12 Best Game Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
The 12 Best ‘Best Game Board Games’ to Add to Your Collection
On this list:
12 Catan
Catan is a classic gateway game that has converted many non-gamers. The balance of strategy, luck, and negotiations keeps everyone hooked. Trading resources with friends can lead to unexpected alliances or rivalries, making it a highly social experience.
11 Ticket to Ride
Perfect for new players, Ticket to Ride combines route planning and set collection. The rules are easy to learn, yet the game involves deep strategy. Plus, the train theme is engaging for all ages.
10 Pandemic
Pandemic offers a cooperative experience where players work together to stop global outbreaks. It’s exciting and intense, requiring teamwork and communication. Winning as a team feels incredibly rewarding.
9 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players build cities, roads, and fields. It’s easy to learn but offers strategic depth. The competitive yet peaceful vibe makes it a hit in any group.
8 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a fantastic drafting game where players build civilizations. The simultaneous play keeps everyone engaged, and the game scales well from 3 to 7 players.
7 Codenames
Codenames is a word association game that’s perfect for parties. Players split into teams and try to guess words based on one-word clues. It’s a test of how well you know your friends!
6 Dominion
Dominion is the original deck-building game. Players build their decks with action, treasure, and victory cards. The replayability with different card setups is endless.
5 Splendor
Splendor is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game where players act as merchants. Collecting chips and cards to build your trade network is both fun and addictive.
4 Azul
Azul is a beautiful tile-drafting game where players create mosaics. The game’s aesthetic appeal and simple rules make it a hit for both casual and serious gamers.
3 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a complex engine-building game where players work for corporations to make Mars habitable. The depth and strategy involved make it a favorite among hardcore gamers.
2 Wingspan
Wingspan is a stunning engine-building game about bird conservation. The game is both educational and fun, with beautiful artwork and components. It’s perfect for nature lovers.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven tops our list as the best game board game. It’s a legacy game with an epic campaign. The story-driven gameplay and tactical combat are second to none. It’s like playing a D&D campaign without a dungeon master. The depth and immersion are unmatched.
