Get ready to turn your gaming sessions into epic gatherings! Whether you’re hosting friends at your place or connecting virtually, the right party game can transform any gathering into a laughter-filled, competitive, and unforgettable experience. In this article, we’re diving into the Xbox universe to bring you the 13 best party games that guarantee a good time. From high-energy competitions to cooperative adventure games, these games are the secret sauce for an epic gaming party. So, grab your Xbox controllers, rally your friends, and let’s explore the best party games to play on your Xbox.
1. Among Us
Among Us is a murder mystery title that needs no introduction. This game became extremely popular in 2020, during the COVID pandemic, when many people needed an online experience to share with their friends and family. Divide your friends into two teams and prepare for an anxiety-inducing adventure!
Up to 15 people can play this game with you at the same time, in the single lobby. All they need is to have this title on their mobile devices. That’s because this game is crossplay, which means it’ll work no matter what devices you and your friends are using: PCs, consoles, or mobile phones. It’s still a great game to play at parties.
2. Overcooked 2
Overcooked is an extremely popular party game, and Overcooked 2 is its sequel. The premise of this game is very simple: Hop into the kitchen with up to three friends, and prepare food for your hungry guests. However, as time passes, the challenges in the game become trickier, and sooner or later chaos will ensue.
Overcooked 2 is a game that requires teamwork and coordinated puzzle-solving. The more players you have in your game, the more challenging it gets, and things can easily go south, culminating in hilarious chaos. Use this game to test the teamwork abilities of your friends, or just have some fun while partying.
3. The Jackbox Party Pack
There are eleven Jackbox Party Pack games out there, and all of them are great. Instead of mentioning one by one, let’s just see what this franchise is about. All Party Packs contain 5 Jackbox games, specially designed to be played by multiple people at once. They are easy to pick up so even your guests that have no gaming experience can enjoy them.
Most fans agree that Jackbox Party Pack 8 is the best in the series. The games it contains range from mystery and action to creative games and puzzles. Gather your friends around your TV and play together. You don’t need multiple Xbox controllers because they can join the game via their mobile phones.
4. Just Dance 2024
Music and dancing are a fundamental part of every party, so why not mix it up with a party game Just Dance? You no longer need the Xbox Kinect to track your movements to play this game. But you’ll have to use your phone. Just Dance 2024 was released in October 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox series X/S.
The base game comes with over 40 tracks. But you can buy additional tracks via the in-app store. Although this game lacks genre variety, there are plenty of songs of different tempos. Choose something slow and romantic to dance with your significant other, or something fast and furious to let the steam out.
5. Castle Crashers Remastered
Back in 2008, Castle Crashers was released for Xbox 360 via Xbox Live Arcade, and it became one of the favorite couch co-op hack-and-slash games. But it does incorporate some elements from RPGs. It can support up to four players either locally or online. The remastered version came in 2015, for Xbox One, and it had upgraded graphics, a new mini-game, an uncapped frame rate, and improved gameplay.
Save different princesses across the map, working together with your friends. But watch out, things can get very competitive when fighting for the opportunity to get a kiss from a princess. The mini-games will allow you either to fight side by side with your friends against waves of enemies, or fight each other and let the best person carry the title of a hero.
6. Golf With Your Friends
You don’t need any real-life golf experience to play this game. Golf with Your Friends is one of the best Xbox golf games out there, and that’s because it took the elements of mini golf, and added the arcade formula to it. The result is hours of fun you’ll have with your party guests.
You can play this game with your friends locally or online. It supports up to 12 different players in each mode. The game is highly competitive so make sure you are not a sour loser. Aside from making sure you complete the holes with the least moves, you can also plot against your friends and stall their progress.
7. Rocket League
Some of the best games for parties are racing games. They are usually multiplayer games, and very competitive which means tons of fun with friends! But Rocket League is not your typical racing game. Yes, you’ll drive a car, but instead of beating your opponents on a racing track, you’ll play soccer with it.
