Best 12 Games Like Talisman 2024: Buy Edition Now

Looking for adventure? Buy Talisman 4th Edition, a perfect game that brings thrill and nostalgia to every table.
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Dungeon! coverSmall World coverMice and Mystics cover

So, you’ve decided to buy Talisman 4th Edition. Congratulations! You’re in for a world of fantasy, adventure and fun. But why stop there? We’ve got a list of twelve board games that capture that same magical feeling. We’ve played through dungeons, battled mystical beasts, and saved the day more times than we can count. We focused on games that offer a perfect blend of strategy, storytelling, and a touch of whimsy. These picks ensure even the greenest adventurer can find their way. So, buckle up and prepare to explore some fantastic board games inspired by that epic quest experience!

On this list:

12 Dungeon!

Dungeon! cover

  • Age Range: 6+
  • Players: 1-8
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Dungeon! captures the spirit of Talisman with its classic dungeon crawl feel. We gathered, beer in hand, ready for adventure. Though simpler, Dungeon! provides an easy-to-learn system that kept us engaged. We giggled at our own misfortunes and occasional bickering over loot division. The thrill of rolling dice to escape monsters mimicked our Talisman nostalgia. Dungeon! is a fantastic starting point for beginners who want the excitement without intricate rules. Available on BoardGameGeek, it’s easy to add to your collection.

11 Small World

Small World cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 40-80 minutes

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When we played Small World, it felt like Talisman had gone minimalist. The fantasy theme, filled with quirky creatures, immediately reminded us of that chaotic Talisman sparkle. We kept arguing about which of us would conquer next. The game’s strategic depth and humor kept us entertained for hours. Perfect for players who love fantasy, but not bookkeeping. Available on BoardGameGeek, Small World offers a slice of Talisman’s magic with a quicker pace.

10 Mice and Mystics

Mice and Mystics cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-90 minutes

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Mice and Mystics hooks you with its storytelling, reminiscent of the questing in Talisman. We roleplayed mice, stuck in a charming tale. Plot twists and strategic card play had us scurrying for cover. Our cat once tried joining the game, adding unexpected drama. It’s a perfect pick for families wanting adventure with heart. This board game, listed on BoardGameGeek, is a unique blend of whimsy and strategy.

9 Runebound (Third Edition)

Runebound (Third Edition) cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 120-180 minutes

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Runebound offers an open-world exploration that nods to Talisman’s style. We journeyed through Terrinoth, facing random encounters and building our heroes’ strength. The thrill of unexpected battles kept us at the edge of our seats. Our table was filled with strategic banter and a hint of tension as we raced to the finish. Available on BoardGameGeek, Runebound invites seasoned adventurers to chart their course in a world of endless possibilities.

8 Eldritch Horror

Eldritch Horror cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-8
  • Play Time: 120-240 minutes

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Eldritch Horror takes the cooperative route on the Talisman journey. We joined forces to save the world from cosmic doom, echoing the epic quest feel of Talisman. Working together led to hilarious teamwork fails and triumphs. With mysteries unraveling, excitement never waned. This game is great for groups who want a shared experience. Listed on BoardGameGeek, Eldritch Horror delivers high stakes and narrative depth.

7 Prophecy

Prophecy cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Prophecy plays like a streamlined Talisman, with an RPG vibe and fantasy setting. It was a hit among us, the typical competitive lot. Engaging mechanics and strategic depth let us brag about our clever moves. It’s slightly more complex than Talisman—perfect for stepping up your game. Available on BoardGameGeek, Prophecy is ideal for those craving a fresh fantasy challenge while keeping the nostalgia alive.

6 Return to Dark Tower

Return to Dark Tower cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 100-120 minutes

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Return to Dark Tower leans heavily on nostalgia, just like Talisman. We marveled at the electronic tower, a beacon of innovation and chaos. Our in-game discussions swirled around strategy and spells. It felt like revisiting our favorite childhood obsession, with a twist. This game, available on BoardGameGeek, combines classic charm with modern tech, making it irresistible for fans of vintage-classic blends.

5 HeroQuest

HeroQuest cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 90 minutes

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HeroQuest puts a dungeon crawl into the palm of your hand. We relished the nostalgia, reminiscing about simpler times. The miniature environments and storytelling reminded us of Talisman’s adventurous spirit. HeroQuest is fantastic because it encourages creativity and imagination. The game invites players into an immersive world, available on BoardGameGeek, perfect for fans of fantasy classics.

4 Dark Souls: The Board Game

Dark Souls: The Board Game cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 90-120 minutes

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Dark Souls: The Board Game offers a challenging, strategic experience similar to Talisman. The difficulty kept us coming back to conquer it. It sparked shouts of triumph and groans of despair at our table. Every defeat made us more determined. Its intricate systems and rewarding gameplay make it an excellent choice for hardcore fantasy fans. Available on BoardGameGeek, it’s a must-have for those seeking a gratifying challenge.

3 Mage Knight

Mage Knight cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 150 minutes

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Mage Knight offers complexity and depth, reminding us of Talisman’s epic journeys. Its strategic elements often led us to ponder our next moves with intensity. It’s a game that’s more about planning than luck. We spent hours crafting our paths to victory. Mage Knight, available on BoardGameGeek, appeals to those who are willing to engage in cerebral strategic warfare.

2 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Gloomhaven brings tactical strategy akin to Talisman, with a rich narrative and depth of play. We laughed about our character’s doom while enjoying the cooperative gameplay. It’s immersive, with fascinating storytelling that had us hooked. This game brings together strategy, adventure, and drama seamlessly. Available on BoardGameGeek, Gloomhaven captivates those who seek both challenge and narrative in their gaming experiences.

1 Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Arkham Horror: The Card Game cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-2
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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We love how Arkham Horror: The Card Game captures the same sense of adventure and storytelling as Talisman, but in a cooperative living card game format. The narrative-driven gameplay keeps everyone on their toes, just like our Talisman nights when Jenny swore her dice were cursed. It’s available with plenty of expansion content for more thrills.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.