Quest Type: Gaming Night Strategy Guide
Mana Cost: $ to $$ (Most games are cheap/free, snacks cost more)
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level (That’s The Point)
Player Count: 4-12 (The more the merrier/messier)
Buffs: +20 Social Inclusion, +15 “Fun Uncle” Energy, +10 Nostalgia
Debuffs: -30 “Hardcore Gamer” Street Cred (Temporarily)
The Loading Screen (Why This Guide Exists)
Listen, we’ve all been there. You’re hyped for gaming night. You’ve got your setup ready, your Discord server is popping, you’ve meal-prepped some gamer fuel (read: ordered pizza), and then your roommate says the six words that fill you with existential dread:
“Can my girlfriend come? She doesn’t game.”
And suddenly your plans to run a Destiny 2 raid or play ranked Valorant just evaporated like your will to live during a Monday morning standup meeting. Because here’s the thing—you CAN’T subject non-gamers to actual games.
Imagine inviting someone to play basketball and then immediately making them guard LeBron James. That’s what putting a non-gamer into Apex Legends feels like. They don’t know what “push” means. They don’t understand why everyone’s yelling about “one shot.” They’re just walking into walls while you’re trying to explain that “Q is your tactical ability, E is your ultimate, but actually check your keybinds because maybe you rebound it, also watch out for third parties.”
They’ll hate it. You’ll hate that they hate it. Your K/D will suffer. Friendships will be tested.
But here’s the beautiful truth: There are DOZENS of games specifically designed for this exact scenario. Games where your “I only play Candy Crush” friend can actually compete with your “2,000 hours in Elden Ring” friend. Games that are easy to learn, hard to master, and most importantly—fun for literally everyone.
This guide is your emergency protocol for when non-gamers infiltrate your gaming night and you need to pivot FAST.
The Lore (Understanding Your Audience)
Check it, there are basically three types of people at a gaming night with mixed skill levels:
The Gamers™: That’s you. You know what “frames” are. You’ve rage-quit at least one competitive game this week. Your Steam library has 300 games you’ve never played. You understand why “git gud” is both advice and insult.
The Casuals: They play games, but like… mobile games. Maybe some Mario Kart. They know who Mario is but couldn’t tell you the difference between a PlayStation and an Xbox. They think “Twitch” is something your eye does.
The Nomads (Non-Gamers): They have never held a controller with any level of competency. They don’t know what the bumper buttons do. When you say “press A,” they look down at the controller like it’s a Rosetta Stone. Their gaming experience peaked with Wii bowling in 2007.
Your job—your SACRED DUTY—is to find games that let all three groups have fun together. This is like being a Dungeon Master but for party games. You’re curating experiences. You’re facilitating joy. You’re making sure your non-gamer friend doesn’t feel like an idiot while your gamer friend doesn’t feel bored.
It’s a tightrope walk. But I’m about to hand you a guide rope and a safety harness.
The Golden Rules (Before We Get to the Games)
Before I start recommending games, let me hit you with the fundamental laws of mixed-skill gaming nights:
Rule #1: Absolutely ZERO Competitive Shooters
I don’t care if you think Overwatch is “easy to learn.” It’s not. Don’t do this to your friends. Your non-gamer friend will spend 10 minutes learning how to walk and aim at the same time, then get instantly headshot by your friend who’s been playing since beta. They will have a bad time. You will have a bad time watching them have a bad time.
Rule #2: Gatekeeping is Cringe
If you say “well ACTUALLY, the game we SHOULD play is—” and proceed to suggest something with a 40-minute tutorial, you’re the problem. Not every game night needs to be you teaching people your 4X strategy game. Read the room.
Rule #3: Shorter is Better
Non-gamers have LIMITED attention spans for games. A 5-minute round of laughs beats a 45-minute session of confusion and frustration. Structure your night with SHORT games.
Rule #4: Embrace the Chaos
The best party games are the ones where EVERYONE is kind of bad at them. Level the playing field by picking games where mechanical skill matters less than creativity, luck, or social deduction.
