Best 10 Board Games 2024 by Top Companies
Looking for the best board games from the top board game companies? You’re in the right place! We’ve handpicked a list of gems that deliver fun, strategy, and all-around great times. When curating this list, we focused on games that balance complexity and accessibility, offer engaging themes, and have strong replay value. These aren’t just our opinions; these games have kept our game nights alive and kicking. If you’re new to the board game world or just looking for your next favorite, these picks from top board game companies will not disappoint.
On this list:
10 Ticket to Ride
Well, who doesn’t love a game about trains? The appeal of Ticket to Ride lies in its simple rules but deep strategy. You can’t help but feel the rush when blocking your friends’ routes before they can complete them. Compared to other games, it’s easy to pick up and replay value is huge.
9 Carcassonne
Carcassonne brings tile-laying to a new level. It’s like building a map together, but in the end, you want the most territory. The game is simple but strategic, making it perfect for newbies. Plus, it’s great to see all the little cities and roads come together.
8 Pandemic
Pandemic has you and your friends working together to save the world. It’s a cooperative game that fosters team spirit. When we played, we either felt like heroes or ended up blaming each other for the world ending. It’s intense in a good way!
7 Settlers of Catan
Ah, Settlers of Catan, where friendships are tested over sheep trades and road placements. This game has a bit of everything; trading, strategy, and a dash of luck. It’s easy to learn and has that ‘one more game’ feel. Many board game nights start and end with this.
6 Codenames
Codenames is a word game for the sleuth in all of us. Perfect for parties, this game has you guessing words based on clues. When we played it, the room was filled with a mix of laughter and intense concentration. It’s easy to learn and always fun.
5 7 Wonders
This is a game of building civilizations. 7 Wonders offers an engaging mix of strategy and card drafting. It’s like building an empire, but quicker and more fun. We enjoyed how every decision mattered and how each play felt different.
4 Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building game where you build your deck as you play. What makes it unique is the variety of strategies you can take to win. Every game feels different because of the varied card combinations. We loved the endless replayability.
3 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a beast of a game. It’s a legacy game that means you’ll be playing a grand adventure over many sessions. Our group got hooked from the first play. It’s deep, immersive, and offers a rich storyline. Not for the faint-hearted, but oh so rewarding.
2 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars has you shaping the red planet. It’s a heavier game where you balance building and resource management. Our group got really into it, debating over strategies to make Mars habitable. A bit complex, but once you get it, it’s amazing.
1 Wingspan
Wingspan is our top pick. It’s a beautifully designed game that has you building a bird habitat. The components are stunning, and the gameplay is smooth. We had so much fun watching our bird sanctuaries grow. It’s accessible, strategic, and utterly charming.