Best 7 Ancient Civilization Board Games of 2024
Hey fellow board game fans! Ever dreamt of traveling back in time to explore the mysteries of the past? Well, we’ve got the next best thing. Digging through piles of games, we’ve unearthed the 7 best board games based on ancient civilizations. Our hunt focused on games that not only bring those bygone eras to life but also offer a mix of strategy, adventure, and a dash of educational fun. Perfect for game night, these picks promise to transport you and your friends to the ancient worlds of powerful gods, ingenious inventions, and epic battles. Let’s embark on this journey together and discover which ancient civilization will claim victory on your gaming table!
On this list:
7 Stone Age
Kicking off our ancient civilization odyssey, Stone Age makes you feel like you’re right back in the… well, Stone Age, trying to advance your tribe. We laughed so hard when Dave tried to build his civilization solely on berries. It’s not just fun; it’s a sneaky way to learn about resource management and strategy. Plus, the components are top-notch, making you feel like a true tribal chief.
6 7 Wonders
Next up, 7 Wonders has us drafting cards to build one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. It’s like speed dating with ancient civilizations. Quick, intense, and you hope you’ve made the right choices by the end. It’s a blast to play, and no two games are the same. Plus, it scales amazingly well with more players, making it a hit at any game night.
5 Imhotep
Imhotep puts you in the sandals of an Egyptian architect. You’re building monuments and outsmarting your opponents. It’s like playing a very strategic game of Tetris, but with boats and blocks. It offers a unique take on worker placement and strategy, all the while immersing you in the ancient Egyptian theme. We were all impressed by how much thinking this game requires, despite its simple rules.
4 Cyclades
Cyclades has us bidding for the favor of the gods in ancient Greece. It’s like the gods are hosting an auction, and you’re trying to outbid your friends for the best mythical creatures and heroes. It strikes a perfect balance between strategy and luck, making each game thrilling. The theme is integrated flawlessly, and it often ends with epic tales of almost-wins and dramatic comebacks.
3 Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar
Tzolk’in brings the Mayan civilization to life with a dynamic gear system that represents the Mayan calendar. It’s not just a game; it’s a brain burner that has you planning several turns ahead, trying to align your actions with the turning of the gears. It’s visually stunning and mechanically unique. This game truly stands out for its innovative approach to the worker placement genre.
2 Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
Through the Ages forces you to guide your civilization from the age of antiquity to the modern era. It’s like Civilization in board game form, without needing a computer. You’ll face tough decisions, balance resource management, and possibly betray your friends to win. It’s complex, engaging, and utterly addictive. This game provides an epic story where each player’s civilization evolves differently, offering endless replayability.
1 The Great Zimbabwe
Finally, the crown jewel of our ancient civilization adventure, The Great Zimbabwe. This game is a masterpiece of strategy and logistics, set in ancient Africa. You’re building your own trade network, crafting monuments, and appealing to gods for their favors. It’s deep, it’s challenging, and oh boy, is it satisfying. We chose it as the best because it combines an incredible depth of strategy with a theme that’s not often explored in board games. Plus, it really makes you feel like you’re contributing to the rise of a civilization. Every session ends with us wanting more, and isn’t that the sign of a truly great game?
