7 Best Board Games for Adults Reviewed in 2025
Looking for the best board games for adults? Our top picks promise laughter, strategy, and unforgettable nights with friends. Game on!
7 Best Board Games for Adults: Our Top Picks for Fun Nights
We’ve tested a lot of board games for adults, with our friends, family, and even that guy who never reads the rules. When choosing what makes the cut for our list, we focus on games that spark conversation, create sneaky laughter, and never leave anyone bored on their phone. We like games that look good on the table and are easy enough to teach without needing an advanced degree. Whether you want something clever, competitive, or just plain hilarious, our picks for board games for adults have you covered.
On this list:
7 Codenames
We always end up yelling and laughing when we play Codenames at game night. It’s the perfect mix of wordplay, teamwork, and second-guessing your friends’ logic—or lack thereof. Codenames gets everyone involved, even that one friend who claims to hate board games for adults. The secret agent theme gives it some grown-up flair. Plus, it doesn’t drag on for hours, so you can play several rounds or just one quick game before moving on to something with less mental gymnastics. If you want to test your mind (and your friendships), this is the start of a great evening.
6 Wavelength
Wavelength made our brains bend in weird shapes, and that’s not even counting the wine we were drinking. This board game for adults is all about guessing where your friends’ brains land on a secret spectrum. It’s a party game that creates big ‘aha!’ moments and even bigger ‘what were you THINKING?’ moments. We love that it’s light on rules but heavy on arguing about movie genres and favorite snacks. The component with the spinning dial feels satisfying, almost like you’re solving a mystery—without needing a PhD in logic.
5 The Resistance: Avalon
Deception, betrayal, and wild accusations—this is what The Resistance: Avalon brought to our table. If you have trust issues, prepare to get worse, because this game’s all about bluffing and reading your friends’ poker faces. It’s a classic among board games for adults, and we ended up with more drama than a reality TV show. Each round had us accusing our closest allies of being secret traitors, but the best bit is how it resets after each game so you can seek revenge (or redemption).
4 Azul
Azul lured us in with its pretty tiles and then tricked us into some of the most cutthroat decision-making we’ve experienced. Don’t be fooled by the calming colors—underneath, this is a pure strategy game for adults who enjoy friendly sabotage. We found ourselves plotting two steps ahead and plotting even more to block our friends. The rules are simple, but the satisfaction of finishing a perfect mosaic is addictive. Bonus: it’s quick, so you’ll want to play again right away.
3 Wingspan
Who knew birdwatching could get this competitive? Wingspan is one of those board games for adults that took us by surprise. We thought we’d have a chill time, but instead, we ended up fiercely collecting bird cards, snatching up food, and developing secret grudges over egg-laying rights. It’s pretty to look at and even better to play, with enough depth to keep strategy fans happy. Our group found that it’s a perfect balance of relaxing and competitive, which is rare.
2 Decrypto
If you want a board game for adults that brings out everyone’s inner spy, Decrypto is the one. Our group had a blast trying to send and intercept secret messages. It’s a brain workout and a test of patience, but not so hard that you’ll flip the table. We especially liked how it pushed us to get creative with clues so our team would understand, but the other team wouldn’t. There’s pure joy in those ‘aha!’ moments when you crack a code—or groan when you miss the obvious.
1 Cascadia
Cascadia is the top pick for board games for adults because every game feels fresh, strategic, and strangely calming. We were surprised how a game about habitats could cause so much laughter, rivalry, and pure joy. You get to build landscapes and manage wildlife, so it’s both a puzzle and a race to grab the best tiles. It works well with groups but can still be enjoyed with just two players. Out of all the games we tried, Cascadia hit that sweet spot where newcomers pick it up fast but everyone wants ‘one more round.’ Plus, it basically lets you play nature documentary director, which is never a bad thing.
