What Is the Priorities Game?
The Priorities Game is a hilarious and revealing party game that challenges players to rank random topics, objects, or scenarios based on personal importance or preference. The twist? What seems obvious to you might baffle your friends!
Originally created to spark conversation, laughter, and surprising insights into how people think, the Priorities Game is now a popular choice for parties, first dates, team-building sessions, and family gatherings.
Whether you’re meeting new people or just want a new way to connect with close friends, this game guarantees unexpected moments and lots of laughs.
What You Need to Play the Priorities Game
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Priorities Game Deck (official version) or a DIY list of random items
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3–8 players
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Paper and pen (optional, for keeping score)
No complicated setup, no fancy props—just people and their wildly different opinions.
How to Set Up the Priorities Game
Step 1: Gather Players
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Ideal for groups of 3 or more, but the more players, the more chaotic (and fun) the discussions get!
Step 2: Prepare the Topics
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If you're using the official Priorities Game deck, you're ready to go.
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If DIY-ing, prepare a list of random topics like "cheeseburgers," "winning the lottery," "getting 8 hours of sleep," or "traveling to Mars."
Step 3: Set the Turn Order
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Choose a first "priority setter"—the player who will secretly rank the list for the round.
How to Play the Priorities Game: Rules Explained
Objective of the Game
Guess the order in which the "priority setter" ranked the items based on what they think is most important.
Gameplay Steps
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Draw 5 Random Items
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These items can be anything—people, places, concepts, or things.
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These items can be anything—people, places, concepts, or things.
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Priority Setter Secretly Ranks Items
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They arrange the five items in their personal order of importance.
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They arrange the five items in their personal order of importance.
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Group Discusses and Guesses the Ranking
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Other players debate and try to agree on the order they think the priority setter chose.
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Other players debate and try to agree on the order they think the priority setter chose.
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Reveal and Score
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Reveal the true order! Players earn points based on how many positions they guessed correctly.
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Reveal the true order! Players earn points based on how many positions they guessed correctly.
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Rotate Roles
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A new priority setter is chosen, and the fun continues.
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A new priority setter is chosen, and the fun continues.
Scoring Tips
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1 point for each correct placement.
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Bonus points if the group matches the entire order perfectly!
Why the Priorities Game Is So Popular
Easy To Learn and Play
No lengthy rulebook, no confusing turns—just quick rounds and hilarious debates.
Perfect Icebreaker
Nothing sparks conversation faster than arguing whether "coffee" or "vacations" is more important!
Insight Into People's Personalities
Players reveal a lot about themselves without even realizing it, making this game perfect for deepening connections.
Flexible Playtime
Play a few quick rounds or keep the fun going for hours—it’s totally up to your group.
Creative Ways to Customize the Priorities Game
Make It Themed
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Create special lists based on themes like "Worst Foods," "Dream Jobs," or "Holiday Must-Haves."
Play Couples or Team Versions
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Work in pairs or teams for hilarious group decisions and extra chaos!
Add Time Limits
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Set a 2-minute timer for the group to agree on the ranking to add some pressure and urgency.
Use Personal Topics
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Include player-specific items like "Mike's homemade pizza" or "Jessie's karaoke skills" for inside jokes and personal twists.
Who Should Play the Priorities Game?
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Party Hosts: Liven up any gathering with an easy, no-prep icebreaker.
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Couples: Perfect for date nights or double dates.
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Families: Great for family dinners or holiday get-togethers.
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Work Teams: Build camaraderie and laugh outside of work talk.
Basically, if you enjoy laughing, debating, and learning weird new facts about your friends, the Priorities Game is for you!
Common Questions About the Priorities Game
How long does the Priorities Game take to play?
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A casual game can last about 30–60 minutes, but you can adjust depending on how many rounds you want to play.
Can you play the Priorities Game with kids?
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Yes! Just tailor the topics to be age-appropriate.
Is the official Priorities Game better than DIY?
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The official version offers a polished experience with hilarious pre-made cards, but DIY versions work fine too.
Do you need to keep score?
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Scoring is optional. Some groups skip it entirely and just focus on the conversations.
Is it replayable?
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Absolutely. Every group, every list, and every priority setter changes the dynamics completely.
How the Priorities Game Creates Unforgettable Memories
There’s a reason the Priorities Game is popping up at so many parties, game nights, and even corporate retreats. It's one of the rare games that’s equally silly and insightful. You’ll find yourself cracking up over heated debates about whether "WiFi" beats "hot showers" in importance, while also learning a little bit more about how your friends think.
It’s casual, flexible, and most importantly—it guarantees a good time without the awkwardness that often comes with icebreakers.
Make Your Next Game Night Unforgettable With the Priorities Game
Ready to level up your next gathering? The Priorities Game is the perfect way to break the ice, spark real conversation, and get everyone laughing. Whether you buy the official version or create your own lists, you’re in for a memorable night filled with surprising revelations and nonstop fun.
FAQs About the Priorities Game
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Can the Priorities Game be played online?
Yes! With a little creativity, you can play over video calls using shared documents or chat. -
Is the Priorities Game competitive?
It can be, but it's mostly focused on fun and conversation rather than serious competition. -
How many topics should be used each round?
Five topics are standard, but you can adjust to make rounds shorter or longer. -
Do players have to agree on the group ranking?
Typically yes, but house rules can let players submit individual guesses too. -
What's the best group size for the Priorities Game?
Between 3–8 players is ideal for lively discussions without overwhelming debates.