Best DIY Games 2024: Top 5 Board Game Reviews

Our list of DIY games features fun like Betrayal, Robinson Crusoe, Pandemic Legacy, Charterstone, and Gloomhaven.
Betrayal at House on the Hill cover
Disclaimer: Clicking our links may result in us earning enough for a new pair of dice, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur board game hustlers.
Betrayal at House on the Hill coverRobinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island coverPandemic Legacy: Season 1 cover

Ready to roll up your sleeves and immerse yourself in some amazing board games with a DIY twist? We’ve sifted through countless options to bring you the very best. Our focus? Games that inspire creativity, decision-making, and endless hours of unique fun. We looked for those that let you adjust, tweak, and personalize your gameplay experience. Whether you love creepy settings, epic adventures, or saving humanity, these DIY games have something for everyone. Get ready to discover some truly unforgettable gaming experiences!

On this list:
  1. Betrayal at House on the Hill
  2. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
  3. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
  4. Charterstone
  5. Gloomhaven

5 Betrayal at House on the Hill

Betrayal at House on the Hill cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Betrayal at House on the Hill combines spooky storytelling with customizable gameplay. We’ve had countless nights piecing together the haunted mansion. The modular board and random haunts mean every game feels fresh. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of horror mixed with their diy games.

4 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island

Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 90-180 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Stranded on a deserted island? No problem! Robinson Crusoe lets players craft their own survival story. The game’s scenarios and replayability kept our group engaged. It’s a great pick for fans of diy games who love adventures and challenges.

3 Pandemic Legacy: Season 1

Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 60 minutes per session

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 offers an intense and evolving gameplay experience. You make game-altering decisions that can change the course of your quest to save the world. We loved how no two campaigns were the same. It’s a must for anyone into diy games with a legacy twist.

2 Charterstone

Charterstone cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-6
  • Play Time: 45-75 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Charterstone takes village building to a new level. The legacy format lets you customize your village over multiple sessions. We had a blast unlocking new content and watching our village grow. Perfect for fans of diy games who love building and storytelling.

1 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 90-150 minutes per scenario

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Gloomhaven stands tall as the king of diy games. The sheer depth, story, and customization blew our minds. Every playthrough felt like a new adventure. Gloomhaven’s tactical combat and character progression keep us coming back. It’s our top pick due to its endless replay value and immersive experience.

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.