Taboo: The Official Party Game is a faithful and energetic digital adaptation of the beloved card game. It solves the biggest problem of the original: needing to carry a bulky box of cards. The app is sleek, easy to set up, and perfect for social gatherings. Whether you're playing locally with one phone or using the in-app video chat to play with friends remotely, the core 'don't say the forbidden word' fun remains perfectly intact.
The UI is clean, and the game offers various decks to keep things interesting. While some players have noted occasional card repeats across multiple sessions, the developers are active in expanding the library. One of the best features is the 'Youngsters' deck, which makes the game much more accessible for family play. It’s a high-quality party app that captures the high-pressure, hilarious energy of trying to explain a word without being able to use the most obvious clues. It's a must-have for any social gamer's library.
I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to board games. There’s something about the tactile feel of a card and the chaotic energy of a physical buzzer that a phone just can't match. That said, Taboo Official Party Game is a competent digital translation. It doesn't try to reinvent the wheel, which I appreciate. The interface is clean, and it handles the bookkeeping—timers and scores—much better than a room full of people arguing. However, as someone who’s been playing games since the Atari days, I find the monetization of 'extra decks' a bit cynical. You’re essentially paying for content that would have just been in the box twenty years ago.
The online mode is a nice addition, but let's be honest: Taboo is a social game that relies on being in the same room. The lag and lack of facial cues over a remote connection drain about half the fun. If you're at a house party and realized you forgot the board game, this is a lifesaver. But it's a utility more than a 'game' in its own right. It does exactly what it says on the tin, no more, no less. I can't give it a high score for just existing, but it works.
Performance: Very stable; minimal battery drain compared to 3D games.
Buy if: You host frequent game nights and want a clutter-free way to play classics.
Skip if: You prefer physical board games or don't like 'nickel-and-diming' for more content.
Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod
Version 1.0.23Mon Mar 30 2026
Get ready for some pure chaotic word wrangling fun! 1200 new words are now available in the shop! If you love party games you will love this and you can do it all with video chat already included in the app, no extras needed!
It’s the game Ellen played with Katy Perry on her show. Like Charades with words not actions, split into 2 teams and take it in turns to describe the words on the cards. Your team has to guess as many as possible before the timer runs out! Play with video chat and throw a house party on your phone!
ABOUT THE GAME
Taboo is a group game for adults and perfect for a fun night in with friends. How do you describe APPLE when the words RED, FRUIT, PIE, CIDER and CORE are all taboo? If you use a taboo word by mistake, the other team will buzz and you’ll lose a point. Have noisy hilarious fun either online using in-game video chat or in person. Split into two teams, or go head-to-head in 2 Player mode. Think fast and talk your way to victory!
FEATURES
- FULLY CUSTOMISABLE - Decide the number of players, rounds, how many turns per round and how many skips are allowed
- AD-FREE GAME - Have fun with zero ads to distract you
- COMPLETE STARTER CARD DECK - Includes cards from the original game
- FULLY TRANSLATED - Available in: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Greek, Polish, Hindi
MORE CARD DECKS
Buy fun themed decks to keep your game fresh, including:
- Festive Fun (available for a limited time around the winter holidays)
- Wild World
- Fun & Games
- Food Lovers
- Celebrities
- The Midnight Deck (for adult-only fun)
…and two exciting Mystery decks!
PLAY MODES
- IN-GAME VIDEO CHAT - You don’t need extra apps or screens! Play the game face-to-face with 2-6 friends, wherever you are
- NEW - One vs All Mode
It’s every player for themselves in this brand new mode!
- Play with up to 10 friends!
- Take it in turns to be the Clue-giver while everyone else guesses
- A leaderboard will announce the winners
One vs All Mode is available in Local Party Mode, and is coming soon to Online Video Mode!
- LOCAL PARTY MODE
If you’re all in the same place, you can play with as many friends as you like, using a single phone!
- Split into 2 teams
- Take it in turns to be the Clue-giver
- If you’re the Clue-giver, make sure your team can’t see the screen
- If you’re in the opposing team, sit or stand behind the Clue-giver and shout if they use a taboo word
HOW TO PLAY
Create a game
Start a game and invite your friends. Or create an in-app chat group with your friends and start a game from your chat!
Divide into two teams
Split into two teams and name your team.
A Clue-giver is assigned from Team A
Clue-givers are chosen by the app, with team A and B taking it in turns.
The Clue-giver draws a card
The Clue-giver must describe the word, without saying any of the words on the card.
Team B stand by the Buzzer
Team B will buzz if the Clue-giver says a taboo word!
Watch the timer
Your team must guess as many words as possible before the time runs out.
Requires iOS 15.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.Can you describe an APPLE without using the words RED, FRUIT, PIE, CIDER or CORE?
Taboo is the ultimate brain-teasing, word-twisting adult party game. Play with video chat and throw a house party on your phone! Split into two teams and take it in turns to describe the words on the cards. Your team has to guess as many as possible before the timer runs out.
If you use a taboo word by mistake, the other team will buzz and you’ll lose a point.
Think fast and talk your way to victory!
HOW TO PLAY TABOO:
1. Start a game and invite your friends.
2. Split into two teams and name your team.
3. The app chooses a Clue-giver for each team. Each team then takes their turn!
4. The Clue-giver draws a card. The Clue-giver must describe the word without saying any of the words on the card.
5. Team B will buzz if the Clue-giver says a taboo word!
6. Your team must guess as many words as possible before the time runs out.
FEATURES
- FULLY CUSTOMISABLE – Decide the number of players, rounds, how many turns per round and how many skips are allowed.
- AD-FREE GAME – Have fun with zero ads to distract you.
- COMPLETE STARTER CARD DECK – Includes cards from the original game. Expand your game further with additional themed decks!
- FULLY TRANSLATED – Available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Greek, Polish and Hindi.
Get the perfect party game on your mobile now!














Taboo is the official digital version of the famous party game. Players must describe a target word to their team without using any of the 'taboo' words listed on the card. The app features multiple game modes, including a 'Local' mode for family gatherings and an 'Online' mode with built-in video. With customizable decks and a focus on fun, it’s the ultimate icebreaker for any group.
In-app video chat for remote play
Multiple themed word decks
No-ads experience
Customizable game rules
Choose a deck and split into two teams. One person describes the word while avoiding the forbidden list. If a teammate guesses correctly, tap the checkmark; if you say a taboo word, your opponent hits the buzzer!
Historical context on the original game's mechanics.
Developed and published by Marmalade Game Studio, Taboo - Official Party Game adds a new digital way for friends and family to get together...
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You can play with friends even if they don't have the app by using the built-in video chat features, making it ideal for remote game nights.
Yes, the game includes a bonus 'Youngsters' deck with words that are easier for children to understand and explain.