The Thunderstruck drinking game is more than just a party activity; it’s a pre-game ritual that helps you steeped in the love for rock music and the thrill of social drinking. Originating as a simple but exhilarating pregame activity, the Thunderstruck drinking game has grown in popularity, especially among college students and rock music enthusiasts. The concept is straightforward: gather your friends, cue up AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” and prepare for an unforgettable (and possibly very tipsy) experience.
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Why Is Thunderstruck Drinking Game so Popular?
It’s the perfect storm of simple rules, high energy, and the communal spirit of a group game. Participants are drawn to its straightforward yet intense nature—just grab a drink, listen for the iconic “thunder” in the song, and chug away. The combination of classic rock and a shared drinking challenge creates an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and inclusive, making it a staple at parties, especially those with a rock or nostalgic theme.
Thunderstruck Drinking Game Rules
The rules are straightforward, but keeping up with the fast-paced song is where the challenge lies:
- Start the Song: Begin by playing AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” at full blast.
- First Player Drinks: The first player starts drinking as soon as the word “thunder” is heard.
- Pass the Drink: When “thunder” is mentioned again, the current player stops, and the next player takes over.
- Repeat: This continues until the song ends, with each player drinking every time it’s their turn.
Popular Thunderstruck Drinking Game Variations
If you’ve played the original Thunderstruck drinking game enough times to be looking for a fresh challenge, these variations will keep the excitement alive. Each offers a new twist while retaining the core elements of fun and music.
Thunder Drinking Game Alternative
For the Thunder drinking game, if you’re looking to create an alternative twist instead of using “Thunder” as a trigger, here are some ideas can try:
- “Struck” Twist: Use the word “Struck” instead of “Thunder.” Every time the word “Struck” is sung in the song, the next person starts drinking until the word is sung again.
- “Na-Na-Na” Challenge: During the instrumental “Na-na-na” sections of the song, one person starts drinking at the beginning and stops when the lyrics resume. The next person in line continues during the next “Na-na-na” section.
- Instrumental Beats: Make people drink when the heavy guitar riffs come in. You can alternate between players every time the main riff repeats.
- “Lightning” Strike: Switch to using the word “Lightning” as the trigger. Whenever “Lightning” is mentioned, the next person drinks, making the game less predictable.
- AC/DC Fan Trivia: Before the game starts, prepare a list of AC/DC trivia questions. Randomly pause the song and ask a question. The person who gets it wrong has to drink until the music resumes.
AC/DC Rock Songs Drinking Game
These AC/DC songs with their specific triggers, create a similar high-energy drinking game experience to Thunderstruck.
- Highway to Hell: The first player starts drinking as soon as “Highway” or “Hell” is sung. The player drinks until either word is sung again, then the next player takes over. This continues throughout the song.
- Back in Black: The first player drinks when “Back” or “Black” is sung. They continue until either word is sung again, at which point the next player starts drinking. The cycle repeats until the end of the song.
- TNT: The first player drinks as soon as “TNT” or “Dynamite” is mentioned. They keep drinking until the next instance of either word, then the next player takes over. The game continues until the song ends.
- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap: The first player starts drinking when “Dirty,” “Deeds,” or “Cheap” is sung. They drink until one of these words is sung again, and then pass it to the next player. This pattern continues until the song concludes.
- Hells Bells: The first player drinks when “Hells” or “Bells” is sung. They stop drinking when the next instance of either word occurs, and the next player begins. The process continues until the end of the song.

Irish Drinking Game Songs Like Thunderstruck
If you’re looking for Irish drinking game songs with a similar vibe to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck, here are some options that can be adapted for drinking games:
- Whiskey in the Jar by The Dubliners / Thin Lizzy: Players drink whenever they hear the word “Whiskey” or “Jar.” Each time either word is sung, the current player drinks until it’s sung again, then the next player takes over.
