Top 6 Best Historical Board Games of 2024 Reviewed

Dive into the past with these top historical board games. Perfect for new players eager to experience history's thrilling tales.
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Pandemic: Fall of Rome cover7 Wonders coverTwilight Struggle cover

Gather round, history buffs and board game lovers! We’ve trudged through the annals of time and dusted off the archives to bring you our top picks for the best historical based board games. Our focus? We wanted games that not only tickle those brain cells with rich historical themes but also bring folks together with engaging gameplay. From the fall of empires to the dawn of civilizations, these games have it all. Prepare to journey through time, testing your strategy and might against the backdrop of history. Without further ado, let’s get your historical adventure started!

On this list:

6 Pandemic: Fall of Rome

Pandemic: Fall of Rome cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 45-60 minutes

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Ever dreamt of saving ancient Rome from barbarian invasions? Pandemic: Fall of Rome lets us live that. We march across the empire, forming legions and battling invaders. It’s historical with a twist, using Pandemic’s well-loved mechanics. We spent hours strategizing, feeling like true Roman generals. It’s a gateway into history, making us curious about real events.

5 7 Wonders

7 Wonders cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-7
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Building one of the seven wonders of the ancient world? Sign us up! 7 Wonders is a card drafting game that’s a blast to play. We picked cards, built our wonders, and even managed our resources. It’s historical in that it makes us think about what each civilization’s strengths were. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce friends to board games.

4 Twilight Struggle

Twilight Struggle cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 2-3 hours

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It’s the Cold War in a box. Twilight Struggle is a two-player game where we felt the tension between the US and USSR. It’s a mix of strategy and history, with real events as potential moves. We learned a lot about the Cold War era, and the game made us feel the weight of every decision. It’s seriously intense and gets you hooked.

3 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 2-4 hours

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This is history in a box. We got to build our own civilization, from the ancient world to the modern age. The game’s complex, but oh so rewarding. We made strategic decisions about our government, military, and technology. It’s a long game, but every minute was worth it. We felt like we were rewriting history!

2 Brass: Birmingham

Brass: Birmingham cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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We jumped into the Industrial Revolution with Brass: Birmingham. The game has us building canals, railways, and industries in 19th century England. It’s historical and economic strategy combined. The competition was fierce, making every move count. Plus, the artwork and components are stunning. It was a hit with our group, sparking interest in this pivotal era.

1 Paths of Glory

Paths of Glory cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 6-8 hours

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Paths of Glory takes the top spot for us. Why? It’s not just a board game; it’s a journey through World War I. The detail in historical accuracy blew us away. We made strategic decisions that actual leaders faced. It’s compelling, challenging, and deeply rewarding. We’ve never felt so connected to history in a game. It’s a masterpiece that educates and entertains.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.