Best Famous Board Games of 2024: Top 10 Reviews
The 10 Best Famous Board Games for New Players
On this list:
10 Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic and undoubtedly one of the most famous board games out there. We’ve all fought over Park Place and battled it out over those Chance cards. The game is a mix of luck and strategy, and it’s been around so long that it’s like a rite of passage. Plus, it’s available in about a gazillion versions—from Star Wars to Game of Thrones.
9 Scrabble
Scrabble is the go-to game for word lovers. We’ve had countless nights just trying to outscore each other with fancy words and big points. Despite its age, it remains a family favorite that sharpens both your vocabulary and strategic thinking.
8 Clue (Cluedo)
There’s something incredibly thrilling about solving a murder mystery, and Clue does that in spades. Nothing quite beats the ‘Aha!’ moment when you figure out it was Colonel Mustard in the library with the candlestick. It’s a game keeping everyone guessing and on their toes.
7 Risk
Risk is for those who love strategy and world domination. We’ve had epic battles that lasted for hours, with alliances formed and broken in the blink of an eye. It’s all about planning and being just ruthless enough to win. Not for the faint of heart!
6 Catan (Settlers of Catan)
Catan is a game that redefined modern board games. The trading and building mechanics are thoroughly engaging, and every game feels fresh. We’ve spent many a game night fighting over the longest road or the biggest army, and it’s always a blast.
5 Ticket to Ride
If you enjoy planning routes and claiming tracks, Ticket to Ride is your game. Easy to learn but with enough strategy to keep everyone engaged, it’s a frequent flyer on our game nights. The various maps and expansions keep it interesting.
4 Pandemic
Pandemic turns the usual competitive board game idea on its head by making all players work together to save the world. It’s intense, it’s stressful, but most of all, it’s fun. We’ve learned to work as a team, and the different roles keep it exciting.
3 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-laying game that’s both simple and deeply strategic. It always amazes us how a handful of tiles can create such an intricate landscape. The game’s expansions add variety, but even the base game offers endless replayability.
2 Chess
Chess is the ultimate classic, requiring tactical skill and foresight. It’s been around for centuries, and for good reason. Mastering chess is like mastering an art form. We love the challenge it presents and the satisfaction from outwitting your opponent.
1 Codenames
We chose Codenames as the best famous board game because it’s incredibly simple to learn yet offers endless fun. It’s perfect for parties or family gatherings. It’s all about word association, and every game is a joyful experience filled with laughter and ‘aha!’ moments. Plus, there are many variations to keep it fresh.
