In this review article we’ll be covering the best tabletop RPG board games! From fantasy to sci-fi, horror and even pirates; there’s a roleplaying board game for every theme you could imagine. Here is an overall view of the games we’re looking at:

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Tabletop board game history

Full Reviews

Best RPGs Review Table:

Best Table Top RPGs	Box Cover	Review	Get it Here
Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition		Gold standard of tabletop RPGs, can’t go wrong with D&D.	Check the price here! #ad
StarWars: Force & Destiny		Best sci-fi rpg game on the list, StarWars is a classic and playing it as a pen and paper RPG RULES!	Check the price here! #ad
Pathfinder		Another one of the greats, up there with D&D – just differences in the expansions and classes/characters.	Check the price here! #ad
Mouse Guard		Did you say mice with swords? Yes please! What a unique and creative RPG. Great child-friendly game.	Check the price here! #ad
Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok		Good tactical solo and team RPG based on Norse mythology. Great for the viking lover!	Check the price here! #ad
Firefly		Based off the TV series, great for those with no roleplaying experience who want to play a sci-fi RPG.	Check the price here! #ad
Fiasco		Best RPG that requires NO game master!	Check the price here! #ad
Dungeon World		Marketed as “light-weight” D&D. Great intro for those wanting to get into RPGs without much experience, or those playing with kids.	Check the price here! #ad
13th Age		I like the fast-paced combat that zips around Pathfinder and D&D. Great dragon-based world RPG.	Check the price here! #ad
Mutants & Masterminds		A cool D20 based superhero and villan RPG! Includes a ton of pre-made adventures and ideas.	Check the price here! #ad
Dread		Horror based RPG with jenga built in? Preserve the tower or bring it down on your party.	Check the price here! #ad
7th Sea		Great pirate RPG that was completely crowd funded – must be good!	Check the price here! #ad
Call of Cthulu		Aged to perfection 7th edition sci-fi/horror RPG great for novices and pros alike.	Check the price here! #ad

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Before getting too deep into individual game reviews

Where it all started:

When Dungeons and Dragons was released in 1974 a revolution was sparked in the RPG arena. More than 40 years later the genre is as popular as ever, but now there is so much choice it’s almost overwhelming to know where to look first.

Immersing yourself into a story-line where you can interact with your friends is a great way for game players to pass the time. For those who are nervous at trying out this format for the first time, there is absolutely nothing to be worried about. Times have changed, and role playing has finally shaken off the nerdy tag it was once stuck with. Whether you’re on an adventure in space, or battling goblins in some far-off fantasy land, it doesn’t matter where you are, because it’s incredibly fun. Hours spent in a social setting, losing yourself from reality; solving problems creatively as a team.

The whole idea of roleplaying games is that you can be whoever you want to be. The possibilities are endless. Create your own world, and backstory to your character.

Maybe your talents lie in storytelling. Games Masters mostly use a pre-made adventure where nearly everything is done for you, but you must be able to produce dialogue for the many characters that the adventurers meet on their journey.

For gamers who don’t consider themselves overtly vocal, this is an ideal opportunity to improve your social skills among like-minded friends. This is something those solitary hours playing video games won’t do for you. There is a whole RPG community out there, waiting to be discovered. Local gaming groups are always great places to meet people looking for a game; perhaps you even have a game they’ve never played before.

For children, there are many benefits to learning how to role play. Overcoming shyness is a typical breakthrough. Being able to pretend they are somebody else gives a form of protection, which can make them feel less vulnerable, and once they perceive they are safe, coming out of their comfort zone becomes a lot easier.

Now that we’re done with the RPG review table and history lesson, we’ll take a closer look at each game listed to help you know which genre and style you really want to play:

Best Tabletop RPG Board Games

Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (4.5/5)

For Ages: 12+

What better place to start than with the game which started it all. Now onto the fifth edition since 1974, there is no better place to enter a world of adventure and imagination. The game comes with two different rule books for players and the Dungeon Master, and generic advice on how to run the game. Check out my review of the best dice sets you can find.

