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Looking for some fun and entertaining eight-player board games?
If so, you’ve landed on the right page! In this post, we’ve gathered the best board games for eight players that will test your skills and stoke your enthusiasm.
Some of these games might already be on your list, as they are quite popular. Others are lesser known, but still super fun to play.
Let’s get busy!
1. Codenames
Codenames is one of the most popular board games that involves identifying and deciphering hints. From its name alone—Codenames—you have probably guessed that it involves codes and clues.
It can be a bit challenging, especially for first timers, but once you understand the rules, it is pretty straightforward.
Playing this game requires strategic and critical thinking skills, which makes it a great opportunity to keep your mind fresh. We recommend this game to anyone looking to enjoy a night full of fun, entertainment, and mystery.
It is suitable for two to eight players, and each round has around 15 to 20 minutes of playtime.
PROS
- The game is highly replayable, due to its fast-paced nature.
- Mostly recommended for friends or teams in large groups.
- Requires strong critical thinking and strategic skills.
CONS
- Suitable for as few as two players, but pretty boring without more players.
- Quick playtime may not be appealing to some who like longer games.
2. Captain Sonar
Innovative and unique, this Captain Sonar game is a duel that requires strategy and wit. It is a battle of submarines, with their captains, mates, engineers, and operators.
You take one of these roles and create a plan with your teammates to beat your opponents and take their submarines.
Of course, there is more to it than that. In addition to finding a way to defeat the other team, you also need to be wary of their tactics and avoid being detected and losing your underwater craft.
You also have to keep everything operational while implementing techniques that lead you to victory.
The game is recommended for individuals with a high level of analytical and strategic skills. It is good for up to eight players (and this is recommended, since there are eight roles to fill) and has around 45 to 60 minutes of playtime.
PROS
- Highly replayable because of the five unique maps and scenarios.
- Offers two distinct modes: turn-by-turn and simultaneous.
- The game is both a cooperative and competitive game.
CONS
- Doesn’t suit all kinds of players—it is most appealing to those who are competitive.
- Some customers reported missing pieces and ruined packages upon delivery.
3. Decrypto
Decrypto is a “highly addictive” board game, especially for veteran players. The goal is to transmit secret codes while preventing the other team from intercepting them.
The game uses anaglyph effects to mix and settle the codes, and you will need to slide your cards into the screen so you can start decoding them. One team member is called the “Encryptor,” and his job is to transmit the codes discreetly.
Winning the game is not as easy as it might appear. Aside from thoughtfully transmitting the codes for your teammates to decipher, you must also guess the opposing team’s code. Decode and intercept it twice and your team wins through “Interception Tokens.”
This game is designed for three to eight players, ages 12 years old and above. It has around 30 minutes of playing time.
PROS
- Cultivates strong connections and interaction among players.
- No downtime between turns, as everyone is expected to focus at all times.
- Perfect for those who like highly analytical and strategic games.
CONS
- The rules of the game may be a bit too complicated for beginners.
- Not suitable for all players, as it is highly dependent on expertise and gaming skills.
4. Spyfall
Ever dreamed of becoming a spy? Well, this is your chance to do it!
As you might guess Spyfall the game for people who love spies.
Players receive a secret card at the start of each round, and one of these cards reveals to its owner that they are the spy. The others contain the group’s location, whether it’s a casino, space station, circus, or pirate ship.
Everyone playing has to bluff, ask probing questions, and provide clever answers. Since this is a game of deception, acting skills are required as well. Here’s a pro tip: Don’t ask questions that are too specific.
We recommend this game if enjoy deceit and playing tricks. It is specifically designed for three to eight players, ages 13 and above. It is a standalone game but can be played by in conjunction with other games in the Spyfall series.
PROS
- This version consists of 30 locations that are compatible with other versions.
- Game of deception, with specific and clear goals and missions.
- The components of the game are durable and the artwork is fantastic.
CONS
- May not be appropriate for young players, as the game involves deceit and trickery.
- Strategic, but may not be challenging enough for expert strategic board gamers.
5. Camel Up
Bet on a camel just like you’d bet on a horse at a race—that is basically how Camel Up works, except that it is a board game and there is no money involved. The instructions are pretty basic, as you only need to place your bets before the game starts.
