11 Best Economic Board Games to Play in 2025
Discover the best economic board games that turn you into a tycoon, with Power Grid leading the charge.
Welcome to our thrilling adventure into the realm of economic board games! We’ve picked a fabulous selection, focusing on games with the perfect mix of strategy, fun, and a dash of cut-throat competition. These aren’t just about stacking cash, but also about building empires, trading goods, and crafting the cleverest plans. We gathered insights from hours spent playing with friends, laughter echoing and strategies forming over pizza slices. Who knew economic concepts could be such a rollercoaster of enjoyment? Buckle up, because this list will have you wishing every weekend was game night!
On this list:
11 Power Grid
Unlike trying to assemble Ikea furniture, Power Grid makes complex economics feel engaging. Players manage plants and bid on resources, sparking fierce competition. Strategies revolve around upgrading plants and managing resources efficiently. Our friend Tom, always convinced he’d make a great tycoon, usually ends up broke, but hey, practice makes perfect! The fluctuating market for resources keeps everyone on their toes, making each round different. It’s a fantastic game for those who enjoy planning and adapting to changing market conditions. The game teaches the importance of balancing investments with growth. Power Grid remains a classic and a must-have for anyone looking to blend economics with strategy.
10 Brass: Birmingham
We once played this with Danny, who gave us an in-depth explanation of the Industrial Revolution (we suspect he memorized Wikipedia). This game beautifully captures the economic intricacies of the era. Players build industries, establish networks and develop their empire. The interactions are rich and intense, with players managing beer and iron resources cleverly. Planning is key, as one wrong move can set you back a century! Brass: Birmingham stands out for its depth and mechanics, making it a rewarding experience for history buffs and strategic minds alike. It’s a brainy game, perfect for those who want to mix a little learning with their fun.
9 Terraforming Mars
If you’ve ever dreamt of being Martian Elon Musk, this game is for you! Terraforming Mars lets players transform the red planet by utilizing cards that represent projects (like building cities or growing forests). My buddy Sam always tries to play ‘green’, planting trees all over the place, but then runs out of money. Strategy and economy go hand in hand here, as players juggle resources like heat, plants, and money to achieve global objectives. It’s a fantastic blend of economic strategy and science fiction, making it a top pick for those who love to combine economic planning with some extraterrestrial exploration.
8 Concordia
Concordia is like if Monopoly went back in time to the Roman Empire and learned some manners along the way. It’s a game of economic building and trading where players expand their networks across the ancient world. Our group’s friend, who always manages to snag the best trades by flashing her charming smile, swears by this game! Players must plan their moves carefully, as competition is stiff. The game is easy to pick up for beginners but also offers depth for more seasoned players. Concordia is perfect for those who enjoy strategic planning with a touch of history.
7 The Castles of Burgundy
Did you know you can build an empire in Burgundy? Neither did we, until we played this gem. You manage settlements and castles in a bid to amass the most strategic kingdom. Our friend Mark jokingly calls it ‘Medieval SimCity’. This game is driven by dice, which adds a nice touch of luck to economic planning. You’ll need to carefully decide where to invest your resources, balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy. Perfect for those who love puzzle-like challenges mixed with economic decision-making. The Castles of Burgundy offers a satisfying experience every time, as players explore different strategic paths.
6 Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico had our group dreaming of Caribbean sun and trade winds. It’s a game about managing resources and shipping goods efficiently. Each player takes on a role, and the choice of role each turn becomes a strategic decision. Our friend Jake once convinced us to trade our best crops, only to reap the benefits himself, the sly fox! The game balances competitive and cooperative elements, with players needing to predict others’ moves. It’s an economical masterpiece in board game form, perfect for players who enjoy a layered and competitive experience. Puerto Rico promises lots of strategic depth and replayability.
5 Le Havre
Le Havre had us feeling like port town moguls, handling boats and warehouses like pros. The game is about managing resources and building infrastructure, with a focus on feeding your workers and expanding your town. It’s a tight economic challenge where you’ll be calculating loans and striving for growth. We always joke about our friend Emily wanting to own all the cows in the game. It’s a crunch of economic balance, perfect for those who like to sink their teeth into complex strategic choices. Le Havre offers a rewarding experience, with each decision feeling weighty and impactful.
4 Agricola
Our group first thought Agricola was about growing crops, but quickly learned it’s more like ‘farmers’ survival’. Players must balance feeding their family with growing their farm. One time, my buddy kept forgetting to feed his people and they starved – oops! The game offers rich tactical decisions, as players balance resources, crop growth, and livestock. There’s always a sense of urgency, driving every action. It’s a compelling economic game about survival and growth, packed with strategic depth. Agricola is ideal for players who enjoy a mix of pressure and planning. Just don’t forget to feed your family!
3 Twilight Imperium
Twilight Imperium is the board game equivalent of an epic space opera, where players command unique factions vying for galactic supremacy. Our group always ends up debating alliances long after the game’s over. Each faction has different abilities, making economic planning essential to outsmart opponents. With its intricate web of politics, trade, and warfare, players must skillfully manage resources and negotiate treaties. The challenge is both exhilarating and daunting and has us coming back for more every time. Ideal for players who dream of cosmic domination and can handle some serious game time – it’s truly an epic experience!
2 Clans of Caledonia
Clans of Caledonia lets us become Scottish clans, trading and expanding our whiskey empires. The game’s crux lies in resource management and economic planning. Our buddy Mike always monopolizes the whiskey market, leaving us with sheep. The game’s blend of economic and territory-building mechanics keeps players engaged. It offers a range of strategies, from trade to expansion. Players must adapt to fluctuating market prices and competition. It beautifully captures the economic growth of Scotland during the 19th century, making it perfect for those who love complex resource management in a rich historical setting.
1 Catan
Catan is the board game that kicked off many friendships and ended a few as well! It’s a classic economic game where players collect resources and build roads and settlements. We had a running joke about how the ‘robber’ always knew who was about to win. Catan’s charm lies in its simplicity, yet it demands strategic trading and planning. Players race to gather resources and outwit their opponents through clever negotiations. Easy to learn, but with layers of strategy, it’s the go-to for anyone new to economic board games. The thrill of that winning road never gets old!