Recent reviews confirm that experienced players view this new edition as taking the best of all previous releases. The starter pack has the perfect amount of material for new players to introduce themselves to the format, without the full set of complicated rules which can overwhelm the novice. With many different expansions and rule books available the possibilities are endless, and are completely up to you. This is our pick for the best fantasy tabletop RPG.

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Star Wars: Force and Destiny (4/5)

For Ages: 13+

The best place for aspiring Jedis to begin their role-playing career. Star Wars: Force and Destiny comes with ready-made adventures and pre-made characters, so that within minutes from opening the box you can be firing up your lightsabers and getting into the action. This is our pick for the best sci-fi tabletop RPG.

There is a starter pack which gives you enough to learn the ropes, and once you are fully familiar with the gameplay you can immerse yourself into the complexities of the 448-page rule book, which provides detailed information about the Star Wars galaxy. More rules on character creation are provided to allow you that more personal touch for your adventures.

A separate Game Master kit is available; included are rules for full Jedi-Knight level play to take your Star Wars role-playing experience to the highest level.

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The Dresden Files: Vol. One Your Story (3.5/5)

For Ages: 13+

The Dresden Files offers a world full of magic and imagination, in a modern fantasy environment. First class game mechanics allow you to simulate your setting perfectly; the designers have done a great job in replicating the universe described in the Dresden Files books.

This game is at its best when you have a strong storyteller to act as the Games Master. It is actually leaning towards being as much a cooperative adventure as it is a role-playing game, but this just adds something different to the flavor. Two expansion packs are also available to further complicate the adventure, for those who need a little more to get their teeth into.

Experienced players are consistently rating this series as being firmly in their top five table top role-playing games, making it an outstanding addition to your collection.

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Pathfinder (4/5)

For Ages: 13+

One of the classic fantasy adventure games available today. Start off your adventure by creating your world with the beginner package which includes everything you need to begin. With more monsters and challenges than you can keep up with, this box set alone can provide you and your friends with countless hours of action packed fun; a great starting point.

Pathfinder is a rich and in-depth game which has an almost endless selection of add-ons to increase your options as you delve deeper and deeper into this magical fantasy world. The 576-page core rulebook is a complete standalone game in its own right, if you are confident with the genre and want to dive straight in.

An Advanced Player’s Guide and Bestiary are the perfect finishing touch, with many more books available to keep your fun fresh.

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Mouse Guard (4/5)

For Ages: 9+

Mice with swords you say? Don’t underestimate how good this game is, because from nine-year-old children, to the middle aged, the response has been truly amazing. From the minute you open the rulebook and see the fantastic artwork you will be amazed at the world you are about to enter.

Veterans of role-playing are testifying that the gameplay mechanics are better than almost everything out there.

In the world of Mouse Guard, the inhabitants are constantly under threat from predators, and so they form the Mouse Guard to fight off the intruders. The dedicated mice must patrol borders, and find safe paths through dangerous lands to keep their brethren safe.

This is a great choice to introduce your children to the world of role-playing. When you’re ready for more, there are separate adventures which can be purchased individually. Hours of fun for all your family.

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Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok (3.5/5)

For Ages: 12+

This original and interesting game is themed very similar to Norse mythology. Set in a post-apocalyptic world populated by Vikings, skalds, and witches, the sun and moon have been eaten, creating an eternal winter.

The rules are designed for 2-8 players, using mystical runes as the driving force behind the game mechanics. No dice are needed for this game whatsoever. Special powers, spells, and skills are all in here for characters to use as they battle through this deep and engaging world.

Team play and good strategy are rewarded in the tactical combat system which is easy to learn, but not so simple to master.

The core rule-book and add-on adventure books are full of stunning artwork, which won’t leave you disappointed.

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Firefly (3.5/5)

For Ages: 12+

Based on the popular Fox TV series, Firefly is a good choice for those with no previous role-playing experience.

