Why This Hilarious Party Game Became My Game Night Essential

As someone who’s hosted more game nights than I can count, I’ve developed a sixth sense for what makes a party game truly exceptional. Three years ago, after a particularly dull evening playing the same old board games, I decided our friend group needed something fresh—something that would have us doubled over with laughter rather than checking our phones. That’s when I discovered “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition, and our game nights have never been the same.

If you’re considering adding this wildly popular card game to your collection, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve not only played countless rounds but have also gone through several editions, expansions, and have seen firsthand what makes some sets better than others. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before purchasing, from what to expect in the box to which edition might be right for your specific friend group.

What Exactly Is “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition?

Before diving into the buying details, let’s clarify what this game actually is for those who haven’t experienced it yet. “What Do You Meme?” is a card-based party game that combines viral internet memes with hilarious captions. The Adult Edition, as you might guess, features more mature content that’s definitely not appropriate for family gatherings where children are present.

The core gameplay is simple: each round, one player (the judge) selects a photo card featuring a popular meme, and the other players choose the funniest caption card from their hand to pair with it. The judge then decides which combination is the most amusing, and the winner takes the photo card as a point. The player with the most points at the end wins, but honestly, the real victory is in creating combinations so funny that someone spits out their drink.

The Adult Edition contains photo cards featuring well-known memes from across the internet alongside caption cards written with mature audiences in mind. The content ranges from mildly suggestive to downright explicit, which is precisely why it’s become such a hit at adult game nights.

What’s Included in the Box?

When you purchase the standard “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition, here’s what you can expect to find inside:

1. 360 caption cards filled with adult humor, pop culture references, and statements that range from slightly inappropriate to wildly NSFW
2. 75 photo cards featuring popular memes from across the internet
3. 1 easel to display the current photo card
4. Basic game instructions

The quality of the components is generally quite good. The cards are printed on thick stock with a smooth finish that holds up well to repeated shuffling and the inevitable drink spills that occur during particularly raucous gameplay sessions. The photo cards showcase vibrant, clear images of the memes, and the caption cards feature easy-to-read text.

One thing I particularly appreciate is the box design—it’s sturdy enough to withstand being tossed into a backpack for game nights at friends’ houses, and the internal organization makes it easy to keep the photo and caption cards separate.

Why Buy the Adult Version Specifically?

You might be wondering if the Adult Edition is really worth purchasing, especially if you’ve seen the standard version in stores. From my experience hosting countless game nights, I can confidently say that the Adult Edition creates a completely different atmosphere that’s perfect for certain gatherings.

The Adult Edition is specifically designed for mature players who appreciate edgier humor. The caption cards are more risqué, covering topics like sex, relationships, drinking, and other adult themes that simply aren’t present in the family-friendly version. This creates opportunities for much more outrageous and memorable combinations that often lead to those “I can’t believe someone actually played that card” moments.

That said, the Adult Edition isn’t for everyone. If you’re uncomfortable with explicit content or often play games with mixed company who might be sensitive to certain topics, you might want to consider the standard version instead. Know your audience—I keep both versions on hand and choose which to bring out depending on who’s attending game night.

Key Factors to Consider Before Purchasing

1. Your Regular Gaming Group

The most important consideration before buying the Adult Edition is who you’ll be playing with most frequently. This version thrives with:

• Close friends who share a similar sense of humor
• Adult-only gatherings where everyone is comfortable with mature content
• Groups who enjoy pop culture references and internet humor
• People who aren’t easily offended and can laugh at edgy jokes

I’ve found that the sweet spot for this game is 5-8 players, though the box says it can accommodate 3-20+ players. With fewer than 5, you cycle through the cards too quickly, and with more than 8, rounds can drag on as everyone takes their time selecting cards.

2. Replayability Factor

For a party game, replayability is crucial to ensure you get value for your money. After dozens of game nights featuring “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition, I can attest that the base game offers excellent replayability for several reasons:

• The large number of caption cards (360) means you’ll rarely see the same combinations
• The judging element adds variability since different people find different things funny
• The photo cards feature timeless memes that remain funny even after multiple viewings

That said, if you play with the same group very frequently, you might eventually start to recognize certain caption cards, which can slightly diminish the surprise factor. This is where expansions come in handy, which I’ll discuss later.

