9 Best Board Games of 2025: Top Picks Reviewed
Discover a list of popular board games, from 'Catan' thrills to 'Pandemic' strategy, perfect for fun nights with friends.
Looking for the ultimate ‘list of popular board games’ but don’t know where to start? You’re in the right place! We spent countless pizza-filled nights testing a mountain of board games to find the best for you. We focused on fun, strategy, and how often we ended up flipping the table in frustration. Spoiler alert: no tables were harmed in the making of this list! We’ve got games for every mood and group, whether you’re in it for a quick laugh or a long night of epic strategy battles. Ready to have your game nights leveled up? Let’s get started!
On this list:
9 Catan
Catan is like the gateway drug of board games. We get to play it so much that we’ve developed our own Catan lingo. Trading sheep for wheat becomes serious business! A staple in any list of popular board games, its simplicity in rules combines with enough strategy to keep everyone guessing. And honestly, who doesn’t love building tiny roads and cities? Its charm never gets old. Plus, the board is different every time, so it feels fresh with each game.
8 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a choo-choo train adventure that’s as fun as it sounds. Drawing routes and collecting train cards can get hilariously competitive. A friend of ours becomes an absolute train tycoon every time! This game’s got a certain charm that appeals to both beginners and seasoned players. Easy to learn, but oh my, the depth it offers keeps everyone coming back. No wonder it’s always high up on the list of popular board games!
7 Pandemic
Pandemic is nothing short of a world-saving mission. We feel like superheroes trying to stop global diseases together. The cooperative aspect means no one is left out, which is rare and refreshing. It’s a great game to pull out when everyone’s in the mood for teamwork. The thrill of pulling that last card and saving the day is unmatched.
6 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is the tile-laying game of our dreams. It’s so satisfying to place pieces and build cities. Who knew this could be so addictive? The best part is the friendly competition. One minute you’re working together, next you’re blocking each other’s cities! Despite its simple concept, the strategy can get pretty deep, making it a favorite in any list of popular board games.
5 Codenames
Codenames is a word game that makes our brains melt in the best way. Describing words with just one clue is a challenge we never tire of. Watching our friends’ faces when they finally get the connection is priceless. The game is fast, fun, and always makes us feel super smart, or hilariously silly. It’s a party must-have in any list of popular board games.
4 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is like taking a history class, but actually fun. We love how each game feels like a mini civilization rising and sometimes hilariously falling. Drafting cards and planning strategies make it a real brain workout. The interaction with neighbors makes each game unique. Plus, you get to brag about your architectural achievements, which is always fun.
3 Splendor
Splendor makes us feel like 16th-century jewelers every time. Collecting gems and building our economic empire has never been this addictive. The simplicity of its mechanics combined with the strategic planning makes it a regular on our gaming nights. The race to achieve the best gem-set is always intense!
2 Dominion
Dominion is our deck-building favorite. Each game feels different due to the vast variety of cards. It’s like getting a new game every time you play! The thrill of building your deck and executing your strategy keeps everyone engaged. We never tire of trying to outsmart each other with clever decisions.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven takes the top spot because it’s an epic adventure in a box. The storytelling is unmatched, creating a vast world to explore. Though it can be complex, the depth is what makes it exciting. We’ve lost countless weekends fighting monsters and uncovering mysteries. It offers a campaign that keeps evolving, making it an unforgettable experience. For any serious board game lover, it’s a standout on every list of popular board games.
