Hosting a fun game night for adult friends can be intimidating. From finding a date that fits everyone’s busy schedules to planning entertainment that all will enjoy, being the game night host might seem like an overwhelming task. You want to see your friends and have an amazing time together, you just need help making it happen.

This guide is your secret shortcut to planning the perfect game night that your friends will be talking about for months to come. We’ll cover every detail so that you can create the immersive, thoughtful, and fun gathering of your dreams. Whether it's your first game night ever or just the latest monthly game night in a long tradition, these tips will help you elevate your evening. Let the games begin!

‍

How to Host Game Night: Why It's Important

Often, hanging out as adults—even with people you really like—can turn into a never-ending question of “What should we do now?” If you fear hosting a gathering that devolves into boredom and awkward silence, you’re not alone, and that fear can be the reason friend groups drift apart over time.

Game night is a simple yet enticing way to get all your friends together for an evening of laughter and socializing. You’ll have plenty to keep everyone entertained, and most importantly, you’ll have an opportunity to bond, learn more about each other, and make lasting memories. Playing games together helps keep your friendships strong and gives you and your guests a chance to relax and escape the challenges of adulthood. What’s not to love?

If all goes well, you and your guests can organize a monthly game night and even rotate hosts to ensure you stay connected over time. Take advantage of the tips on how to host game night below, and then pass along your wisdom to the rest of your party people!

‍

The Power of Role Playing Party Games

Trying new games can feel like navigating a minefield. Often, board games and party games for adults can be over-complicated and difficult to grasp, whether it's a time-consuming setup, a forty-page rule book, or complex game play that has you all scratching your heads. Maybe you feel forced to choose between competitive games and cooperative games, when you really want something right in the middle. Choosing the right games for a memorable game night is a crucial step in creating a fun event for everyone.

One of the best ways to get the most out of game night with your friends is to engage in a role playing party game. Role playing party games are immersive, themed story games with assigned characters, individual and group objectives, a plot that unfolds over the course of the game, and an ending that is influenced by the players’ choices. Think an interactive “Choose Your Own Adventure” book for adults! (Who didn’t love those?)

Role playing party games, like those available from StoryPop, make it easy for new friends to break the ice and for old friends to discover unexpected sides of one another. As you work together—or against one another—to achieve your character’s goals, there will be laughs, twists, and memorable moments galore. From introductions to the ending reveal, game night guests are fully immersed in another world, empowering them to indulge in escapism, improvisation, and creativity. So if you love playing games but you're looking for something new and exciting, skip the tired board games and give role playing a try.

Here are our 10 best ideas for hosting the ultimate game night with role playing party games!

‍

Game Night Idea 1: Always start by making a (game)plan.

Create a step-by-step to-do list that you can check off as you go, making sure to include all the most important elements for your game night. This will take one huge task—hosting a game night—and turn it into a handful of smaller, more manageable tasks. You can also use this list to determine whether you need to ask a friend or two to assist with the prep work.

In addition to your to-do list, it may also make sense to set a budget so you can host a game night without emptying your wallet. Choose a specific dollar amount for each type of purchase, such as decorations, food and drink, the game itself, and more. Friends can also pitch in some cash or supplies to give your budget a boost!

‍

Game Night Idea 2: Select a role playing game that doesn’t leave out the host.

The problem with many traditional murder mystery games or role playing party games is that the host is required to be the gamemaster. This means that they know everything in advance—including the twists and turns of the plot and the ending of the story—which excludes them from actually playing the game. Instead, choose a game like those offered by StoryPop, which are guided by the app and fully playable by the host and the guests alike.

‍

Game Night Idea 3: Give guests all the information they need on the invite.

When it comes to hosting a game night, a well-crafted invitation can make all the difference. Avoid receiving a flurry of confused texts by making sure your game night invite includes everything your guests need to know to get excited and prepared for the fun ahead. Start with the basics: date, time, and location. If you’re planning a themed night or encouraging costumes, mention the dress code so everyone can join in the spirit. Also, if you’re providing snacks and drinks, let your friends know—or, if it’s a potluck-style event, specify what they should bring.

Don’t forget to list the games you’ll be playing, or at least give a sneak peek at the game night ideas you have in mind. This helps guests know what to expect and can even build anticipation for the night. A brief description of the games, especially if you’re introducing something new, can help everyone feel comfortable and ready to play. By sharing all the key details up front, you’ll set the tone for a smooth, organized, and fun game night that everyone will remember.

