Build Something - Drinking Game Rules & How to Play

Build Something is a drinking game in the Team Games category for 4-16 players that takes about 15-30 min with a medium difficulty level.

Construction challenges

Equipment Needed

Setup

Divide the players into 2-4 teams and provide each team with a random assortment of household items or party supplies, like solo cups, ping pong balls, plastic utensils, index cards, tape, and string. Set a time limit for the game segment, then announce the first theme or challenge (e.g., 'Build the tallest structure' or 'Create a functional catapult'). Make sure each team has drinks nearby for penalties and rewards.

How to Play Build Something

  1. Set up the game according to basic rules
  2. Players take turns or play simultaneously
  3. Penalties result in drinking
  4. Success means assigning drinks
  5. Continue until winner emerges
  6. Loser faces final penalty
  7. Winner earns bragging rights
  8. Adjust rules as needed for your group

Tips & Strategies

Focus on using lightweight items like solo cups and ping pong balls for height-building tasks, as they stack easily without collapsing. Assign a designated 'tester' for your team to check the stability of the construction before the timer runs out,this can save you from last-minute disasters. If the challenge involves functionality, like launching an object, practice your mechanism a few times to ensure it actually works under pressure. Remember, assigning drinks strategically when you succeed can mess with the other teams' focus,target their most productive member.

Variations

Timed Relay: Instead of working as a full team, players must take turns adding one item at a time to the structure, with a 10-second time limit per turn.. Sabotage Mode: Each team gets one sabotage token, which allows them to pause an opposing team for 15 seconds during a construction round.. Limited Materials: Each team gets a pre-set, identical pile of materials to use, forcing them to work creatively within tight constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if our structure collapses during a challenge?
If your structure collapses before the timer ends, your team automatically loses the round and must each take two penalty drinks.
Can we use items not provided as part of our construction?
No, you must stick to the materials given at the start of the game unless the rules explicitly state otherwise.
How do we decide who assigns drinks when our team wins?
Your team can decide democratically or pick a 'drinks captain' before the game starts to handle all drink assignments.
What’s a good final penalty for the losing team?
The losing team can be made to chug their remaining drinks or perform a silly task, like serving the winners drinks for the next round.

Players: 4-16 | Duration: 15-30 min | Difficulty: medium

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