12 Best Economic Board Games of 2025 Reviewed
Ever found yourself eyeing board games and thinking, ‘Which one will turn me into an economic wizard?’ Well, you’re in luck! We’ve sifted through countless games, played while devouring too many chips, to bring you the top economic board games. Our focus? Games that combine strategy, resource management, and a touch of luck, without overwhelming you with rules. Whether you’re into trading, empire-building, or good old-fashioned capitalistic scheming, we’ve got you covered. No spoilers yet, but get ready to plan, plot, and prosper as you discover these gems that make economic gameplay thrilling and… dare we say, profitable!
On this list:
12 Power Grid
In Power Grid, you build power plants and supply cities with electricity. The economic strategy is intense yet fun. Balancing resources and staying ahead of opponents keeps everyone on their toes. Our group had a blast wheeling and dealing energy sources like we were real-life energy tycoons.
11 Terraforming Mars
If you’ve ever wanted to colonize Mars, now’s your chance. Terraforming Mars combines science and economics with a pinch of imagination. The thrill of transforming the red planet and managing resources keeps it exciting. We felt like space entrepreneurs after each round.
10 Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham lets you run an industrial empire in England. The economic decisions are complex, and the competition is fierce. Our table became a battlefield of wits and cunning. This game offers a historic adventure for those who want to be an industrial mogul.
9 The Castles of Burgundy
We love to build, and The Castles of Burgundy lets us do just that. You develop settlements and manage an economy in medieval France. It’s a satisfying puzzle of tiles and strategy. Our friends got a kick out of being mini dukes and duchesses.
8 Catan
Catan is the classic economic game where you trade, build, and settle. It’s easy to learn, making it a gateway into economic strategy games. We still argue over sheep and wheat, and it’s always a blast.
7 Twilight Imperium
Twilight Imperium is not for the faint of heart. It’s a massive game of galactic conquest and economics. The long playtime is an event in itself, and we felt like star lords by the end. This game is a universe of its own.
6 Puerto Rico
Set in colonial times, Puerto Rico has players growing crops and managing plantations. It’s an economic powerhouse that mixes strategy and history. We had our plantations booming and loved the competitive edge.
5 Concordia
Concordia takes us back to ancient Rome, where we manage resources and build trade networks. It’s all about planning and cooperation. We enjoyed becoming ancient merchants and the challenge it brought.
4 Agricola
Agricola is about farming and making a family survive. It’s tough but rewarding. With limited actions, it challenges your economic planning skills. We often found ourselves wanting to plant crops in real life after playing.
3 Food Chain Magnate
Fancy running a fast-food chain? Food Chain Magnate makes you a manager in a competitive world. It’s a test of economic strategies and resource management. We had a few intense business rivalries over burgers and fries.
2 7 Wonders
7 Wonders combines drafting cards with economic strategy beautifully. With each new structure, you get closer to building a wonder. It’s quick, its simple, and we always end up recreating historical marvels.
1 Monopoly
Monopoly, the classic real estate game, stands as the best. Its simple mechanics and cutthroat economic strategy make it legendary. We’ve had epic family feuds over Boardwalk and Park Place, and its nostalgic value keeps us coming back. It’s the ultimate lesson in economics and rivalry.
