The Best Trivia Games
It's mind-blowing how much trivial knowledge we pick up through the years. That's why there's essentially a trivia game out there for anyone, of any age, with any pastime or hobby. These days, you'd be hard-pressed to find a game that doesn't cover someone's interest. To help you find the perfect pick for your next game night, we figured we'd make it easier on you and round up some of our faves.
Hasbro Trivial Pursuit: Classic Edition
These days, things move so quickly that items from a year or two ago are rendered obsolete. But at nearly 40 years old, this ultimate classic has stood the test of time and for good reason. The game has remained virtually unchanged during its lifetime while the trivia questions themselves get updated to stay relevant with the times.
Trivial Pursuit has something for everyone, with categories ranging from Science to History to Entertainment. A neat feature of this particular edition is that it mixes the old with the new. The board itself is designed to look similar to the original one and has a retro 80’s feel to it, while many of the questions have been updated so as not to frustrate any younger players.
Pros:
- Additional packs of cards can be purchased to add some variety
- Appropriate for all ages
- Great value for the price
- Includes a massive quantity of questions
Con:
- There is no way to organize the cards after playing, so you will need to have a system for remembering which cards have been used
Player Ten Brain Freeze
There are plenty of trivia games out there that require knowledge of the world in general, but what about trivia about your friends? This innovative (and sometimes NSFW) game moves so quickly that you and your fellow participants may end up learning some very juicy information about each other. Cards are drawn so that everyone can see and players that have matching icons on their cards must answer the prompt on their opponent’s card as quickly as possible. That’s where the “Brain Freeze” part comes into play since the fastest answer wins the round. Though the game moves fast, the questions may spark some fascinating conversations to have once you’re finished playing, too.
Pros:
- A full game usually only takes about 25 minutes so you can play multiple games in one night
- The sole purpose of Brain Freeze is to induce laughter, making this a fun and light activity for any situation
- Allows up to 10 players to play at once
Con:
- Since the questions may be a bit risqué, this isn’t a great game for people who aren’t comfortable with each other
Hygge Games Things They Don’t Teach You in School
Don't Know Much About History
We’re all familiar with the usual trivia questions about Presidents and literature, but not everyone is a history buff or a bookworm. If you find yourself wanting a bit more of a variety in your trivia night, look no further. We wouldn’t necessarily call the knowledge one might possess to succeed at this game useless, but it certainly isn’t traditional. Even if you’re not sure the information you acquire from playing will be helpful in the long run, it will definitely be a fun learning experience. And hey, who knows – maybe someday you’ll be asked why fish don’t get seasick and thanks to this game, you just might know the answer.
Pros:
- The unusual questions may put players more at ease than more conventional trivia games
- Virtually no limit on how many people can participate
- Great value for the price
Con:
- Some questions may be too risqué for younger players
Not Parent Approved: A Fun Card Game for Kids
For The Mischief Makers
Cards Against Humanity is hilarious, but not quite appropriate for an entire family to play together. Not Parent Approved is the perfect solution to this problem, as it deals with less controversial subjects. An ad-lib card game, this option gets everyone involved in the fun. Each round has a judge – aka, the Burp Boss – who is in charge of choosing their favorite answer to prompts like “Dare you to tell dad about _____”. This game is great because it’s silly and playful without being raunchy. enough without getting into raunchy territory.
Pros:
- Suitable for kids 8 and up, so older kids can get involved too
- Compact enough to bring to friends’ houses for sleepovers and other playdates
- Includes 455 cards
Con:
- Some phrases need to be re-worded to be combined with other cards
Buffalo Games Hella 90’s – Pop Culture Trivia
This game is so totally radical and if you don’t agree then you can talk to the hand. If speaking in that style feels familiar, we think you’re really going to love this trivia set. This comes with over 400 questions all dedicated to the era that brought us grunge, Tamagotchis, and AOL. The game’s design really nails the 90’s aesthetic, and you’ll be instantly transported back in time due to the bright colors and kitschy font. And the best part? Use your phone to scan a code on the box and you’ll be able to listen to the game’s official 90’s soundtrack while you play.
Pros:
- The game can be varied so as not to become repetitive, as some cards are typical trivia, and others are head-t0-head battles
- Questions cover a wide range of topics
- The inexpensive price makes this the perfect gift
Con:
- Instructions indicate that each round lasts until a team reaches 7 points, which may make the playing time fairly short
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some key things to consider before purchasing a trivia game?
Ultimately, you want this activity to be enjoyable without any frustration or arguments, so one big thing to think about is the difficulty level. If you’re playing in a group where people tend to get competitive, perhaps a game that’s a little lighter will prove to be more enjoyable. The number of people who will usually be playing is important as well, as many of these require at least four participants for the game to work.
Are these trivia games appropriate for kids?
Another aspect to be aware of is the age of the participants, as some questions may be a bit too suggestive for younger players. Also, some trivia questions may alienate younger kids, since they reference obscure historical events in the past. If you plan to play with kids, make sure your game of choice is relevant and kid-friendly.
Why Trust Us
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.