Rule #5: Alcohol is a Difficulty Modifier
A couple drinks can actually HELP non-gamers relax and stop overthinking. But too many drinks and nobody can play anything. Find the sweet spot. (See: our drinking game guides for inspiration.)
The Game Recommendations (Sorted By Situation)
Alright, let’s get into the actual games. I’m breaking these down by vibe, player count, and what type of chaos you’re trying to create.
TIER S: The “Everyone Can Play These” Essentials
These are your bread and butter. If you only get 5 games from this entire guide, make it these 5.
1. Jackbox Party Packs (Any of Them)
Platform: Everything (PC, consoles, even your grandma’s Smart TV)
Players: 3-8+ (some games support audience members)
Cost: $20-30 per pack on sale (ALWAYS buy on sale)
Controller: YOUR PHONE (This is the secret sauce)
Why It’s Perfect:
Listen, Jackbox is the GOAT of party games for non-gamers. Here’s why: Nobody needs to learn controller inputs. Everyone just uses their phone as the controller. Your non-gamer friend who can text 80 words per minute? They’re already qualified.
The Best Jackbox Games:
- Quiplash: You answer prompts, others vote for the funniest answer. It’s basically Cards Against Humanity but you make your own cards. Zero skill, 100% creativity.
- Drawful: Pictionary but intentionally terrible drawings. The worse you are at drawing, the funnier it is.
- Fibbage: Trivia game where you make up fake answers to trick people. Lying is the mechanic. Your theater major friend will DOMINATE.
- Push The Button: Social deduction game (like Among Us but simpler). Find the aliens among your crew.
Nerd Tip: Buy Jackbox Party Pack 3 or 7 first. They have the best game variety. Party Pack 3 has Quiplash 2 and Trivia Murder Party. Pack 7 has Quiplash 3 and Blather ‘Round. You literally cannot go wrong.
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level
Friendship Destruction Potential: 2/10 (only if someone writes something TOO edgy)
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Players: 2-4 local, up to 12 online
Cost: $60 (Nintendo tax is real)
Controller: Joy-Cons, Pro Controller, even a single Joy-Con sideways
Why It’s Perfect:
Because it’s MARIO KART. Everyone knows Mario Kart. Your grandma knows Mario Kart. There’s a reason this game has sold 60+ million copies. It’s accessible, it’s colorful, it’s chaotic, and most importantly—the items are the great equalizer.
Even if your friend is terrible at racing, a well-timed Blue Shell or Lightning Bolt can instantly put them in first place. It’s RNG-based chaos that rewards both skill AND luck.
Nerd Tip: Turn on steering assist and auto-accelerate for your non-gamer friends. They can literally just hold the controller and steer. The game does the rest. Don’t tell them you turned it on. Let them think they’re just naturally good at Mario Kart.
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level (with assists) / Mid-Game Boss (without)
Friendship Destruction Potential: 7/10 (Blue Shells cause REAL anger)
3. Overcooked! 2
Platform: Everything
Players: 2-4 local co-op
Cost: $25 (frequently on sale for $10)
Controller: Standard controllers
Why It’s Perfect:
Overcooked is a cooking simulation game where you work together to fulfill food orders in increasingly chaotic kitchens. It’s basically Hell’s Kitchen but you’re ALL Gordon Ramsay yelling at each other.
The genius of Overcooked is that it’s cooperative, so non-gamers don’t feel like they’re competing against skilled players. You’re all just trying to not burn the restaurant down together. It teaches communication, delegation, and time management—which are NOT traditional “gaming skills.”
The Catch: This game WILL cause arguments. You will yell at your friends for not chopping the tomatoes fast enough. Your friend will yell at you for not washing dishes. This is normal. This is part of the experience.
Nerd Tip: Start with the early levels to teach mechanics. Don’t jump straight into the nightmare kitchens with moving platforms and rats. Let people learn to walk before you make them dodge obstacles while cooking.
