How to Host a Tier List Night With Friends

Tier lists make a great group activity. All you need is a screen, a few topics and people with opinions. Here’s a simple format that works in person or on a video call.

Before you start

Pick three to five topics everyone knows something about. Broad, familiar categories work best for groups: snacks, films everyone has seen, childhood TV shows, holiday traditions or board games you’ve played together.

Prepare the items in advance by typing them into the tier list maker, separated by commas. Around 12 to 20 items per topic keeps each round to a reasonable length.

Format 1: One board, group vote

Share your screen and go through the items one at a time. The group discusses and agrees where each one goes. Whoever argues most convincingly wins the spot. This format is all about the conversation.

Format 2: Everyone ranks, then compare

Each person makes their own tier list on their phone or laptop and downloads the image. Then everyone reveals their list at the same time. Look for:

• Items everyone agrees on
• The item with the biggest disagreement
• The most surprising placement

Let each person defend one controversial pick.

Format 3: The drafting round

Take turns placing one item at a time on a shared board. Once an item is placed, it can’t be moved — so the debate happens before the drag.

Keep it friendly

Tier lists are opinions, not facts. Set a time limit for debates, let people “appeal” one placement per round and don’t take it too seriously. The best moments usually come from the items nobody expected to argue about.

Afterwards

Download the final group list as a PNG and share it in your group chat. It makes a good record of the night — and a starting point for a rematch.