2025’s Best Reiner Knizia Games: Top 6 Reviewed
Explore Reiner Knizia best games that promise laughs and strategy with friends, offering fun and engaging play sessions for all.

Selecting board games by Reiner Knizia can be like picking the best ice cream flavor – it’s tough because they’re all so good! We’ve gathered the ‘reiner knizia best games’ to help you navigate this delicious dilemma. Our focus? We look at fun, strategy, and replay value. We’ve handpicked games that will keep you and your friends glued to the table. From strategic desert journeys to ancient empires clashing, Reiner Knizia has crafted worlds that are as diverse as they are entertaining. Join us as we share our top choices for an epic gaming night!
On this list:
6 Tigris & Euphrates
Tigris & Euphrates is where strategy meets ancient civilizations, and we love it because it tests our friendship and mental agility. The game demands a delicate balance of conflict resolution and careful empire building, making it a must-try in the realm of reiner knizia best games. We once almost ended a 10-year friendship during a session, but hey, that’s the fun, right? With its blend of tile placement and conflict management, it’s a classic that never feels outdated.
5 Ra
Oh, Ra! This auction game plunges us into ancient Egypt, where we’ve had epic bidding wars over pharaohs and monuments. It’s a great pick for those who love testing their risk-taking skills. With a bit of humor and luck, we’ve seen fortunes rise and fall. Ra’s blend of strategy and chance makes it an engaging choice, presenting dynamic scenarios in every playthrough. One time, we wagered our dignity, and let’s just say, it got interesting!
4 Samurai
Samurai takes us on a strategic tour of medieval Japan, as we vie for influence using beautifully designed hex tiles. It’s been a hit in our group, partly because of its blend of strategy and the simplicity of its rules. We’ve had moments of deep concentration, only to burst out laughing when someone makes a funny mistake. Influencing the samurai, peasants, and monks isn’t as easy as it seems, but boy, is it rewarding!
3 Through the Desert
Through the Desert takes us on camel caravans across the scorching sands. It’s like Carcassonne but with our beloved humpback friends. We’re always surprised by how this game can generate intense competition while maintaining a light-hearted feel. We’ve often joked about needing sunscreen after hours of gameplay. The simple rules make it accessible, while the strategic depth keeps us coming back for more.
2 Lost Cities
Lost Cities is a delight with its quick setup and easy-to-learn rules. We enjoy the head-to-head format, which creates an intense duel of minds as we explore uncharted lands and seek treasures. It’s one of those games that never fails to entertain, even when we’re a bit lazy to set up something longer. The mix of risk and reward makes each decision critical, and it’s amazing how involved we get over fifty cards.
1 Modern Art
Modern Art is the crowning glory of reiner knizia best games, a masterpiece of auction mechanics. We adore its blend of bluffing and strategy, where every round feels like an art dealer’s dream. Each game is a lesson in market manipulation and human psychology. In our group, it’s become synonymous with laughter and intense negotiations. The bidding wars are legendary, often leaving us in splits! It’s the best because it combines deep strategy with hilarious moments. It’s no wonder Modern Art holds the highest brush in our book!