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level → End-Game Content (progression curve is STEEP)
Friendship Destruction Potential: 8/10 (cooperative games can cause MORE anger than competitive ones)
4. Just Dance (Any Recent Year)
Platform: Everything (console versions best)
Players: 1-6
Cost: $40-60, subscription for more songs
Controller: Your BODY (motion controls or phone app)
Why It’s Perfect:
Because everyone—and I mean EVERYONE—is bad at Just Dance. Unless you’re a professional dancer, you’re just flailing around trying to match the on-screen moves. It’s the great equalizer.
Plus, it’s ACTIVE. After 3 hours of sitting and gaming, getting people up and moving is healthy and fun. Also, watching your friend who “doesn’t dance” absolutely commit to “Rasputin” by Boney M is chef’s kiss content.
Nerd Tip: Make everyone do one song. No exceptions. Even the person saying “I don’t dance” needs to do it. Peer pressure is your friend here. Once everyone’s done one song and looked equally ridiculous, the self-consciousness disappears.
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level (everyone’s bad)
Friendship Destruction Potential: 1/10 (it’s hard to be mad when everyone’s laughing)
5. Fall Guys
Platform: Everything (it’s free now!)
Players: 1 locally, up to 60 in a match
Cost: FREE
Controller: Standard controller
Why It’s Perfect:
Fall Guys is basically Wipeout (the TV show) meets Battle Royale. You’re a little jelly bean man racing through obstacle courses, trying not to fall off platforms or get grabbed by other players.
The controls are SIMPLE: jump, dive, grab. That’s it. A child can learn this in 30 seconds. But the game is chaotic enough that even skilled players will get eliminated by pure bad luck (getting grabbed at the finish line, a random ball hitting you, server desync).
Nerd Tip: Play the “squads” mode where you’re on teams. This way, even if your non-gamer friend gets eliminated early, they’re still invested because their team can still win. Also, it’s free, so literally everyone can download it right now.
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level
Friendship Destruction Potential: 3/10 (hard to be mad at jelly beans)
TIER A: The “Slightly More Gaming Required” Zone
These games require a BIT more mechanical skill or understanding, but they’re still totally accessible.
6. Among Us
Platform: Everything (even mobile)
Players: 4-15
Cost: Free on mobile, $5 on PC/console
Controller: Point and click / touch screen
Why It’s Good:
Social deduction game where you’re trying to figure out who the “imposter” is while they secretly sabotage and kill crew members. It’s Mafia/Werewolf but in space.
The gameplay is SIMPLE: walk around, complete minigames (tasks), and accuse people in meetings. Non-gamers can handle this. The real game is the social element—lying, deducing, arguing about who’s sus.
The Catch: You need at least 6-8 people for it to really work. Also, some people are BAD at lying and will get caught instantly, which can be discouraging.
Nerd Tip: Play on “The Skeld” map first. It’s the original map and everyone knows it. Don’t start with the newer, more complex maps.
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level (mechanically) / Mid-Game Boss (socially)
Friendship Destruction Potential: 6/10 (accusing your friend of murder creates TENSION)
7. Gang Beasts
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Players: 2-8 local/online
Cost: $20
Controller: Standard controller
Why It’s Good:
Physics-based fighting game where you’re trying to knock other gelatinous blob-people off various platforms. Think drunk sumo wrestling but everyone’s made of jello.
The controls are INTENTIONALLY clunky. Nobody is “good” at Gang Beasts. You’re all just mashing buttons and hoping your character doesn’t ragdoll off the edge. It’s pure chaos.
Nerd Tip: Play this game AFTER a few drinks. The clunky controls become even funnier when everyone’s coordination is already compromised.
Difficulty Rating: Mid-Game Boss (button mashing required)
Friendship Destruction Potential: 5/10 (physical comedy reduces rage)
8. Moving Out
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
Players: 2-4 local co-op
Cost: $25
Controller: Standard controller
Why It’s Good:
Co-op game where you’re furniture movers trying to load items into a truck. It’s like Overcooked but instead of cooking, you’re throwing couches through windows and arguing about optimal box stacking.
Physics-based puzzles + cooperation = fun chaos. Non-gamers can handle “pick up couch, move to truck.” But the physics make it harder than it seems, so everyone’s equally confused.
