Pass the Bomb
Pass the Bomb is the ultimate test of quick wit and cleverness! Can you develop relevant items under pressure as the bomb ticks down? Challenge yourself and your friends to this high-pressure game of fast thinking and strategic brainstorming.
✍️ July 11, 2024
Pass the Bomb is for people who think and talk fast! It’s a great conversation starter and a fantastic ice-breaker. When you play this game, the pressure is always on because you don’t want to be holding the bomb when it explodes—it’s that simple!
But we get it; you’re here to read about Pass the Bomb and some ideas to get you started. This guide has got you covered.
👉 If you enjoy this game, we think you’ll also enjoy the 5 Second Rule game!
How to Play Pass the Bomb
Pass the Bomb is a game where players pass around a “ticking time bomb” while they talk about certain things. The “ticking time bomb” is usually an item with a timer, like your phone.
This game can be played in a small or large group. While it’s often played with eight or more people, you can play with as little as two people. Here’s how to get started:
1. Gather your group and sit in a circle. To start the game, everyone needs to sit in a circle with the bomb placed in the middle.
2. Decide on a category and set the timer. The first player will choose a category, such as “Types of fruit.” Then, they will set the timer for an agreed-upon time, usually 10-20 seconds.
3. Pass the bomb around while naming items that fit into the category. The first player starts by saying an item from their chosen category, like “apple.” Then, they pass the bomb to the person next to them before it explodes.
4. Keep going until someone is caught with the bomb when it explodes. The person holding the bomb when it goes off is eliminated from the game.
5. Continue playing until there’s only one player left. The last player standing is declared the winner and can choose the next category to start a new round.
Play Pass the Bomb Online
Don’t want to come up with your ideas for Pass the Bomb? The most convenient way to play Pass the Bomb is by downloading an app.
Try out the Exploding Chickens app for free, which functionally works the same as Pass the Bomb. Play it with your friends, anytime, anywhere!
Pass the Bomb Ideas
Ready to play Pass the Bomb but need some ideas to get started? Here are a few categories and words you can use to make this game more exciting and challenging:
1. Things you can put on a sandwich
You can say anything edible here! What can’t you put on a sandwich?
2. Characteristics that make you fall in love with someone
Characteristics and looks are different.
3. Famous singers from the 2000s and before
Hint: If you can’t think of any famous singers, focus on male and female names.
4. Fictional characters with superpowers
You can discuss your favorite fictional character’s powers, physical features, and personality traits.
5. Countries with their capitals
This can be a challenge to get through all the capital cities!
6. Former Disney stars
Many Disney stars have gone on to do adult things after their time with Disney.
7. Things you would not do if a cop were standing three feet away from you
This can also be a list of things you would do if a cop stood three feet away. In that case, you might need a lot of prayers.
8. Colors you wouldn’t wear at a funeral
Hmm, maybe anything except black?
9. Things that would be on your bucket list if you went to space
Since there are no limits in space, this could be the craziest bucket list ever!
10. Things you would not say if your mother were standing in front of you
That depends on the relationship the players have with their mother!
11. Words starting with F
Don’t get stuck on the swear words!
12. Cartoon characters
Again, you can discuss your favorite cartoon characters’ personality traits and physical features.
13. Body parts that nobody sees at first sight
Well, that is going to be interesting!
14. Things you don’t want to hear a person say on a first date
You can get a great laugh from this list!
15. Toys from your childhood
It’s a good idea to have a thoughtful conversation about this topic.
16. Sports teams & players
This can be a challenge if you don’t know much about sports!
17. Pets you don’t want to own and why
This can be a great topic if you love animals and dislike the ones that people think it’s cute to own.
18. Clothing brands you would never buy
This can be a great conversation starter because you might learn about clothing brands you don’t know.
19. Members of the Kardashian family
This can be a long discussion.
20. Movie villains you would love to meet in real life
Hmm, maybe not choose the worst villains. But if you think of bad guys like Cruella de Vil, Draco Malfoy, or Maleficent?
21. Food you would eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
This can be challenging because you would need to eat many different things!
22. Books you read as a child
I hope all players liked reading during their childhood!
