Let’s be honest, three is a tricky number. You don’t have enough players for that four-player bridge game, but the classic two-player games just don’t cut it. Don’t worry – here, you’ll find plenty of fun and creative games that can be enjoyed with three people! So gather your crew, get comfortable, and let’s get gaming!
No matter what you end up playing, make sure to have a blast and spend some quality time with your pals.
Contents
Top Picks Board & Card Games That Everyone Loves
Everyone has their favorite board games, and there is no one right or wrong answer. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just looking for something to pass the time, these games are sure to please!
1. RisiKo – Hasbro Risk Game
RisiKo is a cooperative game for two to four players that features a unique risk board. Players are tasked with managing their resources and making decisions that affect their position on the board, all while trying to outfox their opponents.
The goal of this game is simple, all you have to do is conquer enemy territories and move your troops until you complete the mission that you get at the start of the game. From conquering the whole board to destroying players.
This exciting game is filled with betrayal, alliances, and surprise attacks. Anything can happen on the battlefield!
The player who completes his or her secret mission first — and reveals the secret mission card to prove it — wins.
2. UNO Card Game – Try Not to Get Mad at Your Friends
UNO is one of the most popular card games in the world. It can be enjoyed by all ages and is a great game to play with friends or family. There are many variations of UNO available, so if you’re looking for a new challenge, be sure to check out some of the different versions!
The goal of the game is to be the first one to have no cards left in your hands. The official rules of UNO can be found on the game’s website.
UNO can be quite competitive – make sure you know how to play before getting started in a game!
3. Cards Against Humanity – Perfect for Being Creative
Cards Against Humanity is a hilarious card game that takes classic party games and turns them on their head. The game is simple: each player takes turns playing one of the cards in their hand, with the goal being to complete humorous sentences. For example, if I have the card “Bird Bath” in my hand, I could say “I put my bird bath next to the tree so I could watch the squirrels splash around.”
The fun doesn’t stop there! Every card has two possible responses – so if you get a “Dog Eats Toy” card, you can either respond with “My dog ate my toy!” or “What kind of toy did your dog eat? Is it a bear? Because I think that would make him sick.” It gets even more ridiculous from there!
4. Who’s Most Likely to… – Popular Party Game
If you’re looking for a fun game to keep your guests entertained, look no further than the popular party game called “Who’s Most Likely to…?.” The game is simple: each guest takes turns asking someone else a question, and the person who answers correctly gets to select another player to ask a question.
There are many variants of this game, so be sure to find one that suits your group’s interests and style. Whether you’re hosting a fun night with friends or planning an elaborate party for a large group, this game will make everyone laugh and have a great time!
5. Jenga – Stacking Game
It’s hard to believe that Jenga, a game that many of us grew up playing, is actually a stacking game. Players take turns pulling wooden blocks out of a tower and placing them on the base so that they form a staircase or tower. The first player to stack their blocks in such a way that they can’t be pulled down loses the game.
Originally created in the 1970s, Jenga quickly became popular with families and groups of friends because it is easy to learn and relatively simple to play. The only requirement is that each player has at least one block. If you’re feeling competitive, you can add additional blocks for more challenges.
Jenga isn’t just for kids anymore – adults love it too! In fact, many people view it as an excellent way to relax after work or during downtime at home.
Other Popular Games to Play with Three People
If you’re looking for something fun to do with three people, there are countless enjoyable games and activities that you can easily enjoy together.
Whether you’re trying to play a game of strategy, strategy with a bit of luck, a trivia game requiring knowledge, or one built around creative thinking, there’s a game for everyone.
Here are some popular games and activities that can be played with three people:
Board Games
Board games are great for players of all ages as they provide hours of entertainment, friendly competition and strategic thinking. Classic board games such as Monopoly and Scrabble bring together the whole family in exciting ways and require patience, critical thinking skills, analysis and strong memories.
Other popular board games that involve three people include Clue, Mastermind, Checkers and Chess.
