Best 15 Adult Board Games to Play in 2025
Welcome to our merry quest to find the top 15 board games perfect for adults! When picking games for our list, we aim for a mix of exciting strategy, engaging themes, and a sprinkle of humor. We steered clear of kiddie stuff, aiming for those gems that offer adults a chance to scheme, laugh, and maybe even shout in frustration—all in good fun, of course. Our choices ensure lively game nights, whether you’re plotting global domination or simply trying to keep your city from collapsing. So, grab a drink, gather your friends, and let the games commence!
On this list:
15 Betrayal at House on the Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill is a crowd-puller. It’s got the spooky charm that adults love, and every game is different. It’s like a haunted house that keeps changing, so you never get bored. One minute, you’re all working together, the next, someone’s a traitor. It gets intense! My friends and I put on our spooky voices when playing to add to the fun. This game is perfect for adults because it adds suspense and mystery to any game night.
14 Catan
Catan is a classic, the kind of thing you bring out when you want to introduce new folks to board games. We love it because it’s about strategy, trade, and a bit of luck. It’s like being a real estate mogul but without the pressure of actual money. Once, we spent a whole evening strategizing over resources and settlements. It’s a great game for adults as it requires thinking ahead, bartering skills, and sometimes, some sneaky trade tactics.
13 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is one of those games where you plan routes and hope no one blocks you. It’s like being a railway tycoon. My buddy Pete never misses a chance to block my routes, but it’s all in good fun. Adults tend to enjoy this one since it’s easy to learn and involves just the right amount of plotting. It’s a neat blend of strategy and competition that makes it a hit at any gathering.
12 Pandemic
Pandemic really hits different after the last few years. It’s a cooperative game, so you’re all on the same team, fighting diseases. There’s something thrilling about saving the world together. This game suits adults because it requires communication, team work, and strategy. One game night, we were so close to winning, and then bam – an outbreak got us! It’s exhilarating and makes you feel like a hero, even if you don’t win every time.
11 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a game about building civilizations. It’s fast-paced and strategic, which is why adults love it. Each game feels like a race to see who can build the best civilization, minus the politics. We often find ourselves trying to outsmart each other with resources and military might. The beauty of 7 Wonders is how it wraps strategy, history, and a bit of competition into one neat package that never dulls.
10 The Resistance
The Resistance is all about suspicion and secret identities. You’re either part of the resistance or a spy. We have a blast accusing each other of being spies. It’s a fantastic choice for adults because it involves deception and reading people. You can’t help but get caught up in the suspense and tension as you try to figure out who’s lying. It’s always fun to see who in the group is the best at bluffing.
9 Codenames
Codenames is a word game that adults find intriguing. It’s about giving one-word clues to find your team’s secret agents. Simple, yet brainy. My team once guessed ‘banana’ from ‘yellow’ – clearly, we were on different wavelengths. It’s the perfect game for adults who enjoy wordplay and strategic thinking, and it brings a lot of laughs. The game always keeps you thinking and guessing, which makes it a big hit.
8 Carcassonne
Carcassonne’s tile-laying fun is a classic choice for adults. You build cities, roads, and fields, scoring points as you go. It’s simple but strategic, and you never play the same game twice. We often find ourselves debating the best strategy over tiles. It’s ideal for adults as it combines planning with interaction, all the while being easy to set up and play, making it a favorite after dinner game.
7 Splendor
Splendor is a gem of a game (pun intended). You’re a gem merchant collecting chips and cards to build your empire. It’s elegant and straightforward. I once managed to snag a noble’s favor just in time, and it felt glorious. Adults enjoy Splendor due to its simplicity combined with its strategic depth. It offers a soothing yet engaging experience that’s perfect for winding down or sparking competitive spirits.
6 Dominion
Dominion is the deck-building game that kicked off an entire genre. It’s about building the best deck through buying cards and strategizing. Every game is different, which keeps it fresh. One time, my friend built a deck so fast, we thought he was a card wizard. It’s perfect for adults who like games where strategy and planning are key. Each game session is a puzzle to solve, making it endlessly replayable.
5 Azul
Azul is pure eye candy. It’s about creating beautiful tile patterns, like being an artist. The game is easy to learn but tough to master. The first time we played, my tile patterns looked more like a toddler’s scribble. Adults like Azul for its blend of strategy and art. It’s engaging without being overwhelming, which means it’s perfect for a relaxing yet competitive game night.
4 Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars, you play as corporations working to make the red planet habitable. It’s as epic as it sounds. We find it fascinating how different strategies unfold during play. This game attracts adults because it’s complex and immersive, offering an experience that goes beyond typical board game fare. The competitive yet cooperative nature of working on Mars keeps everyone on their toes. If you want a game that feels like a journey, Terraforming Mars is it.
3 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is like the king of board games with its epic campaigns and cool characters. We feel like heroes every time we play. It’s an adults’ favorite because it blends role-playing, strategy, and adventure. The sessions can get pretty intense, and the excitement of its story is unmatched. We love planning our next moves and seeing how the narrative twists. This game is perfect for those who crave a deep, engaging, and memorable gaming experience.
2 Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity, the game that gets us laughing every time. It’s all about filling in the blanks with the funniest cards. We love how ridiculous things get when playing with friends. It’s a great choice for adults because it’s not about strategy; it’s about having fun and being outrageous. This is the go-to game for getting the party started and making sure everyone’s laughing. Talk about adult fun!
1 Secret Hitler
Secret Hitler is the cream of the crop for adults who love intrigue and bluffing. It’s set in pre-WWII Germany, where players are secretly divided into Liberals and Fascists, and one person is the secret Hitler. This game is filled with tension, deception, and laughter as you try to find out who you can trust. We’ve had sessions where alliances were made, broken, and sometimes, peace was never an option! Secret Hitler makes the top of our list because it perfectly captures the thrill and strategy adults crave, with a theme that encourages lots of interactive fun.
