Best Board Games for 8 Players – Top Picks for Big Groups
Most board games cap at 4–6 players. These 8‑player picks keep everyone at the table—no splitting groups. Our top choice is Rolling Jokers for multi‑generational fun, strategy, and a true 2–8 player range.
Hosting a big group? You need games that actually scale. Below are the best 8‑player board and party games that are easy to teach, quick to set up, and fun for mixed ages. We lead with Rolling Jokers—a premium, card‑driven twist on marbles‑and‑jokers that truly supports 2–8 players. Want to find the best board games for family reunions? We have a write-up on that, too!
1) Rolling Jokers (Best Overall)
Why it works for 8: Rolling Jokers scales cleanly from small groups to full 8‑player tables (team or individual), and the card‑driven movement adds strategy without slowing things down.
- Players: 2–8 · Time: 30–60 min · Complexity: Easy–Medium
- Highlights: Wooden interlocking boards, specialty card deck, multi‑generational appeal.
- Great for: Family reunions, holidays, and mixed‑experience groups.
2) Codenames
Two teams race to guess words using one‑word clues from a spymaster. Scales effortlessly; downtime stays low even at 8 players.
- Players: 2–∞ (sweet spot 4–10) · Time: 15–30 min · Complexity: Easy
- Style: Team word game, deduction, table talk.
3) Telestrations (Party Pack)
Telephone + drawing = guaranteed laughs. The Party Pack supports larger groups and works across ages and skill levels.
- Players: up to 12 (core up to 8) · Time: 20–30 min · Complexity: Very Easy
- Style: Party, drawing, reveal and laugh.
4) Decrypto
Teams create coded clues while opponents intercept your patterns. Brainy but accessible with a good moderator.
- Players: 3–8 · Time: 30–45 min · Complexity: Medium
- Style: Team word puzzle, deduction, codebreaking.
5) Wits & Wagers (Party Edition)
Trivia where you can still win by betting on the right answers. Perfect for mixed knowledge levels and big groups.
- Players: up to 20 (great at 8–10) · Time: 25–30 min · Complexity: Easy
- Style: Party, trivia, wagering.
6) Secret Hitler (or The Resistance: Avalon)
Hidden‑role social deduction keeps 8 players fully engaged. If you prefer Arthurian flavor, try The Resistance: Avalon.
- Players: 5–10 · Time: 45–60 min · Complexity: Easy–Medium
- Style: Social deduction, discussion, bluffing.
7) Blank Slate
Word‑matching party game where you try to sync with just one other person. Fast, funny, and scalable.
- Players: 3–8 · Time: 20–35 min · Complexity: Very Easy
- Style: Party, word association, simultaneous reveal.
8) Spyfall
One player is the spy; everyone else knows the location. Ask questions, read reactions, and find the spy before time runs out.
- Players: 3–8 · Time: 15–20 min per round · Complexity: Easy
- Style: Social deduction, Q&A, quick rounds.
Comparison: Best Games for 8 Players
| Game | Players | Play Time | Complexity | Style | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Jokers | 2–8 | 30–60 min | Easy–Med | Card‑driven race; teams or solo | Family gatherings; multi‑gen groups |
| Codenames | 2–∞ (best 4–10) | 15–30 min | Easy | Team word game | Mixed ages; quick teach |
| Telestrations (Party) | 6–12 | 20–30 min | Very Easy | Drawing, party | Icebreakers; big laughs |
| Decrypto | 3–8 | 30–45 min | Medium | Team code‑clues | Wordplay lovers |
| Wits & Wagers Party | 4–20 | 25–30 min | Easy | Trivia + betting | All skill levels |
| Secret Hitler / Avalon | 5–10 | 45–60 min | Easy–Med | Social deduction | Talky groups |
| Blank Slate | 3–8 | 20–35 min | Very Easy | Word matching | Casual party play |
| Spyfall | 3–8 | 15–20 min | Easy | Social deduction | Short rounds, replay |
FAQ
What’s the best 8‑player game for families?
Rolling Jokers—it scales to 8 without chaos, offers card‑driven decisions, and works across generations.
Are there strategy games for 8 players that aren’t just party games?
Yes. Rolling Jokers (card‑driven racing with blocking and teamwork) and Decrypto (team code‑cracking) both keep strategy strong at 8.
What’s the easiest 8‑player game to teach?
Telestrations and Blank Slate teach in under 2 minutes. For a more “board game” feel, Rolling Jokers teaches quickly and stays engaging.
