The 150+ Best Board Games of All Time
Board games are the unsung heroes of fun nights in. They have this magical way of transforming a regular evening into a battleground of strategy, wit, and a whole lot of laughs. Whether you're the kind who plans three moves ahead or you're just there for the snacks and the chance to claim victory over your friends and family, the best board games of all time have got you covered. This list isn't just thrown together; it's a carefully curated collection of the champions of the board game world. From those games that have you plotting like a master tactician to the ones that are all about bringing people together, these are the best board games of all time for anyone and everyone to enjoy.
Take for instance, the railway adventure Ticket to Ride. It's a journey that captures the spirit of historical train travel, drawing players into a world where every move can tip the scales between triumph and defeat. It strikes that rare balance, easy enough for newcomers to grasp quickly, yet rich in strategic layers for those craving deeper gameplay.
Not to be outdone, Settlers of Catan has practically become the poster child for the board game revolution. With its mix of resource management and tactical expansion, it's no wonder this game keeps players coming back, eager to outsmart and out-build their opponents on the path to victory.
And let's not forget Pandemic, the cooperative game where saving humanity from a global crisis is the order of the day. Its blend of teamwork and nail-biting tension has secured its place as more than just a game, but a harrowing and immersive experience.
These games stand as iconic pillars in the world of board gaming, timeless favorites that continue to win over new legions of fans, and for good reason. Their enduring appeal and tested quality make them beloved by players across the globe, securing their spots on this list of all-time greats. Below, find the best board games of all time and help contribute to this list by voting for your favorites.
Fans love the perfect balance of strategy and luck in Settlers of Catan. Players collect resources, build settlements and cities, and trade with each other to become the dominant force on the island. With a dynamic board that changes every game and endless possibilities for gameplay, it’s no wonder Settlers of Catan has become a classic.
Also ranks #1 on The Most Popular Family Board Games Right Now- Also ranks #1 on The Best Board Games for 4 People
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Strategy Board Games
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Players collect and play train cards to build routes across the United States in Ticket to Ride. With easy-to-learn rules, colorful components, and endless replayability, fans love how Ticket to Ride is both approachable for newcomers to the hobby and deep enough to keep veterans engaged.
- Also ranks #1 on The 15 Best Board Games For Adults, Ranked By Table Top Fanatics
- Also ranks #2 on The Best Board Games for 4 People
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Strategy Board Games
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In Pandemic, players work cooperatively to stop the spread of deadly diseases across the globe. Fans love the challenge of coordinating with teammates to strategize and make the right moves in a race against time. With multiple difficulty levels and expansion sets, Pandemic is a game that keeps players coming back for more.
- Also ranks #1 on The Most Popular Cooperative Board Games
- Also ranks #3 on The Most Popular Family Board Games Right Now
- Also ranks #3 on The Best Board Games for 4 People
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The ultimate test of strategy and foresight, Chess has been played for centuries and has never lost its appeal. Players move pieces across the board in an effort to capture the opponent’s king, with endless possibilities for play and a rich history of famous matches and players. Chess is a timeless classic and an essential addition to any board game collection.
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- 1Searching for Bobby Fischer223 Votes
- 2Pawn Sacrifice130 Votes
- 3Queen of Katwe105 Votes
With a classic board and tiles, Scrabble has been a favorite of word game fans for decades. Players compete to make the highest-scoring words from a random set of letters, with strategy and vocabulary knowledge playing a pivotal role in success. Scrabble has become a household name and a must-play for any lover of word games.
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In Risk, players command armies and vie for global domination by conquering territories and eliminating opposing forces. With a focus on strategy and tactics, fans love the ability to customize the game by creating new maps or playing with different rule variations. Risk is a classic game of territorial conquest and one of the most enduring games in the genre.
- Also ranks #1 on 21 Extremely Long Board Games To Help Pass The Time While You’re Stuck Inside
- Also ranks #2 on The Best War Board Games Of All Time
- Also ranks #2 on Board Games Most Likely To End Friendships
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