Best World Building Board Games of 2024: Top 10
Hey, fellow board game lovers! Today, we’re diving into the magical universe of ‘world building’ board games. When we picked the gems for this top 10 list, we focused on how each game lets you craft and shape an entire world from scratch. Whether it’s by developing a civilization, terraforming a distant planet, or constructing a medieval landscape, each pick guarantees a unique adventure. Our choices are based on gameplay depth, the richness of the world you can build, and, of course, the sheer fun we had playing them. So, if you’re up for creating something incredible, stick around!
On this list:
10 Small World
Kicking off our list, Small World has us elbowing our way through a world that’s way too small for everyone. It’s a classic ‘world building’ game but with a twist: it’s all about conquering. Each player picks a fantasy race to dominate the board with, but space runs out fast. Think musical chairs but with orcs and wizards. It’s hilarious watching your friends’ faces as you invade their so-called territories.
9 7 Wonders
In 7 Wonders, you’re not just building a world; you’re crafting the wonders of the ancient world, which is about as close to actual historical world building as you can get without a time machine. Choosing resources wisely and keeping an eye on your neighbors, you’ll develop your civilization. The drafting mechanics make you feel like you’re both cooperating and competing, which leads to some fun banter around the table.
8 Terraforming Mars
Now, if you’re into the long game of ‘world building’, Terraforming Mars is your jam. You get to terraform Mars (no brainer, right?) into a liveable place. It’s kind of like playing SimCity, but with less traffic management and more oxygen production. The satisfaction of watching the red planet turn green under your guidance is unmatched, and the strategic depth keeps you hooked for hours.
7 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is like the chill, laid-back cousin in the ‘world building’ genre. It’s all about tile placement – you’re literally building the world as you go, placing one tile at a time to create cities, roads, and cloisters. What makes it stand out is the simplicity mixed with the deep strategy. Plus, snatching a field from your pal right when they thought they had it is the best kind of sneaky fun.
6 Dominion
Dominion throws us into the role of monarchs who vie for control to expand their kingdoms. It’s the granddaddy of deck-building games, which is kind of like ‘world building’ but in card form. The sheer variety of cards means no two games are the same, and you’re always left wanting just one more round. Plus, there’s something inherently satisfying about putting together a well-oiled machine of a deck.
5 Catan
Ah, Catan. The gateway drug into the world of board games. Here, you’re settlers on a newly discovered island, and ‘world building’ is all about trading resources like wool, grain, and ore to build roads, settlements, and cities. It teaches you the importance of location and negotiation skills. The way fortunes change with a roll of the dice keeps everyone on their toes. It’s a classic for a reason.
4 Scythe
Scythe takes the ‘world building’ concept and drops it in a 1920s alternate history. It’s part strategy, part resource management, and all about expanding your faction’s influence across the land. The artwork alone is worth the price of admission, but it’s the blend of mechanics and the narrative depth that truly makes it shine. Plus, deploying your mechs to secure territories is as cool as it sounds.
3 Spirit Island
Flipping the script on traditional colonization themes, Spirit Island sees you as a spirit defending your island from invaders. It’s a refreshing take on ‘world building’ where you’re actually protecting your world. The cooperative nature means you’re all in it together, which leads to some great teamwork moments. The range of spirits and their powers allows for heaps of replayability. It’s as challenging as it is satisfying.
2 Gloomhaven
If you’re after a ‘world building’ game that’s also an epic RPG in a box, Gloomhaven is your beast. It’s a massive, immersive experience where you’re adventuring through a persistent and evolving world. The choices you make in this game have real consequences, and the character progression feels meaningful. It’s not just a game; it’s a commitment to storytelling and strategic gameplay that’s as deep as it is rewarding.
1 Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
Topping our list, Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 takes the cake for the best ‘world building’ game. Why? Because it evolves. You’re not just curing diseases; you’re shaping the world with every game you play. The story unfolds over a series of sessions, with new elements introduced each time. It’s the kind of game that leaves a lasting memory, essentially building a world that’s unique to your gaming group. The blend of cooperative play, strategic depth, and an evolving narrative is unmatched, making it a clear winner in our books.