Ticket to Ride
America as a team of three, enjoy the classic family favorite in this USA edition. Race against each other to claim railway routes connecting cities coast to coast. Play strategically so nobody gets blocked off!
Catan
One of the most popular modern strategy games, this is full of adventure and lots of replayability as no two games will be alike while you build your own colonies alongside each other!
Forbidden Island
A fast-paced co-op game where you join forces to recover four sacred artifacts and save yourselves before time runs out and the island is lost forever!
Terraforming Mars
Compete over who can gain the most Prestige Points by constructing lucrative projects on Mars in this civilization-building eurogame about turning an inhospitable planet into a livable place for mankind.
Card Games
Uno is most certainly the most famous card game amongst players of all ages as it is easy to learn quickly but fun to play over hours at length.
That said; each player will also need luck on their side when they compete as it’s not always possible to stick together if no one has enough matching cards in their hand! Other classic card games include Hearts (which involves luck-based strategies), Spades (a trick-taking game) and Rummy (which requires the players to create sets).
Word Puzzles
These puzzles are an ideal pastime for groups of three friends who love the challenge of solving clever clues by racing against each other in completing them first. Popular amongst this group can be found classics such as crosswords or Sudoko puzzles which also provide mental stimulation alongside being fun too!
Video Games
Video games have evolved into exciting problem-solving exercises for groups of friends who know each other well enough; often times these cooperative titles help illustrate how far we come by working together than by going against another party.
For up to 3 players specifically; popular titles like “Overcooked” or “Mario Party” come into view while team sports such as UEFA Champions League on ‘FIFA 20’ will also require thoughtful tactics from each individual involved!
Uno is most certainly the most famous card game amongst players of all ages as it is easy to learn quickly but fun to play over hours at length. However, if you’re looking for a card game that offers a different kind of challenge, consider trying Solitaire Masters. This is a versatile card game that can be played in teams, tournaments, or even in exciting 1v1 matches. It combines elements of strategy and skill, making it a great choice for those seeking a unique card-playing experience.
Games for Kids
Many traditional board games can accommodate up to three players, making them ideal for families with young kids. One way to get the most out of your family game night is to keep a few games handy that are specifically designed for three players. Here are a few fun games that can be enjoyed by kids of all ages:
Battle of the Sexes
This game will challenge players with thought-provoking trivia questions related to gender roles and stereotypes. For 3+ aged 7+.
Domino Up
A twist on traditional dominoes, this game encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving as each player attempts to empty their hand before their opponents do. For 3 aged 10+.
Code Master
This game encourages critical thinking and spatial reasoning as each player races against the clock in an effort to crack the code that will lead them around the playing board first. For 2–4 aged 8+.
Nertz Card Game
An intense and fast-paced card duel in which two teams face off against one another attempting to get rid of all their cards first by playing them in stacks on top of one another while also trying to gather up points along the way! For 2–4 aged 8+.
Outdoor Games
Gathering with a few friends or family around the backyard can be a great way to enjoy some quality time together. Luckily, there are several outdoor games that work well for groups of three people and are guaranteed to provide lots of fun. Here are some game ideas to liven up your gathering:
Cornhole
Cornhole is typically a two-on-two game, but you can simplify the rules and make it into a game for three people. One person starts by throwing two bags at each one of their opponent’s board side by side from one end of the court, then the next person does the same thing until all three players have finished taking their turn.
The goal is for each player to get their bags closest to the hole in their respective boards. The player with the most points at the end wins!
Horseshoes
This classic outdoor game is perfect for groups of three, as long as each person has their own pair of horseshoes or four if you’re playing doubles!
Each player takes two turns and aims to get their horseshoe as close as possible to the stakes at opposite ends of the court; points are awarded based on how close you got your horseshoe. The first player with 21 points wins!
Frisbee Golf
This is a great option if you enjoy playing golf but don’t have access to an actual golf course or too many players. You can set up homemade targets using everyday objects such as trash cans, flower pots, or even trees in your yard and keep score depending on how close each throw is toward its destination. Frisbee Golf can be an all-day activity since it looks different every time and you can never run out of creative course ideas!