3. Age Appropriateness

This seems obvious given the “Adult Edition” in the title, but it bears emphasizing: this game is absolutely not suitable for children or young teens. The box recommends ages 17+, and I would say that’s accurate. Some of the content is explicitly sexual, references drug and alcohol use, and includes language that most would consider inappropriate for younger players.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I accidentally brought the Adult Edition to a family gathering where my teenage cousins were present. Thankfully, I realized my mistake before we started playing, but it would have been an awkward situation had we proceeded.

4. Price Point and Value

The Adult Edition typically retails between $30-35, which is in line with other premium party games like Cards Against Humanity. In terms of value for money, I consider it an excellent investment if you frequently host game nights.

When evaluating the price, consider:

• The production quality (good card stock, vibrant printing)
• The number of components (435 cards total plus the easel)
• The replayability factor
• The social value of having a reliable game that consistently delivers laughs

From personal experience, few games have provided as much entertainment per dollar spent as “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition. It’s become our go-to for breaking the ice with new friends and the game most frequently requested when people come over.

Where to Buy: Finding the Best Deal

You can purchase “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition from various retailers, both online and in physical stores. Here are some options to consider:

Major Retailers

Most major retailers carry the game, including:

• Target
• Walmart
• Barnes & Noble
• Best Buy

These stores often price the game competitively, typically around the $30 mark. The advantage of purchasing from a physical store is that you can get the game immediately without waiting for shipping.

Online Options

If you prefer shopping online, you’ll find the game available at:

• Amazon (often with Prime shipping)
• The official What Do You Meme website
• Online game retailers like GameStop

Online prices can sometimes be lower than in-store options, especially if you catch a sale or have free shipping. I’ve found that prices can fluctuate by $5-10 depending on the retailer and whether there are any ongoing promotions.

Limited Editions and Bundles

Occasionally, you’ll find limited editions or bundles that include the base game plus one or more expansions. These can offer better value if you’re certain you’ll want the additional content. During holiday seasons, many retailers offer special bundle deals that can save you 15-20% compared to buying the items separately.

Expansions and Add-Ons: Are They Worth It?

One of the smartest moves by the creators of “What Do You Meme?” is their extensive line of expansions and themed add-on packs. After playing the base game for a few months, you might want to inject some fresh content, and this is where expansions come in.

Popular Expansions to Consider

1. Fresh Memes Expansion Pack: Adds 75 new photo cards and 200 new caption cards. This is a great first expansion because it significantly increases the variety without changing the core gameplay.
2. Basic Bitch Expansion Pack: Features 50 new photo cards and 200 caption cards focused on stereotypical “basic” behavior and trends. This one tends to resonate particularly well with millennial players.
3. Stoner Expansion Pack: Contains 50 photo cards and 250 caption cards centered around cannabis culture. Obviously, this one is best for groups who appreciate this type of humor.
4. NSFW Expansion: If you thought the Adult Edition was explicit, this expansion takes it to another level with even more risqué content. I reserve this one for our closest friends who won’t be shocked by anything.

From my experience, expansions significantly extend the lifespan of the base game and keep it feeling fresh. I typically introduce a new expansion every 8-10 game nights to maintain interest. The Fresh Memes pack is my personal recommendation for a first expansion, as it provides the most versatile content that works with any group who enjoys the base game.

Proper Storage and Card Maintenance

This might seem like a minor point, but proper storage can significantly extend the life of your game. After spending hard-earned money on “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition, you’ll want to keep it in good condition.

I learned this lesson after our first few game nights when I haphazardly tossed all the cards back into the box, resulting in bent corners and mixed decks that needed sorting before our next session. Now, I follow these simple practices:

1. Keep photo cards and caption cards in separate stacks, possibly using rubber bands or small plastic bags
2. Store the game box away from direct sunlight, which can fade the vibrant meme images
3. Consider sleeve protectors for the photo cards if you play frequently
4. Have a designated space in the box for any expansions you add

One particularly useful storage tip: if you accumulate multiple expansions, consider investing in a card storage box with dividers. This makes setup and cleanup much faster and protects your cards better than the original game box.

Hosting the Perfect “What Do You Meme?” Game Night

Now that you’re equipped with all the information needed to purchase the perfect “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition, let me share some tips for hosting a successful game night based on my experiences:

Setting the Stage

The environment makes a big difference in how enjoyable the game is. I recommend:

• Comfortable seating arranged in a circle or around a table
• Good lighting so everyone can read the cards clearly
• Background music at a low volume (create a playlist in advance)
• Snacks that don’t leave greasy residue on the cards (avoid Cheetos!)
• Drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) with secure lids to prevent spills

House Rules to Consider

The basic rules are simple, but we’ve developed some house rules over time that enhance the experience:

1. Caption Card Swap: Once per game, each player can discard their entire hand and draw new caption cards if they’re stuck with cards that don’t work well.
2. Anonymous Judging: For a more objective assessment, have the judge close their eyes while players submit their cards. Another player can shuffle the submissions so the judge doesn’t know who played which card.
3. Caption Combination: Allow players to play two caption cards together for especially complex memes (though this counts as their turn).
4. Story Mode: After several rounds, challenge the group to create a coherent story using the winning meme combinations from previous rounds.

