Games to Play With Your Roommate

How to Choose a Game

The best roommate game depends on a few things.

How many people: two roommates need different games than a house of five.
How much time: some games take five minutes, others a whole evening.
Energy level: after a long day, low-effort games work better than complex strategy.
Competitiveness: cooperative games can be a good choice if your group gets tense when losing.
Space: small apartments suit tabletop and talking games more than active ones.

If it is just the two of you, try games built for two players. For more ideas, see best couple games.

Cards: Gin Rummy, Cribbage, Spit, or Speed.
Board games: Patchwork, Jaipur, 7 Wonders Duel and Santorini are popular two-player options. Check each for the player count before buying.
Pen and paper: Dots and Boxes, Hangman, or a simple drawing challenge.
Co-op video games: story-driven co-op titles for two, such as It Takes Two, are a common pick.
Quick challenges: a trivia face-off or a “who knows the other better” quiz.

When more roommates are around, party-friendly games work well.

Codenames: a team word association game that is simple to learn.
Uno and similar quick card games: easy to pick up, even mid-conversation.
Catan: a trading and strategy game that takes longer but suits a free evening.
Exploding Kittens or similar fast card games: short rounds, so people can join in or drop out.
Social deduction games: Werewolf and Mafia-style games need no equipment, and they work better with six or more players. For related ideas see our at-home detective and mystery games.

Many groups use a TV or phones for party games.

Jackbox Party Packs: players use their phones as controllers while the game appears on a TV.
Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros.: console staples for friendly tournaments.
Overcooked 2: a co-op cooking game that rewards communication, and which often leads to chaos.
Online board game sites: useful if one roommate is away or if you want to play with friends remotely.

You do not need to buy anything to have a fun evening.

Two Truths and a Lie: a quick way to learn new things about each other.
20 Questions or Charades: work with any group size.
Categories and Alphabet games: pick a theme and take turns naming items. See category game ideas for prompts.
Would You Rather and The Voting Game: conversation starters, best with people who know each other well. Keep questions friendly so nobody feels targeted.

Space can be tight, but a few games work indoors.

Paper ball basketball: use a trash can and crumpled paper.
Minute-to-win-it style challenges: stack cups, flip a bottle, or toss items into a bowl.
Living-room Sardines or hide-and-seek: if the space allows, see our Sardines guide.
Dance-offs or karaoke: be mindful of neighbors and quiet hours.

Pick a regular night, even if it is only once a month.
Rotate who chooses the game so it stays fair.
Agree on house rules ahead of time to avoid arguments, such as whether phone use is allowed.
Keep snacks simple and share the cost.
Be flexible. If a roommate does not want to play, invite them to watch or join later.

If you are hosting others, many ideas in our indoor games for youth guide also work for adult groups.

What are some fun activities to do with roommates? Game nights, cooking together, movie nights and short challenges are common.

What games work for two people? Card games, two-player board games, pen and paper games and co-op video games.

What games need no setup? Talking games like 20 Questions, Two Truths and a Lie, and charades.