Every Jackbox Party Pack Reviewed: Which Ones Are Worth Buying?

What Are Jackbox Party Games? Explained

Jackbox games are bite-sized party games that usually only take about 15–20 minutes to play, and they’re often best for groups of four or more.

Only one person needs to own a particular Jackbox game.The game is hosted on a TV, computer screen, or what have you. Everyone else then joins the game as a player using their mobile phones.

So you have a bunch of players sitting in front of the TV (or computer) and the game plays out on the TV but players are interacting with the game’s prompts using their own mobile phones.

Related:How to Play Jackbox Games Remotely: A Step-by-Step Guide

Most Jackbox games involve typing answers or drawing images on your device, and the results of the game are shown on the TV. If you’ve played party games likeBalderdashorWavelength, you’ll feel right at home!

Every Jackbox game is different, but the driving element behind the entire franchise is a heavy emphasis on party play: games that are simple, creative, and downright hilarious with the right people.

But not every Jackbox game is a winner.

The best Jackbox games have incredible replayability that can keep you entertained for hours, but some are terribly dull and others may only be fun a few times before they lose their luster.

This is a shame because, for the most part, Jackbox games can’t be bought a la carte. You have to buy them as Jackbox Party Packs.

Every Jackbox Party Pack contains five Jackbox games, and each pack retails for around $25 a pop. When you’re just starting out, you’ll want to stick to just one or two of them—but which ones?

As of this writing, there are nine Jackbox Party Packs available. I’ll review the games in each pack and explain my thoughts on each one using the following evaluations:

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 1?

Related:Is Humble Store Legit? Why I Buy My Games There Now

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 2?

The Verdict:Jackbox Party Pack 2is a solid purchase, but I’d first recommend gettingJackbox Party Pack 3andJackbox Party Pack 7. Once you have those, you can supplement them with this one.

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 3?

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 4?

The Verdict:I find myself returning often to bothFibbage 3andSurvive the Internet, and I think they both makeJackbox Party Pack 4worth getting—but only after you’ve gotten bothJackbox Party Pack 3andJackbox Party Pack 7.

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 5?

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 6?

The Verdict:WhileJackbox Party Pack 6isn’t terrible, I find it hard to recommend. None of the games stand out and I’ve never gone back to this pack in recent years. Best look elsewhere.

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 7?

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 8?

The Verdict:Jackbox Party Pack 8is a solid pack of games, primarily forJob JobandDrawful Animate. Once you haveJackbox Party Pack 3andJackbox Party Pack 7, I think this would be a strong candidate for your next pickup—especially if you likeDrawful.

What’s in Jackbox Party Pack 9?

The Verdict:There are better Jackbox Party Packs than this one, but if you’ve played out the ones you have and need a fresh bout of fun,Jackbox Party Pack 9is worth it forNonsensoryandQuixort. Plus, you have to try the uniqueRoomerang, even if it’s only once!

Read next:The Best Party Board Games for Larger Groups (8 or More Players)

Is Jackbox Party Pack 1 Worth It?

Related:Is Humble Store Legit? Why I Buy My Games There Now

Is Jackbox Party Pack 2 Worth It?

The Verdict:Jackbox Party Pack 2is a solid purchase, but I’d first recommend gettingJackbox Party Pack 3andJackbox Party Pack 7. Once you have those, you can supplement them with this one.

Is Jackbox Party Pack 3 Worth It?

Is Jackbox Party Pack 4 Worth It?

Is Jackbox Party Pack 5 Worth It?

Is Jackbox Party Pack 6 Worth It?

The Verdict:WhileJackbox Party Pack 6isn’t terrible, I find it hard to recommend. None of the games stand out and I’ve never gone back to this pack in recent years. Best look elsewhere.