13 Best Top Tabletop Games of 2024 Reviewed

Check out these top tabletop games we love. Perfect for new players looking for fun and engaging experiences.
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Codenames cover7 Wonders coverPandemic cover

13 Best Top Tabletop Games To Play With Friends and Family

On this list:

13 Codenames

Codenames cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Codenames is the perfect blend of mystery and strategy. We played it at a party, and everyone got hooked instantly. It’s easy to learn but requires smart thinking and teamwork. The sudden plot twists keep everyone on their toes. A great pick for folks new to board games.

12 7 Wonders

7 Wonders cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-7
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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7 Wonders is epic. We love it for its depth and replay value. It’s a card drafting game where you build ancient civilizations. The game’s flow is smooth, and the strategy keeps you engaged. It appeals to both casual and hardcore players.

11 Pandemic

Pandemic cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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Pandemic taught us the importance of teamwork. It’s cooperative, so you’ll either all win together or lose together. The theme of saving the world from diseases is both engaging and topical. We found the game to be intense and exciting.

10 Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Ticket to Ride is a classic in our group. The straightforward rules and beautiful board make it a joy to play. You build train routes across the country, which is fun and educational. It’s a great family game that never gets old.

9 Catan

Catan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Catan is the gateway game that got many of us into board gaming. Building settlements and trading resources is thrilling. The game’s mechanics are easy to grasp but offer endless strategic choices. It’s a must-play for anyone exploring top tabletop games.

8 Carcassonne

Carcassonne cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 35 minutes

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We love Carcassonne for its simplicity and charm. The tile-laying mechanic is unique and satisfying. It feels like building a medieval landscape together. It’s quick to learn and very accessible, making it a hit in our board game nights.

7 Dominion

Dominion cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Dominion is the pioneer of deck-building games. It’s like constructing your own strategy machine. Every game feels different because of the variety of cards. We always find new ways to outwit each other, keeping the experience fresh and competitive.

6 Azul

Azul cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

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Azul is as beautiful as it is fun. The game involves drafting tiles to complete your mosaic. It’s simple yet requires thoughtful planning. We find it both relaxing and competitive. The tactile sensation of the tiles adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

5 Scythe

Scythe cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-7
  • Play Time: 90-115 minutes

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Scythe is a grand strategy game set in an alternate-history 1920s. It combines resource management, combat, and expansion. The stunning artwork drew us in, and the intricate gameplay kept us hooked. It’s a bit complex, but very rewarding for strategy lovers.

4 Terraforming Mars

Terraforming Mars cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Terraforming Mars is all about making the Red Planet habitable. We enjoy the game’s depth and the sense of progress. The card-driven mechanics offer many paths to victory. It’s both educational and engaging, perfect for sci-fi fans and strategists.

3 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes per scenario

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Gloomhaven is a mammoth of a game. We love its blend of dungeon crawling and tactical fighting. The narrative is rich, and decisions feel impactful. It offers hours of adventure, making it well worth the investment for serious gamers.

2 Wingspan

Wingspan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 40-70 minutes

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Wingspan is a bird lover’s dream. It’s a beautiful engine-building game that’s both relaxing and strategic. The card art and components are top-notch. We enjoy spotting birds and creating combos. It’s easy to learn and always delightful to play.

1 Root

Root cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 60-90 minutes

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Root is hands down the best. Its asymmetrical gameplay means each faction offers a unique experience. The woodland theme is charming, and the game’s depth is immense. Our group loves the strategic battles and alliances. It stands out as a masterpiece in top tabletop games.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.