30+ Conversation Starter Games for Adults, Friends & Couples

Written by Mehwish Qurayshi, Emotional Wellness Counselor

Quick Guide: Which Conversation Game Should You Choose?

Not sure which conversation game to play? Think about who you’re with. Maybe you want to have fun with friends, get to know someone better, or talk about how your day went.

Here are a few games you can try:

What you want to do	Game	How to play	Time
Have fun with friends	This or That	Pick between two choices and say why	5 min
Get to know someone	Memory Lane	Pick an object and share a memory about it	10 min
Talk about your day	Emotion Check-In	Take turns sharing how you felt today	5 min
Get into a more personal talk	Finish the Sentence	Finish a sentence about yourself	5–10 min
Spend time with your partner	Gratitude Jar	Write down one thing you appreciate about each other	A few min
Spend some time alone	Past–Present–Future	Write about your past, where you are now, and what you’d like next	5–10 min

If you’re meeting new people, start with easy questions. You can move on to more personal ones when everyone feels comfortable. If you need ideas, try these questions to get people talking.

And if you want conversations that go beyond everyday small talk, these intellectual conversation ideas may give you more to discuss.

Not Every Conversation Game Has to Be Deep

Conversation games can be funny, personal, or somewhere in between. You don’t need serious questions to get people talking.

For a party, you could start with “Would You Rather?” or “This or That.” With close friends, you might ask about funny memories or things you’ve always wanted to try.

If you want a deeper conversation, questions about feelings or personal experiences can come later.

Just remember that not everyone enjoys sharing private things in a group. Let people skip questions or change the subject if they want to.

Layer 1: Easy preferences

These are low-pressure questions about things such as:

• favourite foods
• music
• travel
• hobbies
• books or films
• everyday preferences

They’re useful when people are meeting for the first time or when the group needs an easy way to start talking.

Layer 2: Memories and stories

Once the conversation feels more comfortable, you can move toward experiences:

• a memorable childhood experience
• a funny travel story
• something you learned from a difficult experience
• a person who influenced you
• a time you surprised yourself

These questions usually give people more to talk about than a simple preference question because they invite a story rather than a one-word answer.

Layer 3: Values, fears, identity and meaning

These are the more personal questions:

• What matters most to you at this stage of your life?
• What are you afraid of losing?
• What has changed the way you see yourself?
• What do you wish people understood about you?
• What does a fulfilling life mean to you?

People can also react very differently to the same personal question: one person may enjoy talking about feelings, while another may become quiet or uncomfortable. Someone else may be comfortable with the same question because there’s already trust between you.

A good conversation game should open a door, not push someone through it.

Research on interpersonal closeness has explored how sharing personal information through structured conversations can help people feel more connected.¹ You can start with lighter questions and move toward more personal ones as everyone becomes comfortable.¹

Why Conversation Starter Games Help

Conversation starter games give you something to talk about when you don’t know what to say. You can play them with new friends, people you’ve known for years, or your partner when you want to try something different.

For example, This or That lets everyone pick between two choices, while Memory Lane brings up funny stories and old memories. If you want more ideas, try these thought-provoking questions to keep the conversation going.

Some games can also make it easier to talk about feelings. A simple question like “What was the best part of your day?” may be easier to answer than “How are you feeling?” If you find it hard to put your feelings into words, learning about emotional awareness may help.

You don’t have to answer every question or talk about anything personal. Sometimes, a few laughs and a good story are enough.

Try the E.A.S.E. Check-In

If you’re finding it hard to explain how you feel, E.A.S.E. gives you four questions to start with.

E — Explore: What am I feeling?

A — Acknowledge: What happened that upset me?

S — Slow down: Do I need a minute before I respond?

E — Express: What do I want the other person to know?

For example, you might realize you’re disappointed because a friend canceled your plans. Instead of answering while you’re upset, you could take some time and tell them later why it bothered you.

You don’t have to find the perfect words. Start with what you know.

Conversation Starter Games to explore what you’re feeling.

17 Conversation Starter Games for Talking About Feelings

These conversation starter games give you something to ask when you want to talk about your day, share a story, or explain how you’re feeling. Some work well with friends or your partner. Others are easier to try on your own.

You can keep your answers short, skip a question, or choose something less personal.

1. The Name Your Feeling Game

Best for: Finding a word for how you feel
Time: 2–5 minutes

How to play:

Think about something that happened today and choose one word for how you felt.

