12 Best Fantasy Board Games Reviewed in 2025
Unleash your inner hero as we explore the 12 best fantasy board games. Our list is crafted with the newbie in mind, focusing on ease of play, engaging storylines, and epic adventures. We’ve spent countless weekends testing these games, ensuring they deliver the ultimate fantasy experience. Whether you’re battling monsters, embarking on quests, or building civilizations, our top picks promise immersive gameplay that captures the imagination. So gather your friends, clear the table, and prepare to be transported to worlds of magic and wonder as we reveal our favorite board games in the realm of fantasy.
On this list:
12 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a massive fantasy game that offers a multi-layered experience that’s like a role-playing video game on your tabletop. Its tactical combat and character progression give players a sense of accomplishment. Plus, the game’s world is alive with rich storylines and decisions that impact the outcome, making each session unique.
11 Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
Descent: Journeys in the Dark lets you role-play in a classic dungeon-crawling fantasy setting. It’s perfect for fans of the genre with its engaging narrative and strategic combat. The game allows you to get creative with your heroes’ abilities and equipment choices.
10 The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth
Fans of The Lord of the Rings will love exploring Middle-Earth in this game. It uses a companion app to enhance the adventure, keeping the gameplay fresh and streamlined. Encounter famous characters and battle iconic enemies as you embark on various quests.
9 Mage Knight Board Game
Mage Knight combines elements of RPGs, deck-building, and traditional board gaming for a deep fantasy experience. Players take on the role of powerful mages exploring the world, battling foes, and conquering cities. It’s a challenging game that rewards strategic planning and adaptation.
8 Talisman: The Magical Quest Game
Talisman is a classic in the fantasy board game world. Players travel a magical realm, battling monsters and gaining treasures on the quest for the Crown of Command. Its simple mechanics make it easy to pick up, while its random events keep every game exciting.
7 Blood Rage
In Blood Rage, you lead a clan of Vikings in their quest for glory. The game mixes mythological themes with an area control strategy, offering tense battles and strategic planning. It’s not only about combat but also about clever card drafting and resource management.
6 Above and Below
Above and Below combines town-building with storytelling, creating a unique and charming fantasy game. Players explore caverns, build structures, and embark on quests. Its beautiful artwork and engaging narrative make it a refreshing take on fantasy gaming.
5 Root
Root brings a unique twist to fantasy by casting players as various woodland creatures in a fight for dominance. With asymmetric gameplay, each player’s faction plays differently, offering varied strategies and replayability. It’s a game of cunning tactics and charming art.
4 Terraforming Mars
Although not the traditional fantasy, Terraforming Mars offers a grand scale with its futuristic and strategic gameplay. Players work on terraforming the Red Planet while competing for resources and opportunities. Its depth and strategy will captivate fans of epic narratives.
3 Dungeons & Dragons: Castle Ravenloft Board Game
Castle Ravenloft is a cooperative dungeon-crawler that immerses players in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. With randomized scenarios and a plethora of monsters, it offers an exciting and replayable experience. Its easy setup and iconic settings make it a fantasy must-have.
2 Everdell
Everdell enchants players with its whimsical world of forest creatures. It’s a worker placement game with stunning art and a deep fantasy theme. Players build cities through managing resources and card drafting. Its balancing of strategy and charm makes it a standout.
1 Scythe
Scythe takes the crown as the best fantasy board game for its blend of strategy, rich lore, and immersive world-building. Set in an alternate history, the game offers strategic combat, resource management, and exploration. Its stunning artwork and unique mechs captivate players. The combination of engaging mechanics and a deep storyline makes Scythe our top pick.