The storyline branches out from elements of the series, allowing the players to expand on the universe they might already be familiar with. The game mechanics emphasize character interaction to further the story development.

Everything is included with the core rulebook to get your group started and ready to venture out into deep space. Planetary system, ship stats, and character archetypes are all covered in great detail.

The Games Master has more flexibility with how he controls the game in Firefly, compared to other RPGs. From assigning plot details to encourage player interaction, to preventing untimely deaths, there is so much that can be done in-game.

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Fiasco (4/5)

For Ages: 18+

Fiasco is an award-winning RPG with no Games Master required. A game where seemingly ordinary people are the stars of the action.

The idea is to play out ridiculous situations which don’t end well. Maybe greed, fear, and lust are where it all goes wrong. Who knows? People will die, and reputations will be destroyed; will anybody learn from their past mistakes?

The characters are usually people with excessive ambition, but poor impulse control, doing their best to avoid disastrous situations.

Designed to be played by 3-5 people, Fiasco is great fun for people with a creative imagination. Only a few hours are needed to complete a game, which has infinite repeatability. As much fun as you have time for.

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Dungeon World (4/5)

For Ages: 13+

Designed to be a light-weight Dungeons & Dragons, Dungeon World has done away with all the weightier game mechanics which can bog down the less frequent player. No reference book is needed as all the character data fits neatly onto a two-page character sheet.

The gameplay is more flexible and intense than other RPGs with similar scenarios, allowing for the Dungeon Master to be creative with plotting points and campaigns around the players. While many will recognize elements from D&D, on the whole this is a much watered down version that is much easier to understand.

3-5 players are required to play; some polyhedral dice, and a few hours spare time then you’re away.

All the classic player types are available; Paladins, Thieves, Clerics, Fighters, and Wizards, they’re all there. This is a great, if not one of the best tabletop RPG options due to the price point, ease of play, and availability. Hop right into the action!

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13th Age (3.5/5)

For Ages: 13+

Another game that has many similarities to Dungeons & Dragons, 13th Age isn’t any less complicated though. Adventurers of all the familiar races and classes are available, as elements from many lighter games are included to create a unique gaming experience.

Story-focused rules ensure that you have complete control on how your group wants to play. Adventurers are seeking their fortune in the Dragon Empire, and must ally with powerful characters known as Icons to help them prevent the empire from collapsing. They must also decide who they will oppose in order to lay the groundwork for an epic storyline.

Fast-paced combat rules help to keep the story moving along at a good pace, as you pursue your goals.

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Mutants & Masterminds (3.5/5)

For Ages: 12+

This is a superhero role-playing game brought to you by the d20 gaming system pioneers. A colourful core rulebook of almost 200 pages contains all you need to know to build your character exactly how you want.

Heavily stat based, there is an incredible amount of room for creativity, while still being easy to learn. Obviously more focused on the younger end of the market, there is plenty about this game which can satisfy adult players reminiscing about their comic book days.

More than 100 generic adventure ideas are included for the Games Master, with other fully written adventures available separately.

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Classified (3.5/5)

For Ages: 14+

Classified is a hark back to the cold war days of the 1980’s. Designed to be easily learned and played in a short period of time, this world of intrigue and espionage will suck you in quickly. Set in modern times with a retro feel, you will quickly find just how much fun being a secret agent is.

The Games Master will control the scene as you get involved in high-speed car chases, deal with undercover agents, and try to hack into enemy secret files. Everything about the spy genre is here.

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Dread (4/5)

For Ages: 16+

Dread is a horror themed table top RPG, one of the more rare varieties. The players take part in a mutual telling of a gruesome story, where somebody must make the kind of decisions that they pray they never have to make in real life. The characters are designed via a questionnaire given by the Games Master, so that they may be perfectly molded to the storyline in mind.

