Top 13 Best Board Games of All Time (2024 Edition)
Hey, fellow board game enthusiasts! It’s Jamie here, and today we’re going on a journey through time with the 13 best ‘all time’ based board games ever made. We’ve scoured history, strategy, and civilization to bring you a list that transcends the ages. From inventing the wheel to building empires, these games cover it all. Our focus? We looked for games that not only offer a blast from the past but also pack a good punch in strategy, replayability, and fun. Whether you’re cultivating ancient lands or navigating the trials of modernity, these games promise timeless enjoyment. So, grab your temporal map, and let’s get gaming!
On this list:
13 Timeline: Inventions
If you’re itching to test your friends on who knows their wheel from their Wi-Fi, Timeline: Inventions has got you covered. We couldn’t stop laughing when someone confidently slapped down ‘The Internet’ way too early in history. This gem is perfect for those looking to sprinkle a little ‘all time’ theme into their game nights.
12 Chronology
Chronology is where you get to show off your time-travel chops without leaving your living room. We mixed up Mozart and Madonna more times than we’d like to admit, but that’s the fun of it! A fantastic pick for anyone looking to dive (oops, I mean jump) into history’s timeline.
11 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
This one’s a brain-burner, folks. You literally build a civilization from scratch. We spent an entire evening debating whether to invent the alphabet or go all in on the military. It’s a solid choice for serious strategists craving an ‘all time’ challenge.
10 Agricola
Who knew farming through the ages could be so addictive? We were all vying to have the best-stocked farm by the end of the game. Agricola is a must-play for those who enjoy a mix of strategy and historical farming, teaching us the ‘all time’ lesson of resource management.
9 The Pillars of the Earth
Based on Ken Follett’s novel, this game had us all feeling like medieval architects. The competition to build the greatest cathedral was fierce, and the ‘all time’ theme of historical building projects really shone through.
8 7 Wonders
Ever want to build an ancient wonder in under an hour? 7 Wonders lets you do just that. We were all amazed at how our civilizations evolved over three ages. It’s a hands-down favorite for its replayability and ‘all time’ theme of historical development.
7 Dominion
Dominion takes you back to the time when monarchs ruled and land was the true wealth. We spent hours creating the most prosperous kingdoms by skilfully playing our cards. It’s a classic deck-builder that perfectly captures the ‘all time’ essence of medieval strategy.
6 Pandemic: Legacy Season 1
Okay, so it’s not ‘all time’ in the traditional sense, but Pandemic: Legacy Season 1 had us saving the world from outbreaks over a year-long campaign. The way the game evolves over time, with new challenges and surprises, really hooked us. An unforgettable, narrative-driven adventure.
5 Ticket to Ride
All aboard for a train adventure through the ages! Ticket to Ride is easy to learn but offers enough strategy to keep things interesting. We couldn’t get enough of building our rail empires across the map. It’s a fantastic entry point into ‘all time’ themed games.
4 Stone Age
Stone Age had us all acting like prehistoric tribe leaders, strategizing to gather resources and build up our settlements. It’s a brilliant introduction to worker placement games and gives a taste of life in ancient times. Plus, we loved the ‘all time’ journey back to our roots.
3 Terra Mystica
Terra Mystica transported us into a fantasy realm where strategy and adaptation reign supreme. Building and expanding our factions across a variable board was enthralling. While not strictly ‘all time’, it creates a timeless experience of world-building and competition.
2 Twilight Struggle
This cold war epic is a nail-biter from start to finish. We were constantly on the edge of our seats, trying to outwit each other as the US or USSR. Twilight Struggle is an intense ride through modern history, making it a standout for fans of ‘all time’ strategic depth.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven tops our list as the absolute best ‘all time’ board game for its deep strategy, sprawling world, and compelling narrative. We’ve spent countless nights delving into dungeons and developing our characters. It’s an epic fantasy adventure that keeps us coming back for more, making it our top pick for an immersive ‘all time’ experience.
