Best Alphabetical List of Board Games 2024: Top 7 Picks

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Apples to Apples coverBalderdash coverCodenames cover

The 7 Best Board Games From an Alphabetical List of Board Games

On this list:

7 Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 4-10
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Apples to Apples is a hilarious party game that’s perfect for any group looking to have a good time. We love how easy it is to pick up and play. You match nouns to the adjective played by the judge, and hilarity ensues. One of the great things about Apples to Apples is its versatility. You can play with family, friends, or even strangers and still have a blast. It’s simple but brings out the creativity and humor in everyone.

6 Balderdash

Balderdash cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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If you like bluffing games, Balderdash is a must-try. In this game, players create fake definitions for obscure words, and then everyone tries to guess the correct one. The more believable your definition, the better you do. We had a lot of laughs coming up with the most ridiculous definitions possible. It’s a game that tests your creativity and your poker face. Plus, you learn some pretty odd words along the way!

5 Codenames

Codenames cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Codenames is the perfect game for those who love a good challenge. It’s a word-based game that requires you to give one-word clues to your teammates to help them find their ‘agents’ on the board. The catch? You need to avoid the enemy agents. It’s simple in concept but can get intense pretty fast. We love how it makes you think outside the box and the teamwork involved makes it a hit at any gathering.

4 Dixit

Dixit cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Dixit is a beautiful game both visually and mechanically. It’s all about storytelling through artwork. Each player submits a card that matches the storyteller’s sentence, and then everyone guesses which card was the storyteller’s. The illustrations are stunning and open to so many interpretations. We had a blast seeing how differently everyone could interpret the same clue. It’s a calming and creative game that’s great for any group.

3 Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia

Euphoria: Build a Better Dystopia cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Euphoria is a worker placement game with a unique twist. It’s set in a dystopian world where you manage workers and resources to build your utopia. The game’s theme is rich, and we enjoyed the strategic depth it offers. You have to balance happiness and productivity, making each move count. It’s a bit more complex, but if you love strategy games, this one’s for you. Plus, the artwork and components are top-notch.

2 Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Forbidden Island is a cooperative game where you work together to collect treasures and escape from an island before it sinks. We love the teamwork aspect, which makes it a great game for building camaraderie. The sense of urgency as the island slowly sinks adds to the excitement. It’s quick to learn but offers enough challenge to keep you coming back. Plus, the artwork and components are really well done.

1 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 90-150 minutes

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Gloomhaven is the best game on this list, hands down. It’s a cooperative, campaign-driven dungeon crawl with so much depth and replayability. The story is engaging, and the tactical combat keeps you on your toes. We spent countless hours immersed in its world, and it truly feels like an adventure every time you play. The components are high quality, and the sheer amount of content is staggering. If you’re looking for a game that will give you a rich and rewarding experience, Gloomhaven is it.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.