14 Best Board Games Reddit Recommends in 2024

Discover the best board game reddit favorites, from Catan to Spirit Island, perfect for new and experienced players alike.
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Catan coverCarcassonne coverTicket to Ride cover

14 Best ‘Best Board Game Reddit’ Picks for Newbies and Veterans Alike

On this list:

14 Catan

Catan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Catan is a gateway game for many. The trading, the building, the strategy – it just clicks. We’ve spent countless nights scheming and laughing with this one. It’s a must-try and always a hit among newbies and veterans alike. Resource management never felt so engaging!

13 Carcassonne

Carcassonne cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 35 minutes

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Carcassonne is perfect for those who love a good tile-laying game. Simple rules and strategic depth make it a favorite. We’ve built sprawling cities and fought over fields. Its expansions keep the game fresh and exciting.

12 Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Ticket to Ride is all about connecting cities and completing routes. The game is simple yet strategic. We love the sense of accomplishment when snagging that last crucial route. A breeze to learn and a joy to play.

11 Pandemic

Pandemic cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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Pandemic brings cooperation to the forefront. As a team, you work to stop outbreaks and find cures. The tension is palpable, and the teamwork crucial. It’s intense, and we always end up shouting directions at each other. An exhilarating experience each time.

10 7 Wonders

7 Wonders cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-7
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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7 Wonders is draft card game at its best. The strategy involved in building your civilization is addicting. The art is stunning, and the gameplay is smooth. We’ve had many a heated debate over guild cards and wonders.

9 Codenames

Codenames cover

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

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Codenames is a party game that sparks creativity and thought. It’s a game of word association and cunning. We’ve had some hilarious moments trying to decipher clues. It’s quick to learn and always good for a laugh.

8 Splendor

Splendor cover

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

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Splendor is all about gem collecting and engine building. It’s simple yet deep, and we’ve found ourselves replaying it often. The components are top-notch, and the strategy rewarding. Perfect for those quiet game nights.

7 Dominion

Dominion cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Dominion revolutionized deck-building games. The variety in cards keeps every game fresh, and the strategy is satisfying. We’ve built countless empires, and every session feels unique. It’s a staple in our collection.

6 Azul

Azul cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

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Azul is a beautiful tile-drafting game. The balance of strategy and aesthetics is perfect. We’ve spent hours trying to perfect our mosaics. It’s easy to learn but hard to master, making it a hit every time.

5 Scythe

Scythe cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-7
  • Play Time: 90-115 minutes

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Scythe combines strategy and theme perfectly. The alternate history setting and the mix of combat, exploration, and resource management keep us hooked. Every game feels like an epic saga.

4 Terraforming Mars

Terraforming Mars cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Terraforming Mars is a complex game that rewards planning and strategy. The theme is immersive, and the mechanics are engaging. We’ve enjoyed competing to make Mars habitable. It’s a challenge we keep coming back to.

3 Wingspan

Wingspan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 40-70 minutes

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Wingspan is a delightful engine-building game with a unique bird theme. The art and components are gorgeous. We find the gameplay relaxing yet strategic. Tracking and attracting birds has never been this fun.

2 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

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

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Gloomhaven is a massive, story-driven game. It’s cooperative and features tactical combat and deep storytelling. We’ve had epic campaigns and memorable moments. It’s a long commitment but worth every minute.

1 Spirit Island

Spirit Island cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 90-120 minutes

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Spirit Island is the best board game reddit can offer. The strategy and depth are unmatched. Cooperative play where you control spirits defending an island from colonizers is thrilling and complex. It’s the best because of the endless replayability and cooperative depth, trust us.

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.