Ask yourself:

• Was I happy, disappointed, nervous, or annoyed?
• What happened just before I felt that way?
• Do I want to talk about it?

Example: “I felt disappointed when my friend canceled our plans. I’d been looking forward to seeing her.”

If you can’t find the right word, start with “Something bothered me today, but I’m not sure what I’m feeling.”

This is a small way to practise emotional awareness without having to explain everything at once.

2. The Pause and Reflect Game

Best for: Thinking about something that upset you
Time: 2–5 minutes

How to play:

Think about a recent conversation that didn’t go well. Rather than going over the whole argument, choose one moment you remember clearly.

Finish these sentences:

• What happened was…
• I felt…
• What bothered me was…
• What I’d like to say now is…

Example: “I felt embarrassed when my friend interrupted me in front of everyone. I wish she’d let me finish.”

You may decide to talk about it later, or you may just want to write it down. If you keep replaying past conversations, try writing what actually happened before guessing what the other person meant.

3. The Emotion Scale Game

Best for: Saying how strongly you feel something
Time: 2 minutes

How to play:

Choose a feeling and rate how strong it is from 1 to 10.

One means you barely notice it. Ten means it’s very strong.

Then ask:

• What am I feeling?
• How strong is it right now?
• What would I like to do next?

Example: “I’m annoyed, maybe a 7 out of 10. I don’t feel like talking about it yet.”

There’s no need to pick the perfect number. A 6 or a 7 is simply your way of describing how you feel at that moment.

4. The Emotion Check-In Game

Best for: Couples, friends, or family
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Take turns talking about one thing from your day and how it made you feel.

Try asking:

• What was the best part of your day?
• Did anything bother you?
• How do you feel about it now?
• Would you like me to listen or help?

Example: “I was nervous about my meeting, but it went better than I expected.”

If someone says they had a hard day, don’t rush to offer advice. You could simply ask, “Do you want to tell me about it?”

Anyone can skip a question.

5. The Guess the Feeling Game

Best for: Friends, families, or small groups
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

One person describes a situation. Everyone else guesses how someone might feel.

Try this situation: “You spent hours preparing dinner, but your guests barely touched the food.”

Possible answers include disappointed, embarrassed, annoyed, or relieved that dinner is over.

Ask each person why they chose their answer.

Someone might say they’d feel embarrassed because they wanted the guests to enjoy the meal. Another might say they wouldn’t mind because they enjoyed cooking.

That’s what makes the game interesting. The same thing doesn’t have to bother everyone in the same way.

For more examples of looking at a situation from someone else’s point of view, see perspective-taking examples.

6. The Body Check-In Game

Best for: Noticing when your body feels tense or tired
Time: 3–5 minutes

How to play:

Sit somewhere comfortable and notice how your body feels.

Ask yourself:

• Are my shoulders tight?
• Is my jaw relaxed?
• Have I been sitting too long?
• Would I like to stretch, stand up, or rest?

Example: “My neck feels stiff. I’ve been working at my desk all afternoon.”

You don’t need to decide what every ache or tense muscle means. Sometimes you’re simply tired or uncomfortable.

If focusing on your body doesn’t feel good, skip this exercise and try another game.

7. The High, Low, and Feeling Game

Best for: Talking about your day with friends or family
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Everyone shares three things:

• High: Something good that happened.
• Low: Something that didn’t go well.
• Feeling: One feeling you remember from the day.

Example:

High: “I finally finished my assignment.”

Low: “I missed the bus and got home late.”

Feeling: “I was relieved when I got everything done.”

You can ask a question about someone’s answer, but let them decide how much they want to tell you.

8. The What Upset Me? Game

Best for: Understanding one upsetting moment
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Choose something that bothered you recently.

Ask:

• What actually happened?
• What was said?
• What part upset me?
• Is there anything I want to say about it?

Example: “My friend joked about my clothes in front of everyone. I laughed at the time, but I felt embarrassed.”

You might realize that you weren’t upset about the joke itself, but about being put on the spot.

If you want to understand why certain comments bother you more than others, you can read about emotional triggers.

9. The Finish the Feeling Game

Best for: Learning more about friends or your partner
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Take turns finishing a sentence. You can be serious, funny, or somewhere in between.

