Squid Game took the world by storm with its deadly childhood games, desperate players, and jaw-dropping twists, and it turns out all that tension and drama makes for an incredible drinking game. Every elimination, betrayal, and creepy doll appearance is a trigger waiting to happen. Gather 2-8 players, pour your drinks, and try to survive longer than the contestants do.
What You Need
- A TV or laptop with Squid Game streaming (Netflix)
- Your drink of choice (soju is thematic, beer or cocktails work great too)
- At least 1 friend (best with 3-6 players)
- Snacks to stress-eat during the tense moments
Squid Game Drinking Game Rules
Take a sip every time:
- A player is eliminated from a game
- The creepy doll appears or speaks
- Someone makes an alliance with another player
- A VIP speaks or is shown watching the games
- The masked guards appear in formation
- Someone betrays a partner or friend
- The piggy bank fills up with more money
- A childhood game is explained or its rules are revealed
- Someone has a flashback to their life outside the games
- The Front Man gives an order or makes a decision
- A player cries or has an emotional breakdown
- The green tracksuits are shown in a group shot
Hard Mode Rules
Want more intensity? Add these rules on top of the basics:
- Take two sips during the entire red light green light sequence
- Finish your drink for an unexpected or shocking elimination
- Take a sip when the old man says something wise or philosophical
- Take two sips for a game master reveal or behind-the-scenes moment
- Take a sip whenever the prize money total is shown or mentioned
- Take two sips when a player voluntarily leaves or votes to end the games
Best Episodes to Play
These episodes are packed with triggers and perfect for game night:
- S1E1 – Red Light, Green Light — The iconic first game is a trigger explosion — mass eliminations, the creepy doll, alliances forming, and pure shock value that sets the pace for the whole series.
- S1E3 – The Man with the Umbrella — The dalgona candy game brings constant eliminations, creative survival tactics, and rising tension that keeps everyone drinking steadily.
- S1E6 – Gganbu — The marble game is emotionally devastating with betrayals, crying, alliances breaking apart, and eliminations that hit you right in the gut.
- S1E7 – VIPs — The VIPs finally appear and won’t stop talking, the glass bridge game delivers rapid eliminations, and the tension is absolutely unbearable.
- S1E9 – One Lucky Day — The finale brings the final game, major reveals, flashbacks, and an ending that will have everyone reaching for their drinks and arguing about what just happened.
House Rules & Variations
- Assign each player a number like the contestants and eliminate the last person to drink each round
- Add a “green light” rule — during any game sequence, you can only drink when someone says green light
- Play with soju or Korean beer to stay on theme with the show’s setting
- Swap to sips-only mode during episodes with mass elimination scenes unless you have a death wish
- Add an alliance rule — pair up with another player and if your partner forgets to drink, you drink double
Tips for a Great Game Night
- Start with Episode 1 to set the rules and pace before the games get more intense
- Keep water on the table — the elimination triggers stack up fast in later episodes
- Designate a driver or plan rides before the games begin
- Have snacks ready — Korean snacks like shrimp chips or dalgona candy are perfect thematic choices
Related Drinking Games
If you enjoyed this game, check out these:
- Red or Black — A high-stakes guessing game that captures Squid Game’s life-or-death energy
- Mexican Dice — A bluffing dice game where deception is the key to survival
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people do you need for the Squid Game drinking game?
You can play with just 2 people, but 4-6 players is ideal. Larger groups can form alliances just like the show, and assigning player numbers adds an extra layer of fun and competition.
What should you drink during the Squid Game drinking game?
Beer or light cocktails are your safest bet because the elimination triggers come fast, especially in game episodes. Soju is the most thematic choice if you want to match the show’s Korean setting. Go non-alcoholic with flavored sodas if you prefer a lighter night.
Can you play the Squid Game drinking game with Season 2?
Absolutely. Season 2 introduces new games, new players, and new twists that work perfectly with these rules. The core triggers like eliminations, alliances, betrayals, and the masked guards carry over seamlessly. Just expect even more intensity.
