Finding Fresh Laughs for Your Next Game Night (A Personal Journey)

As I settled into my living room last weekend, surrounded by friends clutching their sides with laughter, I realized something: our trusty “What Do You Meme?” game was starting to feel a bit… predictable. Don’t get me wrong—the base game is fantastic. But after countless game nights, we’d seen every card, anticipated every punchline, and even developed inside jokes about specific memes.

That’s when I decided to embark on a mission to revitalize our favorite party game with expansion packs. What started as casual research turned into a full-blown obsession with finding the perfect additions to our collection. After spending way too much money (don’t tell my partner) and hosting multiple test-run game nights, I’ve compiled everything I’ve learned about “What Do You Meme?” expansion packs.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your game nights, accommodate more players, or simply inject fresh humor into an old favorite, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the expansive world of “What Do You Meme?” expansions.

Understanding the “What Do You Meme?” Universe

Before diving into specific expansion packs, it’s worth understanding what makes this game tick. The core gameplay revolves around matching caption cards with popular meme images to create the funniest combinations, as judged by a rotating “judge” player. It’s simple, accessible, and absolutely hilarious when played with the right crowd.

The base game comes with 435 cards (360 caption cards and 75 photo cards), which is plenty for your first several game nights. However, as any seasoned player knows, familiarity breeds predictability, and predictability is the enemy of humor. This is precisely where expansion packs come in—they inject new life into the game with fresh content while maintaining the core mechanics that make it so enjoyable.

Types of Expansion Packs

From my deep dive into the world of “What Do You Meme?” expansions, I’ve found they typically fall into several categories:

Themed Content Expansions

These add new caption and photo cards centered around specific themes:

• Pop culture references
• Specific TV shows or movies
• Holidays and seasonal themes
• Generational humor (Millennial, Gen Z, etc.)

Gameplay Mechanic Expansions

These introduce new rules or game elements:

• Action cards that change gameplay dynamics
• Challenge cards that add competitive elements
• Alternative winning conditions

Compatibility Expansions

These allow for:

• More players to join the fun
• Integration with other party games
• Different age groups to play together

Understanding these categories helped me make more strategic purchasing decisions rather than blindly buying everything with the “What Do You Meme?” logo slapped on it (though I was tempted).

My Top 10 “What Do You Meme?” Expansion Packs

After extensive testing (and many memorable game nights), here are the expansion packs that earned permanent spots in my collection:

1. Basic Bitch Expansion Pack

When I first saw this one, I’ll admit I rolled my eyes at the name. Then I opened it up at a game night with my most sarcastic friends, and it became an instant hit. This pack is laser-focused on millennial stereotypes and contains 50 new caption cards and 15 photo cards that perfectly capture the essence of pumpkin spice lattes, “living your best life,” and other delightfully basic phenomena.

What makes it special: The photo cards in this pack feature some of the most versatile reaction images I’ve seen. One particular favorite shows a woman dramatically crying while taking a selfie—it pairs hilariously with almost any caption card from the main game or other expansions.

The caption cards hit that sweet spot between specific cultural references and broadly applicable humor. Lines like “When the avocado is perfectly ripe” might seem niche, but they create unexpectedly funny combinations with unrelated images.

Best for: Friend groups with a healthy appreciation for self-deprecating millennial humor. It’s particularly effective with players in their late 20s to late 30s who can laugh at stereotypes about their own generation.

2. Fresh Memes Expansion Pack

This is the expansion I recommend to anyone experiencing the “we’ve seen all these cards before” syndrome. With 75 new photo cards and 90 new caption cards, it significantly expands your game without introducing any complex new mechanics. True to its name, it features more recent meme formats that weren’t around when the original game was released.

What makes it special: The design team clearly keeps up with internet culture. This pack included several meme formats that had only gained popularity a few months before its release. It’s also carefully curated to include a mix of universally recognized memes and some deeper cuts that reward internet-savvy players.

Best for: Regular players who need an injection of fresh content without changing the game’s formula. It’s essentially “more of what you love” in the best possible way.