Try:

• I feel relaxed when…
• I get annoyed when…
• I feel comfortable around people who…
• Something that always makes me smile is…
• I wish people knew that…

Example: “I feel relaxed when I come home, change into comfortable clothes, and don’t have anywhere else to go.”

If someone’s answer surprises you, ask about it. You may learn something about them that wouldn’t come up in everyday small talk.

10. The Feeling vs. Reaction Game

Best for: Looking back at how you handled a situation
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Think about a time when something upset you, and you reacted in a way you later questioned.

Ask yourself:

1. What happened?
2. What did I feel?
3. What did I say or do?
4. Would I like to do anything differently?

Example: “I was angry when my brother borrowed my things without asking. I shouted at him, but I wish I’d just told him to ask first.”

Being angry isn’t the same as shouting. You can understand why you were upset and still decide you’d like to handle a similar moment differently next time.

11. The One-Word Check-In Game

Best for: A quick game at dinner or with friends
Time: 2–5 minutes

How to play:

Ask everyone to describe their day using one word.

For example:

• Busy
• Peaceful
• Tiring
• Funny
• Stressful
• Surprising

Then ask, “Why that word?”

Example: “Surprising. I ran into someone I hadn’t seen since school.”

Unlike the Name Your Feeling Game, this one doesn’t have to be about emotions. You can describe the whole day, tell a short story, or make everyone laugh with an unexpected answer.

12. The Emotional Weather Game

Best for: Talking about your mood in a playful way
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

If your mood were today’s weather, what would it be?

You might say:

• Sunny — cheerful or relaxed
• Cloudy — a little unsure
• Stormy — upset or annoyed
• Foggy — finding it hard to concentrate
• Windy — restless or full of energy

Example: “I’d say cloudy. I’m not having a bad day, but I’m not really in the mood to do much.”

Ask everyone to explain their weather if they want to.

You can also make up your own forecast. Someone might say, “Sunny with a chance of needing a nap.”

13. The What Do I Need? Game

Best for: Thinking about what you’d like after a difficult day
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Start with one feeling, then ask yourself what might help.

For example:

• Tired — “I’d like to rest.”
• Lonely — “I feel like calling a friend.”
• Frustrated — “I need a little space.”
• Disappointed — “I’d like someone to hear me out.”

Finish this sentence:

“Right now, I think I need…”

Example: “I’m tired of making decisions today. I’d like a quiet evening without any plans.”

You don’t have to solve every problem. Sometimes you may simply realize you’re hungry, tired, or ready to stop talking for a while.

14. The Gentle Honesty Game

Best for: Close friends, couples, or private writing
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Choose a sentence and finish it in your own words.

Try:

• Something I’ve been thinking about is…
• I wish I could tell someone…
• One thing that’s been difficult lately is…
• I feel comfortable when…
• I’d like more time for…

Example: “I wish I could tell my friend that I miss how often we used to meet.”

If you’re playing with another person, listen without making fun of their answer or pushing them to explain more.

You can choose a light question if a personal one feels like too much.

15. The Past, Present, and Future Game

Best for: Sharing stories or reflecting on changes
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Pick a topic, such as friendships, hobbies, work, or something you’ve been learning.

Then answer three questions:

• Past: What was this like for me before?
• Present: What’s different now?
• Future: What would I like to try?

Example:

Past: “I used to love painting when I was younger.”

Present: “I haven’t painted in years.”

Future: “I’d like to buy a sketchbook and start again.”

You don’t need to choose a major life event. A hobby or an ordinary memory can give you plenty to talk about.

16. The Younger Me Game

Best for: Remembering childhood interests and experiences
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Think of something you enjoyed when you were younger.

Ask:

• What did I love doing?
• Who did I enjoy spending time with?
• What did I want to be when I grew up?
• Is there something from those days I’d enjoy trying again?

Example: “I used to spend hours making little houses out of cardboard boxes. Maybe that’s why I still enjoy decorating things.”

Childhood questions can bring up different memories for different people. You don’t have to choose a painful memory or explain anything you’d rather keep private.

If you’d prefer to explore memories on your own, these inner child journal prompts offer more questions. Choose only the ones you feel comfortable answering.

17. The Energy Check-In Game

Best for: Looking back on what made your day tiring or enjoyable
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

At the end of the day, think about where you spent your time.

Ask:

• What tired me out today?
• What did I enjoy?
• When did I feel most comfortable?
• What would I like to do more often?