Once the game (and the camels) starts running, you only have to play and watch to see who’s going to win the race. Just note that the run doesn’t always happen smoothly, as some camels may land on top of others or swerve in the wrong direction (good luck when rolling the dice).
That’s the fun of betting, of course—you never know what is going to happen.
PROS
- Fast gameplay, since you only need to roll the dice and try sure to win the race.
- Luck-dependent.
- Enjoyable for those who just want a relaxing game night.
CONS
- Not suitable for gamers who like working with their strategic and analytical skills.
- Involves the concept of betting, so it may not be suitable for young players.
6. Sushi Go Party!
Sushi Go is a fast-paced game meant for those who like mathematics and probability. There are no numbers involved, per se, but knowing when and how to combine elements is a required skill to beat your opponents.
In this game, you are allowed to make various different moves, depending on how you want (and need) to combine your sushi dishes.
Sushi Go Party! is a great game for most adults, families, and employees. This is the expanded version of the original Sushi Go! and is designed for a maximum of eight players.
PROS
- Highly replayable, since there are tons of different combinations you can produce.
- Play it with the original Sushi Go! version if you have more than eight players.
- Received stellar review from past customers.
CONS
- The expanded party version takes longer to set up than the original version.
- May only be fun for those who like easy games.
7. Tsuro
Tsuro is an award-winning game that is quite easy to learn. While it is friendly for beginners, it can still be amusing for expert gamers. It is a game of both luck and strategy.
The gameplay involves building a maze (or path, as the creators call it). With every move you make, the maze just keeps getting bigger. Of course, you also need to anticipate your opponent’s next moves so you can strategize how to beat them in solving the maze.
Tsuro has around 15 to 20 minutes of playtime.
PROS
- Good game for children, especially those eight years and above.
- Beginner and expert friendly, since the rules are easy but the game itself is entertaining.
- There are several different kinds of “paths” to take, since it is a maze game. This makes it highly replayable.
CONS
- Not recommended for board gamers who are heavily dependent on strategy.
- Quick playtime may not be appealing for some who like heavy gaming.
8. Magic Maze
Magic Maze is an escape game, but one in which you have allies.
You can either be the mage, barbarian, elf, or dwarf, but regardless of whom you choose, you have been stripped of all your possessions. You need to cooperate with everyone to escape the maze before the time is up.
Since this is a cooperative game, all of the players either win or fail together. Everyone should therefore contribute the best strategies they can come up with.
PROS
- Offers 17 scenarios you and your teammates can go through for replayability.
- Quick gameplay—around 15 minutes or so, depending on your luck and strategy.
- A cooperative game, which means you are all working together.
CONS
- May not be suitable for those who panic easily, because of the time pressure.
- Solo gaming is not as fun as playing with a bigger team.
9. Citadels
Here’s another bluffing game for those who like deceit and trickery. It’s a modern classic, so you may have played it before.
Citadels’ basic premise involves roleplaying and kingdom-building. The main goal is to “build a city fit for royalty.” Unlike in real life, however, you don’t have to be from a royal lineage to participate—all you need is wit, strategy, determination, and a bit of luck.
This strategic drafting game is designed for two to eight players and is suitable for anyone age 10 and above. The average playtime is around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your strategy (and your opponents’, of course).
PROS
- There is a wide range of characters available, each with a distinct ability.
- A community-building game that requires the perfect mix of skills and luck.
- Fun and exciting for beginners and expert gamers alike.
CONS
- Longer playtime might not interest those who are just looking for fun.
- May not be suitable for parties.
10. 7 Wonders
Here’s another popular board game for both beginners and experts. It may take some time for beginners to learn, but it is very enjoyable once you get the hang of it.
7 Wonders is similar to monopoly, but instead of a businessman, you are the leader of one of the great cities of the ancient world.
The goal is to earn the most points by collecting various properties and resources. This is mostly dependent on the gamers’ strategic and money skills.
This game is better when there are many players. While you can play it with only three people, it is more exciting when there’s a big group.
We recommend this game for those who are looking for something that suits older children and adults. It could help kids develop their critical thinking and financial management skills.
PROS
- Highly replayable, since there are many ways to plan and strategize.
- Experts and beginners will both enjoy the game.
- Can be fast-paced or slow-paced, depending on the players.
