Best Building Games of 2024: Top 9 Reviews
When you’re on the hunt for the best building games, the options can be overwhelming. We focus on a mix of strategy, fun, and replayability when curating this list. Our choices balance complexity, ease of learning, and a dash of creativity. Whether laying down tracks, trading sheep for wood, or crafting a medieval city, these games tick all the right boxes. We’ve spent countless hours testing them at game nights with buddies, and they never fail to entertain. So, grab your favorite snack, gather your friends, and prepare for some epic building game adventures. Let’s get building!
On this list:
9 Ticket to Ride
Who knew building a railroad empire would be this fun? We didn’t, but then we played Ticket to Ride. It’s simple enough for newcomers but gets your strategic juices flowing real fast. Plus, it offers a great balance of luck and skill. You’ll be plotting routes, taking risks, and maybe even laying tracks over your pals’ lines. Just don’t forget to smile while you steal their destinations! It’s the perfect introduction to building games with just the right amount of competition.
8 Catan
Catan is like the pizza of building games. Everyone loves it, and it never gets old. You collect resources, trade sheep for wood, and build settlements. We remember trading our souls for that one piece of wheat – worth it! This game encourages negotiation and teaches the value of teamwork. It’s a game where luck and strategy meet perfectly. Honestly, no building game list is complete without this classic. So gather your friends and build your way to victory!
7 7 Wonders
In 7 Wonders, you become the architect of an ancient city. And boy, did we feel like ancient masterminds planning our wonder. It’s fast-paced and can handle up to seven players, which is a huge bonus for larger game nights. This game mixes resource management with civilization building, and it’s a blast to see your city thrive. It’s simple to grasp yet offers a depth that keeps seasoned players coming back for more. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of building pyramids?
6 Carcassonne
Carcassonne offers a cozy countryside-building experience, perfect for those who want something a bit more serene. You’ll be laying tiles and claiming features like roads and cities. It feels quite satisfying, like doing a puzzle without lost pieces. We spent a lazy afternoon sipping tea and plotting our land expansion. It’s a great option for a relaxed game night and perfect for introducing newbies to building games – calming yet competitive in its own way.
5 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars takes you to the Red Planet, inviting you to transform its landscape into a habitable paradise. We didn’t think we’d get this hooked on a game about space farming! Each player competes to develop the most successful terraforming corporation. It’s full of strategy and offers a rewarding experience as you create oceans, forests, and cities. The depth and complexity of this game make it a favorite among seasoned building games enthusiasts. Plus, the theme makes sci-fi lovers feel right at home.
4 Suburbia
Suburbia is the Sim City of board games. You’re tasked with designing a borough from scratch, which is as thrilling as it sounds! We loved every minute of seeing our cities grow, even when we added one too many strip malls. The game offers great replayability and gets you thinking about urban planning in ways that are addictively fun. It’s perfect for those who love strategic, longer-term planning. Create the suburb of your dreams, one tile at a time!
3 The Castles of Burgundy
The Castles of Burgundy challenges you to develop estates through clever tile placements. We found ourselves engrossed in the strategy and subtle competitive nature. Every turn was a strategic puzzle, with dice rolls adding an element of chance. We loved balancing our estates to ensure they grew harmoniously. It’s ideal for those who enjoy deep strategy and decision-making. Build, expand, and outsmart your friends in this medieval masterpiece.
2 Agricola
If farming is your calling, Agricola is your muse. Our farming skills were put to the test as we balanced feeding our family and upgrading our farm. It’s a game that’s both rewarding and punishing. You have to plan carefully, as each move can be crucial. Agricola offers an immersive experience that satisfies both casual and hardcore players. Strategy lovers will appreciate the depth and complexity of this building game. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to cultivate their strategic prowess.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven takes the crown as the best building games board game. The reason? It’s the king of adventure meets city-building. We’ve spent countless hours in its epic world, where strategic combat meets story-driven exploration. Players work together to complete missions while expanding their city. The best part? Choices made in the game shape the ongoing narrative, making each playthrough unique. It’s complex, rewarding, and utterly captivating. For those who want an immersive experience that blends building with adventure, Gloomhaven is the ultimate choice.