Ladder Ball
Ladder Ball is an easy yet challenging game that requires no additional components besides two wooden ladders connected by a string across both ends and a few metal bolos (or “golf balls”).
Teams stand back-to-back on opposite sides of the ladder setup and take turns trying to wrap their bolos around any step on either ladder. The team with the most points after nine rounds wins!
Best 3 Player Video Games
Player video games are a great way to pass the time with friends, and there are plenty of three-player video games to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:
1. For The King – Strategic RPG Video Game
For The King is a strategic RPG video game that was released in 2018. The game was developed by IronOak Games and published by Curve Digital. The game is set in the fictional world of Fahrul and follows the story of the king’s death and the consequent chaos that ensues. The player takes control of a party of three adventurers who must find the king’s murderer and restore order to the kingdom.
The game is played from a top-down perspective and uses a turn-based combat system. For The King features procedurally generated maps, quests, and events. The game also has a cooperative multiplayer mode for up to three players.
2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Multiplayer Racing Video Game
Mario Kart is a multiplayer racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U home video game console. The game features 8 playable characters, each with their own unique vehicle. Kids love this game and they can play it with their friends!
Players can race against each other or against computer-controlled opponents in Grand Prix races, time trials, versus matches, and battle mode. In battle mode, players collect items from around the track to use against other players. The game also features a local multiplayer mode for up to 4 players.
Mario Kart supports both online and offline multiplayer gaming. Online multiplayer is available through the Nintendo Network service. Offline multiplayer is available through local wireless play.
The game has received generally positive reviews from critics and has sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
3. Borderlands 2 – FPS Game
Borderlands 2 is a multiplayer first-person shooter video game developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. It is the sequel to 2009’s Borderlands and was released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and OS X on September 18, 2012.
The game centers on the conflict between the Hyperion Corporation, led by Handsome Jack, and an anarchist group known as the Bloodshots. The player takes on the role of one of four new Vault Hunters, each with their own unique skillset. The game features a new gun system that rewards creative use of weapons and encourages revolver use through increased accuracy while hip-firing.
Borderlands 2 introduces a new wave-based cooperative mode called ‘Survival’ in which players must work together to survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies. A new ‘Bounty Hunter’ system also allows players to track down wanted criminals in exchange for rewards. Up to four players can cooperate in a campaign.
4. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt
Vampir Masquerade is a video game based on the popular role-playing game of the same name. In the game, players take on the role of vampires who are tasked with hunting down and eliminating other vampires. The game features a number of different gameplay modes, including a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode.
The single-player campaign follows the story of vampire hunter Sebastian LaCroix as he tracked down and killed a number of powerful vampires. The campaign features a number of different levels, each with its own challenges and objectives.
The multiplayer mode pits players against each other in a race to see who can eliminate the most vampires. The multiplayer mode supports up to four players and features various maps and game modes.
This is an action-packed vampire hunting game that offers something for both fans of the role-playing game and those looking for an exciting action game. Whether you’re playing alone or with friends, Vampire Masquerade – Bloodhunt is sure to satisfy your thirst for blood.
5. Valorant – Riot FPS Game
Valorant is a free-to-play, 5v5 character-based tactical shooter from Riot Games. The game features a unique mix of weapons and abilities and has been designed to be highly competitive.
The objective in Valorant is to eliminate the opposing team by winning rounds. Each round is won by either eliminating all members of the other team or successfully completing an objective. There are a variety of different game modes to choose from, each with its own unique objectives and rules.
Valorant is a fast-paced and intense FPS experience that will test your aim, reflexes, and strategic thinking. If you’re looking for a challenging and exciting FPS game to play with your friends, Valorant is definitely worth checking out.
6. 3 Player Hearts – Strategy Card Game
In three-player Hearts, the game is played with a standard deck minus two of the 2s, ensuring an even distribution of cards, while two-player Hearts typically involve a dummy hand or altered rules to compensate for the lack of a third player. The objective in both versions is similar: to score as few points as possible by avoiding winning tricks with heart cards and the queen of spades.
