Scattergories Lists: 40 Categories to Play Together
Choose a list, choose a letter and see how many answers you can think of before time runs out. The four lists above each have ten family-clean categories, from party snacks to things with wheels. Use a whole list for a written round, or pick one category at random for a quick game.
Allow about five minutes to get ready. These lists are intended for 2–20 players, ages 8 and up, indoors or outdoors wherever everyone can write comfortably. Try a 10–15-minute session to start, including time to compare answers.
How to play with these lists
Set out paper, pencils and a timer. Everyone needs the same categories in the same order; print a copy for each player or team, or keep the list where everyone can read it. These are original Party Whammy categories, with suggested house rules for playing without a game set.
- Choose a list and a letter. Use one group of ten categories. For a first round, you could try S, B or C. Everyone uses the same letter. The random picker chooses a category, not a letter.
- Write answers at the same time. Try a two-minute timer. Write one answer for each category, starting with the chosen letter. You can skip a difficult category and come back to it before time runs out. For this version, count the first word of a phrase; don’t add an adjective just to make an answer fit the letter.
- Compare and score the answers. Stop writing when the timer ends. Read answers category by category. An accepted answer earns one point if nobody else wrote the same answer for that category. Duplicate answers, blanks and answers that don’t fit earn no points. Each player can earn up to ten points per list.
- Play again or finish. Try a new letter with the same list, or choose another list. Agree before starting how many rounds you’ll play. Add the points after the final round; if scores are tied, share the win.
Decide together whether names, brands and phrases are allowed before the timer starts. If an answer is disputed, ask the player to explain how it fits the category, then take a quick majority vote. For a tied vote, this version gives no point and moves on. The Scattergories categories collection has more choices and guidance on settling close answers.
For a single-category round, use the picker, choose a letter separately and have everyone write one answer. Compare answers using the same duplicate rule. Give everyone a new category and letter for the next round.
Sample answers for the letter S
Here are possible answers for the first five categories in Party categories. They show how the letter works; they are not the only acceptable answers. Keep examples out of sight during a scored round so players can think of their own.
| Category | Possible S answer |
|---|---|
| party snacks | sandwiches |
| things in a gift bag | stickers |
| reasons to celebrate | school graduation |
| dance moves | salsa |
| birthday wishes | success |
Suppose three players write sandwiches, sandwiches and strawberries for party snacks. Both sandwich answers earn zero because they match. Strawberries earns one point if the group accepts it. Matching answers cancel only within the same category; using the same word in two different categories does not cancel it under these house rules, provided it fits both.
You may find some categories harder with a particular letter. Leaving a blank is fine. If the group would rather play cooperatively, compare answers without points and see which categories you can fill together.
Which list should you use?
Each group above can be used as one ten-category list. You don’t need to play through all 40 in one sitting.
- Party categories: snacks, decorations, gifts and celebrations. Try this when the group wants answers connected to the party itself.
- Around the house: refrigerators, drawers, batteries and household objects. Players can picture familiar rooms while thinking of answers.
- Out and about: parks, shops, libraries and campsites. Choose this for a mix of places, objects and sounds.
- Wild cards: things that sparkle, things people collect and words used in a mystery. Use it when players want broader categories with room to explain an unusual answer.
Use Print all 40 beside the picker or your browser’s print command for paper copies. It opens the page’s print dialog, rather than downloading a separate file. Number your answer sheet from 1 to 10 to match the chosen list. Write the letter and list name at the top so you can tell rounds apart.
What if someone gets stuck?
Keep jokes kind and skip personal topics. The categories use family-clean language; ask players to keep their answers that way too. Nobody has to explain a blank or read an answer they’d rather leave out.
Read unfamiliar categories aloud before starting. If ten categories are too much, try the first five and use the same shorter list for everyone. Agree on more writing time before the round if someone needs it. A younger player can suggest answers while a partner writes them; teams submit one sheet and score against other teams.
For a few players around a small table, the small-group party games guide offers other formats and advice on space and waiting between turns. If writing is getting in the way of the fun, try a different kind of game instead of making everyone race a pencil.
What to play after Scattergories
Stop after the agreed number of rounds, or ask whether anyone wants one more. If people are running out of answers, changing the activity may be more appealing than working through another list.
- Draw instead of writing: Pictionary words gives players familiar things to sketch. Save hard Pictionary prompts for players who want abstract ideas and more complicated scenes.
- Act instead of drawing: charades words offers words and phrases to act out while the others guess.
- Make a story together: Mad Libs lets everyone supply words for a shared sentence without scoring duplicate answers. Funny Mad Libs adds longer story cards built around mixed-up everyday situations.
For a different activity that fits your guests and the room, browse the party games guide. If you want another ready-made list rather than a full activity plan, see the games and question packs collection.
Questions about these Scattergories lists
How many people can play?
Try these lists with 2–20 players. Everyone writes at the same time; for a crowded table, use teams with one answer sheet per team.
What ages are these lists for?
The family-clean categories are intended for ages 8 and up. Read unfamiliar categories aloud, pair players who need writing help, or use fewer categories.
Do I need a Scattergories game set?
You can use these original Party Whammy lists with paper, pencils and a timer. Choose a letter together. The rules here are suggested house rules, not a reproduction of an official game rulebook.
How long does a round last?
Try two minutes of writing for a ten-category list, then allow time to compare and score answers. Plan about 10–15 minutes for a short session, and agree on a longer writing time if players need it.
Can I print the lists?
Use Print all 40 beside the random picker, or your browser’s print command. The button opens the page’s print dialog; it does not download a separate file.