Time's Up!
- Players
- 4-18
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 6 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.2 / 5
- Year
- 1999
About the game
Time's Up! is a classic three-round party game where teams try to get each other to guess famous names using charades-like clues that grow more restrictive each round. The same deck of names is used for all three rounds - first with unlimited clues, then single words only, then no words at all - turning familiar names into an increasingly hilarious guessing challenge. It plays best with larger groups split into teams of two or more. It's an ideal icebreaker for parties and family gatherings.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team considers Time's Up! one of the gold standards of party games - the escalating restriction across three rounds is a brilliant design touch that keeps replaying the same names fresh and funny. It scales beautifully for big groups, making it a reliable pick for parties and holiday get-togethers. There's minimal setup and almost no rules overhead, so it's easy to teach on the spot. The energy and laughs it generates make it a crowd favorite.
What we like
- The three-round structure turns the same clues into fresh challenges each time.
- Scales excellently for very large groups.
- Minimal setup and easy rules make it accessible to everyone.
- Generates big laughs and memorable moments.
Keep in mind
- Requires an outgoing group willing to act and shout.
- Less enjoyable with very small groups.
- Round three's no-words rule can frustrate less expressive players.
Who it's for
Ages 12+, perfect for large, social groups looking for a lively party or family gathering, in groups of 4-18.
