Best Crafting Board Games of 2024: Top 5 Reviewed
Hey there, fellow board game fanatics! Ever found yourself itching for a game night that’s all about building, creating, and, let’s be honest, a bit of friendly competition in the crafting department? Well, have we got a treat for you! We’ve scoured the tabletop world to bring you the 5 best crafting-themed board games that promise to test your resource management skills, strategic planning, and, most importantly, your ability to craft your way to victory. From farming to futuristic planet shaping, our list has something for everyone. So, let’s get those creative juices flowing and see what crafting adventures await!
On this list:
5 Agricola
We kicked off our crafting journey with Agricola, a classic that puts you in the shoes of a farmer. You’re not just planting crops; you’re building your farm from the ground up. The crafting element shines as you manage resources, improve your living conditions, and ensure you’ve got enough food for your family. Every game feels like a new puzzle, with endless strategies to explore.
4 Everdell
Everdell has you gather resources to construct buildings and host lively critters in your woodland city. It’s the mix of charming art and in-depth crafting mechanics that won us over. The gameplay is smooth, and deciding where to allocate your resources to expand your city offers a satisfying challenge. Plus, building your city as the seasons change adds a delightful layer of strategy.
3 Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars, you’re not just crafting items, you’re crafting an entire planet! The goal is to make Mars habitable through strategic resource management and tile placement. This game offers a deep and engaging crafting system where players decide how to best use their resources to achieve their terraforming goals. The sheer variety of strategies and pathways to victory makes every playthrough a unique experience.
2 Scythe
Scythe transports players to an alternate 1920s universe, where you’re tasked with earning your fortune and claiming land. The crafting component is embedded in upgrading your mechs and structures. It’s the combination of resource management, worker placement, and strategic combat that elevates Scythe. Planning your upgrades and expansions feels like piecing together a complex, satisfying puzzle.
1 Wingspan
Wingspan takes the top spot on our list for its unique twist on crafting. Instead of building objects, you’re crafting strategies to attract different bird species to your wildlife reserves. The game blends engine-building mechanics with beautiful art and educational content. Each bird you add to your habitat improves your ecosystem, offering new ways to accumulate points. The sheer diversity of birds and strategies makes Wingspan a game that never gets old, earning it the crown as the best crafting-themed game for us.
