Best 11 Economic Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
11 Best Economic Board Games for Newbies: Choosing the perfect economic board game can be quite the task, like selecting toppings for your pizza—everyone’s got a favorite, but only a few satisfy the entire crowd. We picked our top economic games based on engagement, strategy depth, and, of course, how many laughs we had while playing. Some games are heavier than others, but we focused on those that blend fun with financial prowess. So, whether you’re a rookie in the world of Monopoly or a seasoned stock exchange veteran, there’s something in this list to tickle your economic fancy.
On this list:
11 Power Grid
Power Grid is a strategic masterpiece for anyone looking to flex their economic muscle. We sat down one evening, fueled by pizza and dreams of electricity, and ended up haggling over resources like our lives depended on it. The game balances auctions, resource management, and investments in a way that makes you rethink paying your real-life bills. It’s the kind of game where you might lose a friend over a heated bidding war, but it’s worth it for the bragging rights.
10 Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham takes you back to the Industrial Revolution, where you’ll be building factories and canals like a proper entrepreneur. This game requires you to think several steps ahead, which means no more winging it! We ended up arguing about coal prices like we were actual tycoons. It’s a heavy hitter in the economic genre, with enough depth to make your brain hurt in a good way. Don’t forget to bring snacks, as this one takes a while.
9 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
This game is perfect if you want to feel like a civilization-building genius without lifting a finger. We sat through hours of card drafting and resource management, all while our armies clashed and our societies thrived. It’s like a history lesson but fun, and you get to throw shade at your friends when you become the next cultural powerhouse. Just be prepared to sit for a while, as this game takes some serious commitment.
8 Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is one of those classics that never gets old, much like my dad jokes. You’ll be managing plantations and shipping goods like a pro. The competition gets fierce as you try to outsmart your pals for victory points. We spent a whole afternoon perfecting our strategies, and let’s just say, things got intense. This game is a staple for anyone interested in economic board games, and it never fails to entertain.
7 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is for those who dream of turning a red planet green with prosperity. The game’s about balancing resource management and strategic planning while watching your opponent’s terraform the heck out of their own pieces. We were all vying for the title of ‘King of Mars’ and let’s just say, alliances were formed and broken. It’s a spacey economic experience that feels both satisfying and challenging. Just remember, no one can hear you complain about losing on Mars.
6 Agricola
If you’ve ever thought farming was easy, think again! Agricola makes you work for your crops and livestock like no other game. We found ourselves in a barnyard battle of wits, expanding farms and feeding our families while trying not to lose our sanity. It’s a down-to-earth economic game that requires careful planning, and sometimes a prayer for rain. This game turns farming into an intense compettion that’s surprisingly satisfying, once you get past the initial learning curve.
5 Dominion
Dominion isn’t your typical board game as it’s all about card play. Here, you’ll be building your deck like a true economic strategist. We ended up with decks filled with gold and curses (thanks, John). It’s the kind of game where every decision counts and can change the outcome in a flash. Dominion has a knack for pulling you in and keeping you hungry for another round. Easy to learn, hard to master, but always a blast.
4 Catan
Catan, the gateway board game that introduced us to economic strategy. We all started trading sheep for wood, and by the end, we were negotiating like Wall Street pros. This game taught us the art of deal-making, sometimes at the cost of friendship. It’s a classic for a reason, and every gamer should give it a go. The competition is fierce, but the satisfaction of building your settlements is worth every minute.
3 Le Havre
In Le Havre, you’re a wharf-dwelling entrepreneur, juggling resources and feeding your workers like a pro. We took turns outwitting each other in this complex economic landscape. The game’s all about developing the most thriving harbor empire, which makes for some serious competition. Everything from building ships to managing goods becomes a thrilling part of your strategy. It’s a game that’s hard to put down once you start.
2 Food Chain Magnate
Welcome to the cutthroat world of fast food! Food Chain Magnate is an intense economic game that puts you in charge of a budding restaurant empire. We found ourselves scrambling to hire staff and beat our friends at the burger biz. It’s a game where strategy is key, and every move can make or break your chain. The laughs and sabotage are guaranteed, and you walk away with a new appreciation for the fast-food industry.
1 Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition
This game tops the list for combining everything we love about economic strategy with the thrill of space conquest. Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition is a streamlined version of the original, perfect for those who want all the tension without the extended play time. Our game nights were filled with excitement as we balanced projects, resources, and the occasional meteor strike. It’s the best because it provides a rich economic experience while being accessible and immensely replayable.
