Best 13 Play Games Reviewed for 2024
13 Best ‘Play Games’ Board Games That Will Keep You Hooked! We’ve gathered our favorite board games that make you excited to play games with friends and family. Our picks focus on fun, strategy, and replayability. These games are easy to learn but hard to master, ensuring hours of entertainment. So grab your snacks, get comfy, and let’s explore some fantastic ways to play games that’ll have you coming back for more!
On this list:
13 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a classic when it comes to play games. It’s all about connecting railway routes across various cities. The game is easy to learn but still offers enough strategy to keep everyone engaged. Even my mom, who gets confused by the remote control, managed to win a few rounds.
12 Codenames
Codenames is a fantastic party game where you become a secret agent giving clues. It mixes wordplay with strategy, making it hilarious and intense. We had a blast playing it at our last game night, and the laughs just kept coming.
11 Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative game where we work together to stop global outbreaks. It brings people together against a common enemy—the diseases. We had some tense moments, but it was worth it when we saved the world (well, at least in the game).
10 Carcassonne
Carcassonne involves building cities, roads, and fields. It’s a tile-placement game where strategy and a bit of luck come into play. My friends and I enjoyed the blend of competition and collaboration. Plus, the artwork is beautiful.
9 Settlers of Catan
Catan puts you in the shoes of settlers trying to build and trade resources. It’s a classic play games experience that combines strategy, negotiation, and a little bit of luck. It never gets old, and we always have fun trying to out-trade each other.
8 Splendor
Splendor is a gem-collecting game where players compete to build the most prestigious trading empire. It’s simple to learn but offers deep strategic gameplay. The game pieces are stunning, and we had a great time scheming to outdo each other.
7 7 Wonders
In 7 Wonders, you develop a civilization over three ages. The card drafting and resource management are engaging, and each game feels fresh. We love the variety of strategies you can employ. It’s a hit every time we play.
6 Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building game where you create your deck as you play. It’s highly replayable and the expansions add even more excitement. We always end up wanting just one more game.
5 Azul
Azul is a tile-drafting game that’s as strategic as it is beautiful. The tactile feel of the tiles and the satisfaction of creating a stunning mosaic kept us captivated. It’s relaxing but still challenges your planning skills.
4 King of Tokyo
King of Tokyo lets you play as giant monsters smashing the city. It’s chaotic fun with dice rolling and special powers. Our game nights get louder and wilder whenever we bring this one out.
3 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a game about turning the red planet habitable. It’s deep and strategic, with lots of ways to win. We love the theme and the complex decision-making. It’s a bit longer but totally worth it.
2 The Resistance
The Resistance is a social deduction game full of paranoia and laughter. We always end up accusing each other of being traitors. It’s perfect for bigger groups and really tests your ability to lie convincingly.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is the ultimate play games experience. It’s a massive, cooperative adventure game with branching storylines and tactical combat. Every session feels like a new epic. We keep coming back for more, making it the best on this list.
