Best Adventure Board Games of 2025: Top 6 Picks
Join us for an adventure with our top picks, perfect for new players seeking thrills and exploration in games.
Board games are our go-to when we’re itching for a thrilling adventure without leaving the comfort of our living room. We focus on games that transport players to new worlds, teeming with excitement and unexpected twists. Each game on our list guarantees a unique experience with imaginative stories and engaging mechanics. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned board gamer, these adventures promise to stir your sense of wonder and strategy. So, gather your fellow explorers, shuffle those cards, and get ready for epic tales, daunting challenges, and memorable moments. Let’s explore six of the greatest adventure-filled board games out there!
On this list:
6 Tales of the Arabian Nights
This game is like stepping into a storybook full of unexpected twists and turns. We played it last weekend, and it kept us on the edge of our seats with each new encounter. It’s a wild ride through classic tales where you can choose your adventure, just like those old choose-your-own-adventure books. Remember those? It’s easy to get lost in the narrative, and it’s especially fun when someone decides to take a risk and ends up in a completely unexpected situation. This game is full of laughs and surprises – a true adventure in every sense.
5 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a massive fantasy adventure that eats up lots of evenings, but in a good way! We started playing it with pizza and beer, and somehow missed both because we were so immersed in the story. It’s perfect for anyone who loves strategy and exploring mysterious dungeons. The characters evolve over time, making each game a fresh new adventure. Expect epic battles and lots of plotting with your friends. It’s not a quick game, but it’s worth every minute. Just make sure you have some snacks on hand because you won’t want to stop!
4 The Isle of Cats
The Isle of Cats is a bit of a lighter adventure but still a heap of fun. Cat lovers, this one’s for you! We tried this game at a birthday party, and it became an instant hit. The mix of puzzle-solving and rescuing cats is both adorable and strategic. It’s about saving cats from an island before evil Lord Vesh shows up, and each player needs to fit as many cats as they can on their boat. It’s a great change of pace if you want an adventure with a bit of laughter and feline finesse!
3 Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 makes you the heroes tasked with saving the world from dreadful diseases. This game had us all stressing out more than a summer blockbuster! Every decision changes the game forever – the stakes couldn’t be higher. The best part? It keeps us coming back for more as the story unfolds over multiple sessions. We found ourselves planning sessions like a secret agent meeting, ensuring all our friends were available to save the world. It’s intense but incredibly rewarding, making each victory feel like a real triumph!
2 Star Wars: Imperial Assault
This game offers an epic adventure set in the Star Wars universe. It has similar cooperative gameplay and strategic elements, making it perfect for fans of epic quests.
1 Scythe
Scythe tops our list as the best adventure board game. Why? It’s a thrilling blend of adventure, strategy, and steampunk goodness. We played it every Friday for a month and still wanted more! Each game feels like a fresh chapter in an epic saga. The world-building is outstanding, with its rich, alternate history setting, where technology and nature collide. Plus, the massive mechs are just plain cool. This game always offers something new, keeping you engaged and eager to see your next move. If you’re looking for an adventure that never gets old, Scythe is the way to go!
