Sure, we are living in 2024 and video games have never been more complex, more attractive, or well just better than anything that has come before. But, you know what? That doesn’t mean that board games have nothing left to offer and actually, playing board games may even enhance your life as a video gamer.
That being the case, let’s take a look at 10 board games every video gamer should play.
1. Gloomhaven
If you’re a fan of RPGs like The Witcher or Skyrim, then Gloomhaven is the board game for you, and in fact, it’s less of a board game and more of an experience. Sprawling and co-operative in nature, this game will take you through ah an epic fantasy campaign filled with dungeons, monsters, and loot. It’s basically your favorite RPG, but you have to use your imagination instead of having a programmer create your fantasy vision for you!
The game’s complexity is part of its charm. With over 95 scenarios, a branching storyline, and tons of character customization, Gloomhaven will keep you engaged for countless hours, and you’ll love every second.
2. Pandemic
Pandemic is a board game that you are probably well aware of as it is one of those board games that really elevated the medium and made lots of new fans of the genre. It’s a bit like Civilization or Starcraft, so if you are a fan of strategy games, it should be right up your alley.
Its premise is a simple one – you and your team are disease control specialists trying to stop global outbreaks. Each player has a unique role, and you must work together to cure diseases before they spread out of control.
In this game, every choice matters, so you’re sure to be gripped from start to finish.
3. Terraforming Mars
If you love sci-fi video games such as No Man’s Sky or Mass Effect, then Terraforming Mars is one board game that you are sure to get along with. It’s a game that sees you take the role of a corporation who has been tasked with transforming the harsh environment that is Mars into a place that could be inhabited by humans. In order to do so, you’ll need to manage the resources available to you as effectively as possible, and build infrastructure as you bid to beat out your rivals to be the best terraformer on Mars.
Complex and rich in detail, this is one game you won’t want to pass up.
4. Catan (formerly The Settlers of Catan)
If you’ve ever played Age of Empires or SimCity, you’ll feel right at home with Catan. This classic board game is all about building settlements, trading resources, and expanding your empire on the island of Catan. The goal is to gather resources like wood, brick, and wheat to construct roads, cities, and settlements—while also outsmarting your opponents.
What makes Catan so compelling is its mix of strategy, negotiation, and a little bit of luck. Just like in video games, you’ll need to adapt your strategy based on the resources you have and the actions of other players. Will you trade with your friends, or will you hoard your resources and cut off their supply lines? The choice is yours, and every game plays out differently, making Catan endlessly replayable.
5. Carcassonne
For fans of world-building games like Minecraft or Cities: Skylines, Carcassonne is a must-try. In this tile-placement game, you’ll take turns creating a medieval landscape by placing tiles that represent cities, roads, fields, and monasteries. As you build the world, you’ll also deploy your followers (known as Meeples) to claim different areas and score points.
Carcassonne is deceptively simple but offers deep strategic gameplay. Much like building in Minecraft, every tile you place can dramatically change the outcome of the game. Do you complete a city for points, extend a road, or block your opponent’s progress? The game rewards creative thinking and careful planning, and it’s just as satisfying as seeing your virtual worlds come to life.
6. Chess
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the OG of strategy games—Chess. If you love tactical video games like XCOM or Fire Emblem, then you should definitely give Chess a go. This ancient game has stood the test of time for a reason: it’s the ultimate test of strategy, foresight, and mind games, and you can even play chess online if you don’t have a board to hand!
Chess is all about thinking several moves ahead, predicting your opponent’s actions, and setting traps. It’s the kind of game that gets better the more you play, as you develop your own strategies and learn the nuances of each piece. And while it may not have flashy graphics or epic cutscenes, Chess offers a level of mental challenge that few video games can match.
7. Risk
If you’re the kind of gamer who enjoys global domination in video games like Total War or Civilization, then Risk is your go-to board game. In Risk, you’re a military commander aiming to conquer the world, one territory at a time. You’ll deploy armies, fortify your borders, and wage war against your opponents—all in a quest for world supremacy.
Much like in your favorite strategy games, Risk requires careful planning, calculated risks, and a little bit of luck. Every battle is a test of your tactical prowess, and every victory brings you one step closer to total domination. Just be prepared—Risk is known for turning friends into frenemies as alliances are formed and broken on the battlefield.
8. Ticket to Ride
If you enjoy the satisfaction of building and connecting in video games like RollerCoaster Tycoon or Transport Tycoon, then Ticket to Ride is a board game you’ll love. The goal of Ticket to Ride is to build railway routes across a map, connecting cities and completing tickets for points. It’s simple to learn but offers plenty of depth as you strategize to claim the best routes and block your opponents.
The game is a perfect blend of strategy and competition, with a bit of luck thrown in for good measure. Just like in your favorite simulation games, you’ll need to think ahead and adapt your plans based on the moves of other players. Plus, there’s something uniquely satisfying about completing a long, cross-country route and seeing your network of trains stretch across the board.
9. Betrayal at House on the Hill
If you’re into horror games like Resident Evil or Dead by Daylight, then Betrayal at House on the Hill is the board game you need to play. In this game, you and your fellow players explore a creepy old mansion, uncovering its secrets and facing the horrors that lurk within. The twist? Halfway through the game, one player becomes the traitor, turning against the others in a battle for survival.
Betrayal at House on the Hill combines the suspense and unpredictability of your favorite horror games with a unique board game experience. The game’s modular board means that no two games are the same, and the traitor mechanic keeps everyone on their toes. If you love the thrill of the unknown and the excitement of a good scare, this game is a must-play.
10. Scythe
For fans of strategy games with a touch of steampunk, like Iron Harvest or Frostpunk, Scythe offers a rich and immersive board game experience. Set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe, Scythe combines resource management, area control, and combat in a beautifully crafted world. Players control factions with unique abilities, aiming to expand their territories, build powerful mechs, and achieve dominance.
Scythe is a game of strategy and foresight, where every decision counts. Do you focus on building up your economy, or do you go on the offensive? The game’s blend of strategy, combat, and resource management will appeal to any gamer who enjoys deep, thoughtful gameplay.
Time to get the board games out!
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