Best 13 Fantasy Board Games of 2025 Revealed
Discover the top fantasy board games that promise adventure and magic for players of all ages and skill levels.
Gather ’round dreamer and magic-seeker! In our quest for the ultimate fantasy board games, we scoured every nook and cranny of our game shelves. We’ve picked games that spark imagination, immerse you in otherworldly adventures, and keep you glued to your seat with anticipation. From epic battles to mystical journeys, each game has its own unique twist that makes it stand out in the fantasy realm. We focused on storytelling, player engagement, and replayability to ensure you find the perfect game for your gaming nights. Dive into a world of fantasy and let your imagination soar!
On this list:
13 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a massive fantasy adventure that’s like being in your very own D&D campaign, but without needing to dress like a wizard. It’s known for its deep combat and evolving storyline. Unlike my first attempt at baking bread, Gloomhaven has all the right ingredients, like characters that level up, unique abilities, and strategic combat that keeps you coming back. My friends and I often find ourselves glued to the table, grappling with the plot twists and turns. We may have turned our living room into a makeshift medieval tavern once or twice… but isn’t that what fantasy games are all about? Immerse yourself in its world, and you’ll find new surprises each game!
12 Scythe
Scythe blends a beautiful fantasy world with strategic resource management on a massive scale. It’s like a fine wine at a Renaissance fair – classy and full of knights. Picture this: a post-war alternate 1920s Europe with giant mechs and factions vying for dominance. We loved how it challenged our inner tactician and had us rethinking our moves like chess grandmasters. Its gorgeous art will have you staring at the board, unsure if you’re strategizing or just admiring the scenery. A couple of legendary battles ensued when our friend Greg got a little too into it, but we can’t blame him. In this game, even losing feels epic!
11 Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
Bringing the dungeon-crawling experience to life, Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition) puts you in the shoes of heroes or the dastardly Overlord. Think about it as a game where you can be the hero or the villain, kind of like when you decide to take the last slice of pizza. We had a blast swapping roles and seeing who could outsmart the other. The fantasy elements are rich, and the gameplay can go from bickering over which path to take to epic battles with monsters. It’s perfect for those who enjoy complex narratives and strategy mixed with a healthy dose of imagination.
10 Root
Root combines adorable forest creatures with a bloody power struggle. It looks cute but plays like a cutthroat fantasy wargame. It’s like if you put woodland critters in a Lord of the Rings-style turf war. Each player controls a different faction, each with its own unique abilities and objectives. We found this led to unexpected alliances and backstabbing that could rival any reality TV show. We laughed, cried, and remembered why we shouldn’t trust each other. The artwork is downright charming, and the gameplay keeps you on your toes. It’s a fantasy world that makes you rethink the animal kingdom!
9 Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
For those who like their fantasy with a side of creepiness, Mansions of Madness delivers in spades. It’s like being in a haunted house where you also need to solve the mysteries before the ghost gets impatient. An app-driven game, it truly feels like you’re exploring an unknown, ever-changing horror world. We found ourselves jumping with excitement or fright as the app threw unexpected twists at us. Strategy meets horror in a way that kept our group on edge – and if you’re lucky, you won’t be the friend who has to venture off alone. It’s a digital and tabletop combo that’s as thrilling as it is chilling.
8 Blood Rage
Blood Rage captures the chaos of Viking warfare in a mythical fantasy setting. It’s a game where glory is achieved through battle and strategic maneuvering, plus it’s got Loki, and who doesn’t love Loki? With its card drafting and area control mechanics, we found ourselves plotting and clashing, each round becoming more intense. We battled through as epic a saga as any Norse legend and came out of it with some, shall we say, ‘well-seasoned’ friendships. This game is perfect for those who enjoy the thrill of conquering, pillaging, and, most importantly, having a good laugh amidst the chaos.
7 Mage Knight Board Game
Mage Knight is the pinnacle of fantasy games for those who love deep strategy with a fantasy twist. It’s like being a wandering wizard with a tower-sized spellbook by your side. This game lets you build an intricate deck of spells, explore vast lands, and conquer cities. It challenges even the most seasoned strategists, and during our playthrough, we found ourselves in awe of each other’s cunning. We may have fought over the rulebook a few times, but ultimately hailed it as a triumph of board game design. Perfect for anyone wanting a game where every move counts, and every victory is hard-earned.
6 Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition)
Twilight Imperium is the epic space opera of the board game world, where fantasy meets science fiction in a game that’s as big as the galaxy itself. With a playtime longer than a Peter Jackson’s movie marathon, it demands commitment. It’s about diplomacy, warfare, trade, and politics, and we loved every moment, making alliances and breaking them just as fast. We ended up creating space lore and diplomacy as we competed for galactic domination. Keep your snack supply ready, because this game is a marathon, not a sprint. If you’re ready to dedicate a day to strategy and negotiation, this is your go-to game.
5 Eldritch Horror
If you appreciate a bit of Lovecraftian fantasy mixed with mystery and suspense, Eldritch Horror is your ticket. This game challenges you to solve mysteries around the world while preventing cosmic horrors from taking over. Picture a road trip from hell, only you’re trying to save the world. We found ourselves racing against time, and despite our bravado, there were real moments of tension and panic that had us scrambling for solutions. The cooperative nature means it’s you against the game, making every victory feel like a triumph against madness. Perfect for a group that loves a challenge and isn’t afraid of the dark.
4 7 Wonders
While not your typical fantasy game, 7 Wonders adds a historical twist to the fantasy genre, asking players to build civilizations to stand the test of time. It’s like Civilization but in a fantasy setting where you can win with a giant statue or by making friends. The card drafting mechanics make it a hit among our group, as it keeps the pace fast and decisions crucial. As a gateway game into the world of strategy, it doesn’t overwhelm but still delivers that feeling of building something great. We loved watching our civilizations grow, albeit with the odd coup or two!
3 Clank!
Clank! blends deck-building with fantasy dungeon-delving in a way that had us hooked from the start. It’s like sneaking into a dragon’s lair with a deck of cards hoping it doesn’t hear you slip. This game offers a fast-paced, fun-filled fantasy experience where stealing treasure feels like a heist movie. Our group had players sneaking around, trying not to make too much noise, only for one unlucky adventurer to slip and bring a dragon’s wrath upon us. The thrill of the heist and the tension of getting caught makes Clank! a game we frequently return to.
2 Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
For those who have ever dreamed of exploring Middle-earth, this is your chance. Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth takes you on adventures alongside familiar characters from Tolkien’s world. It’s like bringing the fantasy books to life on your table. The app integration adds a level of storytelling and unpredictability that had us feeling like true adventurers. We loved facing the challenges and decisions that impacted the story, all while enjoying the nostalgia of the fantasy realm. If you’re a fan of cooperative storytelling, this epic journey is an absolute must for your collection.
1 Kingdom Death: Monster
Kingdom Death: Monster is not just a game; it’s an experience. As intense as a fantasy game gets, it combines cooperative gameplay with survival horror. Picture a world where every decision could end up with your settlement being eaten by monsters. It’s as brutal as it sounds and equally rewarding. We found ourselves completely immersed, battling nightmarish creatures and managing resources in desperation. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you crave rich storytelling and don’t mind jumping out of your skin, this is it. In our group, it’s known for turning friends into heroes or, occasionally, a gourmet monster meal.
