10 Must-Play Board Games for All Ages
Discover the ultimate board games of the year that offer something for everyone! From player count flexibility to age range, play time, and designer, our top 10 picks include Azul, Wingspan, and Betrayal at the House on the Hill Whether you're an adult or a kid, there's a game waiting for you to uncover its strategic depth and fun-filled themes
Tabletop board gaming is becoming increasingly popular as people seek a break from digital entertainment to rest their eyes and minds. These games use a variety of elements, including figurines, cards, dice, cubes, and meeples, to introduce players to interesting worlds and fantastical scenarios. While some board games rely on pure skill or luck, the best-stocked game cabinets offer titles across the spectrum, from haunted houses to dirt track racing and everything in between. With so many games to choose from in various styles and settings, it's essential to consider personal preferences and gaming needs when selecting the best board game.
The number of players, estimated play time, complexity level, and virtual playability are crucial factors to consider when deciding if a tabletop game is suitable for you.
Flamecraft is a delightful board game that immerses players in a magical world of dragon artisans. With a maximum of 5 players, each person takes on the role of a Flamekeeper, utilizing strategy and shared engine building to win the hearts and minds of the town. By gathering items, placing dragons, and using various cards, players can enhance their shops and gain an advantage over their competitors. The game boasts stunning artwork on every card and the board, and the diverse array of dragons and artisan roles ensure that Flamecraft will be a hit at any game night.
Flamecraft is a delightful tabletop game that had its origins on Kickstarter. It centers around players, known as flamekeepers, and their dragon artisan partners as they strive to expand their businesses and become the most successful in their field. Despite the game's adorable and colorful art style, it offers a lot of depth and complexity for both novice and experienced tabletop game players alike, thanks to its well-crafted engine-building mechanics. At the start of each round, players collect various items, place dragons, and cast enchantments to improve their shops and reputation. With 200 items and 42 different artisan dragons, as well as numerous enchantments and fancy dragons, there are countless strategies to choose from and many paths to victory. Flamecraft offers exceptional replay value due to its wide range of play styles that can lead to winning outcomes. Additionally, the game is reasonably priced, making it an accessible choice for players who wish to try something new without breaking the bank.
With its stunning tabletop game art and an impressive wingspan, this resource management game offers a unique take on the world of ornithology. With a surprisingly high replayability value, players can enjoy up to 5 player games that last between 40-70 minutes. Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave, this game is perfect for players aged 10 and above, but may not be ideal for absolute beginners. Get ready to soar to new heights with Wingspan, available for only $39 on Amazon.
Wingspan garnered high praise upon its release in 2020. While it may take some effort to learn the rules for first-time players, it's a highly entertaining resource management game that moves quickly during gameplay. Objective cards direct players towards individual goals, resulting in a less aggressive competitive atmosphere compared to other resource management games. In addition to providing players with information about various bird species, the game boasts stunning artwork. Each card features beautiful illustrations reminiscent of zoological sketches, but with vibrant watercolors. The deluxe edition includes high-quality tokens that tabletop mini enthusiasts will appreciate, and the game's replayability is exceptional. Three additional expansions have also been released, featuring oceanic, European, and Asian birds.
Cascadia is a relaxed strategy game that uses nature as its inspiration.
Cascadia won the American Tabletop Awards for strategy games, but it has a cozy resource management feel. It's a great introduction to serious tabletop gaming and offers a lighthearted break to veterans. The tile-laying and token-drafting mechanics incorporate puzzle elements, making it an enjoyable experience for new players, including kids. The game features beautiful art and provides information about Pacific Northwest creatures. Cascadia is a great opportunity to bridge the gap between beginners and experienced players.
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea is an excellent board game for beginners as it takes the well-known trick-taking mechanic and transforms it into an exciting puzzle. With a recommended age of 10+, it can be played by up to 5 players and has a game duration of 20 minutes or longer. Designed by Thomas Sing and published by Kosmos, it offers quick and easy gameplay at a very affordable price of $15 on Amazon. However, some may find it lacking in challenge.
In The Crew: Mission Deep Sea, players embark on a thrilling collaborative journey beneath the ocean's surface, where effective communication is key to success. Using hearts, spades, and similar trick-taking mechanics, players must strategically pass the right cards to their respective teammates, while relying on chips to indicate their hand's weakness. With constantly changing objectives and puzzle variations in each of the 50 missions, this game offers endless replayability for families and groups of up to five players. While four players is recommended for a balanced experience, other player counts can provide an added challenge.
Dune: Imperium – Rise of Ix Best Board Game Expansion adds new life to the already fantastic deck building game, with updated board pieces and an abundance of exciting new cards.
The expansion for Dune: Imperium, Rise of Ix, adds even more depth to the already exciting deck-building and worker placement game. This tie-in with the Dune movie includes new board additions, updated mechanisms, and a handful of new cards for the Imperium, Intrigue, and the solo House Hagel. Six new leader cards and additional tech tiles are also included, providing players with new play style opportunities. Even for those who have played the original game extensively, the new additions breathe new life into the game and make it worth revisiting.
Three Sisters is a charming indie board game that caters to cozy gamers aged 14 and above. It boasts a unique gardening approach and a relaxed setting, making it perfect for players who want a casual yet engaging game experience. With a game duration of 30-60 minutes and designed by Ben Pinchback and Matt Riddle, Three Sisters is published by 25th Century Games. However, note-taking on paper is required while playing, and it is priced at $30 on Amazon.
Get ready for a spine-chilling experience with the third edition of Betrayal at House on the Hill. This horror board game offers an array of haunting scenarios and unexpected twists that are sure to keep players on the edge of their seats. With an immersive storyline and creepy artwork, this game is perfect for horror enthusiasts. However, be prepared for lengthy gameplay sessions that can take up to 90 minutes. At just $28 on Amazon, this game is a steal for those looking for a thrilling tabletop adventure.
