10 Awesome Board Games

10 Awesome Board Games

Tabletop Board Gaming: Where Fun and Fantasy Collide

As the digital world becomes overwhelming, more and more people are finding solace in the realm of tabletop board gaming. Gone are the days of abstract board games with minimal components – today’s board games are immersive experiences filled with figurines, cards, dice, cubes, and meeples. These games transport players to captivating worlds and present them with fantastical scenarios. Whether you’re testing your skill or relying on pure luck, the current board game scene offers something for everyone.

When choosing a board game, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to determine the number of players the game can accommodate, the estimated play time, and the complexity level. Additionally, with the rise of virtual gaming, it’s worth checking if the game can be played digitally. By taking these factors into account, you can find the perfect board game to suit your gaming needs.

The Best Board Games of the Year

This year has delivered a diverse range of exceptional board games that cater to various player types. Here are some of the standout titles:

Flamecraft – Best Board Game Overall

Flamecraft

Flamecraft is a delightful strategy game that allows up to 5 players to work with dragon artisans in a world of adorable magic. As Flamekeepers, players gather items, place dragons, and play cards to enhance the town’s shops. With its charming artwork and a wide variety of dragons and artisan roles, Flamecraft is perfect for many memorable game nights.

  • Type of Game: Engine builder/Strategy
  • Age Recommendation: 10+
  • Game Duration: 1 hour
  • Brand: Cardboard Alchemy
  • Number of Players: 1-5
  • DesGameTopicers: Manny Vega, Sandra Tang

Pros – Ideal for both beginners and veteran board game players – Offers a wide variety of roles, goals, and abilities – Features an extremely adorable and colorful art style – Incorporates well-designed engine-building mechanics

Cons – The first game can take longer – Physical tokens are sold separately

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Wingspan – Best Board Game Art

wingspan

Wingspan is a beautiful resource management game that offers a unique look at ornithology while providing a surprisingly high replayability value.

  • Age Recommendation: 10+
  • Game Duration: 40-70 minutes
  • Brand: Stonemaier Games
  • Number of Players: 1-5
  • DesGameTopicer: Elizabeth Hargrave

Pros – Suitable for up to 5 players – Features beautiful and realistic sketch art – Improves with each playthrough

Cons – Not ideal for absolute beginners

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Cascadia – Best Family Board Game

cascadia

Cascadia is a laid-back strategy game that uses a natural theme to deliver a simple and straightforward gameplay experience.

  • Type of Game: Strategy
  • Age Recommendation: 10+
  • Game Duration: 30-45 minutes
  • Brand: AEG

Pros – Educates players about wildlife – Difficulty is largely determined by player skill – Very affordable

Cons – Not ideal for very young kids

Get it now on Amazon

The Crew: Mission Deep Sea – Best Board Game for Beginners

The Crew: Mission Deep Sea

The Crew: Mission Deep Sea takes the familiar trick-taking mechanic and turns it into a frantic puzzle.

  • Age Recommendation: 10+
  • Game Duration: 20 minutes or longer
  • Brand: Kosmos
  • Number of Players: 2-5
  • DesGameTopicer: Thomas Sing

Pros – Allows up to 5 players – Offers quick and easy gameplay – Very affordable

Cons – Not very challenging

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Dune: Imperium – Rise of Ix – Best Board Game Expansion

Dune: Imperium – Rise of Ix

Dune: Imperium – Rise of Ix is an exciting expansion that revitalizes one of the best deck-building games of 2021 with updated board pieces and a ton of substantive cards.

  • Age Recommendation: 13+
  • Game Duration: 60-120 minutes
  • Brand: Dire Wolf
  • Number of Players: 1-4
  • DesGameTopicer: Paul Dennen

Pros – Brings plenty of new cards – Fully updates the original board – Introduces new mechanisms for unique gameplay opportunities

Cons – Games can take a very long time

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Three Sisters – Best Indie Board Game

Three Sisters

Three Sisters is a unique indie board game that takes a fresh approach to gardening games and offers a laid-back setting perfect for cozy gamers.

