Best 14 Tabletop Games Store Reviews for 2025
Explore tabletop games store gems like Wingspan and Ticket to Ride for endless fun and strategic challenges with friends.
Looking for the best board games to snag at your local tabletop games store? We’ve got you covered! We’ve tested countless board games with our friends to compile this list. When picking the games, we focus on balance, player interaction, and replay value. Whether you love strategic mind-benders, fast-paced fun, or creative storytelling, this list has something for everyone. You’ll find games that fit different group sizes, ages, and skill levels. Dive into our selection and discover your next game night favorite! Each pick comes with our honest feedback, a few laughs, and a story or two.
On this list:
14 Catan
Catan is like the bread and butter of board games you find at a tabletop games store. It’s a classic that many have played. We particularly love the trading aspect of it, which can sometimes lead to hilarious disputes. It’s a game of strategy, a sprinkle of luck, and quite a bit of sheep trading! It’s easy to learn, making it a great choice for new board game enthusiasts. Every time we play, it’s a mix of laughter and serious plotting.
13 Carcassonne
If you’re looking for something that builds and is rewarding, Carcassonne is your game. Visiting a tabletop games store, we stumbled upon this gem. We love how the tiles fit together, crafting a unique medieval landscape each time. The game is simple but offers depth and strategy. We’ve had friends over who never played board games and become overnight fans of this. It’s a great blend of luck and strategic thinking.
12 Azul
Azul is one of those games that looks beautiful on the table. We first found it in a tabletop games store and were drawn in by its colorful tiles. The game is simple yet engaging, requiring players to strategically plan their tile placements. We appreciate how it blends art with strategy. It’s a perfect gateway game for newbies. Even after multiple plays, we find ourselves charmed by its elegance.
11 Ticket to Ride
We love how Ticket to Ride transforms anyone into a train tycoon. This game is a must-have in any tabletop games store. It’s straightforward but offers deep strategy. We love the tension of trying to complete routes while blocking other players. It always leads to a fun-filled session with friends and family. It’s family-friendly, which makes it great for game nights with all ages.
10 Splendor
Splendor is jewel-themed fun we stumbled upon at a tabletop games store. The game is simple to learn, but figuring out the strategy takes time. We enjoy its quick playtime and the thrill of collecting gems to develop your gem-collecting engine. The silent competition of prestige points always has us on edge. We find ourselves playing again and again, hoping to refine our strategy.
9 Pandemic
At a tabletop games store, Pandemic caught our eye with its cooperative play. We love that it’s a team effort against the game itself. The tension builds as diseases spread, requiring teamwork and careful planning. It’s a great way to bond with friends or family over a common goal. When we finally cure all diseases, the victory is sweet and hard-earned. It’s an unforgettable game night experience.
8 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a staple that any tabletop games store should have. It offers quick, strategic card drafting set in an ancient world. We appreciate its depth of strategy wrapped in a concise playtime. Each choice affects the entire game, which keeps players on their toes. It provides a unique experience each time, challenging us to try different strategies. We often find ourselves discussing our decisions after the game ends.
7 Dominion
Dominion is a cornerstone of many a tabletop games store. It’s the original deck-builder and is celebrated for its replayability. We love creating a new game each time with different cards. The strategies evolve, making every play-through fresh and exciting. It’s a game that has sparked many epic battles at our table. Even after all these years, it’s still a go-to for a quick, competitive session.
6 Patchwork
Patchwork is a delightful two-player game we found in a tabletop games store. It’s a simple yet strategic game of making the best quilt. We love the balance of managing resources while considering the spatial puzzle aspect. It lends itself to a relaxed yet engaging play. This game fits perfectly with a cup of tea on a lazy afternoon. It’s simple to learn, but the strategy keeps it interesting.
5 Codenames
Codenames is a party favorite that should be housed in any tabletop games store. It’s a game of word association played in teams, where communication is key. We love how it’s easy to learn and sparks laughter and creativity. It’s always fun seeing different interpretations of the same word. Codenames brings people together, which is why it’s always a great choice for large groups and family gatherings.
4 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars found its way to our table from a tabletop games store. It’s a complex, strategic game that satisfies the builder in all of us. We enjoyed creating and managing our own corporation to terraform this new world. The array of strategies and paths to victory is vast. Each game feels unique as everyone competes to make Mars habitable. The depth of this game will keep us coming back for more.
3 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a massive, story-driven game that we discovered in a tabletop games store. It’s a tabletop adventure like none other, with its blend of strategy and narrative. We love exploring its intricate world, making meaningful choices along our journey. Each scenario is a challenge, rewarding our cooperation and strategizing efforts. It’s a game that captivates for hours and promises a new experience every time.
2 Scythe
Scythe is a game that stands out in a tabletop games store with its gripping alternate-history theme and stunning artwork. We enjoy the unique blend of resource management and area control it offers. The mechs and characters add depth and variety to every play-through. We find ourselves drawn back to Scythe, eager to explore new strategies and territories. It’s a game that never fails to deliver a rich experience.
1 Wingspan
Wingspan is our top pick from any tabletop games store, and for good reason. It’s a beautifully crafted game about attracting birds to your wildlife preserves. The game amazed us with its engine-building mechanics, coupled with the soothing theme. The first time we played, we were charmed by the attention to detail and the educational twist it provided. Wingspan is perfect for gamers looking for complexity without it being overwhelming. The balance of strategy, luck, and beauty has kept us captivated game after game.
