Best 5 Religious Board Games to Play in 2024

Searching for a religious board game? Check out our top picks to bring faith and fun together!
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The Pillars of the Earth coverExodus: Proxima Centauri coverArk Nova cover

Finding the perfect religious board game can feel like a quest of its own. We’ve sifted through countless options to bring you the top five games that capture the essence of religious themes. Our choices focus on games that balance strategy, storytelling and replayability. We considered how well they engage players and how suitable they are for newcomers and seasoned gamers alike. Whether you’re a fan of strategic conquests or theological debates, this list will offer something for everyone. Gather your friends, unleash your inner theologian, and get ready for unforgettable gaming nights!

On this list:

5 The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth cover

  • Age Range: 12 and up
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 90-120 minutes

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This game takes you on a journey to build a cathedral in 12th century England. We remember our friend Dave panicking because he couldn’t gather enough builders in time. The mechanics involve resource management and strategy, perfect for players who enjoy a historical twist to their religious theme. There’s something amusing about trying to out-tech your friends in the middle ages with brick and mortar!

4 Exodus: Proxima Centauri

Exodus: Proxima Centauri cover

  • Age Range: 14 and up
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 90-180 minutes

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In a galaxy not so far away, players lead one of six factions to escape the doomed Earth. We played this on a rainy Sunday with chips and dips. The game combines religion with sci-fi, making each session a nail-biting race to space. It’s like if your local church decided to go interstellar!

3 Ark Nova

Ark Nova cover

  • Age Range: 14 and up
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 90-150 minutes

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Ark Nova seamlessly blends nature and nurture as players create nature preserves with religious undertones. We had a blast trying to match divine goals with our wildlife parks. It’s both a strategic and thought-provoking experience. The mechanics offer unique challenges that make each playthrough notable. Perfect for bonding over a shared appreciation for creation!

2 In the Name of Odin

In the Name of Odin cover

  • Age Range: 13 and up
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 60-90 minutes

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This game lets you embrace your inner Viking, even if your sails can’t handle the sea. Our friend Jenna was crowned the Viking Chief after a fierce battle. The game mechanics revolve around resource gathering and hero recruitment, offering players many ways to win. Adding a religious theme to your Viking adventures makes for an exciting and quirky game night.

1 Santorini

Santorini cover

  • Age Range: 8 and up
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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This game is like playing chess, but on a divine level. We chose this as the best because it perfectly balances strategy with accessibility. The divine power cards add a religious layer, infusing each game with unpredictability. We laughed when Kyle invoked a god power and blocked everyone’s path. Easy to learn but hard to master, making it the ideal choice for newbies and seasoned players!

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.