3. NSFW Expansion Pack

Fair warning: this one is exactly what it sounds like. When I brought this out, our normally reserved friend Sarah nearly spit out her drink at some of the caption cards. With 50 extremely adult-oriented caption cards and 15 equally suggestive photo cards, this pack transforms the game into an entirely different experience.

What makes it special: Beyond the obvious shock value, what impressed me was how this expansion manages to be provocative without feeling gratuitously crude. Yes, it’s definitely not family-friendly, but the humor comes more from clever innuendo than just throwing explicit words around. The photo cards also feature reaction images perfectly suited to the risqué content.

Best for: Adult game nights where everyone has a similar comfort level with explicit content. Definitely not for mixed company where some players might feel uncomfortable. I’ve found it works best when introduced later in the evening after a drink or two.

4. Party Pack Expansion

When my regular game night suddenly grew from six to twelve people, I frantically searched for a way to accommodate the larger group. The Party Pack was the perfect solution, adding enough cards to comfortably support up to 20 players. It includes 50 new caption cards and 25 photo cards specifically designed for larger gatherings.

What makes it special: Beyond just adding more cards, the Party Pack includes content that works particularly well with larger groups. Many of the captions reference group dynamics or social situations that become funnier when more people are playing. The photo cards also tend to feature more universally recognizable memes that don’t require niche knowledge.

Best for: Larger gatherings, parties, or situations where you want to include everyone in a single game rather than splitting into smaller groups.

5. 90s Nostalgia Expansion Pack

As someone who grew up in the 90s, this expansion hit me right in the childhood. With references to Tamagotchis, JNCO jeans, and dial-up internet, the 75 caption cards in this pack created moments of both laughter and nostalgic sighs around the table.

What makes it special: The attention to detail in this pack is remarkable. Rather than just surface-level 90s references, it digs deep into the decade’s quirks and culture. The 20 photo cards feature iconic 90s memes alongside some lesser-known gems that became instant favorites. I was particularly delighted by a card referencing the specific sound of AOL dial-up that everyone immediately recognized.

Best for: Millennial gatherings where players share common cultural touchpoints. I’ve found this pack creates as many moments of “Oh my god, I totally forgot about that!” as it does outright laughter, which adds a unique dimension to gameplay.

6. TikTok Expansion Pack

When my younger cousins joined our game night, I worried our regular cards might not connect with them. The TikTok expansion bridged that gap perfectly with its 50 caption cards and 20 photo cards referencing TikTok trends, dances, and viral moments.

What makes it special: This expansion manages to capture the lightning-fast evolution of TikTok trends in a physical card game format. What impressed me most was how it includes references that appeal to different “sides” of TikTok—from dance challenges to oddly specific algorithm niches. The photo cards feature both established TikTok celebrities and viral one-hit wonders.

Best for: Mixed-age groups where younger players might feel left out of more traditional meme references. It’s also surprisingly enjoyable for older players who want to feel “in the know” about current internet culture.

7. Game of Thrones Expansion Pack

As a massive GoT fan (despite the final season), I couldn’t resist this themed expansion. With 50 caption cards and 30 photo cards specifically referencing the show, it transformed our regular game night into a Westeros-themed event. We even served themed snacks!

What makes it special: Unlike some media tie-in products that rely on superficial references, this pack demonstrates genuine familiarity with the source material. The captions reference specific plot points, character quirks, and memorable quotes in ways that create satisfying combinations with the photo cards. The photo selection is excellent, capturing iconic moments from across all seasons.

Best for: Groups where everyone has watched the show. While some cards might work without specific knowledge, much of the humor relies on understanding the references. I’ve found it works best as a “special event” expansion rather than being shuffled into the main deck.

8. Stoner Expansion Pack

When my friend group from college reunited for a weekend, this seemed like the appropriate choice. With 50 cannabis-themed caption cards and 20 photo cards, it caters specifically to the 420-friendly crowd with humor ranging from subtle references to outright celebrations of stoner culture.

What makes it special: The design team clearly understood the subject matter. Rather than just plastering marijuana leaves on everything, the cards capture the specific thought patterns, conversations, and situations familiar to those who partake. The photo cards feature a mix of explicitly weed-related memes and more subtle “you know what’s happening here” reaction images.

