Best Wood Board Games of 2024: Top 6 Reviewed

Discover the best wood board games for new players. We review Carcassonne, Catan, Azul, Photosynthesis, Santorini, and Everdell.
Disclaimer: Clicking our links may result in us earning enough for a new pair of dice, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur board game hustlers.
Carcassonne coverCatan coverAzul cover

Board games have come a long way, but there’s nothing quite like the charm of wood board games. We focus on picking games with great design, solid gameplay, and replay value. These board games not only look good but also offer a tactile experience that plastic can’t match. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just starting, our list will guide you to some of the best wood board games out there. Gather your friends, clear the table, and get ready to have fun with these timeless classics and modern hits!

On this list:

6 Carcassonne

Carcassonne cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Carcassonne is a classic that combines strategy and simplicity. The wooden tiles and meeples are a tactile delight. We spent many evenings building cities and roads while trying to outmaneuver each other. It’s perfect for those new to wood board games. The constant interaction keeps everyone engaged, and it’s easy to learn, yet hard to master.

5 Catan

Catan cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Catan, formerly known as ‘The Settlers of Catan,’ is a cornerstone in the world of wood board games. We enjoy trading resources, expanding settlements, and the wooden components add a special charm. It’s a mix of strategy and luck, which keeps it exciting every time we play. Plus, it’s a great introduction to more complex games.

4 Azul

Azul cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Though not entirely wood, Azul’s quality components and engaging gameplay earn it a spot here. We love the strategic placement of those delightful tiles. The tactile experience and the burst of colors make it a feast for the eyes and a joy for the hands. It’s great for breaking out with friends or family.

3 Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Photosynthesis blends beautiful wooden components with a unique theme. Growing and harvesting trees in different light conditions is both calming and competitive. We often find ourselves mesmerized by the clever mechanics and gorgeous board. It’s a satisfying challenge every time we play and a standout in any wood board games collection.

2 Santorini

Santorini cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Santorini is as much a work of art as it is a game. We love the beautiful wooden buildings and the simple, yet deep, gameplay. The abstract nature makes it accessible for everyone, yet there’s room for strategic depth. We’ve had many tense and exciting matches with this one. It’s the perfect balance of beauty and brains.

1 Everdell

Everdell cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 40-80 minutes

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Everdell tops our list because it combines stunning wooden components with rich, immersive gameplay. Building a woodland city with adorable critters never gets old. The detailed art and clever mechanics make it a joy to play. We’ve spent countless hours exploring different strategies and marveling at the beautiful board. It’s the best of wood board games, hands down.

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.