2024’s Best Strategy Board Games: Top 11 Reviewed
Let’s face it, we all love a good strategy game that gets those brain gears turning. When picking the ultimate lineup of the 11 best strategy-based board games, we look at their ability to challenge and engage, while still being fun. Our aim is to include games that foster friendly competition and work well for both newbies and seasoned strategists. We focus on games that keep you on the edge of your seat, plotting your next move, as unlikely alliances form and unexpected twists occur. So grab a friend or two, clear the table, and get ready for some strategic fun!
On this list:
11 Ticket to Ride: Europe
Ticket to Ride: Europe is the perfect ‘gateway’ strategy board game. It’s like a train route adventure across Europe. The game combines strategy, competition, and a sprinkle of luck. We once played it with our grandma who accidentally blocked my route, and I swear, she had the steely determination of a seasoned strategist! Perfect for introducing folks to the joys of strategy, without frying their brains!
10 Catan
Catan is like owning real estate without the mortgage stress. You’re trading, building, and strategizing like a mini Donald Trump (minus the hair!). Every game we play ends with someone yelling, “Who put the robber on my brick?!” If you want to feel the thrill of strategy, while also learning the value of sheep and wheat, this one’s for you.
9 Pandemic
Pandemic is the board game that lets you save the world without actually leaving your couch. It requires superb strategy and team work, which means arguments are guaranteed. The first time we played, our ‘medic’ was more interested in collecting cards than saving the world, but we had a blast trying! Perfect for those who want to feel like a strategy superhero.
8 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is the game where you build a medieval landscape one tile at a time. Strategy is key here, as you decide whether to claim roads, cities, or fields. Once, we ended up with the smallest city surrounded by miles of fields – a strategy blunder that taught us lessons in humility and planning. Great for strategists who like a bit of tile-laying art.
7 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is about building ancient civilizations, so if you’ve ever fancied yourself as Julius Caesar minus the toga, this one’s for you. Strategy hinges on drafting cards and outsmarting opponents. Being outsmarted by my niece was both amusing and humbling, proving this game is truly one where strategy counts over experience.
6 Dominion
Dominion is all about creating the best deck of cards, and with its endless strategic combinations, it feels like being a master tactician. We once played with a friend’s cat on the table, knocking cards everywhere, and still managed to make it work. Dominion is for those who love strategy and don’t mind a bit of feline interference.
5 Splendor
Splendor is like being a jewel merchant, minus the heavy security. It’s simple yet demands strategic resource management. One time, we had a friend’s dog steal a token, which added an unexpected twist to our strategy! Splendor suits those who appreciate simplicity with a strategic twist and the occasional canine challenge.
4 Agricola
Agricola is all about farming and family. You’re balancing resources, feeding your family, and expanding your farm. Once, thanks to poor planning, we ended up feeding our ‘family’ on nothing but bread for a whole game, proving strategy is key. This game offers a deep strategic experience for those who don’t mind a bit of agricultural stress.
3 Terra Mystica
Terra Mystica is all about transforming the landscape to suit your faction. This game demands strategic foresight and careful planning. We once saw our friend turn his swamp into a mountain, all for the sake of strategy. This game is perfect for strategists who like a complex challenge with a sprinkle of mystical chaos.
2 Scythe
Scythe is like Risk on steroids, but with mechs and no dice. The strategy revolves around expanding, creating engines of power, and often, not losing friends. We learned the hard way that attacking too early can lead to group betrayal that lasts longer than the game. Scythe is for those who like strategy with a bit of future-past warfare.
1 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven tops our list because it’s the king of strategy. This game is like an epic role-playing adventure in a box, offering deep, strategic gameplay. We love how every decision feels important and can dramatically alter the course of the game. Plus, our group’s strategy discussions have been some of the most animated – and hilarious – we’ve had. Gloomhaven is the ultimate choice for those who live and breathe strategy.
