[From small to large groups] Drinking games recommended for college students
We’ve put together a list of games that seem perfect for livening up a drinking party—especially recommended for college students.
We’re focusing on ones you can start on the spot when inspiration strikes and that don’t require many props.
When drinking, even things that wouldn’t normally make you laugh can suddenly feel hilarious, so even super simple games you’ve played “a million times” can get everyone fired up! These are all games that both drinkers and non-drinkers can enjoy together in a lively atmosphere, so be sure to give them a try!
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- A simple punishment game you can do anywhere without any props—even at school or outdoors.
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[From small to large groups] Drinking games recommended for college students (11–20)
Wink Killer
It’s fun just to chat while having a drink, but how about adding one element and trying the “Wink Killer Game”? Decide one person to be the “killer” by drawing lots, and while everyone is talking normally, the killer winks at someone they make eye contact with.
The person who gets winked at declares that they were “killed by the killer.” The killer is out if they’re caught winking at someone.
If they manage to wink at more than half of the participants without being detected, they win.
A game where you have to sing within 10 seconds
This is a game where someone gives a prompt, and you have to sing a part of a song that includes that prompt.
If you don’t start singing within 10 seconds after the prompt is given, you’re out! Use common words that likely appear in many song lyrics—like “tears,” “letter,” “sky,” or “hand”—and within 10 seconds, sing a lyric that includes that word as your answer.
If 10 seconds is too hard, make it 20 seconds, and decide in advance how many passes are allowed.
How about using your smartphone’s stopwatch to play?
U.S.A. game
The “U.S.A.
Game” is a game where you play while dancing to DA PUMP’s smash hit song “U.S.A.” You sing along to the chorus of “U.S.A.” and do the famous “Ii ne Dance” while answering common clichés related to a given topic.
Topics are given on the spot, and you have to answer without any time to think.
Start simple with the topic “America” and list American clichés, then move on to various topics like “college,” “drinking parties,” and so on.
If your answer isn’t a real cliché or you can’t come up with one, you’re out.
Word Wolf
If Werewolf feels too hard and you want something quicker and easier to play, “Word Wolf” is a great choice.
Everyone gets a slip of paper with one of two similar words on it, splitting the group into a majority and a minority.
You all discuss the topic and try to identify who’s in the minority.
For example, if there are seven players, five might receive “sea” and the remaining two “river.” From the discussion, the goal is to find the two players with “river.” Of course, if you realize you’re in the minority with “river,” try to read the majority’s opinions and camouflage yourself.
Kazutori-dan
The game “Kazutori-dan” was played on the popular variety show Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!, which aired until 2018.
In this game, players say the name of an object or animal, and the next person must respond with the correct counter unit, with the number increasing each turn.
For example, if the previous prompt is ‘tofu,’ the answer would be ‘1 chō (one block),’ and if the next prompt is ‘rabbit,’ the answer would be ‘2 wa,’ and so on—giving the correct counter while increasing the number.
It’s fine if the same prompt continues; in that case, only the number increases.
Beef Tongue Game
The brain-teasing Gyutan game is perfect for group play, where focus and memory are key.
Players sit in a circle and say “Gyu” out loud, then on the “tan” part, they clap without speaking.
Pay extra attention because the final “tan” comes in succession.
After one round, move to the second, third, and so on, increasing the number of final “tan” claps by one each time.
As the rounds progress, the number of “tan” claps increases, so remember the count and try not to make mistakes.
Once you get used to it, picking up the tempo can make it even more exciting.
[From small to large groups] Drinking games recommended for college students (21–30)
First Impressions Game
A “first impression game” where you pose a prompt, everyone writes down or says the name of the person who fits that image, and the person mentioned most is recognized as having that image.
For example, ask “Who here seems to love their mom the most?” The person who gets the most votes earns 1 point, and whoever accumulates the most points gets a penalty! Try playing it that way.
It won’t be very exciting with neutral prompts like “someone who seems kind” or “someone who seems funny,” so instead, ask questions with slightly embarrassing or undesirable images that make it a bit of a dishonor to be chosen.