14 Best Political Board Games Reviewed in 2024

We played the best political board games with friends. Here's our top picks to help you find your perfect political game!
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Twilight Struggle coverDiplomacy cover1960: The Making of the President cover

Searching for a board game with a political twist? Look no further! We have compiled a list of the 14 best political board games, perfect for strategy enthusiasts. Our selections prioritize intricate gameplay, historical accuracy, and the ability to outwit opponents, ensuring a thrilling political experience every time. Whether you’re scheming in ancient Rome or maneuvering in a fictional universe, these games will challenge your strategic thinking and negotiation skills. Gather your friends and get ready for some serious political maneuvering!

On this list:

14 Twilight Struggle

Twilight Struggle cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 180-240 minutes

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Twilight Struggle offers a gripping Cold War showdown between the US and the USSR. With amazing historical depth, it makes you feel like you’re in the midst of the real tension. It stands out due to its high strategic complexity and replay value.

13 Diplomacy

Diplomacy cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-7
  • Play Time: 360 minutes

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Diplomacy requires players to negotiate, form alliances, and backstab. We had many friendship-testing moments. It’s a simple game, but the depth lies in the interactions between players. Beware: it’s not for those who can’t handle betrayal.

12 1960: The Making of the President

1960: The Making of the President cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 90-120 minutes

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We felt like Kennedy and Nixon in this game. You campaign across the US, trying to win states and influence voters. It’s a tug of war of both strategy and luck.

11 Watergate

Watergate cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Watergate pits a journalist against Nixon’s administration. It’s thrilling and tense. We loved how it balances historical accuracy with engaging gameplay. This game is perfect for those who love a good political scandal.

10 Founding Fathers

Founding Fathers cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 90 minutes

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In Founding Fathers, you work to build the US Constitution. Players take on the roles of historical figures, and we loved the mix of cooperation and competition. It’s educational and fun.

9 Revolution!

Revolution! cover

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

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This game is all about influencing various factions to gain control. It’s fast-paced and fun. We enjoyed the bidding mechanics, which kept everyone on their toes, trying to outwit each other.

8 Axis & Allies

Axis & Allies cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 120-180 minutes

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Axis & Allies lets you recreate World War II battles on a grand scale. It requires strategic planning and cooperation. We had many late nights trying to change the course of history.

7 Republic of Rome

Republic of Rome cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 240 minutes

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This game drops you into the chaotic political landscape of ancient Rome. We loved the complexity and intrigue as you navigate through elections, wars, and sudden betrayals.

6 Liberté

Liberté cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 90-120 minutes

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Liberté is set during the French Revolution. Players compete to be the leading faction while navigating shifting allegiances. It’s intense and very thematic. We enjoyed how historical events impact the game.

5 Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition)

Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 120-240 minutes

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Based on the popular TV series, this game is full of intrigue, alliances, and betrayals. We had a blast scheming and plotting our way to the Iron Throne. Each game felt like an episode of the show.

4 The Resistance

The Resistance cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 5-10
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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The Resistance is a quick and intense game of hidden roles and secret agendas. It’s great for parties. We loved the social deduction aspect and how it kept everyone guessing who the spies were.

3 The Republic of Carthage

The Republic of Carthage cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-6
  • Play Time: 180 minutes

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Set in ancient Carthage, this game has you vying for control against rivals. It’s deeply strategic and offers a lot of replay value. We enjoyed the mix of diplomacy and warfare.

2 Democracy: Majority Rules

Democracy: Majority Rules cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Democracy lets you experience the ups and downs of running a country. Players try to pass policies and influence voters. We liked how it captured the messiness of real politics.

1 Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition)

Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition) cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 3-6
  • Play Time: 240-480 minutes

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This is the ultimate political game. Twilight Imperium combines politics, strategy, and space exploration in an epic package. We love its depth, complexity, and endless replay value. It’s the best for those who want a grand, immersive experience.

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.