However, three-player Hearts emphasizes a more direct and competitive interaction between players, as each player’s decisions more significantly impact the other two, creating a dynamic and strategic gameplay environment.
Some Good Old Classics
There are of course some classics that everybody loves to play and that are worth mentioning. Even our parents played these when they were young, so it’s no wonder they’re that fun!
1. Twister – Ultimate Classic Party Game
Twister is the classic party game that gets everyone up and moving! It’s a great way to get people laughing and interacting with each other. The game is simple – there is a spinner board and a mat. The board has four colors – red, yellow, green, and blue. Players take turns spinning the board and then placing their hand or foot on the corresponding color on the mat. The first player to lose balance and fall over loses the game!
Twister is a great game for kids and adults alike. It’s a fun way to get everyone moving and interacting with each other. And it’s also a great way to get people laughing!
2. Scrabble – World Classics Game
Scrabble is one of the world’s most classic board games. The game is simple: players take turns placing letter tiles on a board to form words. Each word is worth a certain number of points, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Although Scrabble is a simple game, it can be quite challenging and addictive. There are many strategies that players can use to try to gain an advantage over their opponents. For example, players can try to place their tiles in high-scoring areas of the board, or they can try to block their opponents from forming words.
Whether you’re a seasoned Scrabble player or you’re just starting out, there’s always something new to learn about this classic game. So get out your Scrabble set and start playing! This game is a fun activity to bring your family together.
3. Hangman Game – Good For Practicing English
Hangman is a classic game that has been around for centuries. The basic premise is simple: one player thinks of a word, and the other player tries to guess it by guessing letters. If the guessing player guesses a letter that is in the word, they get a point. If they guess a letter that is not in the word, they lose a point. The first player to reach 10 points wins.
There are many variations of hangman, but the basic rules remain the same. You can play hangman with any number of players, but it is typically played with two players. You can also playhangman online or with a mobile app.
If you’re looking for a fun and challenging game to play with friends or family, look no further than hangman!
4. Would You Rather? – Game Night
Would You Rather? is a game where players have to choose between two options, both of which are usually unpleasant. The game is often used as a way to teach children about making tough choices, but it can also be used as a party game night or icebreaker.
To play the game, one player asks the other players a Would You Rather question. The question can be anything, but it should be something that has two clear options. For example, “Would you rather eat a bug or drink a glass of milk?” Other examples include “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?” and “Would you rather have superhuman strength or the ability to read people’s thoughts?”
Once the question is asked, all of the players must choose one of the two options. The player who asked the question then gets to choose which option they think is better. If they guess correctly, they get a point. If not, they lose a point. The game can be played with any number of players and continues until someone reaches 10 points.
So what are you waiting for? Get your friends together and start playing Would You Rather!
5. Beer Pong – Never Gets Old!
Beer pong is a classic drinking game that is perfect for any party or gathering. It is easy to set up and can be played with any number of people. All you need is a table, some cups, and a ping pong ball.
To set up the game, arrange the cups in a triangle shape at one end of the table. Fill each cup with beer or another beverage of your choice. Then, take turns trying to throw the ping pong ball into the cups. If you make a shot, the other player must drink the contents of that cup. The first player to make all of their shots wins!
Beer pong is a great way to have some fun and get drunk at the same time! So gather your friends, set up the game, and start playing.
6. Cribbage
Cribbage is a card game that combines luck, strategy, and quick calculations. Players aim to score points by forming specific combinations with their cards and strategically discarding cards to a shared “crib” to maximize their score. With its unique scoring system and the exciting race to reach the target score, Cribbage offers an engaging experience that has made it a beloved classic for gamers everywhere.
The three player variation is just as fun, playing three people adds an exciting twist to the game. Each player competes individually while also forming temporary partnerships throughout the game, giving each match an unexpected twist. Try playing Cribbage here.
FAQ
What games can 3 people play outside?
