Navigating the Wild World of Meme-Based Party Games

As someone who has hosted more game nights than I can count, I’ve learned that the right cards make all the difference in a successful What Do You Meme game night. That fateful evening when I first brought out the blue box and watched my typically reserved friend from accounting absolutely demolish us with her unexpectedly savage sense of humor changed how I view party games forever. Since then, I’ve become something of a connoisseur of meme cards, expansion packs, and all things WDYM—collecting insights that I’m thrilled to share with fellow meme enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a What Do You Meme veteran looking to refresh your collection or a complete newcomer wondering which pack to start with, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect cards for your next game night.

Understanding the What Do You Meme Universe

Before diving into specific card recommendations, let’s take a moment to understand what makes this game tick. What Do You Meme launched in 2016 as the brainchild of Elliot Tebele (creator of the popular @fuckjerry Instagram account) and has since grown into a cultural phenomenon that perfectly blends internet culture with traditional party games.

The core concept is brilliantly simple: players match caption cards with popular meme images to create the funniest combinations, with a rotating judge deciding which pairing deserves to win each round. It’s like Cards Against Humanity met internet culture and had a hilarious baby.

What makes this game special isn’t just its premise—it’s the carefully curated selection of cards that creates those unforgettable moments when your friend’s perfectly timed caption makes everyone spit out their drinks. The right mix of cards can transform a regular Friday night into an evening your friends talk about for months.

The Core Game: Where It All Begins

My journey into the What Do You Meme universe started where most people’s does—with the core game. If you’re new to WDYM, this is your essential first purchase, serving as the foundation upon which all expansions build.

The standard core set typically includes:

• 435 caption cards
• 60 photo cards featuring classic memes
• An easel for displaying the photo cards
• 7 card holders
• Instructions

What impressed me most about the core game was the quality of both the physical cards and the content. The photos are printed on thick, glossy cardstock that withstands repeated handling, and the caption cards strike that perfect balance between edgy and accessible humor.

The core game’s photo cards capture internet classics that most players will recognize, from Distracted Boyfriend to Success Kid. These images have staying power—even years later, they continue to elicit laughs when paired with the right captions.

Caption-wise, the core set offers an excellent variety. There’s something deeply satisfying about finding that perfect caption that makes the judge laugh uncontrollably. I’ve found that the core game strikes a good balance between “safe” captions that work in most groups and edgier options for when your crowd is feeling more adventurous.

That said, after several game nights with the same group, you’ll notice certain cards becoming predictable. This is where expansions come into play—they inject fresh content that keeps the game feeling new and unpredictable.

Expansion Packs: Breathing New Life Into Your Game

My first experience with expansion packs came after three consecutive game nights where we started recognizing captions before they were even read aloud. I knew it was time to expand our collection, but the sheer number of available options was overwhelming. After much research (and several impulse purchases), I’ve developed a framework for categorizing WDYM expansions to help you choose the right ones for your group.

Themed Expansions

Themed expansions center around specific cultural touchpoints or interests. These are perfect for groups with shared passions.

TV and Film Expansions:

• Friends Pack: If your group quotes Chandler Bing regularly, this 50-card expansion featuring iconic Friends moments is a no-brainer. The “PIVOT!” card consistently kills at my game nights.
• The Office Pack: For devotees of Dunder Mifflin, these cards capture the awkward glory of the beloved sitcom. The Michael Scott “That’s what she said” moments always result in table-pounding laughter.
• Game of Thrones Pack: Despite how you felt about the final season, these cards celebrate the show at its peak. The Ned Stark memes remain tragically funny years later.

Music and Celebrity Expansions:

• Basic Bitch Pack: Focused on pop culture and trends that everyone loves to pretend they’re above while secretly enjoying. The Starbucks and UGG boots cards speak to a part of all of us.
• Shades of Shade Pack: Celebrity drama and reality TV moments take center stage. The Kardashian cards alone make this worth considering.

Special Interest Expansions:

• 420 Pack: For groups that appreciate cannabis culture. This one comes with a content warning, as it’s definitely not appropriate for all audiences.
• Stoner Pack: Similar to the 420 Pack but with broader stoner culture references. I’ve found this plays well even with friends who don’t partake but understand the references.

Adult-Oriented Expansions

What Do You Meme offers several expansions that push boundaries with more mature content. These packs are perfect for late-night games with close friends but perhaps not ideal for playing with your in-laws (unless you have very cool in-laws).