At the start the Games Master will give information to set the scene, as the players ask questions about their own characters. As the storyline unfolds, to decide between success and failure instead of dice being used, players remove a piece from a Jenga type tower. If the tower collapses then the player is removed from the game. Maybe you wish to be a martyr and sacrifice yourself by collapsing it deliberately? You can also refuse to remove a piece, in which case you fail at your action.

This is a good choice for experienced players who can stay in character to maintain a level of tension.

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7th Sea (4/5)

For Ages: 13+

Who has never imagined what it must have been like to live a life of adventure on the high seas. 7th Sea is the most-funded role-playing game in Kickstarter history, pulling in more than $1.3 million from around 11,000 donors. This fusion of swashbuckling action with a fantasy world brings a totally new flavour to table top role-playing.

Players are seeking their fortune on the high seas while searching for new lands in a world called Theah, which is very similar to 17th century Earth. There are users of magic to spice up the story as well.

This game is brand new for 2016, and with updates planned frequently throughout 2017 we can be sure that this is a series which will be popular with hardcore gamers for a long time to come.

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Call of Cthulhu (3.5/5)

For Ages: 14+

This is a game set in the world created by horror fiction writer H.P. Lovecraft. A world full of secrets, mysteries, and horror.

The players take on characters who investigate strange and weird places to uncover foul plots involving the terrors of the Cthulhu Mythos. There are plenty of monsters and occultists to fight against as you battle to save the world as we know it.

Now on the 7th edition, there are numerous add-ons to increase the possibilities, with many expanded rules for character creation, skills, occupation etc. A great choice for veterans and novices alike.

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Our Recommendation:

Even in such a list of great table top RPGs, Dungeons & Dragons stands out as something truly special. For the sake of enjoyment, we all like to change the scene from time to time, but in terms of sheer quality, a game which has been improved and refined over 42 years is going to be tough to beat.

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The complexity of the rules can be enough to put some players off, but there is a lot of scope for toning this down a little, adding new concepts for each new game can help to overcome this.

This is a true classic, more than deserving of such a word. Hopefully our guide to the best tabletop RPG board games was useful – if you play any other RPGs or cool systems and you’d like to share in the comments below we’d happily consider reviewing it :)!

In this article we’ll be reviewing the best solo board games that you can enjoy as a single player – never be bored again!

Full Reviews

How to choose a solo board game

Many games are at the top of the list for multiplayer board games, and can still be worthwhile to play single player. Heres a quick glance at the top 15 board games for solo play:

Top Choices

Best Solo Board Games	Box Cover	Review	Get it Here
Mage Knight		This combination of role-playing and deck building perfectly captures the Mage Knight universe into a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience.	Check the price here! #ad
Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island		Another shipwrecked on a desert island adventure in our top 15, Robinson Crusoe is an award-winning game, guaranteed to bring hours of pleasure to the solo gamer.	Check the price here! #ad
Imperial Settlers		Nominated for several awards, Imperial Settlers is a classic resource management game taking up to two hours to complete. Playable either solo or in a group.	Check the price here! #ad
Elder Sign		Take the role of an investigator attempting to seal the gates between this world and other dimensions.	Check the price here! #ad
Friday		Only taking around 30 minutes per game, players must help Robinson Crusoe fight against many different hazards to give him the best chance of survival.	Check the price here! #ad
RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940		This is a three games in one package. France has already fallen victim to the German armed forces, and all that stands between Germany and victory is Britain. The skies will be filled with fighters and bombers as you take control of one of the sides for history’s greatest air battle.	Check the price here! #ad
Hostage Negotiator		Hostage Negotiator is a game purposely designed for solo play. The player takes the role of a law enforcement agent negotiating the release of hostages taken by unscrupulous figure hell-bent on having his or her demands met.	Check the price here! #ad

So many options, which one to choose?

