10 Board Games That Are Newer Than You Think
Other|Board/Card Games

10 Board Games That Are Newer Than You Think

Ruby Holland
Updated April 30, 2025 10 items

Board games have a timeless charm, often evoking memories of childhood or classic family gatherings. But some of the most beloved games on your shelf are surprisingly recent creations, born in an era of smartphones and streaming. 

Fueled by a modern board game renaissance, driven by crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and a surge in designer creativity, these games feel like they’ve been around forever despite their relatively young age. Here’s a list of board games that are newer than you might expect, each making a mark with innovative mechanics and widespread appeal.

  • Catan (1995)

    Catan (1995)

    You might assume Catan, formerly Settlers of Catan, hails from the era of Monopoly, but this resource-trading classic debuted in 1995. Designed by Klaus Teuber, it revolutionized board gaming with its accessible yet strategic blend of trading, building, and hexagonal board play. Its global success - over 40 million copies sold by 2023 - makes it feel like a decades-old staple, but it’s younger than the internet browser.

  • Ticket to Ride (2004)

    Ticket to Ride (2004)

    Ticket to Ride feels like a train-themed classic that’s been chugging along for ages, but it first hit tabletops in 2004. Created by Alan R. Moon, this cross-country route-building game won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award for its simple rules and engaging strategy. With over 18 million copies sold and countless expansions, its widespread presence in game nights masks its early-2000s origin.

  • Pandemic (2008)

    Pandemic (2008)

    Pandemic’s cooperative race to save the world from disease outbreaks feels like a timeless concept, but it was released in 2008 by Matt Leacock. Its rise during the 2010s, especially post-2020 when real-world pandemics made it eerily relevant, gives it a classic aura. Selling over 2 million copies, its innovative teamwork mechanics make it seem older than its mid-2000s debut.

  • Wingspan (2019)

    Wingspan (2019)

    Wingspan, with its charming bird-themed engine-building, seems like it could’ve been a niche classic for decades, but it soared onto the scene in 2019. Designed by Elizabeth Hargrave, it won the 2019 Spiel des Jahres for its blend of strategy and accessibility. Its rapid rise- over 2 million copies sold by 2024 - makes it a modern hit that feels deceptively seasoned.

  • Azul (2017)

    Azul (2017)

    Azul’s elegant tile-laying and abstract strategy evoke the feel of ancient board games, but it was crafted in 2017 by Michael Kiesling. Inspired by Portuguese tiles, it won multiple awards for its approachable yet deep gameplay. With over 1.5 million copies sold, its polished design and universal appeal make it seem like a much older fixture in the gaming world.

  • 7 Wonders (2010)

    7 Wonders (2010)

    7 Wonders, with its civilization-building and card-drafting mechanics, feels like a game that could’ve been played in ancient times, but it debuted in 2010. Designed by Antoine Bauza, it won the Kennerspiel des Jahres for its scalable complexity, supporting 2-7 players. Over 1 million copies sold and its staple status in game groups make it seem far older than its mid-2000s roots.