• NSFW Expansion: The name says it all—Not Safe For Work. This expansion takes the game into decidedly adult territory with explicit captions and imagery. The NSFW expansion completely transforms the game’s dynamic, creating moments of shocked laughter that the basic game rarely achieves.
• College Pack: Tailored to the university experience with references to dorm life, exams, and, yes, partying. This one hits the sweet spot of being edgy without going fully explicit.
• Dirty Expansion: Similar to NSFW but with its own unique set of adult humor. I’ve found that mixing these cards with the core game creates an unpredictable experience where players never know if the next card will be tame or risqué.

Seasonal and Holiday Expansions

These limited-time releases add a festive touch to game nights during special times of the year.

• Holiday Expansion: Christmas, Hanukkah, and general winter holiday themes make this perfect for December gatherings. The eggnog and ugly sweater references hit differently when you’re actually wearing one.
• Valentine’s Day Pack: Celebrate (or commiserate about) relationships with cards ranging from sweetly romantic to hilariously bitter. This smaller pack works best when mixed with other sets.
• Halloween Pack: Spooky season gets its due with horror-themed memes and captions. The zombie apocalypse cards pair surprisingly well with almost any meme image.

Alternative Game Modes Expansions

Some expansions don’t just add cards—they introduce new ways to play.

• Matching Game Expansion: Adds a memory element to gameplay, creating a hybrid experience that’s refreshingly different from the standard format.
• For The Girls: Designed with ladies’ nights in mind, this functions almost as a standalone game with content specifically created for female-centered gatherings.

Special Editions: Complete Games with a Twist

Beyond expansions, What Do You Meme offers special editions that function as standalone games with their own unique twists on the formula.

• Family Edition: This G-rated version removes all adult content for a kid-friendly experience. It’s surprisingly fun even for adults and perfect for mixed-age gatherings. The memes are still funny, just cleaner.
• Millennial Edition: Focused on the shared experiences of growing up in the ’90s and early 2000s, this edition hits the nostalgia button hard. The Tamagotchi and dial-up internet references generated more emotional reactions than I expected.
• Fresh Memes Edition: Features the newest viral sensations. This is perfect for groups that stay current with internet culture and would recognize “nature is healing” references.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cards

After countless game nights with different groups, I’ve identified several key factors that should influence your card purchasing decisions:

1. Know Your Audience

The single most important consideration when buying WDYM cards is who you’ll be playing with. The hilarious NSFW expansion that had your college friends howling might create uncomfortable silence when played with coworkers or family members.

I learned this lesson the hard way when I brought my fully expanded deck (including the NSFW cards) to a work retreat. The horror on my manager’s face when a particularly explicit caption appeared remains seared in my memory. Now I keep separate collections for different social circles.

For family gatherings or mixed company, stick with:

• The core game (with potentially problematic cards removed)
• Family Edition
• Themed expansions based on universally beloved properties like Friends or The Office

For close friends or adult-only gatherings, you can explore:

• Any of the adult-oriented expansions
• More niche themed packs that align with your shared interests
• Limited edition releases that might be too specific for general audiences

2. Age of Players

Age is a crucial factor that goes beyond simply avoiding explicit content for younger players.

For teens (with parental approval):

• Core game (screened for appropriate content)
• Family Edition
• Pop culture expansions featuring content they connect with

For college students:

• Core game
• College Pack
• Basic Bitch Pack
• Current meme-focused expansions

For older adults who might not be as familiar with meme culture:

• Expansions based on classic TV shows or films
• Themed packs related to their generational touchpoints
• Cards with more self-explanatory humor that doesn’t require internet context

3. Group Size and Playing Frequency

The number of people you typically play with and how often you gather affects how quickly you’ll cycle through cards.

For small groups (3-5 players) that meet regularly:

• Start with the core game
• Add a new expansion every 3-5 game nights to keep content fresh
• Consider collecting several small themed packs rather than fewer large expansions

For larger groups (6+ players) or occasional play:

• The core game will last longer before feeling repetitive
• Focus on larger expansions with more cards
• Mix in seasonal packs to mark special occasions

For very frequent players:

• Invest in multiple large expansions from the start
• Create custom card rotations, switching out different expansions each game night
• Consider the subscription service if available in your region

4. Cultural References and Meme Literacy

Not all friend groups have the same level of meme knowledge or cultural touchpoints. Some of my friends can identify every meme in the core game, while others need context for even the most famous images.

