Roommate Game Night: Top 7 Board and Video Games to Get Competitive

There’s something magical about living with roommates. Whether you’re in college, a city apartment, or just sharing rent to save some cash, having roommates is an experience you’ll never forget. While the day-to-day grind might sometimes feel like a sitcom, there’s no better way to solidify those bonds than by setting aside one night a week for a little friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. That’s right — game night.

From strategic board games to adrenaline-pumping video games, there’s a wide variety of ways to turn any evening into a fun night. Whether you and your roommates are board game enthusiasts or die-hard video gamers, we’ve got you covered. Here are the Top 7 Board and Video Games that will bring out everyone’s competitive side.

1. Codenames (Board Game)

Codenames blends deduction with teamwork, making it a prime candidate for a lively game night. The game is simple: Two teams compete to uncover their “agents” hidden on a grid using one-word clues. Each clue points to one or more words on the grid, and it’s up to the players to figure out which ones belong to their team without guessing the opposing team’s words — or worse, the assassin!

What makes Codenames great for roommate game night is it’s easy to learn and lets everyone join in the action. If you’re looking for a board game that will spark debates and laughter, this one’s a must.

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Video Game)

Few things are more satisfying than tossing a blue shell and watching your opponent spin out right before the finish line. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the epitome of light-hearted competition with a dash of chaos. It’s fast, fun, and easy to pick up, even for those who don’t regularly game.

Whether you’re zooming through Rainbow Road or gliding through the sky in a hovercraft, Mario Kart ensures that no race is ever the same. With customizable vehicles, a variety of beloved characters, and tons of tracks to choose from, you and your roommates can spend hours challenging each other to grand prix tournaments.

3. Settlers of Catan (Board Game)

For those who love strategy and resource management, Settlers of Catan is the ultimate game night choice. This board game has players competing to build settlements, roads, and cities by collecting resources such as wood, brick, and wheat. The key to winning? Trading with other players, which means you’ll have to negotiate with your roommates — often leading to sneaky alliances, trade blockades, and plenty of friendly bickering.

The beauty of Catan lies in its complexity and replayability. No two games are ever the same due to the board setup. Whether you’re forming a coalition to monopolize a resource or scheming to block a friend from building their longest road, Catan will keep everyone on their toes.

4. Overcooked! 2 (Video Game)

If you and your roommates have ever dreamed of running a chaotic kitchen together, Overcooked! 2 is the perfect game to test your culinary coordination — and patience. The game puts you in charge of preparing and serving food in kitchens that are anything but ordinary. One minute, you might be chopping vegetables in a haunted mansion, and the next, you’re cooking soup in a hot air balloon.

Overcooked! 2 shines in its ability to bring cooperation and competition to the forefront. You’ll need to work together to cook dishes under strict time limits, but with obstacles like conveyor belts, portals, and environmental hazards, things can get hilariously out of hand.

5. Risk (Board Game)

If you’ve ever wanted to conquer the world (and perhaps spark a minor feud with your roommates), look no further than Risk. This classic board game of global domination is all about strategic thinking and a healthy dose of luck. Players take turns deploying armies, battling for territories, and plotting their path to world conquest.

Risk has been a game night staple for decades, and for good reason. It can transform even the most laid-back roommate into a ruthless general, plotting alliances and betrayals in a quest for victory. But be warned: Risk is infamous for being a lengthy game, so make sure you have enough snacks (and patience) to last through an entire session.

6. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Video Game)

For those who crave fast-paced action and head-to-head combat, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a no-brainer for game night. With an extensive roster of iconic characters — ranging from Mario to Pikachu to Link — players duke it out in colorful arenas filled with interactive elements and power-ups.

Button-mash your way to victory or delve into the intricate mechanics of each character’s moveset. It’s a game that anyone can enjoy, regardless of skill level. But once the competition heats up, you’ll quickly see who the real Smash pros are in your apartment.

7. Ticket to Ride (Board Game)

Ticket to Ride is a board game that will have you and your roommates competing to build the best train routes across the country (or the world, depending on the version). The goal is to connect cities on the map using colored train cards, earning points for completing routes and achieving hidden objectives.

What makes Ticket to Ride such a great game for roommates is its simplicity. It’s easy to learn but has enough depth to keep even the most seasoned gamers engaged. The game strikes a nice balance between strategy and luck, making it perfect for casual and competitive players alike.

Honorable Mentions

We couldn’t wrap up this list without giving a shout-out to a few honorable mentions that just missed the cut:

• Monopoly
• Uno
• Rocket League
• Exploding Kittens

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re into the strategy of Catan or the fast-paced chaos of Mario Kart, these games are guaranteed to give you hours of fun. Looking for roommates who share your competitive spirit? Visit SpareRoom.com to find roommates in San Diego, NYC, Austin, or anywhere else in the US.