Best 15 Board Game Top List of 2025
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion stands out in any board game top list for its immersive gameplay and accessible rules.
Buckle up, board game newbies and veterans alike! We’ve curated a ‘board game top list’ to guide you through our 15 top picks. Our focus is on games that bring out fun, strategy, and little chaos. This list has something for everyone, from those who love to build empires to those seeking quick, competitive thrills. We’ve laughed, strategized, and bickered endlessly over these games to ensure they deserve a spot on our list. So grab your friends, clear the table, and discover your next favorite game with our ‘board game top list’!
On this list:
15 Ticket to Ride
We chose Ticket to Ride for its simplicity and appeal to all types of players. We once played this on a rainy Sunday and it was smoother than buttering toast. The goal is to build train routes across the map, but beware, friends will block your path! The game’s fantastic for family gatherings as it doesn’t require heavy thinking, just good ol’ strategic fun.
14 Catan
Catan, or Settlers of Catan, is the board game that taught us the value of sheep trading. Imagine an intense negotiation for bricks and woods that turns more dramatic than a soap opera! It’s a must-have for those who love strategy, trading, and a dash of luck, plus it’s so addictive you may want to clear your calendar.
13 Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative game where players team up to stop global disease outbreaks. For us, it was like starring in our own action movie, minus the explosions. It’s challenging yet rewarding to work together, share skills, and save humanity. Perfect for players who enjoy teamwork and a good challenge!
12 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is simple to learn but offers strategic depth, like deciding whether to finish your dinner or leave room for dessert. The tile-laying mechanic keeps you on your toes as you build cities and roads. We enjoy this one for its relaxing pace and the back-and-forth between players trying to outsmart each other.
11 The Resistance
A game of secret identities and deception, The Resistance is like being in a spy thriller. We’ve had sessions where trust was shattered, and alliances crumbled. Perfect for large groups, it involves a lot of discussion and accusations, making it an interactive and memorable experience.
10 Above and Below
This game mixes storytelling with village building. It’s like choosing your own adventure while competing to build the best village. We loved the narrative aspects and the choices that added a wrinkle to our strategic plans, engaging us both as storytellers and as tacticians.
9 7 Wonders
7 Wonders lets you build an ancient civilization while competing with others. With multiple paths to victory, it’s a game we always return to. We’ve seen players go military heavy only to be outscored by science, proving that different strategies can lead to success. It’s a quick-playing game with lasting depth!
8 Splendor
In Splendor, you are a Renaissance merchant aiming to collect precious gems and gain prestige. The theme doesn’t grab you immediately, but it sneaks up on you like a ninja. We found ourselves addicted to the smooth gameplay and strategic decisions. It’s quick and easy, like ordering fast food but way more satisfying.
7 Azul
Azul is about laying beautiful tiles on your board. It’s visually stunning and strategic, like playing chess with colorful tiles. We love how it combines strategy with aesthetics. The tactile sensation of the tiles and the satisfaction of creating patterns is unparalleled. It’s like the Mona Lisa of board games, pretty but deep.
6 Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building game that plays in the blink of an eye. Our group once played five rounds in one night! The variability in card combinations means no two games are the same. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves card games or wants a quick game fix.
5 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars, where you play as corporations transforming the red planet for human habitation. It’s deep and rewarding, like digging for treasure on Mars! We loved the complexity and the feeling of accomplishment when seeing the planet change under our control. Highly recommended for strategy enthusiasts.
4 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a sprawling, immersive campaign game. It’s like playing Dungeons & Dragons with all the epicness but none of the dice! We love the depth and endless stories it offers. Be prepared for a long commitment, but the adventure is well worth it. It has to be experienced to be believed.
3 Scythe
Scythe stands out for its beautiful artwork and intricate gameplay. Set in an alternate history 1920s, it blends resource management with area control. We enjoy the tension between peace and war, and the way strategies evolve as the game progresses. It’s a visual masterpiece and a strategic triumph.
2 Wingspan
Wingspan is a beautifully illustrated game about birdwatching. It’s as relaxing as sitting in a park with a thermos of tea. We adore its educational angle and the strategic decisions in collecting birds. It’s a soothing game perfect for a rainy afternoon or a chill evening with friends.
1 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion captures the epic adventure of its predecessor but in a more accessible way. We found it to be the best for its perfect balance of complexity and ease of entry. You get the rich story and tactical combat without needing to commit half your living room! It’s ideal for newbies and veterans alike.
