Best Word Games of 2024: Top 5 Reviews

If you love word games, these five will keep you hooked: Bananagrams, Codenames, Word on the Street, Boggle, Scrabble.
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Bananagrams coverCodenames coverWord on the Street cover

Top 5 Best Word Based Board Games to Try Out

Get ready to exercise your brain and have a blast! We love word board games because they are fun and make you think. When picking games for our list, we focus on their simplicity for new players, how engaging they are, and the laughter they bring to the table. We made sure that each game we chose offers something unique, whether it’s challenging your vocabulary, speed, or teamwork skills. So, gather your friends and family, and let’s explore the world of word board games together!

On this list:

5 Bananagrams

Bananagrams cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 1-8
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Bananagrams is a blast! It’s like Scrabble but faster and without the board. We love it because you can play it anywhere and the rounds go by quick. It’s perfect for those who love words and have a competitive streak. You won’t be checking your phone every few minutes because the pace keeps you engaged. Plus, the banana-shaped pouch is just fun.

4 Codenames

Codenames cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Who knew guessing words could be so thrilling? Codenames puts you in the role of a spymaster. Your mission: make your team guess the right words using only one-word clues. It’s brilliant for parties and always gets everyone laughing and debating. We had so many ‘aha!’ moments playing this, and it never gets old.

3 Word on the Street

Word on the Street cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 20-30 minutes

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Word on the Street adds a twist by combining word play with a tug-of-war mechanic. You spell words by dragging letter tiles toward your side of the street. It’s perfect for a family game night or a casual hangout. We loved how it got us thinking fast and working as a team, plus it’s great for those who enjoy a bit of strategy.

2 Boggle

Boggle cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 1+
  • Play Time: 3 minutes per round

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Boggle is an oldie but a goodie. Shake up the letter cubes, set the timer, and start finding words. The simplicity of the game is its charm. We had countless rounds of shouting out words, and the ticking timer always adds a bit of thrill. It’s ideal for those who enjoy quick word challenges and don’t want to learn complicated rules.

1 Scrabble

Scrabble cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 90 minutes

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The granddaddy of word games, Scrabble is the ultimate test of your vocabulary. This classic game challenges you to form words on a board with limited tiles. We always end up learning new words, which is a fun perk. It’s the best because it balances skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. Plus, who doesn’t love boasting about that 50-point word you nailed?

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.