23. Places where it is legal to smoke weed
This may be challenging!
24. Celebrities you think are overrated
I am sure you all have an opinion on this one! The list of topics may be endless!
25. Things you don’t like to hear before you fall asleep
Maybe the crying of a baby next to you when you don’t have a child?
26. Animals that begin with the letter “B.”
Think of all the animals from around the world that start with “B”—bees, bears, birds, and more.
27. Movie titles with one-word
This category can be fun and challenging, with many possible answers!
28. Items you bring on a camping trip
Consider essential gear and some unique additions that make camping more enjoyable.
29. Types of flowers
Perfect for the botanist in your group—there are so many different kinds of flowers!
30. Cities in Europe
Test your geographic knowledge and see how many European cities you can name.
31. Apps on your phone
From social media to utilities, almost everyone has a unique set of apps they use daily.
32. Cooking utensils
Think beyond the basics like spoons and knives to specialized tools like zesters and mandolines.
33. Musical instruments
From standard instruments like the guitar and piano to more unique ones like the didgeridoo or marimba.
34. Mexican dishes
Mexican cuisine is delicious and varied—tacos, enchiladas, mole, and many more!
35. Famous artists
Many famous figures, from painters to musicians, have made significant contributions to the arts.
36. Items in a first aid kit
Think of bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and all the other essentials for a medical emergency.
37. Elements on the periodic table
This is a great topic for those who paid attention in chemistry class!
38. Superheroes
From the well-known faces of Marvel and DC to lesser-known indie comic characters.
39. Greek gods and goddesses
An exciting delve into mythology with deities like Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon.
40. Sci-fi movies
There are countless sci-fi movies, each with their unique take on the future, technology, and space.
41. Mountains around the world
Think of the Himalayas, Rockies, Andes, and other significant mountain ranges.
42. Types of pets
Cats, dogs, hamsters, fish—a wide variety of pets people love.
43. Musical genres
Explore the range of music, from rock and jazz to hip-hop and classical.
44. Types of dance
From ballet and salsa to hip-hop and contemporary, there’s a dance style for everyone.
45. Planets in our solar system
Think about the eight planets and any memorably named dwarf planets or moons, too.
46. Different brands of cars
Tesla, Toyota, Ford—there’s a plethora of car manufacturers to name.
🤓 Suggested read: "Categories" Card-Drinking Game: Rules for a Fun Party
47. Common phobias
From arachnophobia to claustrophobia, there are many fears people experience.
48. Types of trees
Oak, maple, pine—many trees populate our forests and urban spaces.
49. Classic rock bands
The genre boasts many legendary bands that changed the course of music history.
50. Types of cheese
Cheese lovers will enjoy this challenge, from cheddar and mozzarella to Gouda and Brie.
51. Game show titles
Think of all the famous game shows on TV over the years.
52. Colors in a box of crayons
Get creative and name all the possible hues from a standard box of crayons.
53. Languages spoken worldwide
Many languages, from the well-known to the more obscure ones, are spoken in smaller communities.
54. Items you use at the beach
There’s plenty to pack from sunscreen and towels to surfboards and beach balls for a day in the sun.
55. Office supplies
Pens, staplers, paperclips—anything you’d find in a typical office environment.
56. Junk food snacks
Chips, chocolate bars, candy—the list of indulgent snacks is endless!
57. TV sitcoms
There’s a sitcom for every type of humor, from slapstick to dry wit.
58. Types of shoes
High heels, sneakers, sandals—shoe lovers will enjoy listing them all.
59. Dog breeds
From retrievers and bulldogs to huskies and pugs, there are so many adorable dog breeds out there.
📖 Suggested read: 20+ Fun "5 Second Rule" Questions to Test Your Knowledge
60. Insects in your backyard
Look at the tiny creatures that inhabit your garden or outdoor space.
The game Pass the Bomb is a fast-paced and exciting way to test your knowledge, creativity, and quick-thinking skills. With an endless list of categories to choose from, this game can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Whether you’re playing with friends or family, Pass the Bomb is a surefire way to spark laughter and friendly competition. So, next time you plan a gathering or game night, consider adding it to your list of activities for a fun and engaging experience!
