Best 2025 Buy Games: Top 5 Board Game Reviews
The world of ‘buy games’ board gaming is vast and full of treasures. This top 5 list is a true gem for any board game enthusiast eager to invest in fun. We’ve focused on games that promise thrilling buys, strategic depth, and moments of both laughter and nail-biting tension. Whether trading property, laying tracks, generating electricity, building settlements, or collecting gems, our picks deliver a rich blend of strategy, luck, and pure enjoyment. Each game here offers something unique, making it a worthy addition to your shelf. So, buckle up as we explore the best ‘buy games’ out there!
On this list:
5 Monopoly
Monopoly is the classic ‘buy games’ board game. For some of us, Monopoly started our love for board games. It’s not just about buying properties; it’s about crushing your loved ones financially. The humor and nostalgia in trading properties and strategizing is what makes it a staple on game night. Perfect for families, it brings out the competitive spirit. We’ve all had that one friend who flips the board, and that’s part of the fun! If you haven’t played Monopoly, have you really played board games?
4 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a mix of strategy and luck, that keeps everyone on their toes. Here, you’re buying train routes across the country. It’s simple yet strategic, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned players. We love the tension of whether you can complete your routes or if someone will cut you off. It’s light-hearted, but you can really feel the intensity when another player nabs your planned route. Plus, it’s a game that’s great for both adults and kids.
3 Power Grid
Power Grid adds a unique twist to the ‘buy games’ theme with its focus on resource management. You buy power plants and resources to build the most successful energy network. Choosing when to buy and when to let go can make or break your success. It’s a great game for teaching strategic thinking and resource management. It’s a bit more complex, so it’s perfect for when you’re ready to take your board game nights to the next level. Just don’t get too attached to your favorite power plant, because in Power Grid, nothing is guaranteed.
2 Catan
In Catan, you’re buying settlements and roads to expand your empire. The game involves trading and strategy, making it a hit at our game nights. While building, trading, and plotting, you’ll get a taste of the sweet and sometimes bitter side of negotiations. We’ve had many a game night end with someone insisting they were wronged in a trade. If you like games that evolve with every play, Catan should definitely be on your ‘buy games’ list.
1 Splendor
Splendor takes the top spot on our ‘buy games’ list, blending simplicity with depth. You’re merchants of the Renaissance, buying gem mines and shops to amass the most prestige. But why’s Splendor the best? It’s the replayability and perfect balance of strategy and luck. The satisfaction of claiming a noble or completing your strategy can’t be beaten. It’s easy to learn yet hard to master, making it accessible to all ages. We’ve played it countless times, and each game feels fresh. It’s the go-to when we want a game that’s quick but satisfying.
