Best Memory Board Games 2026: Top 9 Reviewed
Get ready to test your memory with these top board games. We laughed, forgot things, and learned new tricks with every play!
Memory games test more than just your memory—they test your patience, your friendships, and sometimes your ability to not flip the table. When picking games for our top 9 list, we looked for the ones that made us laugh, sweat, and ask, “Wait, was that card always there?” We picked games that bring people together, keep rules simple for new players, and have us shouting at each other (in the nicest way possible). If you’re looking to boost your brain skills or just want to see who forgets everything first, this list of memory board games has you covered!
On this list:
9 Memory
Memory (or Concentration) is the classic go-to for anyone wanting a pure memory experience. We played it with kids, adults, and even a grandma who claimed, ‘My memory’s like a sieve.’ Spoiler: she wiped the floor with us. This simple flip-and-match card game is easy to set up, plays fast, and gets everyone at the table groaning, laughing, or quietly plotting revenge. It’s straightforward, sure, but nothing beats that eureka moment when you nail a pair everyone else forgot. It’s the gold standard of memory board games, and a nostalgic delight for all ages.
8 The Magic Labyrinth
The Magic Labyrinth is pure memory chaos. We got lost so many times, we thought we’d need breadcrumbs! You move your pawn around a board, but underneath, hidden walls block your way. When you hit one, your marble falls off and you have to start over – cue dramatic groans and evil laughs. It’s the board game equivalent of bumping your shins in the dark. Suitable for kids, but we adults got way too competitive. This game is perfect for families looking for whimsical fun and sneaky memory challenges.
7 P.I.
P.I. makes you feel like a detective with very little actual detective work, but loads of memory! Each round, you’re piecing together clues while remembering where suspects are hiding and what everyone else has guessed. Our group accused three innocent bystanders before finally solving the case. With deduction and memory skills front and center, P.I. is ideal for anyone who loves crime-solving with a twist. You will get confused. You will doubt yourself. And you’ll love every minute of it.
6 Mysterium
Mysterium turns memory into a ghostly adventure. We played as psychics trying to solve a murder, while one friend, the ghost, silently handed us wild picture cards. Remembering which clues matched which suspects was only half the battle! The other half was arguing about what on earth a teapot represented (‘Obvious, that’s the butler!’). If you love story-driven games and memory mixed with a little chaos, this one’s perfect for a spooky evening.
5 Hanabi
Hanabi is the only game where we cheered for fireworks and nearly set our friendship on fire. You see everyone’s cards but your own, so you must remember clues your teammates give you. Sounds simple? Spoiler: it’s not. We lost track, forgot colors, and ended up with the world’s worst firework show. If you want a fast, memory-heavy game that relies on teamwork and silent eye communication, Hanabi’s your go-to.
4 The Mind
The Mind is a memory game in disguise. You and your friends have to play cards in the right order, but you can’t talk. At all. So you’re staring, squinting, and trying to remember every number on the table. It’s weirdly tense for such a calm game. We started giggling uncontrollably by round three, and it only got better. Great for testing your group’s unspoken connections and memory under pressure.
3 Codenames
Codenames had us feeling like spies with the world’s worst short-term memory. Remembering which words were safe, which were traps, and which belonged to the rival team? Yeah, we failed. Often. But laughter and wild guesses kept us playing. The game relies heavily on memory – and also the ability to blame your teammate when things go wrong. If you like party games mixed with a lot of memory, this is a must-try.
2 Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island is an adventure where memory is key – and so is not drowning. You have to remember what treasures are where, how flooded the island is, and which tiles will vanish next. We lost a lot. (RIP, Explorer Jamie.) But every win feels epic. You’ll need sharp memory and some teamwork to escape alive. It’s a fantastic family game that always keeps us on our toes.
1 Similo: Fables
Similo: Fables takes the crown for the best memory board game on our list. Why? Because it hits the perfect balance between memory, deduction, and social fun. We tried this one late at night, and it woke us right up! One player gives clues while everyone else remembers which fable characters have been ruled out. By round three, we were second-guessing everything and laughing at our own forgetfulness. It’s quick to learn, replayable, and works for all ages. If you want the best mix of memory, laughter, and frantic thinking, Similo: Fables is your top pick!