Example: “The long meeting left me tired, but I enjoyed going out for lunch afterward.”

If you keep noticing that certain activities leave you worn out, you might want to make a few changes to your schedule where possible.

You don’t need to change everything. Just notice which parts of your day you enjoyed and which felt difficult.

When You Don’t Know How to Explain Your Feelings

Sometimes you know you’re upset but can’t quite explain why.

You could start by asking, “What happened today that bothered me?” Then think about how you felt and whether there’s something you need.

Maybe you’re annoyed because a friend interrupted you. Or perhaps you’re disappointed because someone forgot something important.

You don’t have to talk about it straight away. It’s okay to take your time, especially if you’re still upset.

When you’re ready, you might find it easier to explain what happened.

Conversation Starter Games for Different Emotional Needs

Some days you want to have fun with friends. Other days, you might have something on your mind but don’t know how to talk about it. These conversation starter games give you a few ways to start, depending on how you’re feeling.

1. When You Feel Anxious

Games to try:

• The Name Your Feeling Game: Say what’s worrying you, even if it’s just one word.
• The Emotion Scale Game: Give your worry a number from 1 to 10 so you can explain how strong it feels.

Why might naming your feelings help?

You might know you’re upset but have trouble explaining why. Maybe you’re nervous about a meeting tomorrow, or you keep thinking about something someone said.

You could start with, “I’m worried about tomorrow,” or “That conversation is still bothering me.”

Lieberman et al. (2007) studied what happened when people named feelings while viewing emotional images. They found changes in brain activity during the task, but that doesn’t mean naming a feeling will always make you feel better.²

If finding the right words is difficult, you can learn more about understanding your feelings.

2. When You Feel Overwhelmed

Games to try:

• The Pause and Reflect Game: Pick one thing that’s bothering you instead of trying to explain everything.
• The Emotional Weather Game: Describe your mood as sunny, cloudy, or stormy.

For example, you’ve had a long day, your phone keeps ringing, and someone asks why you’re so quiet.

You might say, “I’ve got a lot on my mind today. I don’t feel like talking about everything right now.”

You can choose one thing to talk about or come back to the conversation later.

3. When You Feel Lonely

Games to try:

• The High, Low, and Feeling Game: Tell a friend one good thing and one difficult thing about your day.
• The Gentle Honesty Game: Finish a sentence such as “Something I’ve been wanting to tell you is…”

Maybe you haven’t spoken properly with a close friend in weeks. You want to catch up, but you’re not sure how to begin.

You could ask, “What’s been the best and hardest part of your week?”

Yu et al. (2026) found that people in their study reported feeling closer during conversations involving emotional sharing than during comparison conversations. This doesn’t mean you have to share personal feelings to feel close to someone.³

You can start with an ordinary chat and see what you both feel comfortable talking about.

4. When You Feel Angry

Games to try:

• The What Upset Me? Game: Think about what happened and which part bothered you.
• The Feeling vs. Reaction Game: Think about what you felt and what you said or did afterward.

Imagine your friend cancels your plans just before you’re supposed to meet. You reply angrily, but later realize you were disappointed because you’d been looking forward to seeing them.

You might decide to say, “I know things come up, but I wish you’d told me earlier.”

Sometimes, it helps to think about what upset you and why before deciding whether you want to bring it up.

You don’t have to talk about it while you’re still angry.

5. When You Feel Disconnected

• The Finish the Feeling Game: Finish a sentence such as “I feel close to people when…”

Maybe you and your partner have spent the evening looking at your phones. You’re sitting together, but you haven’t really talked.

Instead of starting a serious conversation, you could ask, “What’s the funniest thing that happened to you this week?”

You might end up laughing about something small or hearing a story you hadn’t heard before.

Conversation Starter Games for Couples

Looking for something different to do with your partner? These conversation starter games for couples give you a reason to put your phones down, share a few laughs, and talk about things that don’t usually come up during the day.

You can play them over dinner, on a date night, or whenever you have a little time together.

1. The Compliment Chain

Best for: Saying what you appreciate about each other
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Take turns giving each other compliments. Every compliment has to be different, so you can’t repeat something you’ve already said.

Instead of saying “You’re amazing,” try something more personal.

For example:

“I love how you always remember to make me tea when I’m busy.”

“I like how you make me laugh when I’ve had a rough day.”

