Thunderstruck is a high-energy drinking game that will bring excitement to any party. With its simple rules and the iconic Thunderstruck song by AC/DC, it’s perfect for breaking the ice and getting everyone involved.
The game revolves around card draws and quick reactions to the music, making it both fun and unpredictable. Players must stay alert to follow the rules that change with each card drawn, and the best part? Every time the song hits the "Thunder" part, everyone has to drink.
It’s easy to play, but the excitement never stops. If you’re looking to keep the energy flowing after Thunderstruck, Pick Me Up is a great follow-up game to keep the fun going.
Whether you're playing Thunderstruck or Pick Me Up, you’ll find both games keep the laughter and good times rolling well into the night. Ready to get started? Grab your drinks and let's go.
What You Need to Play Thunderstruck
Before the fun can begin, you’ll need a few things in place. Here’s what you’ll need to set up:
- A group of friends – Thunderstruck is best enjoyed with a group. The more people involved, the more chaotic and entertaining it gets.
- A deck of cards – You’ll need a standard 52-card deck to draw cards throughout the game.
- Drinks – Beer, shots, or any other drink of your choice. Just make sure everyone has something to drink before the game starts.
- A loud speaker and Thunderstruck by AC/DC – The iconic song Thunderstruck plays a key role in the game, so be ready to blast it when the game begins.
How to Set Up Thunderstruck
Setting up the game is quick and easy:
- Gather your friends – Get everyone together and let them know that Thunderstruck is about to begin. The more the merrier!
- Choose your drinks – This is a drinking game, so make sure you have your favorite beverage ready.
- Prepare the deck of cards – Shuffle the cards and lay them out in a pile. This is where the fun begins.
- Get the music ready – Once everything is set up, start playing Thunderstruck at full blast. The game will flow with the music, so make sure the volume is up!
Rules of Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck is easy to learn, but it’s guaranteed to get everyone involved. Here’s how to play:
- The Game Begins: When the song starts, everyone takes a drink to kick things off. It’s all about following the rhythm of the song and reacting quickly when the song hits certain cues.
- Card Draws: The dealer will draw a card from the deck and announce what the group must do based on the card drawn. Here’s what each card means:
- Ace – Everyone drinks.
- 2 – The person who drew the card picks someone to drink.
- 3 – The person who drew the card drinks.
- 4 – All ladies drink.
- 5 – All guys drink.
- 6 – The person who drew the card gives a drink to someone else.
- 7 – The person who drew the card gets to make a new rule (e.g., “Everyone must drink with their left hand”).
- 8 – The person who drew the card chooses someone to drink.
- 9 – The person who drew the card must drink.
- 10 – The dealer drinks.
- Jack – “Thumb Master” – The person who draws the Jack puts their thumb on the table at any time during the game. The last person to notice and put their thumb on the table drinks.
- Queen – “Question Master” – The person who draws the Queen gets to ask anyone a question. If that person answers, they drink. If they ask a question back, the Question Master drinks.
- King – Everyone must drink.
- Thunderstruck Cue: Every time the song reaches the Thunder part of the lyrics, everyone must drink again. This is where the excitement picks up. Players need to stay alert to react quickly when the song hits this part.
- Game Continues: The game continues until the song ends. Players will need to keep up with the rhythm of the song and the card rules to stay in the game.
Making the Game More Fun: Add "Pick Me Up"
After the intensity of Thunderstruck, why not keep the energy high? Add Pick Me Up, another drinking game, to switch things up. This game challenges players to stay quick on their feet and makes for a fun continuation after Thunderstruck. With similar mechanics but different twists, Pick Me Up keeps the fun rolling long into the night.
Incorporating Pick Me Up into your party mix can create a nonstop, exciting environment. Players stay engaged, and the energy remains high, making it perfect for any celebration or social event.
Why Thunderstruck Is a Great Party Game
Thunderstruck works so well at parties because it combines music, drinking, and simple rules, making it easy for anyone to join in. Whether you're hosting a birthday bash, a college party, or just hanging out with friends, Thunderstruck keeps everyone involved and on their toes.
The added benefit of the song Thunderstruck is that it’s instantly recognizable, so everyone will get into the spirit once the music starts. Plus, the random nature of the card draws and the Thunder cue means no one knows what’s coming next, which makes the game all the more fun.
Other Fun Drinking Games to Try
If you want to keep the fun going after Thunderstruck and Pick Me Up, consider trying some of these popular drinking games:
- Kings: A card-based game where each card has a different action. Players must drink according to the card’s rule, and the game’s fast-paced nature makes it ideal for group play.
- Beer Pong: A classic that’s always fun, where teams of two take turns trying to throw ping pong balls into cups of beer.
- Flip Cup: A fast-paced game where players compete to drink from a cup, flip it over, and then pass it to the next teammate.
Each of these games can keep the party vibes alive and make sure everyone has a blast from start to finish.
Final Thoughts on Thunderstruck
Thunderstruck is an awesome way to get the party started. With simple rules, a classic song, and plenty of room for laughter, it’s a must-have for any event. Add in some Pick Me Up to keep the momentum going, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect party game night.
Remember to play responsibly and know your limits. Drinking games are all about fun, and safety should always come first. Have a blast, and let the good times roll.