Betrayal at the House on the Hill: Third Edition offers 50 new scenarios for experienced players to enjoy, while also providing a great entry point for newcomers to the series. The game features refined mechanics and more robust storytelling, with a familiar two-part adventure through a haunted mansion and a randomly selected scenario of horror and betrayal. This edition of the game includes clearer rules, better backstories, and updated player models for an even more immersive experience. With unexpected horror around every corner, it's a great game for any player to enjoy. And if you're looking for a different type of thrill, check out Rallyman: DIRT, the best sports board game that combines dirt, dice, cards, and cars in a thrilling race to the finish.
Rallyman: DIRT by Holy Grail Games is a standalone title that brings back the classic Rallyman gameplay with updated equipment and a unique setting featuring impressive art design. The game can support up to 6 players, rather than the standard 5, and lasts 45-60 minutes. Players push their luck with dice rolls, navigating through tight turns, drifts, and muddy tracks. The new hexagonal track tiles make it easy for players to create and race through nearly any course they can imagine, with the course creation process being half the fun due to the new artwork, which is much improved over the original 2009 release. While not very complex, Rallyman: DIRT is a classic simulation game of sorts that offers an engaging and exciting experience. The game is available on Amazon for $50.
Merchant of the Dark Road is an original concept board game that challenges players to become the most successful merchants in a world where darkness prevails for half the year. The game requires players to plan their travel routes between towns and cities carefully, in order to maximize their profits. With its unique setting and immersive design, this game allows players to engage in long-term strategizing while balancing action scenes. However, it may not be suitable for beginners. The game is recommended for players aged 12 and above, can handle 1-4 players, and takes 60-120 minutes to play. Get it now on Amazon!
The Merchants of Dark Road takes place in a world where only select merchants can navigate between towns during the dark half of the year. This perilous occupation requires players to have a strategic mindset, as they must prepare for each trip while facing potential threats from monsters and bandits. Alongside the unique setting, this game offers various mechanics that add excitement for avid strategy gamers. Although longer than other titles, the immersive gameplay and extensive number of characters and cards make for a highly replayable experience, earning it a spot amongst the best board games of the year.
Crescent Moon is a strategic area control game that offers a unique blend of resource management, table talk, and independent mechanics. With its hex-shaped board pieces and the inclusion of haggling and forming alliances, this game provides an evolved experience for fans of Catan. The game allows for a variety of play styles to thrive, with many different empires to lead and strategies for victory. However, players should be prepared for the competitive nature of the game and the lengthy play time of 150-180 minutes. Overall, Crescent Moon is a well-executed game that is ideal for more advanced players.
How to Choose a Good Board Game
When it comes to choosing a new board game, it's important to not only consider the preferences of your group, but also other important factors. For instance, the complexity level of the game is something that should be taken into account. If your group is new to board games, it may be best to start with a game that is easy to learn and play. Additionally, the length of the game should be considered. If you only have a limited amount of time, a game that can be played in under an hour may be the best option. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose a game that will be enjoyable for everyone.
When searching for a new game, it is important to carefully consider the player count flexibility, suggested age range, overall game play time, and the game's designer.
It's always a challenge to predict the exact number of players who will show up for game night. There's always the possibility of a last-minute cancellation or an unexpected guest. That's why it's important to choose games that can accommodate a variety of player counts, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun. However, it's important to note that ideal player counts can vary depending on skill level and experience. While experts may have specific preferences, beginners may not notice the difference. In the case of games like Catan, having a variety of player counts available can help ensure a fun and inclusive game night.
If you find yourself with no one to play with, solo games with player count range starting with '1' can provide a solution. These games use an automata to simulate an opponent and offer a new challenge while still allowing you to learn the rules. On the other hand, party games are a great option for large groups of players as they are usually light and can accommodate small crowds.
Age ranges for board games serve as a general guideline rather than a strict rule. Unlike video games, the inclusion of mature themes on the box is usually quite apparent. Instead, age ranges for board games reflect the level of maturity required to play the game effectively. For example, a game like A Feast for Odin, which is quite complex, has a recommended age of 12+. While it's possible for an exceptionally focused 8-year-old to play the game, even someone in their 30s may find it challenging. It's not reasonable to expect a child under the age of 12 to handle the level of intensity required to play the game.
That being said, there are certain games that are better suited for adults. While some games have themes that are inappropriate for children, our recommendations are based on other factors. Horror board games tend to be more enjoyable for adults, as do trivia games that require knowledge of decades starting with 19. However, if you want to include children in the fun, co-op board games designed for parents and kids are an excellent choice.
Playing time for board games can be unpredictable due to varying player speeds, knowledge levels, and chattiness. Set up time is also often not factored into total play time by manufacturers and designers, leading to longer than expected game sessions. Choosing games with easy set up can help ensure consistency.
Board games that are designed to take 15 minutes or less should ideally stick to that time frame, with the first playthrough lasting no more than half an hour. Games that last under an hour may still be at risk of exceeding their estimated time if players get too talkative, need to constantly refer to the rule book, or have someone who takes too long to make decisions. The longest board games can easily take several hours to complete.
Designer
The role of the game designer is crucial in determining the overall quality of a board game and its components. For board gamers, following the progress of prolific designers can be just as thrilling as anticipating the next release from a favorite author. For those seeking similar games to ones they already enjoy, seeking out works from the same designer is a smart strategy. For example, if you're a fan of Wingspan, trying out Mariposas, also designed by Elizabeth Hargrave, could be a great choice.