Keep going until you run out of ideas. You might be surprised by the little things your partner notices about you.

2. Memory Lane

Best for: Sharing old memories
Time: 10 minutes

How to play:

Pick an object nearby, such as an old photo, a book, or something you’ve kept for years. Tell your partner a memory connected to it.

Maybe an old photograph reminds you of a funny family holiday, or a song brings back memories of your school days.

Questions to try:

• What’s a childhood memory that still makes you laugh?
• Did you ever get into trouble at school?
• What’s something you loved doing as a child?
• Is there a family tradition you still enjoy?

You can ask follow-up questions, but don’t push for details if your partner doesn’t want to share a particular memory.

3. The Dream Vacation Game

Best for: Talking about places you’d love to visit together
Time: 10–15 minutes

How to play:

Imagine you could plan a trip together without worrying about the budget. Where would you go, and what would you do?

One of you might want a quiet cabin in the mountains, while the other dreams of exploring a busy city.

Talk about:

• Where would we go first?
• Would we stay in one place or travel around?
• What’s one thing we’d definitely want to do?
• Would we plan everything or decide as we go?

For fun, try planning a trip using only the money you’d normally spend on a weekend out.

You might discover that your partner’s idea of a perfect holiday is completely different from yours.

4. The Finish-the-Sentence Game

Best for: Getting to know your partner better
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Take turns finishing unfinished sentences. You can choose funny ones, romantic ones, or questions about everyday life.

Try these:

• I feel most loved when…
• I wish we did more…
• One thing that always makes me laugh about us is…
• My idea of a perfect Sunday together is…
• Something new I’d love to try with you is…

For example: “My perfect Sunday would be sleeping in, making pancakes, and going for a long walk.”

If your partner gives an answer you didn’t expect, ask them about it. You might find out they’ve been wanting to try something for ages but never mentioned it.

For more ideas, you can try these questions for interesting conversations.

5. The Love Language Quiz

Best for: Talking about what makes you feel loved
Time: 10 minutes

How to play:

Use the popular five love languages idea as a fun way to talk about how you like to give and receive affection.

You don’t even need to take a formal quiz. Ask each other a few questions.

Try these:

• Do you prefer a hug or a thoughtful message?
• Does it mean more when I help you with something or plan time together?
• What’s something small I do that you appreciate?
• Is there something you’d like us to do more often?

For example: “I love it when you help me cook because we get to talk while we’re doing something together.”

The five love languages are a popular idea, but research doesn’t strongly support dividing everyone into five fixed types. Treat the answers as preferences you can talk about, not permanent labels.

Your answers might also change depending on what’s happening in your life.

6. The This or That Game

Best for: Quick laughs and playful conversations
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Give your partner two choices and ask them to pick one. After they answer, ask why.

Try these:

• Beach holiday or mountain getaway?
• Movie night at home or dinner out?
• Breakfast in bed or a surprise date?
• Road trip or flight?
• Cook together or order takeaway?
• Plan everything or be spontaneous?

For example: Your partner chooses a road trip because they love stopping at random places, while you’d rather fly and get straight to the destination.

You don’t need to agree. Different answers often make the conversation more interesting.

7. The Gratitude Jar

Best for: Remembering thoughtful things your partner has done
Time: A few minutes

How to play:

Keep a small jar and a few pieces of paper somewhere at home.

Whenever your partner does something you appreciate, write it down and put the note in the jar.

It doesn’t have to be anything big.

For example:

“Thank you for picking me up when it was raining.”

“I loved that you remembered my favourite snack.”

“Thank you for listening when I had a stressful day.”

At the end of the week, pick a few notes and read them together.

You might remember little moments that would otherwise have been forgotten.

Algoe et al. (2010) found that everyday moments of gratitude were linked with feeling closer to a partner. Even small things, like thanking someone for helping after a long day, may matter.⁴

8. The What If We Met Somewhere Else? Game

Best for: Funny, imaginary relationship stories
Time: 10 minutes

How to play:

Imagine you and your partner had never met. Now make up a completely different story about how you might have found each other.

Maybe you’d meet at an airport, in a bookshop, or while waiting in a long queue.

Ask each other:

• Where do you think we’d meet?
• Who would start talking first?
• What would your first impression of me be?
• Would you ask me out?
• Where would our first date be?

