Games to Play When Bored with Friends: Why Not Turn the Couch into a Spaceship?
When boredom strikes and you’re surrounded by friends, the possibilities for entertainment are endless. Whether you’re looking for something competitive, creative, or just downright silly, there’s a game out there for every group dynamic. Here are some ideas to spark your next gathering, along with a few unconventional twists to keep things interesting.
1. Classic Board Games with a Twist
Board games are timeless, but why not add a modern or absurd twist to them? For example, play Monopoly but introduce a rule where every time someone lands on “Free Parking,” they have to perform a dare. Or, try playing Scrabble with only words related to outer space—because why not turn your living room into a cosmic battlefield of vocabulary?
2. Video Game Tournaments
If your group is into gaming, organize a mini-tournament. Choose a game everyone enjoys, like Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros., and create a bracket. To make it more engaging, assign silly penalties for the losers, such as wearing a ridiculous hat for the rest of the night or speaking in rhymes for an hour.
3. Charades with a Thematic Spin
Charades is a classic, but it can get repetitive. Spice it up by choosing a specific theme, like “90s TV shows” or “mythical creatures.” Alternatively, play “Reverse Charades,” where one person guesses while the rest of the group acts out the clue together. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and guaranteed to break the monotony.
4. Escape Room at Home
Bring the thrill of an escape room to your living room. You can purchase DIY escape room kits online or create your own puzzles and clues. Assign roles to each friend, like the “puzzle solver” or the “clue finder,” and set a timer to see if you can escape before the pizza arrives.
5. Two Truths and a Lie: Extreme Edition
This classic icebreaker can be taken to the next level by adding wild stakes. For example, if someone guesses your lie incorrectly, they have to eat a spoonful of a bizarre condiment (think mustard and peanut butter). The more outrageous the truths and lies, the better.
6. DIY Trivia Night
Create a trivia game tailored to your group’s interests. Categories could range from “Memes of the 2010s” to “Obscure Animal Facts.” To make it more interactive, use an app or write questions on index cards. Offer small prizes for the winners, like a crown made of aluminum foil or the privilege of choosing the next game.
7. The Floor is Lava
This childhood favorite never gets old. Clear some space, scatter cushions and pillows around, and declare that the floor is lava. The last person to “survive” wins. For an added challenge, introduce obstacles like a spinning fan or a maze of chairs to navigate.
8. Storytelling Games
Games like “Once Upon a Time” or “Rory’s Story Cubes” encourage creativity and collaboration. Each person adds a sentence or element to the story, leading to unpredictable and often hilarious outcomes. Alternatively, try “Exquisite Corpse,” where each person writes a sentence on a piece of paper, folds it to hide their words, and passes it on.
9. Karaoke Battles
Turn up the volume and host a karaoke battle. Divide into teams or go solo, and let the music (and your vocal cords) do the talking. To make it more challenging, assign random genres or decades for each performance. Bonus points for dramatic costumes and choreography.
10. Scavenger Hunts
Organize a scavenger hunt around your house or neighborhood. Create a list of quirky items to find or tasks to complete, like “a selfie with a stranger” or “a sock that doesn’t match.” The first team to complete the list wins bragging rights—and maybe a trophy made of recycled materials.
11. Would You Rather: Absurd Edition
“Would You Rather” is a great way to spark debates and laughter. Take it up a notch by asking ridiculous questions like, “Would you rather fight a duck the size of a horse or 100 horses the size of ducks?” The more absurd, the better the reactions.
12. Build a Fort and Watch a Movie
Sometimes, the best games are the simplest ones. Build a blanket fort, grab some snacks, and watch a movie together. To make it more interactive, choose a film with a cult following and assign roles for a live commentary track.
13. Improv Games
Improv games like “Yes, And” or “Party Quirks” are perfect for groups who love to laugh. They require quick thinking and creativity, and the results are often unpredictable and hilarious. Plus, they’re a great way to break the ice if not everyone knows each other well.
14. Pictionary Meets Telephone
Combine Pictionary and Telephone for a game of “Telephone Pictionary.” Each person writes a sentence, passes it to the next person to draw, and then the next person writes a sentence based on the drawing. The final result is usually a far cry from the original idea—and utterly entertaining.
15. Create Your Own Game
Why stick to existing games when you can invent your own? Gather your friends and brainstorm a unique game that combines elements of your favorite activities. Whether it’s a hybrid of trivia and charades or a completely new concept, the process of creating it can be just as fun as playing it.
Q&A
Q: What if my friends aren’t into competitive games?
A: Opt for collaborative games like storytelling or escape rooms, where the focus is on teamwork rather than winning.
Q: How can I make games more inclusive for introverted friends?
A: Choose low-pressure activities like movie nights or creative games that don’t require constant interaction.
Q: What’s a good game for a large group?
A: Games like “Mafia” or “Werewolf” work well for larger groups, as they involve everyone and encourage social interaction.
Q: How do I keep the energy up during a long game session?
A: Take breaks, switch up the games, and keep snacks and drinks on hand to maintain the fun and energy levels.