Best Fantasy Board Games of 2025: Top 7 Reviewed
Embark on thrilling fantasy quests with top board games, where you and friends become heroes or villains in epic adventures.
Unleash your inner adventurer with our top picks for fantasy board games! When selecting these games, we focused on a mix of strategy, storytelling, and magical experiences that draw you into different worlds. We’ve laughed, cried, and repeatedly flipped the board during these intense quests. From fantastical quests to building empires, our list has something for both newbies and seasoned players. Whether you’re exploring dungeons or wrestling with magical creatures, these games are sure to captivate. So, gather your friends and prepare for a journey through enchanting lands. It’s time to make your board game night fantastical!
On this list:
7 Talisman: The Magical Quest Game
Talisman is a classic for fantasy fans. It’s like Dungeons & Dragons but with a board. We have spent countless evenings battling monsters, casting spells, and trying to reach the crown before everyone else. The game’s randomness and variety keep it exciting. Be warned, though; it can run really long. Our longest game lasted five hours and involved a lot of questionable alliances. The expansion packs can add even more fun, so if you get hooked, there’s more to explore!
6 Small World
Small World is a world that’s anything but small. It’s full of fantasy races fighting for dominance. We love how the game forces you to balance aggression with strategy. Picking the right race with the best skills is crucial, and the combos can lead to hilarious situations. The declining mechanics mean you never get stuck with a bad choice forever. We always end up laughing when we’ve spread ourselves too thin and the game reminds us of our limits.
5 Mice and Mystics
In Mice and Mystics, you’re not just playing nameless heroes. You’re a group of mice on an adventure to save your kingdom. The game’s storytelling is one of its best parts. We find ourselves really rooting for these rodent heroes. Every session feels like a new chapter in a fairy tale. The miniatures are cute, and the components add to the immersive experience. The cooperative play means you actually have to work together, which can be a fun challenge.
4 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a beast. We spent months getting through this campaign, and it was worth every minute. The game’s depth and complexity are incredible. Players must work together to survive, strategizing to make the best use of their characters’ skills. It’s a fantasy RPG with a twist of card-based tactics, which keeps things fresh. Be aware it requires a big commitment and a dedicated group of friends. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the journey is unforgettable.
3 Lords of Waterdeep
Set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Lords of Waterdeep is a worker-placement game with a fantasy twist. It’s a strategic game that doesn’t rely on fantasy tropes like spell-casting. Instead, you’re recruiting adventurers and completing quests. Despite its complexity, we’ve found it very accessible. The game often ends in close finishes, keeping everyone on edge. The intrigue cards add a layer of strategy that can flip the game in unexpected ways, much to our amusement or despair.
2 Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
Descent is like a one-shot D&D session, with one player as the villain and the rest as heroes. We love its detailed maps and miniatures, which feel genuinely immersive. There’s so much replay value because of the different scenarios and character choices. The competitive edge between the overlord and heroes adds an extra layer of tension. It’s an epic fantasy quest that never fails to entertain, whether we’re rescuing prisoners or vanquishing dragons.
1 Spirit Island
Spirit Island is our top fantasy pick because it flips the script. You’re not the invaders trying to conquer a land, but the spirits trying to protect it. It’s a cooperative game that requires strong teamwork and communication, and it’s deeply strategic. We found it refreshingly different from other fantasy games. It’s got environmental themes, and the art is beautiful. Every spirit has unique abilities, meaning no game is ever the same. We love the challenge it provides and the satisfaction of working together to repel the invaders. It’s a must-have for any fantasy game collection.
