9 Best Common Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
Ah, common board games. Where friends become foes, and victory tastes sweeter than your Nan’s apple pie. We’ve handpicked gems to keep your game nights sizzling. Our focus is on ease of play, strategic depth, and shelf appeal. We’re talking games that make you think, laugh, and maybe even flip a table (in a good way!). From building empires to battling diseases, each offers a unique experience. So grab your favorite snack, gather your crew, and get ready to roll the dice on the best common board games that turn any ordinary evening into an epic showdown.
On this list:
9 Catan
You know you’ve hit gold when a board game becomes the standard for all others. It’s the butter to our bread in the world of common board games. Catan brings trading, strategy, and a whole bunch of sheep. We recommend this game because of its straightforward rules and endless replayability. You can build and expand your settlements while negotiating trades with friends. It’s all fun until someone builds a city and you lose your longest road. Try not to flip the table in frustration!
8 Ticket to Ride
All aboard! This train-themed game has players collecting cards to claim railway routes across a map. Ticket to Ride is like Monopoly, but without the property buying that ruins friendships. It’s a common board game because you can explain it in five minutes, and everyone is ready to compete. The thrill of connecting cities and completing your tickets is unmatched. Plus, there’s no need to be a train enthusiast to enjoy it. Just get ready to yell, ‘I need my blue card!’
7 Carcassonne
Here’s a game where you can build your own medieval landscape with tiles and meeples. Carcassonne is perfect for those who enjoy strategy and making beautiful, sprawling maps. It’s a common board game that doesn’t intimidate new players. You earn points by completing cities, roads, and cloisters. And remember: it’s not about the size of your city, but how you use your knights and farmers. It’s as relaxing as it is competitive, making it a staple in many game nights.
6 Pandemic
In this cooperative game, players work together to stop global outbreaks. It’s the common board game that taught us teamwork makes the dream work. The thrill of Pandemic comes from its rising tension as you race against time. There’s nothing like yelling at each other over which disease to cure next while watching the world fall apart. But hey, it’s all in good fun! This game is perfect for those who enjoy a challenge and feeling like heroes in lab coats.
5 Azul
Azul involves creating stunning tile designs, like a true Portuguese artisan. Common board games rarely look this good. While it’s competitive, it has a calming vibe. You draft tiles and try to outwit your opponents by scoring the most points. It’s like adult coloring but with strategy and competition. We love how it combines a simple rule set with deep strategy. And don’t get us started on the satisfying clink of those tiles!
4 7 Wonders
What can we say about building a civilization that hasn’t been said already? 7 Wonders offers strategic card drafting in a short playtime. It’s a must-have for fans of history and strategy. The game accommodates up to 7 players without losing pace, making it a fantastic choice for larger groups. We love how you can focus on military, science, or culture to win. Plus, passing hands every round adds a layer of strategic depth.
3 Splendor
Splendor is all about gems and prestige. Collect chips, buy cards and race to 15 points. It’s a common board game for those who enjoy quick, tactical gameplay. We can’t get enough of the simplicity and the intense strategy that comes from balancing your resources. We’ve witnessed many friendships challenged over that last sapphire card, but that’s part of Splendor’s charm. It’s quick, fun, and addictive. Just watch out for the sneaky dealer on your left!
2 Dixit
Dixit combines storytelling with guessing in a magical way. You play using surreal images on cards. It’s a common board game that encourages creativity and imagination. We’ve seen some hilarious guesses over a rabbit in a top hat or a flying fish. It’s perfect for those who love to weave tales and get inside their friends’ heads. The artwork is beautiful, and there’s always a laugh to be had. It’s not about winning, it’s about the journey… and the giggles.
1 Scythe
Grand strategy and beautiful artwork make Scythe a standout choice. It tops our list not just for its gameplay, but its immersive world. Set in an alternate-history 1920s, players use resources and mechs to gain control. It’s the best among common board games due to its depth and replayability. Scythe appeals to those who love strategic thinking and epic narratives. We’ve spent countless evenings plotting and conquering with this gem. It might seem daunting at first, but once you start, you can’t stop!