Rocket League supports up to 8 players, divided into two teams. There’s a giant ball in the field and you and your teammates need to push it into the opponent’s goal, using your rocket-powered cars. The most recent updates allow you to choose between regular soccer on the grass field, ice hockey, or basketball game modes.
8. Halo: Master Chief Collection
This series needs no introduction. Everyone loves a good shooter, and when it comes with a multiplayer option, it guarantees a good party. Halo: Master Chief Collection is your best choice because it includes Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo 4. You can switch between these games to spice the play session with different modes, maps, and gameplay. You can play with up to 4 friends, on a split-screen although single-player is also supported.
9. Runbow
If you and your party guests want to play a simple but fun platform racing game, give Runbow a try. Compete against your friends and win by reaching the trophy first on each game level. The gameplay mechanics allow you to use some special moves, such as double jump or hitting an enemy, to gain an advantage.
Keep in mind this game might not be for everyone as it’s color-based. For example, the orange player will have difficulty surviving the orange background, and he’ll need to be extra careful throughout the race until the background changes color.
10. Minecraft
Minecraft is a game that needs no introduction. But did you know that on Xbox One Minecraft supports up to 4 players in a split screen? It works both in survival and creative mode. Work together with your friends to build creative buildings, or monuments, or work against them and destroy their creations.
The Xbox One version of this game also supports battle mode, so you can fight your party guests in Minecraft Battle Royale mode. Or, you can opt for survival mode and defend your creations against the Creepers during the night.
11. Music Games
What’s a party without music? We already mentioned Just Dance, a music game for dancing, but if you and your friends prefer to play an instrument or sing, check out some of the best music party games for Xbox, such as Rock Band 4, Guitar Hero Live, or Let’s Sing 2018. These are fan favorites in each franchise, and you can’t go wrong with either of them.
If you don’t have enough space where your guests can groove to the beats of Just Dance, let them try their musical talent by playing instruments. Both Rock Band 4 and Guitar Hero Live are based on matching patterns. Even if none of your party guests have previous experience with playing a guitar, they’ll be able to repeat the specific notes of songs and play these games. Instead of playing an instrument, your guests will have to sing along and match the tonal pitch of the lyrics that appear on the screen. It works exactly like any party karaoke game.
12. Fighting Games
A fighting game tournament is always a good idea to make your party burst with energy and emotions. All fighting games follow the same formula, two players fight each other until one of them wins the round. Yeah, the rest of your guests will watch, but they’ll have their turn too, once a player is beaten and out of the game. For some people watching a fighting match is even more fun than participating.
However, fighting games have different complexities, and while some are very hard to learn and master, others can be pretty simple. If you’re looking to include people who never played fighting games before, opt for games such as Divekick. This game is played with only two buttons, one for jumping and the other one for kicking. Looking for more complex games that’ll include combos, blocks, counters, and stage transitions? Opt for Injustice 2 or Dragon Ball Fighter Z.
The most difficult fighting games for Xbox are Tekken 7 and Dead or Alive 6. Choose these games only if you know your party guests are experienced gamers. Both Tekken and Dead or Alive demand lots of memorization and plotting a strategy to win your opponent. Although the most difficult, these fighting games are some of the best choices for the Xbox party.
13. Gang Beasts
Gang Beasts is one of the best beat-em-up party games out there. Enter the game map with three friends and fight each other until one of you is the last man standing. You’ll have the opportunity to select your ragdoll costume and even customize it while in the lobby.
In Gang Beasts you can use various moves such as kicking and punching, as well as throwing your opponent from the stage hazards while they’re knocked out. Ally with one of your friends to quickly defeat other players before you turn your back on each other. But don’t be surprised if your friends have the same idea and you end up being knocked out first. This game is capable of making some pretty weird and hilarious scenarios.
As you gear up for your next gaming party, remember that the true magic lies in the camaraderie and shared experiences these games provide. Xbox has proven once again that it’s not just a console; it’s a gateway to unforgettable moments with friends and family.