Best Games on Board Game Arena 2024: Top 12 Reviews
12 Best Games on Board Game Arena You Need to Play Right Now
On this list:
12 Azul
Azul is a beautiful game where you get to be an artist! You draft tiles to create stunning mosaic patterns. Your score depends on how well you place your tiles. It’s easy to learn but tough to master. My friends and I had a blast competing to create the most beautiful designs. Plus, it feels like real-life Tetris!
11 Ticket to Ride
This one’s a classic for a very good reason. Ticket to Ride has you building train routes across America. It’s all about connecting cities while blocking your opponents. My friend Tom always tries to cut me off, and it turns into a hilarious competition. Easy to pick up and super addictive.
10 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a civilization-building game that’s all about drafting cards. You get to develop your city through the ages. The game is quick and full of strategy. My buddies and I love the variety of paths to victory. You can focus on science, military, or culture. The artwork is also stunning.
9 Catan
Catan is the game that got many of us into board games. You collect resources, build settlements, and trade like crazy. The board changes every game, so it’s always a new challenge. My friend Sarah always hoards the sheep, and it drives us all nuts! It’s a game full of negotiation and strategy.
8 Splendor
In Splendor, you’re a Renaissance merchant trying to become the richest by collecting gems and buying cards. The game is simple to learn but has a lot of depth. My friends and I always try different strategies, and the game never gets old. Plus, the poker chips used as gems are super satisfying to handle.
7 Pandemic
This is the game for those who love a good challenge. In Pandemic, you work together to save the world from four deadly diseases. My group and I feel like heroes every time we play, but it’s tough. You have to plan and communicate well to win. The cooperative aspect makes it stand out.
6 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-laying game where you’re building cities, roads, and fields in medieval France. It’s incredibly relaxing yet competitive. My friend Mike always goes for the big cities, while I try to sneak in the small roads. The game changes every time due to the tile draw, making it endlessly replayable.
5 Kingdomino
Kingdomino is like dominoes but with kingdoms! You draft and place tiles to build the best kingdom. It’s quick and easy to learn, making it great for families. My nephew beats me at this game all the time, but it’s so fun that I don’t mind. It’s a perfect blend of luck and strategy.
4 Tokaido
Tokaido takes you on a journey through Japan. It’s all about having the most rewarding travel experience. The game is super relaxing, and the artwork is gorgeous. We always end up talking about our dream trips while playing. Each game feels like a mini-vacation without leaving the house.
3 Stone Age
Stone Age is a worker placement game where you manage a tribe. You collect resources, build villages, and even have some kids. It’s all about planning your moves wisely. My tribe always ends up short on food because I get too ambitious. It’s a fantastic blend of strategy and luck.
2 Agricola
If you want to build a farm, Agricola is for you. You start with a small family and build up a thriving farm. It’s got a lot of depth and is very rewarding. My farm usually ends up with tons of animals but no veggies! It’s a game where planning and adapting are key.
1 Scythe
Now for the crown jewel—Scythe. This game is a masterpiece. It’s set in an alternate history 1920s Europe. You control factions, build mechs, and fight for control. The game is epic in scale and rich in strategy. We’ve had many intense matches that felt like a history lesson and a sci-fi movie rolled into one. It’s the best game on Board Game Arena because of its complexity, depth, and endless replayability.
