10 Icebreaker Games Perfect for Large Groups
Large group icebreakers present unique challenges. You need activities that scale, keep everyone engaged, and don't leave people standing awkwardly. Here are ten proven games that work brilliantly with big teams — whether you're meeting in a hybrid setting or fully remote.
1. Two Truths and a Lie (Digital Edition)
A classic reimagined for larger groups. Have participants submit their truths and lies beforehand via a shared form, then display them anonymously for the group to guess. Works great with polling tools. Best for: 15-50 people. Time: 10-15 minutes. Setup: Create a simple Google Form or Slido poll in advance.
2. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Give teams a list of photo challenges to complete in a set time. Items might include "something that represents your work style" or "the view from your workspace." Split into teams of 3-5 and use a shared Slack channel or chat thread for submissions. Best for: 20-100+ people. Time: 15-20 minutes.
3. Would You Rather
Present increasingly difficult choices and watch the debates unfold. The best questions reveal personality without getting too personal. Use a polling tool so everyone votes simultaneously — seeing results in real-time sparks conversation naturally. Best for: Any size. Time: 5-10 minutes.
4. Name That Tune
Music brings people together across generations and backgrounds. Play 5-second song snippets and see who can identify them fastest. Use the chat for answers to keep it fair with large groups. Best for: 10-50 people. Time: 10 minutes.
5. Trivia Battles
Split into teams of 4-6 and compete across categories. Mix work-related questions with pop culture to keep things interesting. Tools like Kahoot or Gatherilla's quiz game handle scoring automatically. Best for: 15-100+ people. Time: 15-20 minutes.
6. Emoji Stories
Participants tell a story about their week using only emojis in the chat. Others try to interpret what happened. Works brilliantly with large groups because everyone can participate simultaneously. Best for: Any size. Time: 5-10 minutes.
7. The Alphabet Game
Each person adds a word to build a sentence, going through the alphabet. "Amazing Bears Can Dance..." See how creative (or absurd) it gets. Use the chat and assign letters to people by name so it stays orderly. Best for: 10-30 people. Time: 5-10 minutes.
8. Virtual Show and Tell
Everyone brings an item that represents something about them. Could be a hobby, a memory, or just something on their desk. Three minutes of sharing creates real connection. For large groups, select 5-6 volunteers and rotate each session. Best for: 10-30 people (or selected volunteers in larger groups). Time: 15-20 minutes.
9. Quick Draw
One person draws, others guess—with a timer adding pressure and laughs. Simple tools work best; artistic skill is definitely not required. Rotate the drawer and use chat for guesses so everyone can play at once. Best for: 10-40 people. Time: 10-15 minutes.
10. Gatherilla Games (Free)
If you want ready-made games that require zero preparation, Gatherilla offers a collection of free icebreaker activities designed specifically for remote and hybrid teams. Simply share your screen during any video call—Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or whatever your team uses—and everyone can join instantly from their phones.
Games like Common Ground help players discover unexpected things they share, creating genuine "me too!" moments that form the basis of real relationships. Check out the full range of activities to find the perfect fit for your next team event. Best for: Any size. Time: 5-15 minutes per game.
Making Icebreakers Work
The key to successful icebreakers with large groups:
- Keep it moving: Dead time kills energy
- Make participation easy: Lower barriers to joining in
- Celebrate everyone: Ensure introverts can shine too — don't only reward the loudest voices
- Have a backup: Technical issues happen; be prepared
For the research on why these activities matter beyond just fun, see our breakdown of the ROI of team building.
Ready to try these with your team? Gatherilla makes running engaging team activities effortless—no planning headaches required, and it's free to get started.