Difficulty Rating: Tutorial Level → Mid-Game Boss
Friendship Destruction Potential: 7/10 (cooperative chaos breeds arguments)
TIER B: The “I’m Easing You Into Gaming” Category
These games are a small step up but still accessible. Use these if your non-gamer friends are getting comfortable and want to try something with slightly more depth.
9. It Takes Two
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Players: 2 (strictly co-op)
Cost: $40 (only need to buy once for “Friend Pass”)
Controller: Standard controller
Why It’s Good:
This is a co-op adventure game designed for exactly TWO players. You and one other person play as a couple going through relationship counseling, except you’ve been turned into dolls and have to work together through various platforming and puzzle challenges.
It’s GORGEOUS, creative, and specifically designed for one experienced gamer + one less experienced player. The game adjusts difficulty and gives both players equally important roles.
The Catch: It’s not a party game. It’s for 2 people only. But if you’re trying to introduce ONE non-gamer friend to gaming, this is the perfect gateway drug.
Nerd Tip: This won game of the year (2021). It’s THAT good. Use it as your “see, games can be actual art” example.
Difficulty Rating: Mid-Game Boss
Friendship Destruction Potential: 4/10 (it’s designed for cooperation)
10. Pummel Party
Platform: PC (Steam)
Players: 2-8
Cost: $15
Controller: Controller or keyboard
Why It’s Good:
It’s basically Mario Party but on PC and WAY more chaotic. Board game structure with minigames that range from skill-based to pure RNG. You can literally blow up other players’ progress with items. It’s beautiful spite in game form.
Nerd Tip: Enable “Friendly Fire” mode for maximum chaos. Nothing says friendship like launching a rocket at your bestie’s game piece.
Difficulty Rating: Mid-Game Boss
Friendship Destruction Potential: 9/10 (it’s DESIGNED to ruin friendships)
The Setup (How to Actually Host This)
Alright, so you’ve got your games picked. Now let’s talk logistics, because a good gaming night is 50% game selection and 50% everything else.
The Tech Setup
What You Need:
- A big screen – TV, projector, doesn’t matter. Bigger is better. Nobody wants to squint at a 24″ monitor.
- Enough controllers – If you have 6 people and 2 controllers, that’s a problem. Buy cheap wired controllers as backups. They’re $15 on Amazon.
- Good Wi-Fi – If you’re playing online games, your router matters. Nothing kills the vibe like lag.
- A charging station – Controllers WILL die mid-session. Have charging cables ready.
Nerd Tip: If you’re using a Nintendo Switch for Mario Kart, you can buy cheap Joy-Con grips or third-party controllers for like $20. Don’t make people use single Joy-Cons sideways unless you have to—they’re TINY and uncomfortable.
The Snack Economy
This is critical. You CANNOT host a gaming night without snacks. This is law.
The Essentials:
- Pizza – The official food of gaming. Order 2 pizzas per 4 people. Someone’s going to eat more than you think.
- Chips – Variety is key. Get at least 3 types. Someone will have opinions about this.
- Candy – Gummy bears, chocolate, whatever. Sugar fuels gaming.
- WATER – Seriously, have water available. Gamers are chronically dehydrated.
What NOT to Serve:
- Anything that makes your hands greasy (avoid Cheetos unless you want orange controller prints)
- Anything that requires utensils (you’re gaming, not dining)
- Anything too messy (no ribs, no saucy wings)
Nerd Tip: Put the snacks on a SEPARATE table away from the controllers. This prevents “Dorito dust controller” syndrome.
The Social Dynamics
How to Handle Skill Gaps:
- Rotate games frequently – Don’t play 6 rounds of the same thing. Keep it fresh.
- Mix teams – Pair your experienced gamer with a non-gamer for co-op games.
- Celebrate losses – Make fun of yourself when you lose. It gives non-gamers permission to not take it seriously.
- Handicap yourself – If you’re obviously way better, play with one hand, use a worse character, or drink more (carefully).
Nerd Tip: If someone’s getting frustrated, switch games immediately. Don’t force it. Gaming should be fun, not homework.
What NOT to Do (The Failure States)
Let me tell you about the gaming nights that go WRONG so you can avoid them:
❌ The “I’ll Just Teach You My Favorite Game” Disaster Your friend: “Let’s play something!”
