Best Strategy Board Games of 2024: Top 14 Picks
Looking for the best strategy board games to level up your game nights? We’ve got you covered. We’ve handpicked 14 strategy games that blend depth, enjoyment, and replayability. We focus on games that make us think and laugh—often at the same time. Our picks offer a mix of brain-boggling puzzles, tactical plans, and strategic decisions. These games are perfect for new players and seasoned strategists alike. Get ready for an epic gaming experience that’ll have you plotting your next move even in your sleep.
On this list:
14 Catan
We all remember the first time we fought over a sheep trade. Catan made us use strategy to build settlements and outsmart friends. The subtle art of negotiating a deal without revealing your master plan keeps players coming back for more. It’s an entry-level strategy game that’s both family-friendly and capable of starting heated debates at game night!
13 Carcassonne
Carcassonne gives us a countryside creation kit, where placing tiles strategically can turn a simple field into a mighty city. This game has tiles that make you question geometry and strategy as you attempt to complete your roads and castles. One time, we lost a game because of one forgotten farmer. The simplicity and depth make it a classic that never gets old.
12 Ticket to Ride
Ah, the joy of building train lines all over a map. Ticket to Ride challenges players with strategy on megascale! Each turn asks you to plan the best routes, needing both foresight and a touch of bravery, especially when someone blocks your way. We once thought conquering Europe was easy until we ended up in a ticket-collecting disaster.
11 Pandemic
When we first played Pandemic, we were convinced saving the world in an hour was feasible. Here, strategy isn’t about competition but cooperation. You work together to fight global outbreaks. Each player takes on a role, bringing varied strategies into tackling diseases. Where else do you use a researcher and a medic to stop a plague?
10 7 Wonders
Building wonders and civilizations while competing with others, what more could you want from a strategy game? 7 Wonders offers depth without complex rules, which makes it a great choice when time is short. Our game table has become a battlefield of architectural glory and cunning card choice—a fantastical mix of strategy and rivalry.
9 Agricola
Farming never seemed so intense! Agricola allows you to feel the pressure of crop rotation and family growth. There’s strategy in every action: plant seeds, feed your family, and expand your farm. We’ve lost many hours trying to avoid ‘starvation’, but the satisfaction of a thriving field is unbeatable. It’s a strategy-laden life on a board.
8 Dominion
Dominion is where deck-building strategy meets medieval conquest. The game gives endless possibilities with expansions, ensuring no two games are ever the same. There’s a special thrill in planning that perfect hand and watching your empire grow. We’ve mastered the art of swiftly transitioning from pauper to emperor, though sometimes our ambition outgrows our skill.
7 Scythe
Scythe brings alternate history to the board game world with mechs and farming. This strategy game features resource management and territory control, mixed with a touch of warfare. One minute you’re peacefully gathering apples, and the next, you’re defending your land with giant robots. We learned quickly that diplomacy is sometimes a mech in disguise.
6 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars lets us play gods by turning the Red Planet green! It’s a strategy game where players collaborate and compete to make Mars habitable. The blend of constructing cities and developing technologies requires you to plan ahead, but the tangible progress makes every turn rewarding. Our planetary ambitions have never felt so strategic.
5 Azul
Tile-laying strategy taken to the next level! Azul combines strategy and visual appeal. You’re decorating a palace with the aim of completing patterns before your opponents. We’ve argued over its beautiful tiles once or twice, but it’s all part of crafting a masterpiece of strategy
4 Wingspan
For lovers of birds and strategy, Wingspan offers a perfect blend. Here, you create habitats to attract different bird species. The engine-building mechanics make each decision crucial. Watching a plan unfold while chortling at bird-related puns is a delightful experience, and we’ve had more bird-themed jokes than we can count during gameplay.
3 Codenames
Codenames demands a strategy of wordplay and deduction. It’s all about leading your team with clever hints, connecting as many words as possible. We’ve seen friendships tested and laughter explode on countless occasions. Simple rules but endless fun, it’s our go-to when we need a mix of strategy and verbal warfare.
2 Risk
Risk is the ultimate test of global domination strategy. It’s a game that can last hours or days, with players vying for world control. We’ve endured late nights and strategic blunders, but when you conquer the world, nothing feels better. It’s the classic strategy game that everyone must try at least once.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven earns the top spot for its depth and immersive storytelling. It combines strategy, role-play, and tactical card play in a rich world. Every decision impacts the narrative, and working together is crucial. The legacy aspect ensures that no game is ever the same. We’ve never had such a multi-layered experience, with the tension and excitement keeping us on the edge of our seats every time.
