Best BoardGameGeek Top 100 Reviews 2025: 14 Must-Play Games
Finding the perfect board game can be as tough as choosing which pair of socks to wear in the morning! We’ve gathered the cream of the crop from the ‘boardgamegeek top 100’ to help new players on this thrilling board game journey. Our picks focus on strategy, ease of learning, and downright fun. Whether you’re a fan of cooperative gameplay or love a bit of friendly competition, our list has something for everyone. Join us as we explore games that have not only captured our hearts but have also dominated gaming tables all over the world. Board games like this make game night unforgettable.
On this list:
14 Pandemic
Pandemic is a great co-op game where players work together to stop diseases from spreading. The thrill of saving the world and working as a team makes it special. We remember one game night when Tony forgot to treat the disease, and the whole world nearly collapsed. That’s the fun of it—it’s unpredictable and keeps everyone engaged.
13 Ticket to Ride
With Ticket to Ride, you get to build railway routes across America. It’s simple yet strategic and appeals to everyone. My friend tried to build a route to DC but ended up in Montreal. We laugh about that mix-up to this day!
12 Azul
Azul is all about creating beautiful tile patterns. It’s calming and a bit competitive. Once, my competitive buddy made a masterpiece, and we still talk about it. It’s more about the experience than winning, which is refreshing. The tactile feel of those tiles is just a bonus!
11 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a game where you build ancient civilizations. It’s like a history lesson but way more fun. One game night, I was ecstatic to build the Pyramids only to lose in military might. It’s great for strategy lovers who enjoy a bit of history, hey.
10 Catan
In Catan, you’re always trading and building settlements. It’s a game of balance and negotiation. We once had a trade dispute that lasted 20 minutes—made it memorable! Perfect for those who appreciate strategy and making deals work.
9 Scythe
Scythe is the game for those who love strategy and a bit of combat. It’s a mix of farming and warfare in a stunning post-war setting. I remember trying to expand my territory but getting caught in battle. It’s challenging and rewarding!
8 Dominion
Dominion is all about deck-building. Each game feels fresh with new strategy twists. We had a hilarious moment when a friend hugged their useless cards, thinking it was gold! It’s perfect if you like card games with evolving strategies.
7 Codenames
Codenames is a fun word game that challenges your thinking. You give one-word clues to find your team’s words. We had a blast trying to decipher cryptic hints. One wrong guess and you’ve lost! It’s ideal for those who love wordplay and teamwork.
6 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is about making Mars habitable. It’s complex and strategic. We once turned Mars into a paradise, only to lose oxygen—so Mars became unlivable again! For those who love space and science, it’s a must-have on the list.
5 Wingspan
Wingspan is where you build bird habitats. It’s relaxing and strategic. One of our friends always amazes us with bird facts, all thanks to playing this game. If you love nature and strategy, give it a go!
4 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is the ultimate dungeon crawler. It takes planning and teamwork. One night took us hours—because we got into every nook and cranny. Perfect for those who crave adventure and don’t mind longer sessions with friends.
3 Betrayal at House on the Hill
Betrayal features horror and unpredictability. The plot twist hits when a traitor emerges. Picture this: one friend literally turned on us and won! This game thrives on surprises, making it a must-try for thrill-seekers.
2 Root
Root is an asymmetric game with cute forest creatures at war. It’s chaotic and strategic. We once sided with the wrong faction only to face hilarious defeat. Root’s unique gameplay and style make it noteworthy.
1 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
We picked Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion as the best. It’s a simpler version of Gloomhaven but still rich in adventure and strategy. We had the most laughs and ‘almost-wins’ while battling it out. It’s more accessible and feels like a complete adventure on its own. For those who love dungeon exploring and shorter game nights, it’s perfect.