CONS
- Some people say that the game is overrated.
11. Incan Gold
If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a treasure hunter, this is your chance to take on the role of one. Incan Gold is a treasure-hunting game that allows its players to experience what it's like to explore a ruined temple and accumulate tons of gold and jewels.
You need to be wary, however, because it’s not that easy to escape once you’ve found the treasure. There is no backing out of this game—there is only win or die. Keep your greed in check, as it might cause your downfall.
While the game is somewhat competitive, you eventually realize that the board game itself is your main enemy. You need to have good judgment to beat it.
PROS
- Most enjoyable when played in large groups (maximum of eight players).
- Combination of both luck and strategic skills; hones critical-thinking abilities.
- Exciting game for those who like risky concepts and gambling.
CONS
- Be careful when purchasing online, as some customers report poor quality materials.
12. Formula D
Formula D is for the car racer in you. It is not your usual escape or builds game, and it shines in its unique gameplay.
It’s basically a racing game, but with lots of twists and turns. As the manufacturer states, it is an easy game to learn, but a difficult one to master.
This is advertised as a “high-stakes car racing game with quick turnaround.” The game portrays illegal racing on the streets of a city, so it is not for kids or the faint of heart.
Formula D is the enhanced version of Formula 1 and Formula De. It features a racing track on one side and a street rack on the other, which is new from the previous versions.
Note, however, that this version is compatible with earlier versions and can be merged with them.
We suggest this board game for those who are looking for an adrenaline rush. It may not be real-life car racing, but it can still satisfy your need for speed.
PROS
- The game can be fast-paced or slow-paced, depending on your strategy.
- Formula D is the best version of the game series so far.
- Can accommodate up to 10 players (with a minimum of two).
CONS
- Might not be exciting enough for those who like roleplaying or building games.
- Not recommended for kids, since they might get the idea of illegal racing.
13. Bang! The Dice Game
Bang! The Dice Game is a game of chase and surrender. Will you be the sheriff or the outlaw? You can be the renegade, too, if you simply want to be an accomplice who can join one or the other.
This board game has tons of expansion sets, but they are all lots of fun and great for parties.
PROS
- Quick gameplay—around 30 minutes of playtime.
- Has high replay value, considering the characters and their individual strategies.
- Fun and entertaining, especially for friends or officemates in large groups.
CONS
- Some customer reviews say that the rules are quite hard to comprehend.
- Others say that it takes more than an hour to finish the game.
14. Cards Against Humanity
Chances are you have heard about this game before. It caused an uproar upon its release, to the point where manufacturers had to create a milder version of it to accommodate young teens.
Cards Against Humanity is a delightful card game that will satisfy your thirst for humor—as long as you have thick skin. It’s not your typical “thinking” game, as you just go with the flow and combine the question and answer cards to make the other players laugh.
PROS
- The whole concept of the game is to instigate humorous and mature conversations.
- Taboo issues are hot topics to discuss with your friends and/or co-workers.
- There are other versions that are more suitable for teens or kids (or people who are more conservative).
CONS
- This particular version is not recommended for conservative people.
- Some of the topics are highly sensitive.
15. One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is another classic, popular board game. The goal is simple—to catch the werewolf, which is a threat to the village.
There are other characters, like the Seer, the Hunter, and the Robber, so you have to be careful when deciding who is the true killer.
The winner of the game is either the Wolf (if he isn’t capture captured) or the rest of the village (if they are able to catch the wolf before everyone in the village is dead). One Night Ultimate Werewolf is best for those who are planning a big board game night with lots of guests.
PROS
- Can satisfy both beginner and expert gamers.
- Rules are quite easy to learn and memorize.
- Comes with an app version suitable for iOS and Android users.
CONS
- May be a little underwhelming for some people, especially veteran gamers.
- Most fun if you have the correct number of players (no more than eight).
Final Thoughts on the Best 8-Player Board Games
Are there any games on this list that sound fun to you?
We hope that this list of the best board games for eight players was able to help you plan your next game night.
Have the best night of your life with your family members, friends, or co-workers while playing these games, and make every moment special!
And if you're looking for more board games, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 9 Best & Fun Board Games for College Students
- 8 Mental Benefits of Playing Board Games
- 9 Best Word and Vocabulary Board Games to Play
