Best 11 Board Games in 2025: Board Game Top 50
Our 'board game top 50' list features gems like 'Catan', perfect for both newbies and seasoned gaming vets alike.
In the world of the ‘board game top 50’, the choices can be as overwhelming as trying to herd cats into a bath. We focus on games that get you giggling and strategizing like a chess grandmaster. In our search, we look for those gems that balance fun and challenge, making sure every game night feels like the highlight of your week. Whether you’re new to the board gaming realm or a seasoned meeple mover, this selection is set to inspire laughter, competition, and maybe a little friendly trash talk. Let’s roll the dice on some fun!
On this list:
11 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is like the gateway game for newbies. We swear, if you haven’t plotted to build a railway empire across America with friends, you haven’t lived. It’s the perfect mix of strategy and casual play. Our buddy Tom always gets way too invested, swears he’s a railroad tycoon, and then we all remind him it’s just a game. This game surely deserves a spot in the board game top 50 for its fun and accessibility.
10 Catan
Catan is the game that proves bartering always has a place in modern society. It turns us into amateur economists in our mission for sheep. The trading and building sides spark a friendly rivalry. Jill always ends up hoarding bricks, and we still haven’t figured out her strategy. Catan is a staple in the board game top 50, and it never gets old.
9 Carcassonne
Building a medieval landscape tile by tile, Carcassonne lets you unleash your inner architect. We love feeling like we’re in a medieval tapestry, competing to see who constructs the most splendid landscape. My little brother always insists on completing roads just to mess up my plans. It’s a chilled-out game, perfect for a Sunday afternoon, and certainly belongs in any board game top 50 list.
8 Azul
Azul is a beautiful game that makes you think you’re a tile artist in Portugal. The vibrant colors and strategic placement make it both pretty and brain teaser. Grandma, the mosaic master, always wins by a landslide, proving it’s accessible across ages. Its simplicity and beauty place it firmly within the board game top 50.
7 Pandemic
Cooperation is the name of the game in Pandemic. You and your team are trying to save the world from diseases. Our friend Jane always chooses to be the Medic to heroically cure diseases like it’s her day job. With its thrilling cooperative nature, it’s a must-play in the board game top 50. Plus, you learn some teamwork!
6 7 Wonders
In 7 Wonders, you become the leader of an ancient civilization. The card drafting and engine-building are simply brilliant. We always end up going for military power just to see others squirm. This game belongs in the board game top 50 because it combines complexity and fast-paced play perfectly.
5 Splendor
Splendor makes us feel like we’re gem merchants ready to trade jewels for prestige. The simplicity and the elegance of the mechanics are a real gem of an experience. Our friend Alex always hoards the emeralds and somehow wins every round. It’s got a major appeal, sitting comfortably in our board game top 50.
4 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a beast of a dungeon crawler. With epic campaigns and deep storylines, we always feel like we’re in an RPG. Our friend Sam always plays as the brute, swinging his sword madly. It’s an all-night kind of game, where time just flies. Despite its commitment, it’s a worthy entry in the board game top 50.
3 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars has us feeling like intergalactic real estate agents. Building a habitable planet from scratch is a thrill. We always race for the best land claims, often resulting in some heated debates. Its depth and strategy earn it a rightful place in the board game top 50.
2 Wingspan
If bird-watching meets strategy, that’s Wingspan. Each game feels like a nature documentary. We all marvel at the beautiful bird illustrations while strategizing wins. Our friend Lucy is the Queen of Birds, winning every time. We find this game soothing yet challenging, solidly placing it in the board game top 50.
1 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion takes the crown for the best one in our board game top 50. It delivers the same epic experience as Gloomhaven but in a more digestible format, perfect for newcomers. My buddy Greg is always the Red Guard, charging into battle with reckless abandon. With its engaging storyline and challenging gameplay, it deserves the top spot for blending the epicness of Gloomhaven with accessibility.
