13 Best Board Games for Adults 2026: Top Picks Reviewed
Looking for the best board games for adults? We tested them all, laughed hard, and picked our favorites for your next game night.
Finding the best board games for adults can feel like searching for matching socks after laundry day—there’s a ton of good options, but which ones truly fit? We’ve battled, bluffed, and giggled through countless nights to pick games that are fun, easy to learn, and bring everyone together. Our focus? Games that work for groups and pairs, offer smart twists, and don’t take hours to explain (nobody wants a rulebook marathon). Whether you like teamwork or fierce competition, you’ll find something on our list of the best board games for adults that will spark joy—or at least some friendly trash talk!
On this list:
13 Codenames
We keep coming back to Codenames because it’s the sort of game that gets better (and funnier) the more you play it. You’ll see how weird your friends’ minds work, and sometimes question your own sanity when you stare at that grid of words. It’s a classic party game, easy to pick up but fun enough to keep everyone guessing. If you like shouting ‘No! Not that one!’ every thirty seconds, this is for you. Works great after a bit of wine, too.
12 Wavelength
Wavelength is the game for those of us who want to argue about how ‘medium’ a dog is, or just how ‘spicy’ something can be. It nails that sweet spot between guessing and discussion, but keeps things simple enough so your group won’t argue for too long. We’ve had some heated debates, especially after three cups of coffee. Points don’t really matter here, but bragging rights do.
11 Wingspan
We admit we never thought a bird game would get us so invested. But with Wingspan, you’ll find yourself saying things like ‘I need more worms!’ while planning your next move. The game is beautiful, clever, and will turn even the most reluctant player into a bird fanatic. Bonus: it’s relaxing, but there’s plenty of strategy for the competitive types out there.
10 Secret Hitler
Secret Hitler is a hit for adults who love a bit of betrayal. This game brings out the best (and worst) liar in all of us. We’ve seen friendships tested and alliances form just to crumble under suspicion. It’s easy to teach and gets a group of adults laughing, arguing, and second-guessing each other in record time.
9 Azul
Azul looks like a fancy tile-laying game, and it totally is, but it’s also cutthroat. In our group, it turns polite adults into tile-stealing monsters. The rules are simple, but making that perfect mosaic is tricky. You’ll love the feel of the chunky tiles, and you won’t realize how sneaky your friends can be until it’s too late.
8 The Fox in the Forest
We picked The Fox in the Forest because it’s a clever trick-taking game, perfect for two players who want some of the teamwork, bluffing, and mind-reading fun of The Crew, but without ferocious sci-fi pressure. We’ve played it after dinner and, honestly, it feels like our brains are dancing the tango.
7 Scythe
Scythe is for the adults in the group who like a bit of everything: engine-building, area control, and the odd big mech. It looks epic on the table and draws everyone in. We found that even when you lose, you feel like you accomplished something big. It’s crunchy but not impossible to learn, and you’ll want to play again just to try a new strategy.
6 Sushi Go Party!
Picking sushi plates has never been so stressful, or so fun. Sushi Go Party! is a quick game that brings lots of laughs and groans. We all schemed, stole rolls, and made the quickest decisions of our board game careers. It never gets old, and it’s easy to teach to friends who ‘don’t do board games’.
5 Just One
Just One is cooperative and simple, perfect for bringing out the best (and worst) in our group’s creativity. We love watching everyone write the same clue and then groan when it gets canceled. It’s fast, silly, and always leads to ‘why did you write that?!’ moments. Best played with people who like word games, but even skeptics get into it.
4 Pandemic
Nothing says adult fun like saving the world. Pandemic had us all yelling out strategy and blaming each other when things went south. It’s a true co-op classic and shows how well adults can (sometimes) work together. Or not. Either way, you’ll want another go after you lose to those pesky viruses.
3 Carcassonne
Carcassonne brings out everyone’s inner city planner—or road ruiner. We loved building and blocking each other, and it’s easy enough for new players. The tile placement keeps every game fresh, and the ‘aha!’ moments never end. It feels calm until it’s not, and there’s always one friend who sneakily steals your city.
2 Ticket to Ride: Europe
Ticket to Ride: Europe is the adult version of your childhood train dreams, but with more scheming. We all had a blast blocking routes, hoarding cards, and celebrating sneaky wins. It’s a great entry game but never boring, and it’s easy to teach even the sleepiest of adults at the end of a long day.
1 Cascadia
We crown Cascadia as our number one pick for the best board games for adults. Why? It’s got a perfect mix of deep strategy and chilled-out tile placement. Everyone gets hooked trying to make the perfect wildlife habitat (and yes, we all argue about whether bears should go next to salmon). It’s relaxing, looks great, and everyone feels satisfied at the end—even if they lose. If you want a game that’s friendly for new players but rewards clever moves, this is the one to beat!
