5 Wild Rock Paper Scissors Party & Drinking Games

Everyone knows Rock Paper Scissors as a quick way to settle a bet or pick who gets the last slice of pizza. But with a few simple rule twists, this 2,000-year-old hand game turns into one of the most energetic, laugh-out-loud party and drinking games you can play with a crowd.

Whether you have 4 friends in a living room or 50 people at a backyard party, here are the 5 best Rock Paper Scissors party variations that require zero complicated equipment.

(Please drink responsibly and substitute non-alcoholic beverages, funny dares, or fitness challenges if preferred!)

1. The RPS Train (Choo-Choo Showdown)

Best for: Large groups, house parties, icebreakers (10–50+ players)

This is the ultimate high-energy tournament game that gets an entire room screaming within 3 minutes.

How to Play:

1. Everyone pairs up with someone nearby and plays a single round of Rock Paper Scissors.
2. The loser of the match must place their hands on the winner's shoulders and become their personal cheerleader, chanting their name as a "train."
3. The winner, now with a 1-person train following them, finds another winner with a train to battle.
4. Each time a battle happens, the entire losing train attaches behind the winning train.
5. Within 5 to 6 rounds, the game culminates in a massive, earth-shaking 1-on-1 final between two giant trains chanting for their respective leaders.

2. Rock Paper Scissors Roulette (The Drinking Variant)

Best for: 4–8 players around a table

A fast-paced reflex and drinking game where hesitation costs you.

How to Play:

1. Place a cup in the center of the table.
2. Two players sit across from each other with their hands behind their backs.
3. A third player counts down: "3, 2, 1, Shoot!"
4. The loser of the round must take a sip.
5. The Twist (The Tie Penalty): If both players throw the exact same hand sign, both players must immediately race to touch their own nose. The slower player takes a penalty sip.
6. The winner stays at the table to defend their championship against the next challenger.

3. Giant Body Rock Paper Scissors

Best for: Outdoor parties, beaches, camping, or open spaces

Take the hand gestures away and use your entire body to perform each symbol.

The Movements:

• Rock: Crouch down tightly into a cannonball on the ground.
• Paper: Stand tall with arms and legs spread out wide like a star.
• Scissors: Jump and land with one leg forward and one leg backward, crossing your arms across your chest in an 'X'.

Why It's Hilarious:

Because you have to physically jump or dive into your stance on the count of three, players frequently trip, stumble, or freeze mid-motion trying to decide what to do. It brings massive physical comedy to every single round.

4. The RPS Slap Cup / Pan Game

Best for: 2–6 players, viral party laughs

Inspired by popular viral social clips from Japan and Korea:

Equipment Needed:

• 1 Plastic Toy Hammer (or a foam rolled-up newspaper)
• 1 Pot / Helmet (or a plastic bowl) placed in the center between two players.

How to Play:

1. Two players face each other and throw a round of Rock Paper Scissors.
2. The instant the winner is decided:
   • The winner must grab the hammer and try to gently tap the loser's head.
   • The loser must grab the pot/helmet and put it over their head to block the strike.
3. If the winner hits before the shield is raised, they score a point. If the loser blocks successfully, it resets.
4. The speed and adrenaline rush of switching from hand-sign logic to weapon/shield reflexes causes chaotic misfires and endless laughter.

5. Sudden Death Virtual Showdown (For Long-Distance Parties)

Best for: Discord hangouts, FaceTime parties, remote teams

Playing RPS over video call often suffers from webcam latency and arguments over who threw late.

The easiest fix? Use a synced web game room. Head over to rock.paperscissors.online on your phones or laptops:

• Both players lock in their secret move before the timer expires.
• The web app simultaneously reveals both moves at the exact same millisecond.
• Loser takes a drink or fulfills the group dare!

No lag, no cheating, and 100% fair results every single time.