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In a world dominated by screens and digital entertainment, card games can offer you some much-needed analog break.
Whether you’re looking to enhance a friendly gathering, break the ice at a party, or just spend some quality time with loved ones, the best card games for adults can set the tone for an evening of laughter, competition, and fun.
The games we’ve featured below have been carefully selected for their popularity, uniqueness, and ability to entertain.
From fast-paced and funny to complex and cerebral, this list offers a variety of options that are perfect for any adult game night. So gather your friends, grab a deck, and get ready to discover your next favorite pastime.
These Cards Will Get You Drunk
This game is the perfect mix of simplicity and hilarity, designed to elevate any social gathering. It’s easy enough to set up and play, These Cards Will Get You Drunk involves players drawing cards and following the amusing instructions listed, which could involve anything from social dares to personal confessions.
The game can accommodate 2 to 8 players, making it versatile for different party sizes. Additionally, the 100 different cards guarantee that no two games are alike. The rules are straightforward: take turns drawing cards, perform the actions, and keep the drinks flowing.
It’s ideal for breaking the ice and injecting fun into any party, though its replayability may vary with the same group due to the fixed set of cards. Remember, the focus here is on fun and interaction, not competition. More importantly, the card game won’t fail to do what it was advertised to.
SERVD – His & Hers/Real-Life Card Game for Couples
SERVD is a clever card game specifically designed for couples, adding a fun and playful twist to everyday life. The essence of the game lies in using cards to dictate actions or decisions, creating a humorous power dynamic between partners.
It’s a fantastic way to bond with your partner, with a mix of fun, strategy, and a little bit of payback. The game’s mechanics involve drawing cards and following their instructions, which can range from household chores to personal favors, making everyday interactions amusing and unpredictable.
If anything, you can use it as a date night idea.
6 Nimmt!
In 6 Nimmt!, players aim to score the lowest number of points by strategically selecting cards to play in each round. The game is known for its uncomplicated rules and mechanics; easy to learn, and hard to master. Suitable for groups, it requires players to anticipate others’ moves and manage their hands effectively to avoid penalties.
The game scales well with the number of players and can maintain its fun and competitive edge whether in small groups or larger gatherings. This set also has the bonus of being two card games in one, with Take a Number being the other game you can play with the same set.
Race for the Galaxy
Here’s something with more lore and a sci-fi theme to boot. Race for the Galaxy is a strategic card game that challenges players to build the most prosperous galactic civilization through card management and timely decision-making.
It combines elements of exploration, resource management, and economic strategy. All players must balance the development of technology, the expansion of their galactic empire, and resource acquisition to score points and win. Race for the Galaxy can be a complex card game, and the game is praised for its depth, replayability, and the rich strategic options available to players.
Arkham Horror: The Card Game
A blend of traditional card gaming and role-playing elements, Arkham Horror: The Card Game sets players against eerie Lovecraftian horrors. We all know Eldritch horror is best suited for adults. Players work together, assuming the roles of investigators unraveling mysteries and confronting eldritch beings.
The game has a narrative-driven approach, combined with its deck-building mechanics, and also offers a deeply immersive experience (which you can further enhance with horror music).
Each player’s deck represents their character’s abilities, equipment, and mental state, making character progression a key aspect of the game’s strategy. It’s ideal for those who enjoy story-driven games and cooperative play.
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens takes us back to the more casual games. This fast-paced, highly tactical card game is akin to Russian roulette with a whimsical twist. Players draw cards until someone pulls an Exploding Kitten, at which point they are out of the game unless they can defuse the situation.
Exploding Kittens includes a variety of cards that allow players to avoid explosions, peek at the deck, or force other players to draw multiple cards, introducing a balance of luck and strategy. It’s known for its humorous art style and simple yet engaging gameplay, suitable for quick game sessions with friends.
Of course, the game’s name will surely pique anyone’s interest.
Joking Hazard by Cyanide & Happiness
If you’ve read any comic strip from Cyanide & Happiness, you’ll know exactly why this card game is strictly not for kids. It’s a haven of dark humor and Joking Hazard encapsulates the spirit of those comic strips into this comic-building card game.
The player count is three to 10 and the set includes 360-panel cards all leading to “awful” situations crafted by the author to get a chuckle or some eyebrow raises from its participants. Surprisingly, it’s a rather elaborate game and can take upwards of 30 minutes to complete, probably more if there’s liquor involved.
Cards Against Humanity
You’ve probably heard of this one based on its shock value alone. Cards Against Humanity is notorious for its mature content, designed to provoke laughter and dismay with politically incorrect and risqué prompts.
Its unfortunate players must complete fill-in-the-blank statements using words or phrases typically deemed inappropriate in polite conversations. The game’s charm lies in the creative and often absurd combinations that emerge, leading to hilarious and unexpected results.
It’s perfect for adult parties where the guests aren’t easily offended and are looking for a game that breaks the conventional boundaries of political correctness. You’ve been warned.
