Do your teams ever hit a wall at work, that just needs a bit of problem-solving and strategy to crack? Most work teams face this scenario, so today’s article will show you the best way to enhance their strategizing skills through games.
Ready to turn team building into a competitive adventure? Let’s dive into some of the best games for your crew!
Why are group strategy games so good for teams?
If you want to help your teams reach new heights in problem-solving and innovation, strategy games are one of the best tools in your arsenal. They bring everyone closer together through the power of teamwork and encourage practical outside-the-box thinking.
Whether you’re playing in large groups or smaller teams, these set the stage for stronger working relationships. With the right mix of strategy and creativity, strategy games can make a world of difference in team dynamics. They’ll be ready to take on real-world challenges with newfound energy after a few of these games!
14 of the best strategy games for your groups
Here’s our list of 14 games that strike the perfect balance between strategy and team building:
1. Survive the zombie apocalypse
Almost everyone grew up enjoying zombie movies, so why not bring the theme into a strategy game? The goal in this game is to find clues and escape before getting bitten (just by tagging!).
How to set up:
- Designate a zombie, the rest are survivors.
- Survivors search for items like keys, maps, and medkits.
- If tagged, survivors become zombies and join the hunt.
If the survivors manage to collect all items and escape the designated area before being tagged, they win. If the zombies tag all survivors before they escape, it’s game over. The clock’s ticking, will they find a cure in time?
2. Winning without words
Ever tried to communicate without saying a word? It’s harder than you think! This group game tests your team’s communication ability through body language and creativity.
How to set up:
- Split your group into teams of 3-5 players
- One person draws a random word or phrase from a hat and must act it out without speaking.
- The team must guess the word or phrase before time runs out.
This game sharpens non-verbal communication skills and encourages thinking outside the box. Plus, it’s hilarious watching teammates try to guess “baking a cake” without any words!
3. Bartering for a puzzle piece
Have your teams been keeping their negotiation skills sharp? In this game, your team will learn the art of bartering under pressure.
How to set up:
- Teams of 4 to 6 work best
- Each team is given puzzle pieces, but they’re missing key pieces.
- To get the missing pieces, teams must trade items or offer services to other teams (like “We’ll help you solve your puzzle faster if you give us a piece!”).
- The first team to complete their puzzle wins!
It’s all about strategy, persuasion, and teamwork. Just don’t trade away the piece you actually need!
4. See, speak, and hear no evil
This one’s a real test of trust, teamwork, and trying not to laugh. In “See, Speak, and Hear No Evil,” teams of three take on roles where one can’t speak, one can’t see, and one can’t hear. Their mission is to complete a simple task, like assembling a puzzle or drawing something, with limited communication.
How to set up:
- Form teams of three: one who can speak, one who can hear, and one who can see.
- The speaking team member gives instructions; the hearing team member follows the instructions, and the seeing member completes the task.
- Assign a task like building or drawing.
This one will have teams rely on each other more than ever. It’s like playing charades but with the added spin of sensory impairments.
5. Blind artistry
Ready to see your team’s creativity, while blindfolded? In Blind Artistry, one person plays the artist, while the rest of the group gives indirect descriptions of an object they need to draw.
How to set up:
- Form teams of 4-6 people.
- One person is chosen as the artist and sits with their back to the group.
- The team selects an item or picture (something simple, like a bee, a cat, etc.) but can’t directly say what it is. They can only use hints like “buzz,” “yellow and black,” or “four legs.”
- The artist must draw based only on these vague clues. After 3 minutes, compare the drawings and see how hilariously off the mark they are!
This game is a riot and shows just how tricky clear communication can be. Enjoy!
6. Flash decision making
Quick decisions can make or break a team’s success. This collaboration game tests how well your group can think on their feet, and without overthinking.
How to set up:
- Gather your group in teams of 4-6.
- The facilitator presents a series of rapid-fire scenarios (e.g., “A client asks for an urgent order in 10 minutes—what do you do?” or “You’re on a conference call and someone’s having audio issues. How do you fix it fast?”).
- Teams have 30 seconds to discuss and make a decision.
- After each round, teams share their responses, and a brief discussion follows.
This fast-paced challenge sharpens decision-making skills and encourages your team to trust their instincts - no time to second-guess!
7. Whodunit?
At one time or another, we’ve all wanted to play detective for the day. Here’s your chance! This game combines critical thinking with good old-fashioned mystery. Think of it as a live-action version of Clue.
How to set up:
- One person in a group needs to be the “victim” and one other person the “detective” (done in secret!).
- The rest of the team plays suspects with different alibis and clues.
