10 Best Card Games for Adults in 2022 (Cards Against Humanity, Lost Cities, and More)
Card games are an easy, portable way to bring the fun to wherever you are, but a standard deck of cards can get old pretty quickly. That’s why we’ve decided to look for the best card games for adults. We’ve found that best games are appropriate for the group you’re playing with and can be played over and over and still be fun. And while raunchy adult card games may be all the rage these days, rest assured that there plenty of games for adults that don’t require you to air out your dirty laundry.
Keeping all of the different factors in mind, we’ve handpicked our favorite card games for adults available online. At the top of our top 10 list is the good ol' Cards Against Humanity, because while it can bring out a side of your friends and family that you never knew before, it's a game that's sure to keep everyone involved. Read on for nine other great options!
Quick List - Top Card Games For Adults
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How to Choose Card Games For Adults
Find a Type of Game to Match Your Preferences and the Situation
Card games span a huge range of genres, appropriateness, and play styles. Narrowing down the type of game you’re looking for is the first step in finding the right one for you.
Cooperative Games for Bond-Building
If you want to form a bond or build on a relationship while having fun, cooperative or team games can help you do that. You'll have to work with your partner or team in order to achieve the desired results.
There's still usually a competitive element with other teams or pairs, so you can feel connected and proud when your team emerges as winners.
Competitive Strategy Games for Serious Players
If you like a thinking element in games or you're just out to win, then consider strategy games. Depending on the group you're with, these games may be too serious for the atmosphere; but in the right company, you'll have the chance to be impressed by how everyone's brain works differently.
Simple or Humorous Games for Lighthearted Fun
Simple or humorous card games are great for casual get-togethers or large gatherings. Since they often don't involve sharing personal facts about yourself, they're also perfect for a crowd that you're not very familiar with.
You might not be satisfied with some of these games if you're a serious gamer, but the simpler the rules are, the easier they'll be to play after you've had a few drinks.
Personal Trivia Games for Already-Close Friends
Personal trivia games ask players to share some of their most well-kept secrets; some of them even ask you to guess or vote for someone who has experienced something. If you're not too familiar with the group you're playing with, this could get uncomfortable pretty quickly.
But if you're already close and still want to know each other just a bit more, personal trivia games can (hopefully) bring you that much closer.
Pick a Game that Fits the Number of Players
On the other hand, if you’re hoping to play with a more intimate group or even as a couple, it’s important to look for a game that not only accommodates fewer players but is optimized for a lower number.
Choose Between Handheld Games and Ones That Require a Surface
If a game requires a surface, it might be harder to play on a road trip, at a house party, or in a more public location, so be sure to keep this in mind when making your choice.
Customizable Games and Expansion Packs Add Replay Value
But one of the perks of card games is that they’re flexible, and many times, the rules can be varied to either breathe new life into the game or tone down the difficulty level if participants are a bit inebriated. Expansion packs will also help extend the life of a game.
10 Best Card Games For Adults Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cards Against Humanity Cards Against Humanity | | Find Out How Creative and Horrible Your Friends Are | |
2 | Stellar Factory Spaceteam | | A Quick, Fast-Paced, Cooperative Game | |
3 | Pandasaurus Games The Mind | | Work Together to Achieve a Goal Silently | |
4 | Thames & Kosmos Lost Cities | | An Entertaining Game for Two Players | |
5 | Player Ten The Voting Game | | A Game for Laughs Among Close Friends | |
6 | Indie Boards & Cards Coup | | A Lightweight Strategy Game to Gain Power | |
7 | Fk. The Game Fk. The Game | | An Excellent Game to Play After a Couple of Drinks | |
8 | Steve Jackson Games Munchkin | | A High-Stakes Competition Game | |
9 | Stellar Factory Ravine | | A Humorous Cooperative Strategy Game | |
10 | Pick Your Poison Pick Your Poison｜NSFW Version | | Best Adult Party Game for Large Groups |
Cards Against HumanityCards Against Humanity
Find Out How Creative and Horrible Your Friends Are
This is an interactive game that will bring out your best and worst sides all at the same time. Cards Against Humanity asks you to fill in the blanks of situation cards with random keywords. Judges are then asked to pick a winner for each round. The rules are simple, and it's based on pure luck and imagination.
We also like that it has plenty of customization options available on the site. If you'd like to get the kids involved, there's also a Family Edition. The downside is that you need at least four players for this game to really work, so it might not be the best game to play on date night.
A Quick, Fast-Paced, Cooperative Game
Reviewers write that this game makes a fantastic warmup for game night and that it’s just as fun as it is challenging. Naturally, it’s also super enjoyable for older kids.
Work Together to Achieve a Goal Silently
Reviewers write that this is a great game for groups that know each other well but may be too slow for kids. It requires a fairly quiet environment, though there are playlists to accompany the game online that add significantly to the experience.
An Entertaining Game for Two Players
Reviewers write that it has incredible replay value and that you can play it over and over without it feeling tired. It’s quick to learn and can be played in 20-30 minutes. Older kids should also find it fun.
A Game for Laughs Among Close Friends
Q cards include prompts like “Whose standards drop the most after a few drinks?”, and reviewers note that this is definitely an adult-themed party game to be played with close friends.
A Lightweight Strategy Game to Gain Power
Reviewers write that this is a quick, fairly simple game that even board game geeks appreciate. It’s small and unobtrusive enough to carry to a cafe and only takes 10-15 minutes to play a full game–though you’ll probably want to play it again after.
An Excellent Game to Play After a Couple of Drinks
Reviewers write that it’s a hoot to play at parties, particularly with a little bit of alcohol to slow the senses. The only downside is that you may walk away feeling a little stupid for not knowing your colors.
A High-Stakes Competition Game
Reviewers write that although it takes a while to learn and get comfortable with, this game quickly becomes a favorite. Just note that once you really get into the gameplay, things can get pretty brutal.
A Humorous Cooperative Strategy Game
Reviewers write that it’s a light play that’s fast-paced and easy to learn. However, because there are only a certain number of madness cards, once you’re familiar with all of them, it can lose some of the fun.
Best Adult Party Game for Large Groups
Reviewers write that this game is great for large groups as it moves pretty quickly and requires little space or setup. However, some of the cards can be considered highly offensive, and this definitely isn’t a game to play with any member of your family.
Top 5 Card Games For Adults
No. 1: Cards Against Humanity｜Cards Against Humanity
No. 2: Stellar Factory｜Spaceteam
No. 3: Pandasaurus Games｜The Mind
No. 4: Thames & Kosmos｜Lost Cities
No. 5: Player Ten｜The Voting Game
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.