Board games are the perfect way to bring friends, family, or even new acquaintances together. But when you’re hosting a larger group, finding the right 8 player board games can be a challenge. You need games that are fun, engaging, and built for larger groups. Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic options that fit the bill.
In this article, we’re diving into the 7 best 8 player board games, offering valuable insights to help you choose the perfect game for your next gathering. Whether you’re looking for strategy, humor, or fast-paced fun, these games are sure to keep everyone entertained.
What Makes a Great 8 Player Board Game?
Before we jump into the specific titles, let’s quickly talk about what makes a board game suitable for 8 players. When playing with a group this size, you’ll want to keep these factors in mind:
Engagement for All Players
With larger groups, it’s important that everyone stays involved. Games where players can become disengaged or bored between turns can kill the momentum. The best board games for 8 players offer simultaneous play or quick turns that keep everyone in the game.
Game Length
While some might enjoy long, drawn-out strategy games, shorter, more interactive games often work better for larger groups. You want something that keeps the energy high without dragging on too long.
Simple to Learn, Hard to Master
Not everyone in your group might be a seasoned board gamer, so choosing games that are easy to pick up is crucial. That said, the best games will still offer depth and strategic complexity for those who crave it.
What are the Best 8 Player Board Games?
We did the gruelling work to play lots of 8 player board games over the years, and here is our top list!
1. Codenames: Deep Cover
Codenames is already a modern classic, but what makes this version even better for groups is how it scales beautifully for larger teams. This word-association game splits players into two teams, each trying to identify their secret agents based on single-word clues. The trick? The clues are cryptic, and one wrong guess could end the game.
Why It Works for 8 Players
- Team-based play: Everyone is constantly involved, and the team dynamics make this game particularly engaging for larger groups.
- Quick turns: The spymasters are the only ones who need to think too hard, while the rest of the group gets to debate, guess, and stay engaged.
- Replayability: With over 200 words to choose from, no two games are ever the same.
Pro Tips for Maximum Fun:
- Make sure your spymasters don’t take too long between turns to keep the momentum going.
- For added chaos, try Codenames: Pictures to swap words for images.
2. 8-Minute Empire: Legends
Despite the name, 8-Minute Empire isn’t quite finished in eight minutes—but it’s definitely a fast-paced game perfect for groups. This game is a blend of resource management and area control, as players build empires by collecting sets of cards and deploying armies across the map. It’s an ideal mix of strategy and simplicity.
Why It Works for 8 Players
- Quick to play: Even with eight players, games typically finish in under 30 minutes.
- Light strategy: Enough depth to be interesting without overwhelming newcomers.
- Scalable complexity: You can adjust how competitive or casual the game gets based on the group’s preferences.
Game-Changing Strategy:
- Balance between collecting resources and deploying armies is key—don’t neglect either aspect if you want to dominate.
3. Telestrations: Upside Drawn
If you’re looking for a game packed with laughter and creativity, Telestrations: Upside Drawn is a perfect fit. It’s a twist on the classic drawing game, but here’s the catch: the “artist” isn’t drawing—they’re just moving the board while a teammate controls the pen. This leads to hilarious misinterpretations and frantic guessing.
Why It Works for 8 Players
- Fast-paced: Each round is quick, and everyone is constantly involved.
- Great for mixed groups: It’s easy to learn, making it a hit with players of all skill levels.
- Hilarity guaranteed: The absurdity of the drawings and guesses keeps the energy up.
Pro Tips for Maximum Fun:
- Don’t worry about being artistic—part of the fun is how ridiculous the drawings become!
- If the game seems too easy, set shorter time limits to speed up the chaos.
4. Secret Hitler
Looking for a game filled with intrigue, deception, and strategy? Secret Hitler is a social deduction game where players secretly take on the roles of liberals, fascists, or the titular villain, Hitler. The fascists work in secret to undermine the liberals, while the liberals try to discover and stop them before it’s too late.