For example: “I think we’d meet at a coffee shop because you’d accidentally take my order.”

Make the story as funny or silly as you like. You’re inventing a story together, not trying to work out what would really have happened.

9. The Dinnertime Debate

Best for: Funny disagreements over harmless topics
Time: 10–15 minutes

How to play:

Choose a silly topic and take opposite sides. Each person gets a minute to explain why their choice is better.

Try debating:

• Is pineapple good on pizza?
• Are mornings better than nights?
• Is it better to travel with a plan or without one?
• Should people watch a movie before reading the book?
• Is breakfast for dinner a good idea?

For example: One of you argues that breakfast food is perfect at any time, while the other insists pancakes belong in the morning.

You can switch sides halfway through and try defending the opposite opinion.

Keep it about harmless preferences. If a subject starts a real argument, choose something else.

10. The Dream Team Game

Best for: Planning something you’d both enjoy
Time: 10–15 minutes

How to play:

Pick one thing you’d like to do together. It could be saving for a holiday, decorating a room, trying a new hobby, or planning a weekend away.

Take turns sharing ideas.

Ask each other:

• What’s something we’d both enjoy doing?
• How much time would we need?
• What could each of us help with?
• What’s one thing we could do this weekend to get started?

For example: You both want to spend more time outdoors. One suggests a weekend hike, while the other finds a nearby park and plans a picnic.

You don’t need to turn every idea into a serious plan. Sometimes talking about things you’d like to do together is enjoyable on its own.

If you’re working on making shared decisions without one person taking over, you may find these examples of healthy independence in relationships useful.

Conversation Starter Games for Groups and Parties

These conversation starter games are fun to play with friends, at parties, or when people are meeting for the first time. Some get everyone laughing, while others bring up funny stories you might not have heard before.

You don’t need cards or special equipment for most of them. Just pick a game and get started.

1. Two Truths and a Story

Best for: New friends and small groups
Time: 10 minutes

How to play:

Each person shares two facts about themselves and one short story. The rest of the group picks which one they found most surprising.

For example:

• I’ve never been on a plane.
• I can speak three languages.
• I once walked into the wrong wedding.

Someone might pick the wedding story and ask, “How did that happen?” The person can then tell everyone what went wrong.

Unlike Two Truths and a Lie, nothing has to be made up. The fun comes from hearing something you didn’t know about each other.

2. Would You Rather?

Best for: Parties and friends
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Ask a question with two choices. Everyone picks one and says why.

Try these:

• Would you rather travel alone or with friends?
• Would you rather give up your phone or TV for a month?
• Would you rather live near the beach or in the mountains?
• Would you rather have a quiet weekend or go out every night?
• Would you rather be able to fly or become invisible?

For example, your friend might choose travelling alone because they like making plans without asking anyone else. Someone else might prefer going with friends because they enjoy having company.

If an answer surprises you, ask why they chose it. You might hear a funny travel story or find out something new about them.

3. Guess Who?

Best for: Friends and family
Time: 10 minutes

How to play:

Give everyone a piece of paper and ask them to write one funny or surprising fact about themselves without adding their name.

Collect the papers, mix them up, and read them aloud. Everyone guesses who wrote each one.

For example:

• “I once fell asleep at the cinema.”
• “I used to collect rocks when I was little.”
• “I’ve eaten the same breakfast for five years.”

After the group guesses, the person can tell the story behind their answer.

Someone who’s usually quiet might surprise everyone with a funny childhood memory.

4. One Question, Everyone Answers

Best for: Dinner parties and small groups
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Pick one question and ask everyone to answer it. Some people may give a short answer, while others might have a whole story to tell.

Try these:

• What’s the funniest thing that happened to you this week?
• If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
• What’s a food you hated as a child but like now?
• What’s something you’ve changed your mind about?
• What’s one thing you always look forward to?

For example: Someone might say, “I used to hate cooking, but now I make dinner almost every night.”

You could ask what changed their mind or what they enjoy making.

If your group enjoys longer discussions, try these thought-provoking questions for more ideas.

If someone doesn’t want to answer, simply move to the next person.

5. The Story Building Game

Best for: Friends, parties, and family gatherings
Time: 10 minutes

How to play:

One person starts a made-up story with one sentence. The next person adds another sentence, and everyone keeps adding to it.

For example:

Person 1: “I opened my front door and found a penguin standing outside.”

