12 Best Valuable Board Games: Top 2025 Picks
Here are the top 25 most valuable board games we've played, tested, and sometimes even argued over with friends!
If you’ve ever dived into the world of board games, you know there’s a treasure trove waiting. But how do you find the gems among stones? We’ve played, laughed, and maybe even cried, to bring you our top picks from the ‘top 25 most valuable board games’. We seek out games that bring joy, strategy, and a dash of chaos. We’re all about those games that keep you coming back for more. So, whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, this list of 12 games will guide you to the most thrilling adventures on your tabletop.
On this list:
12 Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle stands out in the top 25 most valuable board games due to its intense strategy and historical themes. We once played it at 3 AM on a camping trip, and despite the mosquitoes, it held our attention as the Cold War unfolded in front of us. It’s for those who love mind games and want to feel like they’re part of history. The thrill of outwitting your opponent is unmatched, just like that time our friend Dave tricked us into thinking he’d lost – only to reveal his winning move. It’s like chess, but with more drama and fewer ‘Checkmates’.
11 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is on our list of top 25 most valuable board games for its expansive and immersive gameplay. When we dove into Gloomhaven, we discovered a world full of adventure and surprises. It’s perfect for role-playing enthusiasts who love strategy and teamwork. We remember our first game night when we got so involved that we forgot to eat dinner. Our characters fought bravely, and we even created our own war cries. Our friend Sarah named her character ‘Bacon’, and we still don’t know why. Expect long games and a whole lot of heart (and not just from the fantasy monsters).
10 Power Grid
Power Grid is a must-see on the list of top 25 most valuable board games. It’s all about building an electric network, and we had our power plan sorted out. You’ll feel like a business tycoon as you trade resources. It got real heated during our last family gathering, with someone accusing another of ‘power problems’ after losing. The joy of expanding your energy empire is electrifying. At one point, our dog stole a piece, and we had to pause to recover it. It’s a great mix of strategy and luck, perfect for friendly rivalries.
9 Terra Mystica
Terra Mystica is on this list of top 25 most valuable board games due to its unique mechanics and strategic depth. Our first go with Terra Mystica was at a friend’s birthday, and it was the talk of the night. If you’ve ever wanted to build a fantasy empire, this game is for you. We had a heated debate over land control, and someone even flipped the board, unintentionally renaming the game to ‘Terra-ble Mistake’. It’s the kind of game that gets under your skin, in a good way! You’ll strategise, negotiate, and occasionally, argue, but it’s worth it.
8 Catan
Catan makes the top 25 most valuable board games because of its role in popularising board games worldwide. We’ve built countless settlements while negotiating over sheep, wheat, and bricks on our game nights. If Settlers weren’t so addictive, we’d probably be better at time management. We fell in love with Catan’s blend of strategy and chance. I blame Catan for a few missing socks, traded for sheep during long sessions. It’s a classic for a reason and creates economists and traders out of anyone, even if it’s just over hexagonal tiles.
7 Pandemic
Pandemic has earned its spot in the top 25 most valuable board games with its cooperative nature and exciting gameplay. Our group spent one intense weekend saving the world, and surprisingly, we make a great team. Nobody flipped the board – a win in our books! This game is perfect for people who like to solve problems and imagine themselves as heroes. Pandemic provides emotional ups and downs, the likes of which we hadn’t experienced since Monopoly. Its collaborative spirit means you can argue about what’s best for humanity without hard feelings afterward.
6 Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is in the top 25 most valuable board games for its historical setting and strategic gameplay. The first time we played, our strategies were all over the place. After many rounds, we finally understood the intricate balance between shipping goods and taking roles, although our friend Emma still insists on being Governor every time. It’s a smart game that makes you consider economic growth, and it’s become a firm favourite in our game nights. Just be prepared for a lot of ‘but I could have…’ moments and possibly a few light arguments over coffee resources.
5 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is essential in the top 25 most valuable board games as it combines strategy with a love for geography. We often play this on Sunday afternoons, routing through the USA while sipping homemade lemonade. It’s remarkably satisfying to complete routes and see others struggle. Even our dog has taken a liking to train cards – if only he didn’t chew them! This game’s charm lies in its simple rules but challenging strategies. It’s perfect for families and friends who enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry over trains and cities.
4 Dominion
Dominion is part of the top 25 most valuable board games for its deck-building mechanics and adaptability. When we tried it, we fell in love with its simplicity combined with complex strategy. It’s like building your perfect house, but with cards. We once played so long we forgot the pizza in the oven, resulting in an impromptu barbecue! Dominion’s replayability is off the charts, and each game feels unique. It’s ideal for those who love to plan meticulously, but be ready for a dash of chaos when others disrupt your strategy.
3 Scythe
Scythe cracks the top 25 most valuable board games thanks to its beautiful design and deep strategy gameplay. Our first experience felt like an epic story, and we were hooked by mech battles and stunning artwork. If you love a good stir of military strategy with farmers and workers, then Scythe is your go-to. We had a running joke about who would conquer the world first, which turned out to be Alex, with his ‘never-surrender’ approach. The map becomes a battlefield for wit, resources, and a bit of luck. We always end exhausted but happy.
2 7 Wonders
7 Wonders deserves a spot in the top 25 most valuable board games for its quick play and addictive nature. We played it as a palate cleanser over a big game night, but ended up playing four more times. It’s perfect for history buffs who love strategy. The whole crew was invested in building the ancient world wonder, and the game moves at a pace that keeps everyone engaged. There’s a lot to love about its draft system, and it’s easy to fit a game or two in whenever you have spare time. Plus, no two games ever feel the same.
1 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars takes the cake in the top 25 most valuable board games list as the ultimate strategic and thematic delight. We had a blast colonizing Mars with the gang. Even if you get competitive, there’s always a laugh around the corner. The challenge of turning a barren planet into a livable space is gripping. We even had a mini competition for the best ‘Martian accent’. Every game session becomes a story, with its complex mechanics and endless possibilities. This one holds the top spot because it not only entertains but also educates. You might even feel a tiny bit smarter with each game.