Why It Works for 8 Players
- Social deduction: Larger groups make for more interesting, layered interactions, as players work to deceive and uncover their opponents’ identities.
- Keeps everyone engaged: Even players who are eliminated still get to influence the outcome through strategic debate.
- Intense decision-making: Every round is filled with high-stakes choices that keep everyone invested.
Pro Tips for Maximum Fun:
- Encourage players to be vocal and persuasive—this game is all about psychological warfare.
- Keep track of players’ voting patterns to help identify hidden fascists.
5. Captain Sonar
If you’re looking for a game that pushes the boundaries of traditional board games, Captain Sonar offers an intense, real-time experience. Two teams of submarine crews work to destroy the opposing vessel, with each player taking on a specific role like captain, engineer, or radio operator. Communication and teamwork are crucial.
Why It Works for 8 Players
- Real-time action: No waiting for turns here—everyone is constantly engaged, reacting and communicating as the game unfolds.
- Teamwork: The team-based dynamic ensures that everyone has a role to play, making it perfect for groups.
- Tension-filled gameplay: The real-time nature of the game makes it intense and exhilarating.
Strategy Tips:
- Clear, concise communication is key. Make sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
- Keep your opponents guessing by switching up your movement patterns and tactics.
6. Dixit: Odyssey
A game of surreal storytelling and vivid imagination, Dixit: Odyssey is a party game where players give clues about their cards using abstract statements, and the rest of the group has to guess which card matches the clue. The beauty of Dixit is in its simplicity and the freedom for creative thinking.
Why It Works for 8 Players
- Creative engagement: Every player gets to contribute, whether they’re crafting clues or guessing.
- Stunning visuals: The game’s beautifully illustrated cards add an extra layer of charm.
- Non-competitive: While there’s a winner, the real joy is in the creativity and discussions that the game sparks.
Strategy Tips:
- Be abstract, but not too obscure—finding the right balance is key to winning.
- Pay attention to how other players think; knowing their style helps with guessing their cards.
7. The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon is another fantastic social deduction game, but with a medieval twist. Players are either loyal servants of Arthur or minions of Mordred, trying to either complete or sabotage quests. But there’s a twist: certain players have special roles, like Merlin, who knows everyone’s identity but must stay hidden.
Why It Works for 8 Players
- Multiple layers of strategy: With hidden roles and shifting alliances, every game feels different.
- Quick rounds: Even with eight players, games move quickly, keeping everyone on their toes.
- Engagement through deception: Bluffing, deduction, and persuasion are the core mechanics, making every player’s contribution critical.
Strategy Tips:
- If you’re Merlin, be careful not to reveal yourself too early—stay subtle in your guidance.
- Keep an eye on who’s acting suspicious; body language can give away a lot in this game.
Honorable Mentions
While these seven games stand out, there are a few others worth considering if you’re still looking for more options. Games like One Night Ultimate Werewolf, Cash ‘n Guns, and Bang! also offer fantastic gameplay for groups of 8 or more.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best 8 Player Board Games
Finding the right board games for 8 players comes down to a balance of engagement, pace, and fun. Whether you prefer strategy, creativity, or social deduction, the games listed here are sure to provide endless entertainment. From the hilarity of Telestrations: Upside Drawn to the intense strategy of Secret Hitler and The Resistance: Avalon, there’s something for everyone.
Top Tips for a Smooth Game Night:
- Know your group: Pick a game that suits the personalities of your players. Some groups might love bluffing games, while others prefer fast-paced action.
- Rotate roles: For games with assigned roles, switching them up keeps things fresh and gives everyone a chance to shine.
- Keep it light: While strategy is great, make sure the vibe stays fun. Group games are all about laughter and connection, so don’t get too competitive!
So, the next time you’re hosting a game night with a larger group, you’ll be well-prepared with the best 8 player board games that guarantee fun for everyone.