Person 2: “It was carrying a suitcase with my name on it.”

Person 3: “Before I could ask anything, it wanted directions to the airport.”

Keep going until everyone has added something. You can finish after one round or continue until the story gets completely ridiculous.

To make it harder, give the next person a random word, such as pizza, spaceship, or grandmother, that they must use.

For more ideas beyond talking games, you can also try these fun group activities.

6. The Most Likely To Game

Best for: Friends who know each other well
Time: 10 minutes

How to play:

One person asks a “Who is most likely to…” question. Everyone chooses someone in the group.

Try these:

• Who is most likely to move to another country?
• Who is most likely to start a business?
• Who is most likely to forget their keys?
• Who is most likely to book a trip at the last minute?
• Who is most likely to laugh at the wrong moment?
• Who is most likely to become famous?

For example: Everyone picks the same friend for “most likely to get lost” because they once took the wrong train on a group trip.

Let that friend tell their side of the story. They might have a completely different version of what happened.

Stick to funny, harmless questions. Skip anything that could make someone the target of a joke they don’t enjoy.

Conversation Starter Games You Can Use Alone

You don’t always need someone else to answer a conversation question. You can use these games on your own when you want to think about your day, write about something that’s bothering you, or spend a few minutes with your thoughts.

All you need is a notebook or your phone. You can write a sentence or two without turning it into a long journal entry.

1. Past–Present–Future

Best for: Thinking about what’s changed in your life
Time: 5–10 minutes

How to play:

Choose one thing you’ve been thinking about, such as a friendship, hobby, or something you used to enjoy.

Finish these sentences:

• Past: I used to…
• Present: These days, I…
• Future: I’d like to…

Example:

Past: “I used to spend weekends with friends.”

Present: “We don’t meet as often because everyone’s busy.”

Future: “I’d like to plan a get-together once a month.”

You don’t have to make a big change. Sometimes writing about what you miss helps you decide whether you want to do something about it.

2. Energy Check-In

Best for: Noticing what makes your day tiring or enjoyable
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Think back over your day and answer three questions:

• What tired me out today?
• What did I enjoy?
• When did I feel most comfortable?

Example: “The long meeting was tiring, but I enjoyed having lunch with my friend. I felt most relaxed when I got home.”

If you notice you’re often tired after certain activities, think about whether you need more breaks or a different routine.

You don’t need to assume you’re in survival mode just because you’ve had a tiring day. Sometimes you simply need rest.

3. Finish the Sentence

Best for: Writing about something on your mind
Time: 5 minutes

How to play:

Choose one or two sentences and finish them without spending too much time finding the right words.

Try:

• I’ve been thinking about…
• I wish I could say…
• I feel most like myself when…
• Something I’d like to understand better is…

Example: “I wish I could tell my sister that I miss spending time together.”

Your answer doesn’t have to lead to a decision. You might simply want to write down something you haven’t said out loud.

If you enjoy writing about your thoughts, you can try these journal prompts for beginners.

4. The What Do I Need? Game

Best for: Thinking about what might help after a busy or difficult day
Time: 2–5 minutes

How to play:

Ask yourself:

• How am I feeling?
• Is there something bothering me?
• What would I like right now?

Example: “I’m annoyed because I haven’t had a quiet moment all day. I’d like half an hour to myself before making dinner.”

Your answer might be rest, food, company, some quiet time, or asking someone for help.

You don’t need to fix everything that’s bothering you. Just think about what might make the rest of your day a little easier.

How and When to Use Conversation Starter Games

You can use conversation starter games at dinner, while catching up with friends, on a date, or even when you’re alone. You don’t need to plan anything special. Sometimes, one question is enough to get people talking.

1. At Dinner or With Friends

When everyone has run out of things to say or is busy looking at their phones, try a funny question.

You could ask, “Would you rather travel anywhere for free or never pay for food again?”

Someone might choose free travel because they love exploring new places, while another might choose food because they hate cooking. Ask why, and you may end up hearing a funny story.

2. When You’re With Your Partner

You don’t have to save conversation games for date night. Try one while having dinner or relaxing together.

Ask, “What’s something we used to do together that you’d like to try again?”

Your partner might mention a favourite restaurant, a weekend walk, or a hobby you’ve both forgotten about.

If you enjoy talking about different ideas together, these interesting conversation topics may give you more things to discuss.