- The Wild Rover by The Dubliners: Drink whenever “No, nay, never” is sung. The player keeps drinking until the phrase is sung again, then the next player starts drinking.
- Drunken Sailor by Irish Rovers: The first player drinks whenever “Drunken” or “Sailor” is mentioned. They pass the drinking responsibility to the next player when the word is sung again.
- The Irish Rover by The Dubliners: Drink every time “Irish” or “Rover” is sung. The first player starts and continues until the word is sung again, at which point the next player takes over.
- Finnegan’s Wake by The Dubliners: The first player starts drinking when “Finnegan” or “Wake” is mentioned. The next player takes over when either word is sung again, continuing the cycle.
Take your party night to the next level with not just Irish song drinking games, but also living Irish poker card games! Whether you’re singing along to classic Irish ballads on St. Patrick’s Day or trying your hand at a fun-filled poker round, these games are sure to create unforgettable memories and turn your gathering into an epic celebration.
Classic Rock Playlist Challenge
For those who want to turn the Thunderstruck game into a longer, more varied event, create a classic rock playlist challenge. Here’s how:
- Multi-Song Medley: Instead of sticking to one song, choose a medley of rock hits. Each song can have its own drinking rule, such as chugging during guitar solos or sipping during verses.
- Decade-Themed Challenge: Pick songs from a specific decade (e.g., 70s rock or 80s hair metal) and set rules for each track. This not only diversifies the game but also lets players reminisce about different musical eras.
- Battle of the Bands: Split into teams, each representing a different band (e.g., Led Zeppelin vs. The Rolling Stones). Teams drink whenever their band’s song is played.
Drinking Game Rock Songs Like Thunderstruck
If the Thunderstruck drinking game has become a favorite at your gatherings, you’ll likely enjoy these other rock-themed drinking games. Each one offers a unique twist, keeping the party lively and the drinks flowing.
1. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a complex, multi-part song that makes for a challenging and entertaining drinking game:
- Tempo Challenge: Take a sip every time the tempo changes or the song shifts between styles. This keeps players on their toes as they follow the song’s unpredictable flow.
- Thematic Sips: Drink during key lyrical moments, such as “Mama, just killed a man” or the operatic “Galileo” section. The iconic lyrics add an element of drama to the game.
- Operatic Marathon: Chug during the operatic section until it ends. This is a test of endurance and musical appreciation rolled into one.
2. Enter Sandman by Metallica
For those who prefer a heavier rock vibe, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” provides a thrilling alternative:
- Lyrical Challenge: Drink every time the words “sandman” or “sleep” are mentioned, ensuring a steady pace throughout the song.
- Riff Marathon: Chug during the iconic riff that repeats throughout the song. The intense rhythm makes this a game of endurance and focus.
- Nightmare Edition: Add a physical challenge, like doing push-ups during the breakdown, to keep everyone active and engaged.
3. Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
Another rock anthem that works well for a drinking game is Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer”:
- Chorus Challenge: Chug during the chorus and sip during the verses. This balances intense moments with lighter breaks.
- “Whoa-oh” Rule: Take a drink every time the famous “whoa-oh” is sung. This iconic part of the song makes for a fun and recognizable cue.
- Key Change Surprise: Finish your drink when the key change hits near the end of the song. This adds an unexpected twist that keeps everyone on their toes.

Thunderstruck Drinking Game Cheats from Reddit
On Reddit, the Thunderstruck drinking game has emerged as a legendary tradition among party enthusiasts and rock music fans. Even the most seasoned Thunderstruck players can find the fast-paced drinking challenge to be overwhelming. Here are some smart strategies to help you cheat the system—without spoiling the fun.
1. Sip Instead of Chug
Chugging a full drink every time “thunder” is mentioned can be daunting, especially during the song’s intense moments. If you want to pace yourself, consider these alternatives:
- Moderate Sips: Take a long sip instead of chugging. This lets you participate fully without risking early intoxication.
