15 Best Adult Board Games of 2025 Reviewed
Looking for the best games for adults? Here's our top picks for fun, strategies, and a touch of chaos!
Gather your fellow adults and get ready to roll the dice on fun! We know how tricky it can be selecting the perfect board game that ticks all the boxes for an exhilarating night in. Whether you’re strategizing, bluffing, or just trying not to betray your friends (yet), our top picks promise to bring laughter, thrilling competition, and the occasional good-natured argument to your table. We’ve carefully considered factors like replayability, complexity, and, of course, the age-old question: ‘Is this game fun for adults?’ So, without further ado, let the games begin!
On this list:
15 Catan
Catan is a modern classic that adults love. It offers strategy and trade for those who seek to rule the island. Settlements, roads, and cities spring to life through trade and resource management. Speed matters, yet patience is often rewarded. It’s like Monopoly had a baby with Risk, but instead of arguing over rent, you’re trading sheep for clay. This is a gateway game that hooks you into the world of strategic board games.
14 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is like laying a puzzle with a group of friends who are secretly plotting against you. This tile-laying game is loved by adults due to its simplicity and depth. It’s captivating to see the landscape evolve and change with each turn. Let’s be real, nothing feels better than blocking your friend’s planned road with your freshly drawn tile. Plus, it’s easy enough to introduce to your non-gamer friends too.
13 Codenames
Codenames is a word game that makes you work those brain muscles. For adults, it’s great because you get a chance to show off your vocabulary, or lack thereof. It’s a perfect party game where you compete in teams to uncover secret agents. The best part? Those ‘aha’ moments when someone finally understands your clue, or those ‘oops’ moments when they reveal the assassin. It’s a safe bet for any game night.
12 Pandemic
Talk about relatable. In Pandemic, you’re trying to save the world from disease outbreaks. Adults appreciate it because it’s cooperative, and nothing says ‘team bonding’ like saving humanity. Each role, from researcher to medic, is vital for survival. It’s all about planning and working together, and that feel when you finally cure a disease is priceless. Just watch out for that inevitable ‘we’re doomed’ moment when the board gets crowded.
11 Ticket to Ride
Adults dig Ticket to Ride for its simple yet addictive gameplay. It’s about collecting cards and claiming train routes. A bit like being a monopoly tycoon but on tracks. There’s a satisfaction in watching your plans all come together as you connect cities. And the look on your friend’s face when you snatch a route they wanted is simply priceless. It’s a classic board game that never seems to get old.
10 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is perfect for adults who like civilization-building games without the long hours. It’s a fast-paced card drafting game where you aim to build the most glorious civilization. From constructing wonders to collecting scientific sets, it’s all about strategy and keeping an eye on your opponents. The thrill of building something incredible with just cards is addictive and not to mention, it looks stunning on the table.
9 Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building game that calls out to the strategy lovers among adults. Everyone starts with the same cards, but it’s what you do with them that sets you apart. Buy, build, and dominate your way to victory. It’s like collecting a trading card game, but with a clear end in sight. The possibilities are endless, making each game fresh. Plus, those shiny new card combos are a delight to discover.
8 Azul
Azul is puzzly and pretty. Adults love it for its beautiful mosaic tiles and simple yet strategic gameplay. As you draft tiles and place them on your board, it’s a satisfying challenge to plan and adapt. It’s like mixing art class with a game night, without the messy paint. Just be careful not to forget about your opponent’s plans, as that could throw everything off.
7 Patchwork
Patchwork combines quilting with strategy, making it an odd yet delightful addition for adults. It’s a two-player game where you’re competing to create the most aesthetic quilt. The trick? Managing your buttons and time wisely. It’s a bit like adult Tetris on a quilt board, and much more competitive than you’d think. The theme is unique and it feels great to get that perfect piece that fits just right.
6 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is an epic campaign game for adults who love a good challenge. Dive into dungeons, fight monsters, and discover treasures as your character grows. It’s a board game RPG that keeps you coming back for more. The choices you make matter, and combat is both intense and rewarding. It’s like stepping into your own fantasy novel, but with friends around the table. Just make sure to clear your calendar first!
5 Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar
This is for those adults who like a bit of brain burn with their game night. Tzolk’in has a unique gear mechanic that makes rounds flow in an interesting way. You’re managing resources and timing, all around the Mayan calendar. It’s strategic, beautifully designed, and watching the gears turn is a spectacle in itself. It’s like the complicated sibling of your average worker placement game.
4 Scythe
Set in an alternate 1920s, Scythe offers stunning visuals and strategic depth. Adults find it a thrilling mix of area control and resource management. It’s all about building your faction and choosing the right opportunities. The player-driven story ensures each game is different, and those giant mechs on the board are just plain cool. It’s like playing chess but with robots, farms, and battles.
3 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is perfect for adults with a love for space and science. You’re competing corporations working to transform Mars into a livable planet. The game combines engine-building with strategic planning. It’s complex yet rewarding, and watching your engine grow is satisfying. There’s something special about seeing Mars go from barren red to a thriving, green paradise. Just watch out for those asteroids!
2 Splendor
Splendor’s a gem among games for adults obsessed with engine-building. It’s all about collecting precious gems and earning prestige. The elegant design makes it a perfect intro for newbie gamers. Simple to learn but hard to master, it keeps you hooked with its strategic depth. You feel like a savvy merchant by the end, collecting cards and steady planning towards victory. A pleasing quick-play experience for sure!
1 Betrayal at House on the Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill is the best pick for adults who love a good horror story. It starts cooperative, with players exploring a haunted house. Then, out of nowhere, one of you turns traitor. It’s a thrilling twist every time. With 50 unique scenarios, it’s a creepy, fun ride for any game night. The replayability and surprise factor make it unbeatable, and every play feels like a new horror movie starring you and friends.
