Best 13 Economic Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
The 13 Best Economic Board Games
On this list:
13 Power Grid
Power Grid is a real powerhouse in the economic theme. We try to balance our budgets while buying power plants and resources. It’s a tight race to light up our cities before the lights go out! This game keeps us on our toes with its dynamic market and bidding wars. We love the challenge of managing resources and planning ahead. Great for seasoned gamers looking to test their strategic chops.
12 Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham is a fantastic economic game set in the Industrial Revolution. It’s all about building industries, setting up networks, and making some cold, hard cash. We love the deep strategies involved and the beautiful artwork. The game has us thinking two steps ahead, and every decision can make or break our industry empire. It’s complex but so rewarding.
11 Terra Mystica
Terra Mystica lets us play as different factions, each with unique abilities. We build structures, terraform landscapes, and try to outmaneuver our opponents. The economic side of the game is intense, with resource management and strategic planning at the forefront. We enjoy the deep gameplay and how every game feels different. It’s a complex game but a must-try for fans of economic themes.
10 Le Havre
Le Havre is all about building our own port city. We gather resources, construct buildings, and ships, and try to become the richest players. It’s a great mix of worker placement and resource management. We love the balance between long-term strategy and short-term gains. Each game feels like an epic saga of trading and building.
9 Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has us managing our plantations and shipping goods back to the Old World. Each of us takes on different roles, and timing is everything. The economic decisions are critical, and there’s a great deal of strategy involved. We love the replayability and how it keeps us guessing what our opponents will do next. It’s a classic for a reason.
8 Concordia
Concordia takes us to Ancient Rome where we build trade empires. We love the unique card-based actions which add depth to the gameplay. The economic aspect shines as we manage resources and compete for dominance. It’s easy to learn but hard to master, making it a staple in our game nights. Plus, the map variations keep it fresh!
7 Caylus
Caylus is a classic in the worker placement genre. We oversee the construction of a castle while managing resources and planning our moves. It requires careful planning and a keen eye on our opponents. We like the challenge it offers and the tight competition. It’s one of those games where every decision feels heavy and impactful.
6 The Gallerist
The Gallerist puts us in the shoes of art curators, balancing art commerce with reputation. We’re buying, selling, and promoting art while managing our galleries. It’s an economic game with a unique twist. We love the thematic experience and the tight economic decisions it forces us to make. It’s perfect for players looking for something different.
5 Viticulture
Viticulture lets us build and manage a vineyard. We’re planting vines, harvesting grapes, and making wine. The economic challenges come from balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. We adore the peaceful countryside theme and the strategic depth. It’s a great pick for wine lovers and economic game enthusiasts alike.
4 Food Chain Magnate
Food Chain Magnate is a cutthroat economic game set in the fast food industry. We love how it forces us to think about marketing, personnel management, and supply chains. The competition can be fierce, and every decision counts. It’s intense and rewarding, perfect for players who like deep economic strategies.
3 Great Western Trail
Great Western Trail has us herding cattle from Texas to Kansas City. The economic aspect comes from managing our herd, planning our routes, and optimizing our actions. We enjoy the blend of strategy and theme. It’s a game that keeps us coming back for more, with multiple ways to achieve victory.
2 Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is an epic game where we work together to make Mars habitable. We love the economic elements of balancing resources, developing technologies, and managing projects. The game is challenging, and the sense of accomplishment is huge. It’s a favorite in our group for its depth and replayability.
1 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
Through the Ages is a masterpiece of civilization building. We develop our civs from ancient to modern times, balancing resources, technology, and military. It’s the best economic game because of its deep strategy, immense replayability, and the satisfaction of seeing our civilizations grow. We love how every decision shapes our journey. It’s the gold standard for economic games.
