The last few years have reminded people that board games are one of the best ways to spend time with friends and future enemies. Sadly, board games aren’t the cheapest pastime, so it’s best to pick something with both replay value and mass appeal.
So let’s look at ten board games that will appeal to pretty much anyone.
Monopoly
Whenever you ask people born in the ’80s or ’90s about their best memories playing board games, chances are they’ll remember dominating a random game ofMonopoly. This game is basically a get-rich simulator and will make you feel smart and deserving of said riches.
On top of being a great game, Monopolyalso provides an excellent lesson in how capitalism sucks. Yeah, despite passing as praise for the current system,Monopolyshowcases how everything is fun and games while everyone has a fighting chance, but also how everything goes down the drain when one player inevitably hoards all the money and property.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolfbrings a welcome twist to the Werewolf formula. You no longer need a storyteller, as a companion mobile app will do that job and allow everyone to have a special role in the game.
Also, no more games that will go on for way too long, as, just like the title states, everything will be done in one night. Say goodbye to the frustration ofalmost winningafter trying to convince your friends you were a good guy for an hour. All in all,One NightWerewolfprovides a great alternative to the classic game — and doesn’t prevent you from using the cards to set up a game of the classic if that’s more your thing.
Whether or not you love the classic Werewolf or Mafia game, you should giveOne Night Ultimate Werewolfa shot.
Scrabble
If you’re reading this, there’s a very high probability that you like words, so the most famous wordplay board game ever is a no-brainer.
Make use of the letters at your disposal to make words and earn points. It’s that simple. Still, Scrabble has been a mainstay at the top of the board game pile for so long because its random design prevents you from ever playing the same game more than once. Scrabble remains incredibly fun even when someone cheats, as few things beat the joy of telling a friend that “xxxavier” isn’t a real world.
Battleship
War is a part of our history that we cannot get rid of, so we might as well enact it in the least violent and funniest way possible. I’m willing to change my mind, but right now the best way to achieve that is throughBattleship, the game where two friends or enemies take turns going head to head while guessing the position of each ship of the enemy’s navy.
If you ever feel likeBattleship’sability to remain fun is starting to run dry, consider replacing the ships with shot glasses. Don’t care about alcohol? Even better — you can fill the glasses with the spicy sauce of your choice. Happy warring.
Clue(do)
Ever wanted to flex your detective abilities on your colleagues? WithClue(orCluedooutside of the US), you can do so without interfering with an actual criminal investigation. As expected,Cluehas players gathering all the clues or relying on their gut (guesswork) to find out who the murderer is. It’s extremely fun, as the game is designed so that everyone remains close enough to the truth to remain competitive till the end.
Cluedo’s only downside is that it might get a bit same-old at some point, but it remains the best detective experience in video game format until it does.
Pandemic
Unlike most other games on this list,Pandemicprovides a cooperative experience where you and your friends unite in the hopes of preventing a Pandemic from eradicating humankind. Honestly, it’s one of the most enthralling games ever made.
Pandemicis one of the most recent board games on this list, but it’s unlikely to exit the top ranks anytime soon. It’s no accident, though, asPandemicbecame a huge thing even before, well, you know what. It has since spawned a number of highly successful expansions, as well.
Catan
Catanis all about expanding on its peculiarly shaped landmass faster and better than your opponents. If that sounds simple, that’s because it is, but it’s in no way a detractor from the game.Catan, like most great games, is easy to learn, hard to master, and guaranteed to provide fun every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a game where you can win by conquering the world (of the game) by non-violent means, thenCatanis the game for you.
Gloomhaven
Do you loveDungeons & Dragons, or happen to like the idea, but find the original game missing something? Then perhapsGloomhavenis the game for you. If you want the adventure, but not the roleplay elements, thenGloomhaven‘s co-op take on tactical combat might be your game forever. Yes, forever, as the daunting and pretty pricey box isn’t just for show.
Gloomhavenholds hundreds if not thousands of hours worth of rich gameplay for anyone looking to team up with their friends to go on a monster murderin’ spree.
Blood On The Clocktower
If you are into social deduction games, betrayal, and murder thenBlood On The Clocktoweris the game for you. Launched in 2022 after a successful Kickstarter,BotCdared to expand upon the potential ofWerewolfto create the best and most complex social deduction board game in existence.
It’s a bit expensive, but there’s nothing better if you’re looking into enjoying a complex adventure filled with drama and tension among friends.
Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birminghamis currently the highest-rated game on Boardgamegeek dot com, and there’s a good reason why. It’s one of the most complex and enthralling games about surviving, building, and growing your business in the incredibly competitive times of England’s industrial revolution.
If you find yourself lovingBrass: Birminghamso much you hate needing to find people to play it with IRL, then you’ll be pleased to know it also exists onPC, via Steam.