  • Age Recommendation: 14+
  • Game Duration: 30-60 minutes
  • Brand: 25th Century Games
  • Number of Players: 1-4
  • DesGameTopicers: Ben Pinchback and Matt Riddle

Pros – Features a very chill theme suitable for relaxed gameplay – Incorporates a unique approach to gardening games – Quick to play once the game is learned

Cons – Requires pen and paper note-taking

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Betrayal at House on the Hill: Third Edition – Best Horror Board Game

Betrayal at House on the Hill: Third Edition

Betrayal at House on the Hill: Third Edition brings even more haunts and twists to the tabletop classic.

  • Age Recommendation: 12+
  • Game Duration: 60-90 minutes
  • Brand: Avalon Hill
  • Number of Players: 3-6
  • DesGameTopicer: Bruce Glassco

Pros – Offers numerous fun scenarios for exciting replays – Immersive lore and extra information enhance the gameplay experience – Creepy art perfectly complements the horror setting

Cons – Each game can take a long time

Available on Amazon

Rallyman: DIRT – Best Sports Board Game

Rallyman: DIRT

Rallyman: DIRT combines the thrill of dirt racing with dice, cards, and cars for a unique and exhilarating race to the finish line.

  • Age Recommendation: 14+
  • Game Duration: 45-60 minutes
  • Brand: Holy Grail Games
  • Number of Players: 1-6
  • DesGameTopicer: Jean-Cristophe Bouvier

Pros – Boasts a unique setting with impressive art desGameTopic – Supports up to 6 players, rather than the standard 5 – Utilizes exciting dice rolling mechanics

Cons – Not very complex, while also not very quick to play

Grab it now on Amazon

Merchants of the Dark Road – Best Original Concept Board Game

Merchants of the Dark Road

Merchants of the Dark Road is a captivating strategy game that challenges players to become the most successful merchants in a world where nightfall lasts for half the year.

  • Age Recommendation: 12+
  • Game Duration: 60-120 minutes
  • Brand: Elf Creek
  • Number of Players: 1-4
  • DesGameTopicer: Brian Suhre

Pros – Offers a unique setting and immersive desGameTopic – Balances long-term strategizing with dynamic action scenes – Offers advanced gameplay options

Cons – Not ideal for beginners

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Crescent Moon – Best Board Game for Experienced Players

Crescent Moon

Crescent Moon is an area control game that challenges players to strategically manage their resources and engage in table talk and planning to secure victory.

  • Age Recommendation: 14+
  • Game Duration: 150-180 minutes
  • Brand: Osprey Games
  • Number of Players: 4-5
  • DesGameTopicer: Steven Mathers

Pros – Features well-executed resource management mechanics – Allows for a variety of play styles to thrive – Ideal for more advanced players

Cons – Can be very competitive

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Um, Actually – Best Trivia Board Game

Um, Actually

Um, Actually is a trivia game made for nerds by nerds, challenging players to prove their knowledge of various categories and correct the nitty-gritty details of their favorite franchises.

  • Type of Game: Trivia
  • Age Recommendation: 12+
  • Game Duration: 25 minutes
  • Brand: Wiggles 3D
  • Number of Players: 3-8
  • DesGameTopicers: AC Atienza, Peter Nesbitt, Connor Reid, Mike Trapp

Pros – Features nine categories of trivia – Includes activity-based trivia – Questions are geared towards nerds

Cons – Not ideal for small groups

Buy now on Amazon

Choosing the Perfect Board Game

When selecting a new board game, player count flexibility, suggested age range, play time, and the desGameTopicer are crucial considerations. Look for games that can accommodate different player counts, align with the appropriate age group, offer suitable play times, and are crafted by experienced desGameTopicers. By carefully considering these factors, you can find the ideal board game to bring endless fun to your gaming sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the oldest popular board game?

Of the games that are still popular today, Go (also known as ‘Weiqi’) is among the oldest. With its simple rules and high strategic depth, Go has been enjoyed for over 2,000 years. Its popularity received a boost when artificial intelligence AlphaGo defeated world champion Lee Sedol, sparking increased interest in the game.

Q: What are the top board games for adults?

The top board games for adults encompass a wide range of genres and play styles. Some popular choices include Azul, Wingspan, and Betrayal at House on the Hill. These games provide depth, strategy, and engaging gameplay experiences. Additionally, light-hearted party games can be enjoyed by adults in social settings.