Best for: Adult groups where cannabis culture is either part of their lifestyle or something they can appreciate humorously. It pairs well (pun intended) with the NSFW expansion for certain gatherings.

9. Dad Joke Expansion Pack

When I hosted a family game night that included both my sarcastic friends and my humor-challenged uncles, this pack saved the day. With 75 groan-inducing caption cards and 20 appropriately cheesy photo cards, it creates a more family-friendly version of the game that still manages to be genuinely funny.

What makes it special: The brilliance of this pack is how it leans completely into the “so bad it’s good” aesthetic of dad jokes. The captions feature classic puns, wordplay, and setups that pair surprisingly well with meme images. What I particularly appreciate is how it makes the game accessible to players who might be uncomfortable with more edgy content without feeling watered down.

Best for: Mixed family gatherings, especially ones that include actual dads who will inevitably say, “Hey, I was going to say that!” It’s also excellent for groups with varying comfort levels regarding explicit content.

10. Weird & Wild Expansion Pack

This is the expansion I pull out when gameplay starts feeling formulaic. With 60 completely bizarre caption cards and 25 equally strange photo cards, it introduces an element of surreal humor that shakes up even the most established player groups.

What makes it special: Unlike most expansions that aim for specific themes or demographics, the Weird & Wild pack embraces pure absurdity. The captions often make little logical sense but somehow create perfect comedic moments when paired with the right (or deliberately wrong) image. It’s like introducing a dash of Salvador Dalí into your meme game.

Best for: Groups that have played together frequently and need something to break predictable patterns. It’s particularly effective with creative friends who enjoy subverting expectations and exploring more abstract humor.

Mixing and Matching: Creating Your Perfect Game

After acquiring an embarrassing number of expansion packs, I quickly realized that simply throwing them all together created a chaotic and often disconnected experience. Through trial and error, I’ve developed some strategies for curating the perfect card selection for specific groups:

Know Your Audience

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to tailor your card selection to who’s playing. When my college friends visit, I’ll combine the NSFW and Stoner packs with the base game. For family gatherings, I stick to the Dad Jokes expansion and Fresh Memes. For mixed groups, I’ve found the Basic Bitch expansion works surprisingly well as a bridge between different sensibilities.

Maintain the Ratio

The base game has a carefully calibrated ratio of photo cards to caption cards. When adding expansions, try to maintain a similar proportion. I aim for roughly 5 caption cards for every photo card to ensure players have enough options without diluting the photo card pool too much.

Curate, Don’t Accumulate

Rather than adding entire expansion packs at once, I’ve found it more effective to selectively incorporate cards that fit well with my regular playing group. Before each game night, I spend a few minutes pulling out cards that I think will resonate with that particular crowd.

Create Themed Game Nights

Some of our most memorable evenings have featured specially curated card sets. For Halloween, I combined spooky cards from various expansions. For a 90s-themed party, we exclusively used the 90s Nostalgia pack combined with related cards from other sets.

Rotate Your Collection

To prevent burnout, I regularly rotate which expansions we’re using. This creates a sense of novelty without requiring constant new purchases. Every few months, I’ll “retire” certain packs and reintroduce others that haven’t been in play recently.

The Economics of Expansion Packs

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: these expansion packs aren’t cheap, especially if you develop a collector’s mentality like I did. Here’s my practical advice on getting the most value:

Prioritize Based on Frequency

If you play regularly with the same group, invest in content expansions that add fresh cards. If you play occasionally but with different people each time, themed expansions give you more flexibility to customize each experience.

Watch for Bundle Deals

I’ve found that online retailers and the official “What Do You Meme?” website occasionally offer bundle deals that significantly reduce the per-pack cost. Black Friday, in particular, has been great for expanding my collection.

Consider Cost Per Card

Not all expansion packs contain the same number of cards. When deciding between options, I calculate the cost per card to determine the best value. The Fresh Memes expansion, with its 165 total cards, typically offers more bang for your buck than smaller themed packs.

