The Best Card Games For Adults
Game nights aren’t just for kids. The world of games has changed and made a huge shift toward adult games, or at least games more suitable for adults. Some games are meant for adults due to their mature content, while others simply require a bit of life experience to play. If you want to spice up your dinner party, an adult card game can be a hilarious and fun way to do it. We've put together a list of the top adult games out there so you can find what’s best for you.
What to Look For
When researching the best adult card games, we considered a few important factors: maturity, clear instructions, and of course, fun. What Do You Meme? is one of our all-time favorites, thanks to its use of exciting visual content and suitability for a wide range of ages. If you’re looking for a slightly more mature game, however, we also recommend Cards Against Humanity, which follows a similar prompt-based structure but incorporates more adult-themed content. There are lots of adult card games out there, so read on to discover more of our top picks and find one that will make your next party a blast.
What Do You Meme?
Memes have taken the internet by storm over the past few decades, and their reach goes further than ever these days. If you’re meme-obsessed, then this game is a must-have. For this game, simply match an image card to a prompt card. The funniest image wins. Even though this structure is so simple, it can be hours of fun. Pictures are worth a thousand words, so every meme can say a lot in response to a prompt. Images can be funny in more ways than one, so get creative and buckle up for laughs.
Pros:
- If you love memes as much as we do, you’ll have an absolute blast with this game, which includes some of the most recognizable viral images on the internet.
- We appreciate how intuitive the gameplay is, allowing us to start having fun without having to wade through complicated instructions.
Cons:
- Those unfamiliar with memes may find the humor too crude or confusing.
Do or Drink
Bottoms up
Most people are familiar with the game Truth or Dare, as it has become a staple of childhood and awkward parties around the world. Do or Drink takes that concept to a new, outrageous level. Players draw white cards with prompts on them that they all have to do. Most of these are fun, low-risk activities until you reach a “draw” card. When this happens, the player has to draw a black card that proposes an ultimatum. It will list a wild or embarrassing request that the player will have to do unless they decide to drink the required amount. The only other option is to quit the game. If you’re not ready to quit, it’s time to do or drink.
Pros:
- If you’re old enough to drink, this game represents a great way to get the alcohol flowing.
- Just like Truth or Dare, this game really pushes players to get out of their comfort zone, which we appreciate.
Cons:
- It won’t be appropriate for those who don’t drink or who plan to play around younger audiences.
Cards Against Humanity
Perhaps the most well-known adult card game on the market is Cards Against Humanity. Based on the format of the children’s game Apples to Apples, one player draws a black card and everyone else responds with their funniest white card. Simple, right? Well, it gets a little more interesting with cards like “grandpa’s ashes,” “vigorous jazz hands,” and “a middle-aged man on roller-skates” (among many, many cards we can’t in good conscience name here now). Matching a response card to a prompt card isn’t exactly reinventing the wheel, but the content of the cards gives the game its edge. The humor of the cards is in the hands of the players, so if you have funny friends, this game can be hours of not-so-family-friendly fun.
Pros:
- If you’re like us, you’re sure to find the humor outrageously funny.
- We love that there are extension packs available for this game, allowing us to incorporate more players and get even more value out of it.
Cons:
- Some cards can be disturbing or politically incorrect.
Disturbed Friends
Parental warning
If the edginess of other adult card games isn’t enough to satisfy your twisted sense of humor, then maybe it’s time to up the stakes. This wild, totally over-the-top game is only meant for players with a warped mentality. As the packaging says, “this game should be banned.” This game has a similar layout to other games in the genre, answering a prompt card with an answer card. The difference here is that the judge draws a card and the other players vote on what the judge would do in that scenario. With more questionable content than any other adult card game we could find, this pick isn’t for the faint of heart.
Pros:
- We like that you get to vote on people you’re playing with, making this game more collaborative than some others out there.
- Visual people will likely appreciate that this game incorporates more artwork than many competitors.
Cons:
- Some may find the content too offensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do adult games have to be drinking games?
While a lot of adult activities involve alcohol, there are plenty of fun games that don’t. There are lots of games made for adults that involve mature themes and explicit language, but drinking games and adult games aren’t one and the same. If you or someone you know is in recovery and doesn’t want to consume alcohol, there are still plenty of options to choose from.
Are all adult games explicit?
Normally, they are. Otherwise, what would make them strictly for adults? Of course, there are plenty of games that are fun to play whether you’re an adult or not. If you’re craving something a bit more wholesome, checking out fantasy-themed games may be a good idea. There are a lot of great party games that are fun for all ages without being too childish. However, most adult games have adult humor, language, sexual themes, and references to alcohol. Many games are only as dirty as you make them, but let’s face it: these games are designed to be dirty. That’s half the fun.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.