Best Board Games 2023: 14 Top Picks for 2024
Searching for the best board games 2023? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve gathered a list of epic board games that’s sure to spice up game night. Our picks balance strategy, fun, and a sprinkle of luck, perfect for new players. From games where you build your empire to those that challenge your wits, we’ve tried them all with our friends. This means we’ve laughed, strategized, and maybe even flipped a table or two! Whatever your game style, rest assured there’s something here that’ll have you and your crew entertained for hours.
On this list:
14 Wingspan
Wingspan takes you on a bird-watching adventure. You’ll collect beautiful cards with stunning artwork and interesting facts. Every playthrough feels like a fresh discovery as you try to attract birds to your habitats. The mechanics are simple enough for beginners but offer enough strategy for seasoned players. It’s a peaceful yet engaging game, perfect for a cozy night in. We all love how it makes us appreciate the little things in nature. If you have a friend who constantly talks about the rare birds they saw at the park, this is definitely the game to play together!
13 Azul
Who knew that making tiles could be this much fun? In Azul, you take on the challenge of creating the most beautiful wall of tiles. The game is both competitive and relaxing, which, I know, sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it does! The gameplay requires attention to detail, planning ahead, and a bit of luck with how the tiles come out. Plus, the tiles are so pretty, you might be tempted to turn them into a bathroom backsplash when you’re not using them. Azul offers a satisfying play for both tactile and strategic game lovers!
12 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is perfect for anyone who’s ever looked up at the night sky and thought about colonizing another planet. You and your friends take on the role of corporations working to make Mars habitable. It’s a game full of choices, whether you’re investing in technology, creating oceans, or raising the planet’s atmosphere temperature. The epic scale and depth of strategy make it a favorite among fans of long, meaty games. Just make sure you have a lot of snacks on hand, because you’ll be on Mars for a while!
11 Root
Root combines adorable, woodland creatures with a battle for supremacy in the forest. Don’t be fooled by the cute art, though! This game is full of strategy and tactics. Each faction has a unique play style, which keeps the game fresh and exciting each time. We especially love the variety of roles, from the mighty cats to the sneaky vagabonds. If you’re a fan of asymmetric games where everyone has a unique strategy, Root will quickly become a favorite in your collection. Plus, it’s a nice change of pace from your standard war games!
10 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is more like an epic journey than just a board game. You and your friends are a bunch of adventurers exploring dungeons, fighting monsters, and collecting loot. The campaign is massive, and every decision you make changes the world around you. The game is complex, but that’s part of its charm. It’s ideal for those who love story-driven gameplay. If you’ve got a regular gaming group, Gloomhaven can provide entertainment for months, maybe even years. Just make sure to clear some space on your table, because this game is huge!
9 Pandemic
Pandemic is a game for these modern times. You and your fellow players are part of a team fighting to save the world from devastating diseases. Working together is key, which means you’ll either be high-fiving each other or accusing your friend Dave of holding all the good cards. It’s tense, it’s challenging, and it’s immensely satisfying when you win. Pandemic is one of those rare games that are as fun to lose as they are to win. Just prepare for some heart-pounding moments as you race against the board.
8 Catan
Catan, oh Catan. The game that has caused countless friendships to fray over a solitary grain of wheat. This classic game involves trading resources and building roads and cities in your own unique territory. Catan is a staple in any board game collection, and for good reason! It’s a blast to negotiate and barter, and there’s always a delightful satisfaction in connecting your roads. It’s simple enough for beginners but has enough depth to keep seasoned players engaged. Anyone who hasn’t played it at least once is missing out on an essential board gaming experience.
7 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is your ticket to a great time on the board. In this game, you race to build train routes across the country. The rules are easy to learn, and the competition can be fierce as everyone scrambles to complete their secret routes. We love how the map changes with each game and how there are plenty of strategies without being overly complicated. It’s a fantastic family game: light-hearted enough for kids but engaging for adults too. Plus, who doesn’t like the idea of being a railroad tycoon?
6 Scythe
Scythe is a game that combines resource management, area control, and some secret objectives. Set in an alternate-history 1920s, the game has you controlling a faction with unique abilities and mechs. It looks complicated, but once you get the hang of it, the game flows beautifully. With its stunning artwork and complex strategy, Scythe is an absolute favorite for those who love deep gameplay. What’s more, the game doesn’t rely on luck, so it’s your decisions that determine victory. It’s a must-have if you like strategic games with a bend towards epic battles!
5 Codenames
Codenames is the game that reminds you how tricky words can be! It’s a team-based word association game where you try to guess your team’s ‘agents’ based on clues. It sounds simple, but you’ll be amazed at how creative and sneaky your friends can get. We’ve had more laugh-out-loud moments with Codenames than we can count, especially when someone confidently gives an absolutely awful clue. It’s a perfect party game that’s welcoming to both new and experienced players. Just be ready for some friendly arguments and a whole lot of fun!
4 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is like the board game version of a city-building app. You draft cards to develop your own civilization, and every choice you make gives you something different to work with. It’s a race to see who can construct the best city, with wonders, science, and military prowess. We love the card-drafting mechanic; it’s fast-paced and keeps everyone engaged. It’s great for larger groups because everyone plays simultaneously, so nobody’s stuck waiting for their turn. If you and your friends like strategic games that don’t drag on, 7 Wonders is just the ticket!
3 Cascadia
Cascadia is a tile-laying game where you build habitats and populate them with wildlife. It’s got a nice mix of luck and strategy that keeps each game different. We enjoy the puzzle-like feel as you figure out how to maximize your points. The nature theme is soothing, and the artwork is fantastic. It’s a hit for both competitive players and those who just want a relaxing play session. Plus, there’s something satisfying about creating your own little world of flora and fauna. If you like games with a peaceful vibe, Cascadia should be on your shelf!
2 Splendor
Splendor is a gem of a game, literally! You are a Renaissance merchant competing to acquire the best mines and gems. The game is all about collecting tokens and building a hand that allows you to purchase valuable developments. It’s quick to learn but takes time to truly master, making it a staple for those who love engine-building games. We love the thrill of seeing our collection grow and the strategy involved in planning the best moves. It’s a game of subtle depth and satisfying progression, a true classic for any game night.
1 Ark Nova
Ark Nova crowns the list for best board games 2023 because it’s got everything a board gamer dreams of: strategy, theme, and engagement. You’re building and managing a zoo, with tasks ranging from constructing enclosures to supporting conservation projects. Every action feels meaningful, and the game balances strategic depth and fun perfectly. Plus, we’ve had some of the liveliest debates trying to figure out which animals we should add. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer looking for a challenge, Ark Nova delivers on all fronts and deserves its spot as the best of the best!
