Fun Games to Play When Drunk: Because Sobriety is Overrated
When the night is young, the drinks are flowing, and the inhibitions are low, there’s no better time to dive into some hilariously chaotic games. Whether you’re at a house party, a bar, or just chilling with friends, these games are guaranteed to keep the laughter rolling and the memories (or lack thereof) flowing. Here are some of the best fun games to play when drunk, along with a few slightly off-kilter discussions about why they work so well in the state of inebriation.
1. Never Have I Ever
This classic drinking game is a staple for a reason. It’s simple: everyone takes turns saying something they’ve never done, and anyone who has done it takes a drink. The beauty of this game lies in its ability to reveal hilarious, embarrassing, or downright shocking truths about your friends. When drunk, the stakes feel higher, and the confessions get wilder. Plus, it’s a great way to bond—or blackmail each other later.
Discussion Point: Why do we feel compelled to share our deepest secrets when alcohol is involved? Is it the liquid courage, or do we just stop caring about consequences after the third shot?
2. Beer Pong
A game that combines skill, luck, and a whole lot of beer, beer pong is the ultimate party game. The rules are straightforward: throw a ping pong ball into cups of beer arranged in a triangle, and if you land one, your opponent has to drink. The drunker you get, the harder it becomes to aim, which only adds to the hilarity. Bonus points if you start making up your own rules halfway through the game.
Discussion Point: Is beer pong a sport? Should it be in the Olympics? And why does it feel like the cups move farther away with every drink?
3. Kings Cup
This card-based drinking game is a crowd-pleaser. Each card drawn corresponds to a specific rule or action, like “waterfall” (everyone drinks in succession) or “thumb master” (the person who draws the card can place their thumb on the table at any time, and the last person to notice has to drink). The unpredictability of the game keeps everyone on their toes, and the drunker you get, the more absurd the rules become.
Discussion Point: Why do we let a deck of cards dictate our actions? Is it the thrill of randomness, or are we just too lazy to come up with our own rules?
4. Drunk Jenga
Take the classic game of Jenga and add a twist: write a rule or dare on each block. When someone pulls a block, they have to follow the instruction written on it. The combination of physical coordination (or lack thereof) and the added pressure of dares makes this game a riot. Plus, watching someone try to stack blocks while drunk is comedy gold.
Discussion Point: Why does Jenga become exponentially harder after a few drinks? Is it the alcohol, or is it the fear of being the one to topple the tower?
5. Truth or Drink
A spin on the classic “Truth or Dare,” this game forces players to answer personal questions or take a drink. The questions can range from mildly embarrassing to downright scandalous, and the drunker you get, the more likely you are to spill the tea. It’s a great way to learn things about your friends that you never wanted to know.
Discussion Point: Why do we find other people’s secrets so fascinating? Is it the thrill of knowing something others don’t, or are we just nosy by nature?
6. Drunk Charades
Charades is already a hilarious game, but add alcohol to the mix, and it becomes a whole new level of absurdity. Trying to act out movie titles, songs, or phrases while drunk is a recipe for laughter, especially when your teammates are just as clueless as you are. The best part? No one remembers the rules, so it quickly devolves into chaos.
Discussion Point: Why is it so hard to act out “The Lion King” when you’re drunk? Is it the lack of coordination, or do we just forget how lions behave?
7. Flip Cup
A team-based drinking game that’s as competitive as it is fun, flip cup involves racing to drink a cup of beer and then flipping the cup upside down on the edge of the table. The first team to finish wins. The drunker you get, the harder it becomes to flip the cup, which only adds to the hilarity. It’s a great way to get everyone involved and keep the energy high.
Discussion Point: Why does flipping a cup feel like solving a Rubik’s Cube when you’re drunk? Is it the physics, or is it the alcohol messing with our motor skills?
8. Drunk Drawing
Grab some paper and pens, and let the creativity flow—or at least, let the scribbles begin. Each player takes turns drawing something based on a prompt, and the results are usually hilariously bad. The drunker you get, the more abstract the drawings become, and the funnier the interpretations.
Discussion Point: Why do we think we’re Picasso when we’re drunk? Is it the alcohol boosting our confidence, or do we just stop caring about what our art looks like?
9. Musical Chairs (Drunk Edition)
Take the classic children’s game and add alcohol. Instead of chairs, use cups of beer, and instead of music, play your favorite party playlist. When the music stops, everyone has to grab a cup and drink. The last person to grab a cup is out. It’s a fast-paced, chaotic game that’s perfect for keeping the party energy high.
Discussion Point: Why does musical chairs feel like a life-or-death situation when you’re drunk? Is it the competition, or are we just really invested in not being the last one to grab a drink?
10. Drunk Twister
Twister is already a game that tests your flexibility and balance, but add alcohol, and it becomes a full-blown comedy show. Trying to contort your body into impossible positions while drunk is a recipe for disaster—and endless laughter. Just make sure you have a soft surface to land on when you inevitably fall over.
Discussion Point: Why does Twister feel like an extreme sport when you’re drunk? Is it the physical challenge, or are we just more willing to embarrass ourselves after a few drinks?
Related Q&A
Q: What’s the best game to play when you’re really drunk?
A: It depends on your mood, but Never Have I Ever and Drunk Jenga are always solid choices. They’re easy to play, require minimal setup, and guarantee lots of laughs.
Q: Are these games safe to play?
A: As long as everyone drinks responsibly and knows their limits, these games are a fun way to enjoy a night out. Always make sure everyone is comfortable and safe.
Q: Can you play these games without alcohol?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks or even snacks. The games are just as fun without the booze, though the level of chaos might be slightly reduced.
Q: What’s the worst game to play when drunk?
A: Any game that requires a lot of coordination or precision, like darts or pool, might not be the best idea when you’re drunk. Stick to games that are more about fun and less about skill.
Q: How do you make these games more fun?
A: Add your own twists! Create new rules, incorporate dares, or even add a theme to the night. The more creative you get, the more memorable the experience will be.