Sometimes you can’t get a good group of people over for a game night. Sometimes you don’t even have a friend with whom to chill. In that case, you could entertain and possibly challenge yourself awhile with some of the best solo board games of all time. If you’ve ever played a standard pc game like freecell, minesweeper, or solitaire, you know that even these solo card and board games have a strategy needed to be played to perfection.

So, what makes a decent solo board game? Maybe you want something almost meditative; not too taxing on the brain. Or perhaps something that really ties your brain in a knot is what you’re looking for. Possibly what you seek is a constant mix and match of what you think you know in a game that really switches things up each round.

To find the most rewarding gaming experience it is key to find the theme that piques your interest but is also challenging to the right extent. There’s a saying that failure is the the key to success, and that’s why one that can’t be beat every time (without considerable skill) will be the most engaging. It’s that stimulation and growth process that occurs from overcoming a difficult challenge that keeps gamers coming back for more.

Let’s dive into full reviews of the best solo board games!

Legendary Encounters: An Alien Deck Building Game (4.5/5)

For Ages: 17+

Based on the four Alien movies, this deck building game is quickly becoming a classic. Originally released as a two or more player game, it has rapidly become one of the most popular solo play games out there; nominated for several awards in its first year of release.

The player takes the role of a protagonist from the movie series such as Ripley, Dallas, Bishop, or Hicks, and recruits cards to improve on what they have in order to defeat the Xenomorph cards on the central board.

The game comes with more than 500 playable cards with fantastic original artwork on each of them. Setup time is longer than you find with similar games, but you will soon forget that when you lose yourself in the enjoyable gameplay. This is one of the best single player games due to the sheer replay value.

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Castaways (3.5/5)

For Ages: 12+

Castaways is a game designed for 1-4 players. Set on a desert island, you have been shipwrecked and must rely on your wits to survive until you can be rescued. First order of business is to build a camp from which you can move out from and explore the rest of the island. As you explore the interior you must search out the highest point from which you have a clear view of the ocean, and any passing ships. Only then do you have any chance of making it home alive.

To keep yourself alive in the meantime you must collect food, and wood to keep your campfire burning. Throughout the game players collect story points, and if there is a rescue then the player with the most points wins in a multi-player game. For solo play, you either make it home, or you don’t!

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Merkator (4/5)

For Ages: 12+

Set during the Thirty Years War in 1600’s Europe, Merkator is all about the merchant trading business in Hamburg. Different countries offer contracts to the player to keep a steady supply of varying goods moving along the supply chain. 1-4 players can play at any one time, but none of the enjoyment is lost playing alone.

This rich and absorbing game of management is perfect for those who really want to be made to think. Each player travels to different cities to collect goods or to fulfill an order. Every time you fulfil an order you will receive a more complex order in addition to the one you already completed, which can now be repeated indefinitely.

Players collect points for each order at the end of the game; these points can be exchanged during the game for special cards which give additional goods in certain cities, or extra victory points for fulfilling certain conditions before the end of the game. If you’re looking for one of the best solo management board games, don’t miss Merkator.

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Mage Knight (3.5/5)

For Ages: 14+

Mage Knight is a game of exploration and conquest. 1-4 players take the role of a Mage Knight in the Atlantean Empire, as they build their army to repel marauding invaders, and conquer new lands in the name of the mysterious Void council.

In a game of political intrigue, players must be constantly aware of their reputation, as they attempt to recruit new units to join their ranks. This combination of role-playing and deck building perfectly captures the Mage Knight universe into a thoroughly enjoyable gaming experience.

Mage Knight comes with 240 cards, 8 intricately painted miniatures, 196 tokens, 20 map tiles, 54 mana crystals, 7 mana dice, and 2 game mats.

Two different rulebooks are provided depending on whether you are playing solo or with a group. Fun to play as a group and definitely one of the best solo board games on the market.

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Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island (4/5)

For Ages: 14+

Another shipwrecked on a desert island adventure in our top 15, Robinson Crusoe is an award-winning game, guaranteed to bring hours of pleasure to the solo gamer. Playable by 1-4 players, each player take the role of one of the characters from the ship’s crew: cook, carpenter, explorer or soldier.