For groups with high meme literacy:

• Fresh Memes Edition
• Limited release packs featuring current viral content
• More niche internet culture references

For groups with mixed or lower meme knowledge:

• Stick to expansions based on mainstream pop culture
• Choose packs with more self-explanatory images
• Focus on caption cards that don’t require understanding specific internet references

Building Your Perfect Card Collection: My Strategic Approach

After years of collecting WDYM cards, I’ve developed a strategy for building a versatile collection that works across different social situations:

Step 1: Start with the Foundations

Begin with either the core game or a special edition that best fits your primary playing group. This gives you a complete, playable set from the beginning.

Step 2: Identify Your Group’s Humor Style

Pay attention during your first few game nights to see which cards get the biggest laughs. Are your friends howling at the edgier content or do they prefer clever wordplay? Do pop culture references land well or fall flat? This observation phase is crucial for making smart expansion purchases.

Step 3: Add One Expansion at a Time

Rather than buying multiple expansions at once, introduce new cards gradually. This allows you to:

• Evaluate each expansion’s success with your group
• Extend the game’s freshness over a longer period
• Avoid overwhelming new players with too many inside jokes or references

Step 4: Create Custom Mixes for Different Occasions

Once you have multiple expansions, create custom card sets for different situations:

• A “safe for work” deck for casual gatherings
• An “anything goes” deck for close friends
• Themed decks for special occasions or interests

I use different colored sleeves to quickly identify which cards belong to which expansion, making it easy to customize my deck before each game night.

Maintaining and Organizing Your Card Collection

As your collection grows, organization becomes increasingly important. Here’s how I keep my ever-expanding WDYM empire under control:

Card Protection

Quality card sleeves are a worthwhile investment, especially for the photo cards that see constant handling. After watching the corners of my original set get worn down after just a few game nights, I invested in:

• Clear premium sleeves for photo cards
• Colored sleeves for different caption card expansions
• A dedicated box with dividers for storage

Tracking Systems

With dozens of expansions available, it’s easy to accidentally purchase duplicates or forget which packs you already own. I maintain a simple spreadsheet tracking:

• Expansions owned
• Number of cards in each expansion
• Theme/content focus
• When I last used each expansion
• Guest reactions to different packs

Rotation Strategies

To prevent content fatigue, I use a rotation system:

• Core photo cards remain consistent for accessibility
• Caption cards rotate based on the group playing
• Newly purchased expansions get a “featured” period before joining the rotation
• Seasonal packs come out during relevant holidays and are stored the rest of the year

Where to Buy: Finding the Best Deals on WDYM Cards

While What Do You Meme products are widely available, pricing and selection vary significantly between retailers.

Official WDYM Website

Purchasing directly from the company offers several advantages:

• First access to new releases and limited editions
• Bundle deals not available elsewhere
• Exclusive online-only expansions

The downside is that shipping costs can be higher, and you miss out on retailer-specific discounts.

Major Retailers

Big box stores and online marketplaces typically offer:

• Competitive pricing, especially during sales events
• Faster shipping or in-store pickup options
• Reward program benefits
• Easy returns if needed

In my experience, Amazon frequently offers the best pricing on the core game, while Target often has exclusive expansions not available elsewhere.

Specialty Game Stores

Don’t overlook local game shops, which can provide:

• Expert recommendations from staff
• The ability to see the products in person before purchasing
• Support for local businesses
• Potential access to demo copies or in-store gaming events

Secondary Markets

For discontinued or limited edition packs, consider:

• Online marketplaces for used games
• Trading groups on social media
• Local buy/sell/trade groups

Just be cautious about counterfeit products, which have become increasingly common as the game’s popularity has grown.

The Economics of Expansion: Maximizing Value

Building a comprehensive WDYM collection can get expensive quickly. Here’s how I optimize my purchasing strategy:

Cost-Per-Card Analysis

Not all expansions offer equal value. I calculate the cost-per-card before purchasing:

• Core game: Often works out to $0.10-0.15 per card
• Large expansions: Usually $0.15-0.20 per card
• Small themed packs: Can range from $0.25-0.50 per card

While the themed packs are more expensive per card, their targeted content often makes them worth the premium for specific groups.