These house rules aren’t necessary, but they’ve added extra dimensions to our game nights and kept the format feeling fresh even after many sessions.

Common Questions from First-Time Buyers

Throughout my years of playing and recommending this game, I’ve heard many of the same questions from people considering purchasing it. Here are answers to the most common queries:

“Is it just a copy of Cards Against Humanity?”

While there are similarities in the judge-based gameplay format, “What Do You Meme?” offers a distinctly different experience focused on internet culture and visual humor. The incorporation of popular meme images creates a more contemporary feel and often results in more creative combinations. If you enjoy CAH, you’ll likely enjoy this game, but it definitely stands on its own.

“Does it get old quickly?”

Without expansions, most groups can play the base game 8-12 times before starting to see repeat combinations that feel familiar. With expansions, I’ve found that the game maintains its freshness for years with regular play. The social dynamics and different judging styles also keep each session unique.

“How drunk should we be to enjoy this?”

While the game is certainly enjoyable with a few drinks, it doesn’t require alcohol to be fun. I’ve hosted completely sober game nights that were just as hilarious as those with drinks flowing. The game’s humor stands on its own without needing liquid courage.

“Can I mix it with the regular edition?”

Yes, you can combine the Adult Edition with the regular version, but be aware that the tones might clash. The regular edition is designed to be family-friendly, so mixing in adult content creates an uneven experience. I recommend keeping them separate unless you’re specifically trying to dilute the adult content for a mixed group.

The Social Impact: Why This Game Creates Memorable Evenings

Beyond the mechanical aspects of the game, there’s something special about what “What Do You Meme?” brings to a social gathering. In my experience, it creates a unique atmosphere that few other games can match.

The game’s format encourages:

1. Shared cultural references: The memes create instant recognition and nostalgia
2. Creative thinking: Players must make unexpected connections between images and captions
3. Insight into friends’ sense of humor: You quickly learn who has the darkest humor in your group
4. Ice-breaking for new acquaintances: The game provides a structured way to laugh together
5. Memorable moments: Certain combinations become inside jokes that last for years

One of my favorite aspects is how the game reveals different sides of people’s personalities. I’ve seen reserved friends suddenly play the most outrageous cards, and the typically outspoken become thoughtfully strategic about their choices. These revelations build deeper connections and understanding among friends.

When Not to Buy the Adult Edition

Despite my enthusiasm for this game, I recognize it’s not for everyone. You might want to reconsider purchasing the Adult Edition if:

• Your regular gaming group includes people who are sensitive to explicit content
• You’re looking for a game that exercises strategic thinking (this is primarily about humor)
• You rarely host gatherings with 4+ adults
• Your friend group doesn’t connect with internet culture or memes
• You prefer games with more complex mechanics and less focus on subjective judging

In these cases, you might be better served by the regular edition or by exploring other party games that better match your group’s preferences.

Final Thoughts: Is “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition Worth Your Money?

After three years and countless game nights featuring “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition, my verdict is an enthusiastic yes—this game is absolutely worth the investment for most adult gaming groups.

The combination of high-quality components, excellent replayability, and the consistent ability to generate genuine laughter makes this one of the best party game purchases I’ve ever made. Few games have remained in our regular rotation for as long as this one has.

What ultimately makes “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition special is its ability to create moments—those instances when someone plays the perfect caption for a meme and the entire room erupts in laughter. These shared experiences strengthen friendships and create memories that last far longer than the game itself.

If you’re looking for a game that reliably delivers laughs, requires minimal explanation to new players, and can be enjoyed by almost any group of adults with a sense of humor, “What Do You Meme?” Adult Edition should be at the top of your shopping list. Just remember to keep it away from the kids’ table!

Whether you’re a seasoned game night host or just looking to spice up your next gathering, this game has proven itself time and again as a worthwhile addition to any adult game collection. The only real danger is that your cheeks might hurt from laughing too much—a risk I’m always willing to take.