Complete Guide
How to Play
Have You Ever
Simple rules. Endless stories. Here's everything you need to run the perfect Have You Ever session - in person, online, or anywhere in between.
The Core Rules
Learning the rules takes less time than explaining your first answer. Here's all you need:
Pick a Category
Choose a theme that fits your group. New to the game? The Funny category is the perfect starting point. Browse all 21 categories to find your vibe.
Read the Question Aloud
One player reads the "Have you everโฆ" prompt out loud. In multiplayer mode everyone sees it on their own screen simultaneously.
Everyone Answers
Each person says "Have" or "Never." Raise a hand, say it aloud, or tap in a multiplayer room - the format is completely up to you.
Share the Story
The real magic: anyone who said "Have" tells their story. This is where a quick game becomes a 2-hour conversation. The Deep & Meaningful category is built specifically for this.
Next Question
Tap or click to advance. There's no fixed end - keep going as long as you like. Learn about session lengths.
Unsure where to start? Try the Group Decider tool - answer 3 quick questions and we'll match you to the right category instantly.
4 Ways to Play
have.you adapts to your situation. Here's how the four main modes compare:
| Mode | Best For | Try |
|---|---|---|
| โก Quick Game | First-timers, spontaneous sessions | Play |
| ๐ฒ Random Mode | When you can't choose a category | Play |
| โ๏ธ Custom Pack | Events, themed parties, team days | Play |
| ๐ฅ Multiplayer | Remote friends, big in-person groups | Play |
Pick the Right Category
The category sets the entire tone of your session. Match it to your group and occasion:
Explore all questions by category before you play, or let the Group Decider choose for you.
5 Fun Variations
The basic rules are just the start. These variants keep experienced players engaged:
๐บ Drinking Game
Anyone who answers "Have" takes a sip. The classic party version. Always play responsibly.
๐ Storytelling Mode
Anyone who says "Have" must share the full story. The Deep & Meaningful category was made for this.
๐ Scoring Mode
Tally 1 point per "Have." Most points wins. Ties broken by who told the best story.
๐จ Category Mixer
Blend 2โ3 categories into a single session for maximum variety. Use the Category Mixer tool.
โ๏ธ Custom Questions
Write your own prompts tailored to your group - inside jokes, shared memories, event themes. Build a Custom Pack.
Tips for the Best Session
Small adjustments make a big difference:
Set ground rules upfront
Tell everyone that passing is always fine, no explanation needed. Safety makes people share more, not less.
One device is enough
Pass the phone so one person reads aloud. Or use multiplayer rooms for a digital reveal on everyone's device.
Chase the story
The Have/Never answer is just the opener. The story behind it is the whole point - ask follow-ups.
Switch category mid-session
If energy dips, swap category. Going from Funny to Deep is a great natural gear-change.
Save questions you love
Logged-in users can heart questions mid-game and revisit them from the Favorites dashboard.
Match category to context
At work? Use Funny, Icebreaker, or Team & Work. Keep Party and Couples for social settings.
Playing on have.you - Quick Platform Guide
1 Solo or pass-the-phone
Visit the play page, pick from 21 categories, and start. Pass the phone so each person reads the next question aloud.
2 Online with friends
Create a multiplayer room and share the 6-character code. Everyone joins on their own device, answers together, sees results in real time. Up to 20 players.
3 Custom packs for events
Build a custom pack from our question library or your own prompts. Great for themed events, office days, or couples nights. Requires a free account.
4 Tools & generators
Spin the Question Wheel, generate icebreakers, or mix categories with the Category Mixer. See all 10 free tools.
Still have questions? Browse the full FAQ or get in touch.