Although I would rather pull out my eyelashes than sit through another game of Cards Against Humanity, I am not going to sit on my high horse and say that I don’t enjoy party games. In fact, quite a few fantastic party games have been released in recent years, and a few companies continue to develop excellent options in this category. Party games can be a lot of fun and have a time and place in my life and on my table.
Sometimes my friends and I crave something meatier than the standard party fare. Although most of my favorite strategy board games top out at four, sometimes five players, I have collected several games that seat at least six players that I don’t personally put in the party game category.
Here are six non-party games in my collection that sit at least six players:
- For families and “green” players…
- For fans of classic card games…
- For those who enjoy mind games…
- For the puzzle-lovers…
- For those who drive a hard bargain…
- For a backstabby good time…
For the purposes of this list, I am not including roll and write games, as I think they’re deserving of an independent list.
For families and “green” players…
Point Salad
Point Salad is a gem of a gateway game. The rules are simple and the game plays quickly – making it a fantastic choice for new gamers and families. There’s enough strategy baked into the card-drafting mechanic that it is entertaining for more experienced gamers, too (although probably more as a filler game in between heavier fare). Overall it’s just a well-designed card game that is quick, engaging, and fun.
If you’re interested in learning more please read my in-depth review of the game.
Note: I’m currently running a giveaway for this game, the details of which can be found here.
For fans of classic card games…
Skull King
You know a game is good when somebody pops onto Amazon to order their own copy halfway through their first game. This has happened multiple times when introducing Skull King to new players.
Things always get rowdy when this pirate-themed trick-taker hits the table. From the energetic, simultaneous bidding to the monstrous surprises hidden in the deck, this game always brings the big table moments. It plays very well with six since the turns move quickly, and it’s easy to pick up if you already have some experience with trick-taking games.
If you’re interested in learning more please read my in-depth review of the game.
For those who enjoy mind games…
Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest
This game is a card-driven battle of wits. Players have the same starting resources but must anticipate their competitors’ moves to snag the best loot. The cards interact differently, keeping the game fun, chaotic, and sometimes dramatic. Because the actions happen simultaneously, this game doesn’t suffer from downtime – which is fantastic with a full table.
It is a re-implementation of 2012’s Libertalia with additional mechanics that really shine. Libertalia: Winds of Galecrest is one of my favorite games of 2022 so far.
If you’re interested in learning more please read my in-depth review of the game.
For the puzzle-lovers…
Tiny Towns
This game utilizes simultaneous actions and a “follow the leader” style resource choice system that boosts interaction. Despite sharing resource types, players work on their own private puzzle on a 3×3 grid, trying to build the most point-getting town. Tiny Towns is simple to learn yet tough to master and is a wonderful choice for those who enjoy puzzle games.
If you’re interested in learning more please read my in-depth review of the game.
For those who drive a hard bargain…
Bohnanza
In this card game, players get a handful of “beans” that cannot be reordered. This bean queue is tricky – each turn a player is forced to plant the next bean in line. But players have limited fields and cannot plant different types of beans together, so it’s crucial to get rid of unwanted cards before they are due for planting. This odd mechanic drives some wild negotiations, as players are desperate to remove unwanted beans from their hands.
It is such a simple game, but highly interactive (and often loud). Who knew a game about bean farming could be so much fun? Released in 1997, Bohnanza still holds up and is a group favorite.
For a backstabby good time…
Cult of the Deep
One part social deduction, one part chaotic dice-chucking battle – Cult of the Deep is an in-your-face group experience. Players receive secret roles and must deduce where loyalties lie: with the high priest(ess), with the cabalists bent on a coup, or somewhere else? Players will have the chance to perform rituals, attack their friends, re-direct actions, and more to meet their end-game conditions. If your friends get a little too stabby, don’t worry – death does not lead to player elimination and you can continue the fun as a vengeful wight!
Do any of these games seem like a good fit for your group of friends?
Tabletop Mom 