As you might expect, finding food and warm shelter is of the utmost importance. At this point any similarity to the Robinson Crusoe story quickly ends, as the mysterious adventure quickly begins.

Seven different scenarios are included with the game, providing you with different and more challenging ways to play. Maybe you fancy being a treasure hunter; or what about an exorcist?

No two games are the same as you face up to challenges such as fighting wild beasts, or protecting yourself from the weather. Using the hundreds of events cards you can lose yourself in this adventure for up to three hours, one of the best solo story board games.

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Imperial Settlers (4/5)

For Ages: 10+

Imperial Settlers is a card game where players take the role of one of the four major powers of the world: Romans, Barbarians, Egyptians or Japanese.

Expand your empire by producing new buildings, and sending your workers out to collect resources and acquire new skills. Strengthen your economy and military might by discovering mines and building barracks. Before long it becomes clear that there isn’t enough room in the world for everybody to live side by side in harmony, and so the war begins.

Nominated for several awards, Imperial Settlers is a classic resource management game taking up to two hours to complete. Playable either solo or in a group, it makes a great purchase as something which can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

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Race for the Galaxy: The Gathering Storm (4.5/5)

For Ages: 12+

Have you ever fancied building your galactic empire? If you have, then Race for the Galaxy is just what you’ve been looking for.

This is a card game with many different expansion packs, that takes around one hour to complete. Players select an action card each turn representing one of five possible turn phases, such as develop or explore. If no card for a particular phase is selected by any player, then that phase does not occur. As the game progresses players must settle on new worlds and collect bonuses in the name of victory points. The player at the end of the game with the most points is the winner.

For solo play The Gathering Storm expansion pack is needed, which includes a separate set of rules, requiring a different strategy to be successful from group play. In effect, it is the same game as for two players, but with a robot making choices via the rolling of dice.

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Elder Sign (3.5/5)

For Ages: 13+

Playable by 1-8 players, Elder Sign is a game which can give hours of enjoyment for you alone, or a large group. Players take the role of an investigator attempting to seal the gates between this world and other dimensions.

Set in 1926, the investigators must successfully complete adventures within a museum to locate the sinister symbols necessary to prevent the Ancient One from arriving on Earth and destroying what is left of humanity. Using a combination of cards and dice players explore each of the rooms until finally the Ancient One is sealed or awakens. If it awakens, then the players must prepare for battle. The chance of success if this outcome happens is designed to be low, so players must aim to avoid this at all costs.

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Pandemic: In the Lab Expansion Pack (4.5/5)

For Ages: 8+

One of the most popular board games on the planet right now, Pandemic has won numerous awards over the last eight years for the original package. The In the Lab expansion pack comes with a variation on the rules to allow solo play.

Nasty diseases have sprung up all over the world, and players must take the role of specialists fighting to stop the plague spreading. Each turn the players must travel between cities, give treatment, attempt to find a cure, or build more research stations.

Two decks of cards are used to provide the players with abilities, and to control the spread of infection. Sprinkled in one of them are “epidemic” cards which can spell disaster! Played either solo or in a group the aim is the same. Everybody works together for the same goal; win together or lose together. This is my pick for the best solo board game, even needing an expansion specifically to play it.

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Friday (4/5)

For Ages: 10+

Friday is a deck building game which can only ever be played solo. Only taking around 30 minutes per game, players must help Robinson Crusoe fight against many different hazards to give him the best chance of survival.

Robinson is represented by a deck of cards full of different behaviors, which must be improved upon. At the beginning, he is not skillful, but with each successful victory he will improve. Even when he is defeated he can shake off his bad habits.

Age is another factor; as time goes on Robinson becomes more and more clumsy, with accidents just waiting to happen. At the end of the game the player will use the finished deck to do battle with two evil pirate ships where victory will see Robinson finally escape from the island.