Strategic Timing

Prices fluctuate throughout the year, with the best deals typically appearing:

• During major shopping events (Black Friday, Prime Day)
• At the end of a season for seasonal packs
• When new versions are released, discounting previous editions

I’ve saved over 40% by purchasing my holiday expansion packs in January for the following year.

Bundle Opportunities

Many retailers and the official site offer bundles that can significantly reduce the per-pack cost:

• Starter bundles for new players
• Themed collections (all TV show packs, all adult content, etc.)
• Create-your-own bundle deals during promotions

Customization and DIY Approaches

One of the most enjoyable aspects of What Do You Meme is the potential for customization:

Create Your Own Cards

The official WDYM website occasionally offers blank card packs that allow you to:

• Create inside jokes specific to your friend group
• Customize photo cards with pictures of friends or family
• Design captions that reference shared experiences

If blank cards aren’t available, you can:

• Purchase blank playing card stock online
• Use similar dimensions to the official cards
• Create digital designs and print them at home or through a printing service

Digital Alternatives

For long-distance friends, several options exist for virtual play:

• Official WDYM digital versions (when available)
• Third-party platforms that support custom card games
• Video chat platforms where one player can act as the “dealer” with a physical set

The Social Impact of Your Card Choices

Something I’ve come to appreciate over years of playing is how card selection shapes the entire social experience:

Setting the Tone

The expansions you choose fundamentally establish the atmosphere of your game night:

• Family-friendly cards create an inclusive environment where the humor comes from clever wordplay
• Adult-oriented expansions shift the energy toward more risqué territory
• Pop culture packs can either unite players through shared references or highlight generational divides

Creating Memorable Moments

The best WDYM experiences come when cards create unexpected moments of connection or revelation. I’ll never forget discovering my quiet accountant friend’s darkly hilarious side when she dominated with the NSFW expansion, or watching my dad perfectly deploy a TikTok reference he’d clearly been waiting to use.

These moments happen when your card selection:

• Allows for personal expression
• Creates opportunities for surprise
• Balances familiar references with fresh content
• Matches the comfort level of all players

Looking to the Future: Upcoming Releases and Trends

The WDYM universe continues to expand, with several exciting developments on the horizon:

Emerging Themes

Based on recent releases and social media hints, we can expect new expansions focusing on:

• Rising social media platforms and their unique meme cultures
• Expanded international meme references as the game grows globally
• More collaborative gameplay elements
• Interactive digital components that complement physical cards

Limited Edition Opportunities

The company has increasingly moved toward limited-time releases that create collector’s opportunities. Following their social media accounts provides the best advance notice of these drops.

Making Your Final Decision: A Personal Reflection

After exploring the vast landscape of What Do You Meme cards, you might be wondering which expansions have earned a permanent place in my collection. While individual preferences vary wildly, these are the sets that consistently deliver memorable game nights for my diverse groups of friends:

1. Core Game: The foundation that started it all remains essential. The balance of recognizable memes and versatile captions works across almost any group.
2. NSFW Expansion: For adult game nights, this expansion transforms the experience. The shock value creates those unforgettable moments of uncontrollable laughter.
3. The Office Pack: The universal appeal of Dunder Mifflin’s finest transcends age groups and brings together fans and casual viewers alike.
4. Fresh Memes Edition: Keeping current with internet culture helps the game feel relevant rather than dated.
5. Family Edition: Having a completely separate, clean version ready for mixed company or family gatherings has saved me from countless awkward moments.

Conclusion: Finding Your Meme Match

The perfect What Do You Meme collection isn’t about having every expansion or the most cards—it’s about curating a selection that creates joy, connection, and unforgettable moments for your specific group of players.

Whether you’re just starting your collection with the core game or deciding which of dozens of expansions to add next, remember that the ultimate goal is creating experiences. The right cards are simply the tools that help those experiences unfold.

As you build your collection, stay flexible, observe what works with your friends, and don’t be afraid to mix things up. Sometimes the unexpected combination—like introducing the Halloween pack in April—creates the most memorable game nights.

The perfect What Do You Meme cards don’t just make people laugh; they create moments of genuine connection through shared humor. In a world where we’re increasingly separated by screens, there’s something magical about gathering around a table to laugh together at the absurdity of internet culture translated into physical cards.

So shuffle your deck, set up your easel, and prepare for another round of what might just be the defining party game of our meme-saturated era. Your perfect combination of cards is out there—you just need to find it. Happy memeing!