‍

Game Night Idea 4: Make your game night immersive with a rich atmosphere.

Game night can be as simple as a pack of cards and a kitchen table, but why not make it a night to remember by visiting another world? Themed décor can transform your home, making guests feel like they’ve stepped right into the game. Think about your role playing game’s theme: does it evoke a fantasy world (think magic, dragons, and elves) or a historical time period, such as 1960s Manhattan or the era of swashbuckling pirates? Take inspiration from your game and create an atmosphere that will transform your home and delight your guests.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to use your whole budget here. Creating DIY decorations from materials you have in your closet or thrifting a few eye-catching pieces can make more of an impact than you think. And it’s not just about decorations—never underestimate the power of good lighting and background music!

‍

Game Night Idea 5: Take game night to the next level with themed snacks or meals.

While it may be tempting to simply pick up some chips and snack trays at the grocery store and call it a day, feeding your game night guests can actually be another way for you to bring your theme to life. Scour Pinterest, browse StoryPop’s recipe collection, or use your own creativity to come up with appetizers and dishes that will help set the scene. Make finger foods that were popular during the role playing game’s time period, or label them with punny names to fit the story.

‍

Game Night Idea 6: Offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options (bonus points if they’re themed!)

If you’re a thoughtful host who's planning a boozy party, be sure to have some non-alcoholic drinks available that are just as fun and delicious. You can whip up a signature cocktail for the night by putting your personal twist on a classic and giving it a name that resonates with your theme (like we did with our StoryPop Sidecar). For teetotalers, create a mocktail version! Common substitutes for alcohol include club soda, sparkling water, ginger ale, or fruit juice.

To keep the party flowing and make it easy for guests to help themselves, consider setting up a bar cart or a dedicated drink station. This not only adds convenience but also creates a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone can enjoy their favorite beverages.

‍

Game Night Idea 7: Encourage costumes.

Half the fun of role playing games is becoming a different person for the night, so be sure to complete the transformation with costumes! Give your guests a heads up that costumes are expected so that they have plenty of time to piece together their look. You can even share inspo photos or create a group Pinterest board to collect affordable ideas. Whether it’s an upcycled Halloween costume, a lucky thrift store find, or a DIY masterpiece, your friends can truly embrace the spirit of the game by dressing the part. Be sure to take plenty of photos!

‍

Game Night Idea 8: Send reminders as your event date approaches.

Hopefully you’ve collected all your RSVPs and guests are getting excited for game night, but it’s always a good idea to send out a reminder a few days beforehand to confirm that no conflicts have arisen. This is an especially good idea if you’re relying on guests to bring snacks, drinks, chairs, or props.

‍

Game Night Idea 9: On the day of your event, give yourself plenty of time to get ready.

If you’ve followed all these tips, you should be well-prepared when your game night comes around. Still, be sure to block off some time for putting out last-minute decorations, finishing your food and drink prep, donning your costume, and getting everything ready for the game. Remember, there’s always a chance guests will show up a few minutes early!

‍

Game Night Idea 10: Relax and enjoy your game night with friends.

No, seriously! Don’t let yourself stress too much about whether the punch has enough ice, whether the wall décor is crooked, or whether all your guests are having the best time ever. Remember what it’s all about: Having a good time with your friends. Take a deep breath, pat yourself on the back for a game night well executed, and make some memories that will last a lifetime.

‍

The Real Secret to a Successful Game Night: StoryPop!

While these tips apply to any role playing game night, each one is made simple and easy when you download the StoryPop app. StoryPop walks you through the entire game night planning process, starting with an array of role playing party games to choose from so that you can find a theme everyone will enjoy. Manage invites, reminders, and RSVPs, get décor inspo and themed recipes, and enjoy a night of app-guided game play that allows the host to join in the fun. Just download the app to start browsing games today!

‍

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Game Night

The magic of game night goes far beyond the games themselves. Hosting game nights regularly can strengthen friendships, deepen connections, and create a sense of community that lasts well after the game is played. Whether you love role playing games for the socializing, the laughter, or the chance to try something new, a memorable game night is a fun event that brings people together in meaningful ways.

Making game nights a regular tradition—whether it’s a monthly game night or a spontaneous gathering—can help you meet new friends, unwind from daily stress, and build memories that you and your guests will cherish. The ultimate game night isn’t just about winning or losing; it’s about sharing experiences, discovering new favorites, and enjoying the company of friends. So keep hosting game nights and celebrating the joy of playing games together—with these tips, hosting your next fun, unforgettable night is easier than ever!