Best Top Board Games of 2024: Our Top 11 Picks
Hey fellow tabletop warriors! Scouting the vast lands of board games might seem like a quest of its own. So, we rolled the dice, shuffled the deck, and combed through dungeons to bring you the 11 best ‘top board games’ that will keep you and your crew entertained for hours. What do we look for? A mix of strategy, fun, and that magical spark that transforms a simple game night into an epic adventure. From building empires to curing global pandemics, our list has something for every type of player. No spoilers on which made the cut – you’ll have to read on to see if your favorites are conquering the board!
On this list:
11 Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride takes us on a cross-country train adventure we can’t get enough of. It’s simple to learn but has enough strategy to keep us coming back. Racing to connect cities and complete tickets is thrilling, especially when your friends are trying to block your tracks.
10 Catan
Catan has us trading and building our way to victory, making it a staple in our game nights. Negotiating resources with friends (or foes, for the night) adds a layer of social fun, and no two games are the same thanks to the modular board.
9 Pandemic
Pandemic has us teaming up to save the world from deadly diseases, making it a must-play. The cooperative aspect means we win or lose together, which either strengthens friendships or tests them when the outbreaks get out of hand.
8 Carcassonne
Carcassonne has us laying down tiles to build medieval landscapes. It’s like a puzzle where you’re also competing to claim areas with your meeples. It’s super easy to learn, making it great for both new players and seasoned strategists.
7 7 Wonders
7 Wonders has us build ancient civilizations through card drafting. It’s a quick game, but the decisions are tough. Balancing resources, military, and science while keeping an eye on neighbors keeps us coming back. Plus, it plays up to 7, so no one’s left out.
6 Codenames
Codenames turns us into spies with word association. It’s hilarious watching friends make wild connections between words. It’s light and quick, perfect for starting a game night or winding down, and it gets everyone talking.
5 Splendor
Splendor has us as Renaissance merchants, trading gems to gain wealth and influence. It’s elegant and simple, with just enough strategy to be engaging without overwhelming. The quick rounds and beautiful components make it a jewel in our game collection.
4 Azul
Azul has us laying beautiful tiles to decorate a palace. It’s easy to pick up but has a depth of strategy with each tile choice. The game is a visual and strategic delight, making us feel like artisan tile-layers of old.
3 King of Tokyo
King of Tokyo puts us in the role of giant monsters battling over Tokyo. It’s dice-rolling fun with a dash of strategy as we decide whether to go for destruction or healing. It’s a hit for its exciting theme and ease of play.
2 Dominion
Dominion got us hooked on deck-building games. Starting with a small, sad deck and turning it into a powerful engine of cards is satisfying every time. The massive variety of cards means every game feels different.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven tops our list for blending deep strategy, compelling story, and cooperative gameplay. It’s a whole world in a box, offering countless hours of tactical combat and exploration. The character progression and branching paths make it the best. It’s not just a game; it’s an adventure we talk about even when we’re not playing.