There are a ton of games that three people can play outside! Here are just a few examples:
Tag: A classic game that doesn’t require any props or equipment. One person is “it” and tries to tag the other players. Once someone is tagged, they become “it” in the next round.
Hide and Seek: Another classic game that can be played with just a few people. One person is “it” and counts to a certain number while the other players hide. The player who is “it” then has to find all the hidden players.
Red Light, Green Light: A simple game that can be played with just a few people. One person is “it” and stands at one end of the playing area. The other players line up at the other end. When the player who is “it” says “green light,” everyone starts walking towards them. When they say “red light,” everyone must stop immediately. If anyone moves after the red light is called, they have to go back to the starting line. The first person to reach the player who is “it” wins!
Can 3 people play 13?
Yes, three people can play 13. There are a few different ways to do this. One way is for each person to take turns being the dealer and dealing out the cards. Another way is to have two people play against one person. This can be done with either two decks of cards or one deck of cards.
What 3 player games can you play without anything?
There are a few different three-player games that you can play without any equipment. One is called “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” In this game, each player holds out one fist and then counts to three. On the count of three, everyone simultaneously reveals their hand sign. Rock smashes scissors, paper covers rock, and scissors cut paper. The person with the losing hand sign is the loser of the round.
Another game you can play with just three people is “21.” This is a simple card game where each player is dealt seven cards face down. The first player starts by flipping over one of their cards and revealing its value to the other players. The next player then either adds to the total by flipping over their own card or passes. If they pass, the next player flips over their card until someone either goes over 21 or decides to pass again. At that point, the last player flips over their final card. The player closest to 21 without going over wins the round.
A third option for a three-player game is “I Spy.” One player starts by choosing an object in plain sight and saying, “I spy with my little eye something that is [color].” The other two players then take turns asking yes or no questions in an attempt to figure out what object the first player was thinking of. Once somebody has correctly guessed the object, they become the new “spy” and get to choose the next object.
What can you do with 3 kids at home?
Assuming you have basic needs like food and shelter taken care of, there are endless possibilities for things to do with kids at home. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Read books together
- Make homemade pizzas
- Have a picnic in the living room
- Play tag
- Do some arts and crafts
- Bake cookies or cupcakes
- Watch a family movie night
- Build a fort out of blankets and pillows
- Play board games or card games together
Which board game has the lowest requirements?
The answer to this question may surprise you – it is not a specific board game, but rather a category of games known as “abstract strategy games”. These are games that can be played with little to no setup or equipment, and often have very simple rules.
Some popular examples of abstract strategy games are chess, checkers, go, and mancala. These games can be played with just a few pieces (or even just two players), and don’t require any special equipment or boards.
Murder Mystery – A Classic Play
Play a classic series of murder mystery games. Different mystery gaming kits are available to uncover clues and solve a mystery puzzle to identify the murderer. Tons of themes available, from Halloween to Christmas murder mystery games and more. The game starts with a group of people; as more people gather, the chances of catching the murderer more quickly increases. Arrange people in a row and provide them with hand-written clues so that they can get an idea of how to solve the mystery.
A murder mystery game is best for improving detective skills as it involves investigating the crime scene and assembling the evidence. The game is super fun and thrilling when everyone runs towards different places to find the answer to the question they have been assigned in the clue. Ultimately, everyone comes together to exchange their findings and solve the mystery. It is a great way to build team spirit and work towards a common goal. It encourages people to think out of the box and utilize their creative thinking skills to develop solutions. Make your guests attend the event with matching murder mystery theme costumes and turn the tables into a reality. You can also surprise the winner with a winning gift.
Conclusion
Having fun is important, and playing games together is a great way to spend time with your friends.
Whether you are looking for an easy game that can be played in short bursts or a more complicated game that will take longer to complete, we have you covered. These games give everyone a chance to have some fun together and create exciting memories that will last a lifetime. They’re also a great way to build relationships and improve problem-solving skills as well as overall communication between the participants.
So why not give one of these games a try next time you have some free time? You may be surprised at how much fun you can have!