Top 14 Best Simulation Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
Hey there, fellow board game enthusiasts! If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate ‘simulation’ board game experience, you’ve come to the right place. When we put together this list of the 14 best simulation-based board games, we focused on variety, depth, and overall fun factor. Whether you’re into managing farms, curing diseases, or terraforming distant planets, we’ve got something for you. We looked for games that not only simulate aspects of real-life and fantastical scenarios but also engage players in strategic thinking and problem-solving. Let’s get ready to immerse ourselves in worlds of our own making, without further ado!
On this list:
14 Agricola
Starting our list with a classic, Agricola throws you into the life of a 17th-century farmer. This game is all about building and managing your farm. We’ve spent hours deciding on which crops to plant and which animals to raise. It’s a tough world out there in Agricola, with every choice feeling like it has weight. Perfect for those who love a challenge.
13 Pandemic
Next up, is it even a simulation list without Pandemic? Fighting diseases across the globe with your friends has never been more fun (or stressful). We’ve saved the world more times than we can count, and also watched it collapse a few too many times. This game is a must-try for its cooperative gameplay and real-world theme.
12 Simurgh
Now for something a bit different. Simurgh has you leading a clan of dragon riders. Yes, you heard that right. Dragons! We’ve soared through the skies and battled for control in this intense worker placement game. It’s a beautiful blend of fantasy and strategy that any simulation game enthusiast should try.
11 The Capitals
Building a city from the ground up is no easy task. The Capitals makes you the architect of your own city. We’ve argued over where the best spot for a park is and whether our citizens need another theater. This game requires careful planning and a bit of creativity. It’s a fantastic city-building simulation.
10 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is all about making the red planet habitable. We’ve debated over strategies and celebrated our successes on Mars like it was our own backyard. This game is a blend of science fiction and reality that will engage anyone interested in space and simulation.
9 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
Ever wondered if you could survive on a deserted island? Robinson Crusoe puts that to the test. We’ve laughed, cried, and most importantly, survived (barely) through the adventures it offers. It’s not just a game; it’s a thrilling simulation of survival.
8 Power Grid
In Power Grid, you’re competing to supply cities with power. It sounds simple, but with us, it turned into a strategic battleground for energy dominance. It’s a fantastic economic simulation that makes you think about every move.
7 Le Havre
As harbormasters in Le Havre, we’ve managed ships, goods, and buildings. It’s all about resource management and strategy. We’ve built up the harbor of our dreams and faced the harsh realities of economic downturns. This game is a deep dive into the world of maritime commerce.
6 Flight Simulator
Alright, before you ask, yes, there’s a board game version of Flight Simulator. It’s all about managing flights and airports. We’ve navigated through bad weather and mechanical failures. This game offers a realistic simulation of the aviation industry that’s both challenging and fun.
5 Suburbia
In Suburbia, you’re building your own suburban paradise. We’ve squabbled over boundary lines and celebrated when our burb was voted the best. The game nails the simulation of urban planning and expansion. It’s a must-play for fans of building and strategy games.
4 Fields of Arle
Fields of Arle offers a deep dive into farming and development, much like Farming Simulator: The Board Game, but stands out with its focus on the East Frisian region in the 18th and 19th centuries. Players manage their farmsteads, animals, and production in a strategic manner that simulates the farming experience.
3 Ark Nova
Ark Nova took us by surprise with its depth and strategy in managing a modern zoo. We’ve balanced animal welfare with the demands of our visitors. It’s a fresh take on simulation games, focusing on conservation and animal management. A unique and engaging experience.
2 Viticulture
Viticulture immerses you in the wine-making world. We’ve planted vines, harvested grapes, and crafted wines that would make a sommelier proud. It’s a rich and thematic simulation of vineyard management that’s both competitive and cooperative. A perfect blend of strategy and theme.
1 Spirit Island
And now, the best for last. Spirit Island, a game where you protect an island from invading colonists, has stolen our hearts. We’ve been the spirits, shaping the land and using elemental powers. Every play is a unique blend of strategy, cooperation, and storytelling. This isn’t just a simulation; it’s an experience. Spirit Island is our top pick for embodying the heart of what simulation games can be – immersive, challenging, and endlessly fun.
