
The killer starts by winking at one player. When a player gets winked at, they must act as if they have been killed. The dead player sits out for the rest of the round.
Step 3: Accusations and Elimination
If a player thinks they’ve spotted the killer, they can call out their suspicion. If they guess the killer correctly, the killer must drink. If they guess wrong, the accuser must drink instead. The game continues until the killer is caught, or all of the bystanders are eliminated.
Step 4: Drinking Rules
- Killer's Wink: The killer’s goal is to wink at others and get them eliminated without being caught. Each time the killer successfully eliminates a player, they avoid drinking.
- Wrong Accusations: If a player accuses someone of being the killer and is wrong, they have to take a drink as a penalty.
- Winning the Game: The bystanders win if they successfully identify the killer before they’ve all been eliminated. The killer wins if they manage to eliminate all players without being accused.
Tips for Playing Killer and Not Getting Caught
Playing the Killer drinking game is all about strategy. If you’re the killer, you’ll want to make sure your actions are subtle so you don’t get caught. Here are some tips for playing as the killer:
Stay Calm and Collected
If you’re the killer, one of the most important things to remember is to stay calm. Don’t act overly suspicious. Keep the conversation going and appear natural. The less nervous you seem, the less likely people will suspect you.
Keep Your Winks Subtle
The key to being a successful killer is subtlety. A quick wink is enough to eliminate someone. Don't go overboard with exaggerated winks this will draw attention and increase the chances of you getting caught.
Don’t Panic When You’re Accused
If you’re accused of being the killer and you’re not, stay calm. A defensive reaction could make people think you're guilty. Play it cool and try to get the focus off of you.
Spice Up the Game with 'Pick Me Up'
While Killer is a fun game in itself, sometimes you want to change things up and add a bit more excitement. This is where Pick Me Up comes into play. It’s a quick and easy game that can be played between rounds of Killer to keep the energy high.
Pick Me Up is a game where players take turns picking someone to answer a question or complete a task. If the person who’s picked refuses or fails to do the task, they take a drink. It’s a lighthearted way to keep everyone engaged.
How to Integrate Pick Me Up with Killer
You can start or break up rounds of Killer with Pick Me Up. It works well between rounds to give everyone a chance to reset and interact with each other. Here’s how you can play:
- Before Each Round of Killer: Play a quick round of Pick Me Up. Each player picks someone to answer a fun question or do something silly. This will loosen everyone up and get them in the mood for Killer.
- In Between Rounds: After a few rounds of Killer, switch things up with Pick Me Up. It’s a great way to keep the vibe going and give people a breather before jumping back into the game.
Whether it’s helping people relax or adding an extra layer of challenge, Pick Me Up makes the evening even more enjoyable.
Why Killer is Great for Parties
Killer is one of those games that’s easy to set up and doesn’t require any special equipment or complicated rules. It works well in almost any setting, whether you're hosting a party or just hanging out with friends. It’s a game that keeps everyone involved and on their toes, making it perfect for a fun night out.
The Social Aspect of Killer
One of the best things about the Killer drinking game is how interactive it is. Everyone gets to be a part of the action, whether they’re trying to figure out who the killer is or acting as the killer themselves. It’s a great way to bond with friends and enjoy some lighthearted competition.
Final Thoughts
The Killer drinking game is an excellent choice for any party or gathering, especially if you’re looking for a game that’s easy to play but keeps people engaged. It’s perfect for groups of all sizes and can be played in a relaxed environment. For a little extra fun, throw in Pick Me Up to keep the energy going between rounds. Whether you’re a party pro or a first-timer, these games will ensure a memorable night.