Hosting a dinner party? Casual get-together? Happy hour on the patio? There’s one thing that can make the time better—and we’re not talking carefully curated beer offerings, though that helps). Rather, put out one of the best puzzles and board games for adults.
A killer game or two can take your evening to new heights. You can hold the eye roll; all of these games are fun, easy-to-learn, and guaranteed crowd pleasers. We’ve strayed from including the classics like Monopoly, Clue, and Uno—and heavily played out games like Cards Against Humanity in favor of ones you’ve likely never played before. Some might be familiar but elevated.
Keep reading for 15 of the best puzzles and board games for adults.
Best Puzzles, Dice, Card, and Board Games for Adults
1. Mosaic Puzzles
Another great choice for puzzle people. With Mosaic Puzzles, each piece is originally hand-drawn, and you can choose from stellar options like Van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” a sunset in Santorini, hot air balloons at sunset, and more. Once it’s all done, you can hang it from a wall.
[$80; mosaicpuzzles.co]
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2. Joe Average Puzzle
Puzzles get transformed into wall art thanks to the inclusion of reusable glue and Velcro hanging strips. So put your crew to work on solving this 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle from celebrated Vancouver artist Joe Average and thank us later.
[$40; joeaverage.com]
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3. Actually Curious Happy Hour Edition
Looking for an at-home date night idea? This card game is designed to bond people. Using the science of emotional connection, you’ll answer questions that discuss dreams, self-exploration, and some of your favorite memories, to name a few.
[$25; actuallycurious.com]
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4. Last Call
Get ready to laugh with this new adult drinking game. Basically, you answer ridiculous questions, compete in funny challenges, and drink. Starting is as simple as shuffling the cards and crack some beers.
[$15; amazon.com]
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5. Brass Monkey It’s In the Cards
This set gives you everything you need to play 30 different card games (including clear instructions), ensuring there’s never a dull game night at your abode. It also comes in a nice box, so it makes a nice gift if someone else is hosting game night.
[$25; brassmonkeygoods.com]
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6. ArtSugar XOXO Tic-Tac-Toe game set
Nobody is going to argue with some good 'ol Tic-Tac-Toe, especially if you’re too tired to play a game that requires serious concentration. This board is a far cry from those plastic monstrosities from your childhood. Now, who’s calling “Xs”?
[$145; artsugar.co]
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7. That's Dope: The Party Game for Strong Opinions
This independent, Black-owned, small business has created a heck of a game. Essentially, you draw a card and players take turns guessing who voted “Dope” or “Nope” to 250+ topics from “turning on the shower after you get in” to “pronouncing niche as ‘nitch’ instead of ‘neesh.’ ”
[$29; thatsdopegame.com]
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8. Home Team Baseball Game
While we wait for baseball to get underway, play this dice-based game that’s handcrafted in St. Louis, MI, with fine materials like brass, velvet, and maple veneer wood. Since it can be customized for your MLB team of choice, it makes a great gift for baseball fans.
[$68; uncommongoods.com]
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9. Off Topic
This adult party game is bound to be a hit for your crew on game night. To play, you draw a card to set the topics, then roll the die to determine the letter your responses must begin with. Flip the sand timer and get to work jotting down your answers. Expect a lot of laughter.
[$30; offtopicgames.com]
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10. Hygge Games ...I Should Have Known That!
Perfect for trivia buffs, this game covers, well, things that leave you saying “I should have known that!” The game includes 110 cards with 400+ questions in various categories. Unlike standard trivia, you lose points every time you answer a question incorrectly.
[$20; hyggegames.com]
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11. Word Teasers Dad Jokes
Nothing like a good dad joke. With 300 cards to choose from, you can simply read them out loud for comic relief at any gathering or turn it into a game format by taking turns pulling cards and assigning a point to whoever guesses the punchline first.
[$15; uncommongoods.com]
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12. Beeropoly
This game board kicks parties up a notch with a slew of challenges to take on while sipping on a brewski, from rhyming competitions to busting a dance move. The stylish pine board is built to last and handmade in Omaha, Nebraska.
[$38; uncommongoods.com]
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13. Ridley’s Sports Trivia Card Game
Athletes, lace up your training shoes. This trivia game is perfect for sports enthusiasts with 140 question cards featuring queries in sports-related topics. Along with popular sports leagues (MLB, NBA, etc.), there are also questions about gymnastics, cycling, bowling, and more.
[$12; amazon.com]
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14. At Home Murder Mystery Night
Craving a cozy murder mystery night in your living room? Try this 1920s-themed murder mystery. The box comes with a welcome speech for the host, place cards, murder weapon props, and more. We love that there are three alternative endings on offer.
[$45; uncommongoods.com]
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15. Brass Monkey That’s How We Roll Dice Set
Like Brass Monkey’s "It’s In the Cards" bundle, this offering gives you everything you need for 30 different dice games. It’s got standard dice, poker dice, casino dice, roshambo dice (“rock, paper, scissors”) and bowling dice included. Let the games begin.
[$21; brassmonkeygoods.com]