Best Adventure Board Games 2024: Top 15 Reviewed
Are you ready for an epic adventure? We sure are! In our quest to find the best adventure board games, we focused on story, immersion, and the excitement of discovery. From battling ancient horrors to mastering time travel, these games offer something for every explorer. We’ve spent many late nights shouting in victory and groaning in defeat, all in the name of adventure. So grab your dice, rally your friends, and prepare for a journey like no other!
On this list:
- Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
- Gloomhaven
- Eldritch Horror
- T.I.M.E Stories
- Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
- 7th Continent
- Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
- Arkham Horror: The Card Game
- Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
- Above and Below
- Legacy of Dragonholt
- Kingdom Death: Monster
- Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
- Nemesis
- The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
15 Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Imagine a world where every decision sticks. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 does just that. You’re not just battling diseases; you’re telling a story. The gameplay evolves with each session, creating an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. We were hooked right from the start. Think of it as a thrilling serial where you must co-operate to save the world. This one is a staple for anyone looking for an evolving narrative adventure with high stakes. It’s like living in a suspense-filled TV series, but with your friends around the table.
14 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a hefty beast of a game. We’ve spent countless hours in its world, tackling monsters and gathering treasure. It’s an adventure you can really sink into. The story is deep, and the decisions are crucial. Each character feels unique, and the branching narratives mean you can replay it and have different adventures each time. This is the gold standard for fantasy board game adventures, offering an unforgettable and challenging experience.
13 Eldritch Horror
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in the middle of a Lovecraftian novel, Eldritch Horror is the game for you. Packed with dark mystery, it takes you on a worldwide adventure to prevent the awakening of ancient horrors. We love the atmosphere this game creates with its complex plots and numerous expansions. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a cooperative challenge and don’t mind their adventure with a side of eerie creepiness.
12 T.I.M.E Stories
T.I.M.E Stories is a time travel adventure like no other. It’s as close to an escape room experience as a board game can get. Each mission or ‘scenario’ is a new story and adventure. We once found ourselves teasing each other for making silly decisions, which only added to the fun. The focus is more on the puzzle solving than dice rolling, but the storytelling is top-notch. It’s an ever-evolving story-driven game that’ll keep you coming back for more.
11 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
Ever thought being shipwrecked on a deserted island could be fun? Robinson Crusoe proves it can be! The game is a survival adventure where you work together to gather resources and complete scenarios. We’ve always found it challenging, yet fulfilling, with its diverse scenarios and engaging storytelling. The unpredictable weather and tricky animals keep you on your toes. It’s a fantastic choice for those who enjoy survival adventures with plenty of strategic depth.
10 7th Continent
The 7th Continent is all about exploration and discovery. The game feels immense and is a real treat for those who love solo or cooperative adventures. We found ourselves engrossed in its world, trying to lift a curse as we journeyed through this mysterious land. The map is vast and filled with surprises, which makes every game session unique. The adventure feels unpredictable, keeping everyone at the table guessing what could happen next.
9 Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
Descent is your classic dungeon-crawler adventure, and it’s a blast! We’ve battled terrifying monsters and embarked on heroic quests, all while supporting our party members. The game’s streamlined rules ensure that even newcomers can join in on the epic fun. Plus, the hero and overlord rivalry add an exciting competitive layer to the mix. There’s something about rolling dice and defeating monsters that makes for a satisfying adventure.
8 Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a living card game that blends deck-building with narrative play. We were drawn in by its atmosphere and the mysteries it presents at every turn. It’s all about solving cases while battling otherworldly horrors. Each scenario plays out like a chapter in a larger story, keeping players engaged with its evolving adventure. The customization of your deck adds a personal touch to the gameplay.
7 Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
Step into the shoes of Holmes himself with this one. We loved piecing together clues and solving mysteries all over Victorian London. Each case is a different story, with a mix of deduction and exploration. It’s less about strategy and more about using your noggin. We often found ourselves debating theories late into the night. If you’re up for a cerebral adventure without dice or miniatures, this is it.
6 Above and Below
Above and Below combines storytelling with resource management, letting players build villages and delve into mysterious caverns. Our group enjoyed the blend of strategy and storytelling, with narrative adventures that pop up unexpectedly. You’ll be faced with choices that affect your game, and the colorful art adds to its charm. It’s a lighter adventure but engaging nonetheless, perfect for a family game night or a casual gaming session.
5 Legacy of Dragonholt
Ever wanted a board game that felt like a choose-your-own-adventure book? Legacy of Dragonholt is your pick. The game hinges on story and character decisions, allowing players to shape their journey. We found ourselves engulfed in its rich narrative, laughing and gasping as events unfolded. It’s a non-linear adventure that feels more like a role-playing game, minus the dice. An ideal pick when other board games feel too rigid or predictable.
4 Kingdom Death: Monster
Kingdom Death: Monster is not for the faint-hearted. It’s an intense and dark adventure, where survival is anything but guaranteed. We fought epic battles, rebuilt our settlement, and mourned lost heroes. The painstakingly detailed minis and tough decisions kept us engaged, and though brutal, it’s a rewarding and deep narrative adventure. With each game, the story changes, making it a highly replayable adventure that challenges your grit and strategy.
3 Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon
Tainted Grail takes Arthurian legends and gives them a dark twist. Exploring its eerie world felt like diving into a chilling storybook. The game has deep narrative elements, where choices matter, affecting both character and story outcomes. We appreciated how the game blended adventure, strategy, and storytelling. It’s a demanding journey, both mentally and emotionally, but rewards those who persevere with an unforgettable adventure.
2 Nemesis
Nemesis is an adventure set in space, where paranoia reigns. It’s like playing in a sci-fi thriller, where trust is scarce, and decisions are crucial. We relished the tense atmosphere and the backstabbing fun. Dealing with alien threats while completing objectives keeps everyone on edge. The semi-cooperative style ensures that alliances are shaky at best. An ideal pick for those who love an adventure with hidden agendas and thrilling suspense.
1 The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth tops our list for a reason. It takes players on epic quests through the beloved Middle-earth, blending adventure with engaging app-based mechanics. We’ve had epic stories unfold with every play, and our fellowship never faced the same adventure twice. The app guides the storytelling, ensuring every game is unique, with new challenges and narratives. It’s a beautiful balance of nostalgia, strategic depth, and immersive storytelling, perfect for both Tolkien fans and adventure seekers.
