Top 5 Best Selling Games of 2024: Must-Play Picks

Explore best selling games for newbies: Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, Catan. Perfect mix of strategy, fun, and easy to learn gameplay.
Disclaimer: Clicking our links may result in us earning enough for a new pair of dice, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur board game hustlers.
Ticket to Ride coverPandemic coverCatan cover

Hey, board game enthusiasts! If you’re after the cream of the crop, look no further. Our list is all about the best selling games that have taken the board game community by storm. We’ve sifted through countless options to bring you games that are not only flying off the shelves but also offer an amazing blend of strategy, fun, and a dash of luck. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game night scene, these picks are sure to impress. And no, we won’t spoil the surprise by listing the games here – you’ll have to read on to find out which titles made the cut!

On this list:

5 Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Starting off, let’s talk Ticket to Ride. It’s like monopoly but with trains, and nobody flips the board in anger. We played this one at game night and honestly, it was a hit. The reason it’s on our list of best selling games? It’s easy to learn but keeps you thinking. You’re building train routes across the country, trying to outsmart your friends, and maybe, just maybe, not ruin friendships in the process.

4 Pandemic

Pandemic cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Next up, Pandemic. This one had us working together instead of against each other, which was a nice change. Fighting diseases around the world before they wipe us out? Talk about high stakes. The game’s cooperative nature makes it a go-to for game nights. It lands on our best selling games list because it’s thrilling, a bit too real at times, and it makes you think you can save the world.

3 Catan

Catan cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Ah, Catan. The game of trading wood for sheep and then some. It’s all about building settlements, roads, and figuring out when to play nice and when to cut off your buddy’s longest road. What makes Catan one of the best selling games? It’s the right mix of strategy, luck, and negotiating skills. Plus, it’s the reason half of us even know what a ‘commodity’ is.

2 Codenames

Codenames cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Who knew giving one-word clues could lead to so much laughter and occasional frustration? Codenames. It’s like the secret agent version of charades. This game proves you don’t need a board to have a blast. It’s a party game that’s earned its spot among the best selling games because it gets everyone involved, thinking, and often hilariously misunderstanding each other.

1 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

And the crown goes to Gloomhaven. Why? It’s like stepping into a whole other world. This game is an epic adventure in a box. You get to pick a character and grow with them through battles, quests, and the story unfolds differently every time. It’s at the top of our best selling games list because it combines strategy, role-playing, and, frankly, it’s an absolute beast of a game. We’ve spent more hours than we’d like to admit in this fantasy world, and every minute was worth it.

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.