Best 5 Set Collection Board Games for Ultimate Fun

Discover top 5 Set Collection games; from gateway Ticket to Ride to strategic Wingspan, treasures for every table await.
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Ticket to Ride coverSushi Go! coverSplendor cover

Hey there, fellow board game enthusiasts! As we scoured the tabletop world in search of the crème de la crème for our list of the 5 best Set Collection board games, our table was covered in cards, tokens, and game pieces—who doesn’t love a colorful mess? We focused on range, depth, and that special charm that brings us back to the game table night after night. Whether it’s the hour-long epic strategies or the quick games we squeeze in before dinner, we’ve made sure there’s a mix that’ll tantalize both new players and seasoned collectors alike.

Games on this list:

5 Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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When we first embarked on the train-themed adventure that is Ticket to Ride, we instantly knew it’d be a mainstay during game nights. The set collection aspect, where you hoard train cards to claim railway routes on a map, is deceptively simple yet requires strategic thinking. Threading your networks across North America (or various other maps if you pick up expansions) makes every game feel like a new journey. The tension in collecting the right sets before opponents is always a thrill.

4 Sushi Go!

Sushi Go! cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Sushi Go! serves up a deliciously quick set collection experience that we can’t get enough of during appetizer-sized game sessions! It really charms you with its adorable sushi illustrations and the snappy draft mechanics keep the pace exciting. We were picking up sashimi sets and wasabi-card combos like pro sushi chefs despite being total newcomers at first. This game is perfect for those seeking a light, appealing entry into set collection mechanics.

3 Splendor

Splendor cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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There’s a glamorous, Renaissance allure to Splendor with its set collection of precious gem cards and wild tokens. Every time we play, we’re immersed in the subtle strategy and the satisfying feeling of building a tableau of development cards that accelerate our acquisition of points. The choice tension and the push to efficiently amplify your gem-gaining engines make Splendor a gem in itself (pun fully intended). It’s refined and strategic yet so very approachable, the hallmark of a great set collection game.

2 7 Wonders

7 Wonders cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 3-7
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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We were completely enamored by the depth of 7 Wonders. As majestic structures rise with each hand of cards we acquire, the engagement in its set collection stays at an all-time high. This game truly shows how civilization building and card drafting can merge into an award-winning formula. Accumulating card sets that reflect various aspects of an ancient society is both educational and enthralling. 7 Wonders challenged us to balance our strategy amongst varying sets, a key to victory and what makes it shine within this category.

1 Wingspan

Wingspan cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 1-5
  • Play Time: 40-70 minutes

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Wingspan soars above the rest as the 5 best Set Collection board games champion. Not only is it an incredibly beautiful game thematically but the strategic depth it offers through collecting sets of birds left us tweeting for more! Each bird added to our habitats became part of a broader tableau, unlocking chains of powerful combos as the game progresses. It perfectly blends the theme and mechanics making every decision impactful. Wingspan stole our hearts with its intricate artwork, delightful engine-building, and the satisfying crunch of collecting related birds. This last game was chosen as the best one because it balances accessibility with strategy superbly and consistently leaves us looking forward to the next game.

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.