Best Fantasy Board Games of 2024: Top 10 Reviews
The 10 Best Fantasy Board Games for Epic Adventures
On this list:
10 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a beast of a game. We got it set up once and it took us an hour to sort through the pieces. But wow, was it worth it! The missions are deep and the characters you play have unique abilities that make each game feel fresh. If you want a game that feels like a full-on RPG, this is it.
9 Mage Knight
Mage Knight is for those who love a challenge. This game is not for the faint of heart. Complex and rewarding, it’s like chess on steroids but with magic and dragons. We spent the first few games just trying to figure out the rules, but once you get the hang of it, it’s rewarding and incredibly fun.
8 Descent: Journeys in the Dark
Whenever we talk about fantasy board games, Descent always comes up. It’s got everything: dungeons, heroes, and epic battles. We love the campaign mode which lets you level up your character and see them grow as you progress. Plus, the miniatures are super cool.
7 Lords of Waterdeep
Lords of Waterdeep mixes strategy with a rich Dungeons & Dragons theme. It’s perfect for anyone who loves worker placement games. There’s something rewarding about sending your agents to complete quests and build your influence in Waterdeep. Plus, the game is easy to learn but hard to master.
6 Small World
Small World offers a fun and whimsical take on the fantasy genre. It’s easy to pick up, making it great for new players. The game involves controlling different races and using their special powers to conquer lands. We always end up laughing and yelling by the end of it.
5 Everdell
Everdell combines beautiful artwork with a clever mix of worker placement and card drafting. We love how you build your own little forest city with adorable woodland creatures. The gameplay is smooth, and the game looks so good, it’s always a hit at our game nights.
4 Above and Below
Above and Below is great for fans of storytelling. The game blends resource management with an adventure book that lets you explore caves and encounter strange creatures. Every game feels like an epic journey, and we’ve created some memorable stories along the way.
3 The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
This game is perfect for Tolkien fans. We love the app integration that handles all the mundane stuff, so we can focus on exploring Middle-earth. The scenarios are rich and immersive, allowing you to experience the epic tales of Frodo and company in board game form.
2 Talisman
Talisman is a classic fantasy board game with a lot of nostalgia value. We love the simple but engaging mechanics and the adventure it offers. Rolling the dice and moving around the board feels like a throwback to simpler times. It’s a great game for a relaxed evening with friends.
1 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
This game is the best because it takes everything we love about the original Gloomhaven and makes it more accessible. The set-up is quicker, the rules are simplified, and it’s still got the same depth and excitement. It’s perfect for newcomers who want to experience a rich, immersive fantasy game.