- The detective must question everyone and piece together the mystery to figure out “whodunit.”
- The game ends when the detective correctly identifies the culprit or the time runs out.
This one is a great communication and problem-solving game, all while they have the chance to throw out some absurd accusations. It’s elementary, my dear Watson.
8. Laser tag
A game of laser tag is a fantastic day out for a large group. Fun fact: in the UK, they call this Laser Quest. Sounds epic. Laser tag is a great HR game that will have them strategizing in the dark and bringing out their competitive side.
For this one, just look up local halls and arenas that operate laser tag. It usually involves two large groups going at it for a few hours, each person having a few lives, losing one each time they’re “shot.” It’s a real adrenaline-fuelled day out to remember!
9. Jackbox videogame session
Jackbox is a highly popular videogame service loved by groups of friends around the world. It works fantastically for building strategy skills for your large groups too. With a whole host of games to choose from, it’s a solid way to get everyone engaged and having a laugh.
How to set up:
- Set your gaming session up the right way with a large screen or even a projector.
- Download the game through Steam or the Epic store (only one person needs an account for any team).
- Choose a game that encourages interaction, like Quiplash or Fibbage, and let the laughter begin!
This is the perfect way to break the ice and get teams bonding with some friendly competition. Just don’t be surprised if the competition gets fierce!
10. Survival strategy
Could your team outwit, outlast, and outplay in a simulated survival scenario? This game takes your group out of their comfort zones and into the wild (well, sort of). Using strategic thinking, they’ll need shelter, food, and quick thinking to stay alive!.
How to set up:
- Divide your team into smaller groups and present them with a survival scenario (e.g., stranded on a deserted island or lost in a forest).
- Give them a list of “survival tools” (these could be random items like a rope, a flashlight, or a map).
- Challenge your teams to work together and pool resources to come up with a strategy to survive for a set amount of time.
The true test in this agile game goes way beyond just the items needed for survival. It’ll put their communication and strategy skills to the test by helping them expect the unexpected.
11. Tournament for visionaries
To enhance the way your groups work together, why not create a tournament that promotes strategy through innovation? Have your teams compete to come up with the most innovative solutions to quirky challenges.
How to set up:
- Divide your team into smaller groups.
- Give each group a quirky challenge (e.g., “Create the best new product for aliens” or “Invent a product to help a caveman survive in modern times.”).
- Set a time limit (15-20 minutes) for brainstorming and preparing their presentations.
- Each team presents their idea in whatever creative form they choose (e.g., a commercial, a drawing, a skit).
Give out a small reward to the team who brings the best innovation. There will be a perfect mix of strategizing and thinking outside the box.
12. Group scavenger hunt
Get your team to think on their feet and work together with an exciting group scavenger hunt. Whether you decide on doing it in the office or outdoors, a good scavenger hunt can have the whole squad collaborating and thinking in creative ways.
How to set up:
- Create a list of fun and achievable items or tasks (think: "Take a selfie with someone wearing a red hat" or "Find something that represents teamwork").
- Provide each team with the list (and smartphones for photo/video challenges, as needed).
- Set a time limit (30-60 minutes works well) and let the hunt begin!
- For a fun twist, have teams check in at unique and specific locations to share their progress.
A well-thought-out scavenger hunt gets everyone moving and sharing moments as they stay quick on their feet.
13. Geocache adventuring
Similarly to a group scavenger hunt, a geocaching adventure uses clues but has the added challenge of using GPS coordinates to find each treasure. For that reason, an outdoor setting works best, which is great for letting teams get a bit closer to nature for the day.
How to set up:
- Choose a series of locations to hide geocaches or clues (you can use apps to generate coordinates).
- Divide your group into teams and give them the coordinates of the first clue.
- As teams uncover clues, they’ll work together to solve puzzles, leading them closer to the final goal.
- Set a time limit for the challenge (1-2 hours) and make sure everyone returns to base within that time.
This one can become a real head-scratcher as teams get used to tracking treasure with a GPS. Make the most of an outdoor adventure!
14. Charity challenge
How about using the spirit of giving back to bring your large groups together for the day? A charity challenge turns teamwork into a force for good by encouraging everyone to raise funds for a charitable cause.
How to set up:
- Ask everyone to think of a charitable cause they love.
- Create a list of fun challenges, like a bake sale, a charity run, or a community cleanup.
- Set a goal to raise a certain amount of money or complete a task within a time limit (could be a week or a month).
- Keep track of progress and celebrate the final achievements.
A charity challenge is an incredibly rewarding experience for everyone involved!
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