You: “Okay, so this is Dwarf Fortress. Let me explain the ASCII graphics and the 47 different stone types—”
Your friend: leaves
Don’t do this. Your 4X strategy game or your CRPG with 600 hours of content is NOT party game material.
❌ The “Everyone Must Be Equally Skilled” Trap If you’re waiting for everyone to “get good” before having fun, you’ll never have fun. Embrace the chaos. Let people be bad. That’s the point.
❌ The “Nobody Explains the Rules” Chaos If you throw 6 people into Gang Beasts with zero explanation, they’ll be confused and frustrated. Take 60 seconds to explain controls and objectives. Future you will thank past you.
❌ The “I’m Taking This Too Seriously” Problem If you’re getting actually mad about losing party games, you’re the problem. Chill out. Have a drink. Remember this is supposed to be FUN.
The Pro-Strat (Advanced Hosting Tactics)
🎮 Create a Rotation Schedule Before people arrive, make a list of 5-6 games you want to play and roughly how long each should last. This prevents the “uhhh what should we play next” dead air.
Example Schedule:
- 7:00 PM – Jackbox (30 min)
- 7:30 PM – Mario Kart (20 min)
- 7:50 PM – Gang Beasts (20 min)
- 8:10 PM – Overcooked (30 min)
- 8:40 PM – Jackbox again (30 min)
🎮 Have a “Backup Game” Ready Sometimes a game just doesn’t land. Have a backup ready to pivot to. Jackbox is always a safe pivot because literally everyone can play it.
🎮 Use a Tournament Bracket for Competitive Games If you’re playing something competitive like Mario Kart, make a bracket. It adds structure and gives people who get eliminated a clear endpoint instead of just “endless losing.”
🎮 Take Photos/Videos Gaming nights create AMAZING content. Someone doing Just Dance to “Cotton Eye Joe” is social media gold. Just ask permission first.
🎮 End on a High Note Don’t keep playing until everyone’s tired and annoyed. End the night while people are still having fun. They’ll want to come back.
The Ultimate Party Game Night Starter Pack
If you’re building from scratch and have ZERO party games, here’s what I’d buy with a $150 budget:
- Jackbox Party Pack 3 – $25 (or wait for sale, get it for $12)
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – $50 (if you have a Switch)
- Overcooked 2 – $10 (on sale)
- Fall Guys – FREE
- Among Us – FREE (mobile) or $5 (PC/console)
- Extra controllers – $30 (for whatever platform you have)
- Snacks – $30
Total: ~$150
This gives you 5 games covering different genres (trivia, racing, co-op, platformer, social deduction) plus the hardware to support it. You’re SET.
Final Thoughts: Gaming is For Everyone
Here’s the thing—gaming has this reputation for being gatekeepy and exclusive. “You have to know the meta.” “You have to have played the previous games.” “You have to have 1000+ hours to understand.”
That’s bullshit.
Gaming is supposed to be FUN. And party games prove that you don’t need to be “good at games” to have a great time. Some of my best gaming memories are watching my friend who’s never touched a controller absolutely BODY everyone at Quiplash because he’s funny. Or watching my grandma dominate at Just Dance despite being 70 years old.
The games in this guide are designed to make EVERYONE feel included. Your speedrunner friend and your “I only play Wordle” friend can both have fun with Jackbox. Your Elden Ring veteran and your Animal Crossing casual can both laugh at Gang Beasts.
So next time someone says “I don’t game,” don’t gatekeep. Don’t make them feel bad. Don’t subject them to ranked Overwatch.
Just boot up Jackbox, hand them their phone, and watch them discover that gaming is actually for everyone.
Now go host an amazing gaming night and prove that games are for everyone, not just the sweats. 🎮🍕
P.S. – If you introduce someone to gaming through party games and they end up getting super into it and buying their own setup, you’re basically their gaming godparent now. Congratulations. That’s your legacy.
P.P.S. – If someone suggests playing Monopoly at gaming night, kick them out. That’s not gaming, that’s just choosing violence. There are LIMITS.
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