Best 12 Fantasy Board Games of 2024 Reviewed
Embark on a journey through enchantment with our top 12 fantasy board games! When picking games for this list, we focus on immersive storytelling, art that sparks imagination, and mechanics that keep all players engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re questing through magical lands or building mystical empires, these games promise epic adventures and unforgettable moments with your friends. We’ve played each one ourselves, sometimes late into the night, and can assure you that they deliver on fantastic excitement. So gather your party and roll for initiative as we uncover the best fantasy board games to add to your collection!
On this list:
12 Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a game that offers a massive, intriguing adventure. With tactical combat and an evolving story-line, it feels like a fantasy epic every time you play. Our group found its character development and decision-making very engaging, and the replayability is excellent. Each player becomes their character, which makes you feel part of the story rather than just moving pieces on a board. It’s a game that requires commitment, but it’s worth it for those who love thick plots and strategic thinking.
11 Mage Knight Board Game
Mage Knight is where fantasy meets strategy on a grand scale. It’s a heavier board game, perfect for those who want a deeper dive into strategic conquest. We enjoyed the challenge it provides, and despite its complexity, it’s rewarding when you see your plans come together. The game beautifully blends exploration, combat, and character development. Just like a sorcerer building their skill, you’ll find yourself becoming more adept with each game you play. It’s a solo and cooperative adventure worth embarking on.
10 Talisman: The Magical Quest Game
Talisman is a classic fantasy board game that keeps the spirit of adventure alive. It has been around for years, and there’s a reason for its enduring popularity. The game is simple to learn, with a focus on exploration and a touch of luck. Our friends loved the lighthearted questing and fantasy elements. Whether you’re casting spells, battling monsters, or just trying to find the best treasures, Talisman offers a charming experience for fantasy lovers.
9 Descent: Journeys in the Dark (Second Edition)
Descent: Journeys in the Dark brings dungeon-crawling to your table with thrilling cooperative gameplay in a fantasy setting. Our group enjoyed its combination of storytelling and tactical combat. As heroes, you work together to accomplish missions, fostering teamwork and planning. The overlord player adds an unpredictable twist, constantly changing the dynamic and keeping the heroes on their toes. Its miniatures and components add to the immersive experience, making you feel like you’re part of a fantasy movie.
8 Above and Below
Above and Below offers a unique blend of city-building and storytelling. Our sessions were filled with laughter as we explored the world above and ventured into the caverns below. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a lighter fantasy board game with a narrative twist. The game combines resource management with an adventure storybook, offering a refreshing change from standard Euro games. Each tale you uncover adds to the charm of your sheltered village.
7 Dungeon Petz
Dungeon Petz offers a whimsical twist on the fantasy genre by having players manage pet shops filled with colorful creatures. It’s lighthearted, yet offers enough strategy to keep seasoned gamers engaged. Our group loved nurturing and breeding these unique beasts, balancing their needs and training them for competitions. It’s a game with a good mix of humor and brain-bending decisions, making each play session both playful and challenging in its fantasy setting.
6 Small World
Small World is a fantastic introduction to fantasy board games, combining easy mechanics with strategic depth. We had some epic battles and alliances, leading to hilarious moments. It’s an area control game where players vie for dominance with quirky fantasy races. What we love is the constant change; as races rise and fall, you have to adapt to new strategies. This game is perfect for those who want quick fantasy action without long rules.
5 Lords of Waterdeep
Lords of Waterdeep brings the world of Dungeons & Dragons into a board game format with worker placement mechanics. Our sessions were full of plotting and intrigue as we schemed to complete quests for victory. The game offers a great balance of strategy and accessibility, making it a hit with both new and seasoned players. It captures the essence of fantasy adventure in a structured, engaging way, ensuring every game night is different.
4 Root
Root is a game of woodland might and right, featuring anthropomorphic characters in a battle for control of the forest. Each faction has unique abilities, creating a dynamic strategy experience. We were drawn in by its beautiful art and the complexity that comes with its asymmetric design. The fantasy theme is charmingly woven into the gameplay, making every game feel like a new adventure. It’s a game that rewards repeated play as you master each faction’s style.
3 Blood Rage
Blood Rage is a mythical Viking adventure with a twist of Norse mythology. It offers players the thrill of conquest with strategic planning and monster-filled battles. The combat system is thrilling, and the game’s pace keeps the adrenaline flowing. We absolutely loved the deep immersion of its fantasy world, from the detailed minis to the thematic artwork. It’s a game that keeps players engaged and coming back for more battles in the quest for glory.
2 Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu
Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu twists the classic cooperative game into a Lovecraftian horror setting. It combines the frantic feeling of a pandemic with the eerie world of Cthulhu. We enjoyed the strategic cooperation needed to fend off ancient terrors. The game’s theme pulls you into a fantasy horror environment, providing a thrilling experience as you race against time to save the world. It’s perfect for fans of both the original Pandemic game and those who love a good fantasy horror.
1 Scythe
Scythe combines alternate history with fantasy in a visually stunning game of strategy and engine building. Set in a period after the Great War, its mix of combat, economy, and exploration kept our group playing long into the night. The artwork and miniatures are beautiful, immersing players in its rich world. The game mechanics allow for multiple paths to victory, adding to its replayability. Scythe’s depth and balance make it a top choice for those looking for strategic fantasy with a twist.
0 The Castles of Burgundy
The Castles of Burgundy, a classic in the euro-style fantasy genre, stands out for its strategic depth and engaging play. We chose this game as the best because of its balance between luck and strategy, its replayability, and the satisfaction of developing your province. Our group enjoyed placing tiles and completing strategies while dealing with ever-evolving challenges. It’s a game that keeps you thinking without overwhelming complexity, making it the best blend of strategy and fun for fantasy enthusiasts.
