Best 9 Area Control Board Games to Enjoy in 2024
Gather your troops and ready your generals because we are diving into the riveting world of ‘area control’ board games! When we picked the crème de la crème for this list, we didn’t just throw darts at a board. Oh no. We looked for games that bring you to the edge of your seat with strategic depth, engaging mechanics, and just the right amount of backstabbing. From ancient battlefields to dystopian landscapes, these games have it all. So, whether you’re conquering empires or battling for dominance across bizarre realms, get ready for some of the best ‘area control’ experiences tabletop gaming has to offer.
On this list:
9 Kemet
We dive into ancient Egypt with Kemet. It’s all about being the smartest with your troops. You control temples and fight others but in a fun way. The magic system? Super cool. You feel like a pharaoh plotting your road to victory. Easy to get, hard to master. A blast with friends!
8 Small World
Fantasy and fun? Small World has it. Imagine a world too tiny for everyone. You pick races and fight for space. It’s like a fantasy sitcom. The art? Gorgeous. The gameplay? Addictive. It’s easy to learn, making it great for new players diving into area control.
7 Risk
Ah, Risk. The classic. Who hasn’t tried taking over the world at their kitchen table? It’s the grandfather of area control. Sure, it can last forever, but that’s part of the charm. It’s like Monopoly’s more strategic cousin. Perfect for a game night marathon.
6 El Grande
We go back to the 90s with El Grande. It’s area control with a twist – politics in medieval Spain. The king moves around, and you influence nobles. It sounds serious, but it’s a hoot with friends. Complex yet rewarding. The ‘big cube’ tower? Genius design.
5 Inis
Inis makes you a Celtic chieftain. It’s not just fighting; it’s about storytelling. The art? It’s like playing in a Celtic legend. You draft cards and vie for control, but with style. It’s a dance of power, and when you get it, it feels epic.
4 Blood Rage
Vikings and monsters in Blood Rage? Yes, please. It’s area control with a heavy dose of Norse mythology. You’re fighting for glory before Ragnarok. The miniatures? Stunning. The strategy? Deep. Each choice matters, making each game a new saga.
3 Scythe
Scythe transports us to an alternate 1920s. It’s part farming, part war, all strategy. The mechs? Cool. The economy? Intricate. It balances power and resource management beautifully. Plus, it looks amazing on the table. It’s complex but utterly rewarding once you dive in.
2 Twilight Imperium
Twilight Imperium is a day-long space opera. It’s massive. Politics, trade, war – it’s got it all. You build a space empire and outmaneuver friends. It’s not just a game; it’s an event. Best cleared your schedule, because this is epic storytelling at its best.
1 Root
Root takes the top spot for us. Why? It turns area control into a woodland creature war. Cute, right? But don’t be fooled. It’s deep, strategic, and every faction plays differently. It’s like playing a different game each time. Learning curve? Sure, but once you get it, it’s the most rewarding area control game out there. It’s our favorite because it perfectly balances charm with complexity.