- Half-Chug: Instead of finishing the entire drink, only chug half. This cheat still keeps the spirit of the game but lightens the load.
- Designated Slow Sipper: Assign one player to be the designated “slow sipper” who takes smaller sips throughout the game, helping to moderate the group’s pace.
2. Tag Team
Tag teaming can make the game more manageable and fun, especially with a large group. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Buddy System: Pair up with a friend and alternate who drinks when it’s your turn. This not only reduces the amount each person drinks but also builds camaraderie.
- Triple Teams: For larger groups, form teams of three. Each team member drinks in rotation, making the game last longer and reducing individual consumption.
- Rotating Roles: Rotate roles within your team (e.g., sipper, cheerleader, and drinker), keeping everyone engaged without overdoing it.
3. Substitute Beverages
If you want to join the game without the alcohol—or just reduce your intake—try these creative substitutes:
- Non-Alcoholic Beers: Swap out regular beer for non-alcoholic versions, allowing you to stick to the rules without the buzz.
- Themed Drinks: Use themed, non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails that fit the rock ‘n’ roll vibe, such as “Virgin Margaritas” or “Rockstar Energy Drinks.”
- Hydration Station: Add a rule where one round can be substituted with water or a hydration drink like Gatorade. This keeps players hydrated and extends the fun.
4. Strategic Pauses
Need a break without stepping out of the game? Here’s how to do it:
- Pass the Drink: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can pass your drink to a neighbor. This lets you catch your breath while keeping the game moving.
- Musical Chairs: Introduce a “musical chairs” twist, where participants can swap places with someone else in the circle when the word “thunder” is heard, allowing a brief pause from drinking.

Drinking Games for Different Music Genres
To keep the Thunderstruck drinking game fresh and fun, you can easily adapt it to other music genres. Here’s how:
- Choose a Song with Repetitive Lyrics: Pick a song in the genre of your choice that features a frequently repeated word or phrase. For example, in pop music, you might use “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift, where players drink every time “shake” is mentioned.
- Set Genre-Specific Rules: Tailor the rules to fit the song’s structure. For a hip-hop track like “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, you could drink every time “mom’s spaghetti” is referenced or whenever a specific beat drops.
- Adjust the Intensity: Depending on the song’s tempo and lyrical frequency, you might need to modify the amount players drink. For slower songs, increase the sips per trigger word; for faster songs, consider smaller sips or even just a single sip per trigger.
- Explore Different Themes: Match the drinking game to a party theme. For example, at a country-themed party, use a song like “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, and drink every time the word “low” is heard.
- Incorporate New Challenges: Add genre-specific challenges, like doing a dance move in a pop song or a quick air guitar riff during a rock track. This keeps the game dynamic and engaging.
By tweaking the rules to fit different genres, you can enjoy the thrill of the Thunderstruck drinking game with any music style, making it perfect for any party playlist.
FAQs for Thunderstruck Drinking Game
How Many People Are in the Thunderstruck Drinking Game?
The Thunderstruck drinking game is most fun with 4-8 players but can be adapted for larger groups by creating multiple circles.
How Many Times is “Thunder” Said in Thunderstruck?
The word “thunder” is mentioned 34 times, ensuring a high-energy game.
How Many Burpees in Thunderstruck?
Instead of drinking, do a burpee each time “thunder” is said in the song. There are 34 burpees in the Thunderstruck.
What Does Thunderstruck Mean in Drinking Game Culture?
“Thunderstruck” symbolizes a fun, challenging game that combines rock music with a social drinking experience.
What’s a good Thunderstruck drinking game alternative?
For a fun twist on the Thunderstruck drinking game, try the Tropic Thunder drinking game. Instead of musical thunder, you’ll enjoy the wild action and laughs from the movie. It’s the perfect alternative for a “thunder”-themed game night. Check out our Tropic Thunder drinking game guide for all the rules and tips!