Classic party games like Taboo have players trying to shout the answers through their laughter. If you’ve played Taboo for the last couple of parties and are looking to mix things up, bring out one of these bad boys for a fun alternative!
We looked for games that have a fast-paced tempo, perfect for a party. There’s no need for complicated strategies, games like Taboo challenge players but in a super fun way.
If you’re looking to entertain your party-goers, take a look at a couple of games we think would be best to make your party a night to remember! Here are our top 5 games like Taboo.
Table of Contents
5 Games Like Taboo
Just One
Players: 3- 7
Playing time: 20mins
Age: 8+
Complexity: 1.04/5
Write, compare, and guess!
A cooperative party game, Just One has players work together to discover as many mystery words as possible. If you’re looking for a fast-paced game like Taboo, this is a great choice. There are 550 words, making it highly variable and replayable, so you can play the game for many gatherings and family nights to come!
Just One follows the same premise as Taboo but has a twist that takes the game in a whole new direction. You’re able to use common words, but if the word is used again, the player is eliminated. Players have to be on their toes, listening out for repeat words.
Remember to be unique with your clues as identical clues will be canceled. Although it may seem easy, the goal to get 13 is challenging and will have everyone eager to figure out the clues!
Concept
Players: 4- 12
Playing time: 40mins
Age: 10+
Complexity: 1.38/5
Ever wondered how to communicate without speaking or using sign language? Concept is the answer.
A lot like Taboo, Concept is a word-guessing game, but as the clue-giver, you can’t talk. You can only say “yes”. This gives the game a little more of a challenge!
By combining universal icons, you get others to guess hundreds of objects, titles, and characters. Using a game board covered in icons, points are awarded to players who guess the right concept.
The game is easy to learn and team-based, making it a great family game. But if you’re looking for a kid-friendly version, Concept also has a Concept Kids: Animals game that’s perfect for fun and learning.
Decrypto
Players: 3-8
Playing time: 15- 45mins
Age: 12+
Complexity: 1.81/5
Decrypto is a fun word game perfect to bring out at a party while you become spies for the night!
Decrypto is similar to Taboo as it’s got another interesting take on communication. Players work in teams trying to decode their teammate’s messages. Moving into the second round, a member of each team must give a clue about their word. They’ll then match it to a numbered code. The rules might sound a little confusing but after just one play, everyone will pick it up very easily.
The game can be super engaging, and of course, you get to be a spy. But, as you need to pay more attention to the codes, it’s better for smaller dinner parties and gatherings.
Codenames
Players: 2- 8
Playing time: 15mins
Age: 14+
Complexity: 1.27/5
“Win or lose, it’s fun to figure out the clues!”
Codenames is a top contender as an alternative to Taboo. Working in teams, the game is a fun and challenging social word game with a spy twist!
In Codenames, players split into two teams of spies, trying to make contact with their agents. The twist is that the agents are only known by their codenames. A spymaster, knowing each agent, tries to help their team guess.
Codenames is a little more complex than Taboo, but it still has a similar theme of word guessing. Truly a fantastic Taboo alternative, it makes sense why this has become a modern party game classic!
5 Second Rule
Players: 3- 6
Playing time: 40mins
Age: 10+
Complexity: 1.10/5
Arguably as popular as Taboo, 5 Second Rule is very fast-paced and puts a little pressure on players in the funniest way. Players only have five seconds to name things that fit the topic. A unique spiral sand tower adds to the heat.
Super easy to learn, players pick a card, read the topic, and start the timer. Although it seems easy at first, you can easily get tongue-tied under pressure, struggling to keep back their laughter as random thoughts come flying out.
The game is a silly, no-pressure Taboo alternative that’s great for all ages!
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of 5 games like Taboo!
Taboo, although an awesome popular game, has many fun alternatives to liven up your next games night. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly game like 5 Second Rule or a little more of a challenge like Decrypto, there’s a fun, fast, and hilarious game like Taboo!
If you liked any of these games, we can guarantee you’ll love these too: Hanabi, Dixit, Love Letter, The Resistance: Avalon, and Pandemic. Let us know which game is your favorite in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
Ready Player Christine. Since my first D&D game, which took a turn for the weird and wacky (probably my influence), the world of board and tabletop games came alive. Now today, I get to write about these fantastical, fictional, and downright fun worlds.