Invest in Storage

After accumulating several expansions, storage becomes an issue. I invested in a dedicated box with dividers to keep everything organized. This not only preserves the cards but also makes it easier to curate custom selections for each game night.

Handling Outdated Meme Culture

One challenge with any meme-based game is how quickly internet culture evolves. Memes that were ubiquitous six months ago can feel painfully outdated today. Here’s how I manage this:

Embrace the Time Capsule Effect

Some of our biggest laughs now come from cards featuring “ancient” memes that trigger nostalgic reactions. I’ve learned to appreciate these cards as time capsules rather than removing them from rotation.

Regularly Refresh with New Content

To keep the game current, I try to add at least one new expansion every six months. The Fresh Memes pack is specifically designed for this purpose, but themed packs tied to current trends (like the TikTok expansion) also help.

Create House Rules for Outdated Cards

We’ve implemented a house rule where players can “challenge” a photo card if they feel it’s too outdated. If the group agrees, it gets removed from the game, and the judge draws a replacement.

Beyond Official Expansions: DIY Options

After exhausting the official expansion options that appealed to me, I started experimenting with customizing the game:

Create Your Own Cards

For a friend’s birthday, I designed custom caption cards referencing inside jokes and memorable moments from our friendship. These were incredibly well-received and added a personal touch to the game. Using blank cards and a similar font, it was surprisingly easy to create professional-looking additions.

Cross-Game Compatibility

I’ve discovered that cards from certain other party games can work surprisingly well with “What Do You Meme?” Caption cards from games like “Cards Against Humanity” often create unexpected and hilarious combinations with meme images.

Digital Integration

For a recent game night, I experimented with projecting meme images onto a wall rather than using physical cards. This allowed us to incorporate more current memes that hadn’t yet made it into official expansions. Players still used physical caption cards, creating an interesting hybrid experience.

Common Questions About Expansion Packs

Throughout my expansion pack journey, I’ve fielded countless questions from friends looking to enhance their own collections. Here are the most common ones:

“Which expansion pack should I buy first?”

Based on my experience, the Fresh Memes expansion offers the most universal appeal and significant addition to the base game. For more specific recommendations, consider your regular playing group’s interests and sense of humor.

“Can I play with just expansion packs without the base game?”

Most expansion packs don’t contain enough cards to support a full game on their own. They’re designed to complement rather than replace the base game. The exception might be some of the larger themed standalone versions, which function as complete games.

“Do expansion packs make the game more complicated?”

Most content expansions don’t alter the basic rules. However, some specialty packs do introduce new mechanics. Read the instructions carefully before introducing these to avoid confusion during gameplay.

“How many expansion packs is too many?”

There’s no definitive answer, but I’ve found that using more than 2-3 expansions simultaneously can dilute the experience. It’s better to curate a selection from multiple packs than to use them all at once.

“Do the NSFW packs work with family-friendly expansions?”

Technically, yes—the cards are compatible. But mixing explicit content with family-friendly cards can create awkward situations. I recommend keeping these separate and choosing which tone you want for each game night.

The Future of My Collection

As I write this, I’ve reached a comfortable equilibrium with my “What Do You Meme?” collection. I have enough variety to customize the experience for any group, yet I’ve learned to resist the urge to buy every new release. That said, I’m keeping an eye on upcoming expansions that might offer something truly unique.

The true value of these expansion packs isn’t just in the cards themselves but in how they’ve extended the lifespan of one of our favorite party games. Two years ago, I thought we’d exhausted all the fun “What Do You Meme?” had to offer. Now, with strategic expansion pack rotation and curation, it remains a staple of our gatherings with seemingly endless combinations to discover.

Whether you’re a casual player looking to refresh your game or a dedicated collector aiming for the complete set, I hope my experiences help you navigate the increasingly expansive world of “What Do You Meme?” expansions. The right additions can transform a familiar favorite into an ever-evolving source of laughter and connection—and isn’t that what game night is all about?

The next time your friends groan at the suggestion of playing “that meme game again,” surprise them with a freshly curated deck featuring expansion packs tailored to your group. I guarantee the groans will quickly transform into the uncontrollable laughter that made you fall in love with the game in the first place.