3. When You’re Writing in Your Journal

If you open your notebook and don’t know what to write, start with one question.

Try, “What made me smile today?” or “What’s been bothering me lately?”

Maybe you remember a nice conversation with a friend or something at work that annoyed you.

Write whatever comes to mind. If you’re new to writing about your day, this beginner’s guide to journaling has more ideas.

4. Before Going to Bed

You can use a question to think back on your day.

Ask yourself, “What went well today?” or “Is there something I’d like to do differently tomorrow?”

For example, you might remember that you enjoyed lunch with a friend but felt rushed all afternoon.

You don’t need to go over every problem before bed. If you’re tired, you can leave the questions for another day.

5. When Something Is Bothering You

Sometimes, you know you’re upset but aren’t sure what to say.

Maybe a friend made a joke that embarrassed you, or someone canceled plans you’d been looking forward to.

You could ask yourself, “What bothered me most about that?”

Perhaps it wasn’t the canceled plan itself but finding out at the last minute.

You can write down your answer or talk about it with someone you trust. You don’t have to settle everything straight away.

Which Conversation Starter Games Work Best in Different Situations?

Not every conversation game works for every group. Your close friends might enjoy sharing funny memories, while people meeting for the first time may prefer easy questions about food, travel, or hobbies.

For example, asking “What’s your funniest school memory?” could start a long conversation with an old friend. But someone you’ve just met might not want to talk about childhood. A question like “Would you rather spend a weekend at the beach or in the mountains?” gives them something easier to answer.

Here’s how to choose a conversation starter game for different situations.

Situation	Games to try	Why they work
New groups	Would You Rather? or Guess Who?	People can join in without telling personal stories.
First dates	This or That or Finish the Sentence	You can talk about hobbies, favourite places, and things you’d like to try.
Close friends	Memory Lane or Most Likely To	You can laugh about old memories or tell stories others haven’t heard.
Family gatherings	Story Building or One Question, Everyone Answers	Everyone can take a turn, including people who don’t usually talk much.
Couples	Compliment Chain or Dream Vacation	You can share what you appreciate or make plans for something you’d enjoy together.
When someone is upset	Emotion Check-In or Emotional Weather	You can ask how they’re doing without expecting them to explain everything.

What if someone doesn’t want to answer?

Imagine you’re playing Memory Lane and ask someone about their school days. They give a short answer and look around the room.

Rather than asking more questions about school, you could say, “No worries. Let’s try a different one.”

You don’t need to guess why they didn’t answer. They might not remember much, dislike the question, or simply prefer talking about something else.

If you’re planning games for a larger gathering, these fun group activities offer more ideas that don’t depend on everyone answering personal questions.

Choose a game that fits the people you’re with, and change it if everyone seems more interested in something else.

Takeaway

Conversation games don’t need complicated rules or personal questions to be fun. Sometimes, asking “Would you rather live by the beach or in the mountains?” is enough to get everyone sharing stories.

If you’re with friends, try Would You Rather? or Most Likely To. For couples, Memory Lane or Finish the Sentence can bring up things you haven’t talked about before. And if you’re alone, a One-Word Check-In gives you something simple to write about.

Start with a game that suits the people you’re with. If everyone is laughing and sharing stories, keep going. If someone doesn’t want to answer, choose another question.

The point isn’t to have the deepest conversation. It’s to enjoy talking with each other.

Frequently Asked Questions About Conversation Games

1. Aron, A., Melinat, E., Aron, E. N., Vallone, R. D., & Bator, R. J. (1997). The experimental generation of interpersonal closeness: A procedure and some preliminary findings. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 23(4), 363–377. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0146167297234003 ↩︎
2. Lieberman, M. D., Eisenberger, N. I., Crockett, M. J., Tom, S. M., Pfeifer, J. H., & Way, B. M. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421–428. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.x ↩︎
3. Yu, Y., Zhao, H., Liu, M., Gao, C., & Li, W. (2026). How emotional disclosure enhances interpersonal closeness from a speaker-listener perspective: An fNIRS hyperscanning study. Neuropsychologia, 225, 109402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2026.109402 ↩︎
4. Algoe, S. B., Gable, S. L., & Maisel, N. C. (2010). It’s the little things: Everyday gratitude as a booster shot for romantic relationships. Personal Relationships, 17(2), 217–233. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-6811.2010.01273.x ↩︎