Top 7 Best Cottage Industry Board Games of 2024
Hey folks, Jamie here! Today, we’re gettin’ cozy with some board game magic focused on the quaint charm of the cottage industry. When we picked our top 7, we didn’t just throw darts at a board. Nope, we looked for games that capture the essence of running a small yet mighty business. From winemaking to fashion design, these picks will have you channeling your inner artisan. We made sure each game offers a unique spin on the cottage industry theme, promising hours of fun and strategic depth. So, grab your tools of the trade, and let’s explore these gems together!
On this list:
7 Viticulture
Kicking off our list, we’ve got Viticulture, where you’re running your own vineyard. Talk about cottage industry charm! We spent hours deciding which vines to plant, hiring workers, and selling wine. It feels like running a small, cozy business, and the theme is soaked into every piece of the game.
6 Agricola
Next up, we tackled Agricola, where you’re a farmer building up your homestead. It screams cottage industry with a side of sheep. Balancing farming with family growth made us laugh and think. It’s a classic that shows how rich and rewarding managing a small-scale operation can be.
5 Le Havre
In Le Havre, you’re developing your own shipping industry. It’s like cottage industry, but with boats. We found ourselves eagerly trading goods and building ships. The game’s depth comes from choosing whether to go big or focus on small, efficient operations. It’s a blast for anyone who loves strategy.
4 At the Gates of Loyang
At the Gates of Loyang plunges you into the world of Chinese farming, a true cottage industry. Trading veggies and satisfying customers has never been so fun. We were all charmed by the strategic depth and the push-and-pull of trying to be the most successful farmer.
3 Fields of Arle
Fields of Arle is for those who dream of managing their own farm and producing goods. Every choice felt like it mattered, whether we were deciding to clear land or what goods to produce. It perfectly captures the essence of a cottage industry in game form.
2 Rococo
Rococo lets you run a tailor shop in the 18th century, making fancy dresses for a ball. It’s cottage industry meets high fashion. We laughed over fabric choices and raced to dress the most prestigious guests. It’s as strategic as it is thematic, a real gem for those who like planning and laughing.
1 The Gallerist
And here we are at the top of our list, The Gallerist. This isn’t just about playing a game; it’s about immersing yourself in the world of art dealing and gallery management, the epitome of a cottage industry. We debated, strategized, and even backstabbed a little to become the most influential gallerists. The reason it’s the best? It combines deep, engaging gameplay with a strong theme, making every decision critical and every playthrough unique. A masterpiece.