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Dawn of the Zeds (3.5/5)

For Ages: 13+

This solo or multi-player co-op game is the third edition of a classic victory point game. This action packed best seller is full of drama and theatre.

Some kind of disease or poison is turning the local population into zombies, threatening the future of the community. Players must fight back by killing the zeds (Zombie Epidemic Disease) and attempt to coordinate efforts to find a cure.

The contents of the game are beautifully crafted, with fantastic artwork on the board and all the cards. If you only ever buy one horror themed game, then this should be it. Even if you own a previous edition, the updates make this a worthy purchase. It is much improved version which keeps the tension right down until the end of play.

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Cruel Necessity – English Civil Wars (4/5)

For Ages: 13+

Cruel Necessity is a game of military, political, and religious struggle during the English Civil Wars. Representing parliament and the Puritans, the player must prevent four armies from marching on London to destroy all that is dear to you.

But it’s not just England; there are wars going on in Scotland and Ireland too. Three separate card decks are used to represent historical events from the past which could spell disaster for you.

Although the game is designed for solitaire play, it is also possible to play in a cooperative manner with friends; working out together how to best preserve and propagate the principles of the Enlightenment and Reformation.

The game’s title comes from a comment by Oliver Cromwell upon hearing of King Charles’ execution, and is an apt description of actions one must take to win what is one of the best solo war board games.

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RAF: The Battle of Britain 1940 (4.5/5)

For Ages: 12+

This is a three games in one package. France has already fallen victim to the German armed forces, and all that stands between Germany and victory is Britain. The skies will be filled with fighters and bombers as you take control of one of the sides for history’s greatest air battle.

RAF: Lion – The player takes the side of the Royal Air Force attempting to repel the German aircraft attacking Britain.

RAF: Eagle – This is a role reversal, with the player controlling the German Luftwaffe. There is as different game map provided to see things from a German perspective so the game plays out differently.

RAF: Two-Player – This is the head-to-head version where two friends can pit their wits against each other. A separate German planner is included to plan their raids secretly.

Spend as little as one hour for a single day raid, or up to 12 hours for a full campaign in what is possibly the best solo wargame.

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Historia (3.5/5)

For Ages: 14+

In this game history is made by you, as you guide your civilisation through 12,000 years of development. You will discover new technologies and expand to all corners of the globe. As you trade with your neighbors you will also develop your military capabilities to wage war with some of them. The possibilities are endless.

Players can build a wonder to make their civilisation stand tall among the rest of the world. There are many different ways to achieve victory points. When modern times have been reached, the game will end, and the player with the most points wins.

Historia takes around 30 minutes per player to play, with 1-6 players in any one game. For single player mode there is an A.I bot method included.

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Hostage Negotiator (4/5)

For Ages: 13+

Hostage Negotiator is a game purposely designed for solo play. The player takes the role of a law enforcement agent negotiating the release of hostages taken by unscrupulous figure hell-bent on having his or her demands met.

The game is turn based, with each turn representing a conversation between you and the hostage taker. Both cards and dice are used to introduce randomness into the gameplay. The aim is to increase the number of conversation points, decreasing the threat level, and ultimately releasing the hostages.

There are many different paths to victory. You can play it cool and hope to calm him down; maybe you will stall him long enough to send in a SWAT team for an extraction. It’s all down to you, and the hostages are relying on you alone.

Each game lasts about 20 minutes, and is full of exciting decisions from start to finish in one of the best solo strategy board games.

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Best Overall Board Game: Pandemic

In a list of such high-quality board games it’s always tough to pick my favourite, but one game does stand out as a winner. Although Pandemic requires both the game and an expansion pack to be played solitaire fashion, it comes recommended by thousands of customer reviews with barely a single complaint. You won’t be disappointed in the slightest with your purchase as it is in my opinion the best solo board game of all time.

 Check the price here! #ad

Hopefully our top 15 list of the best solo board games for single players has been helpful in your search – if you have a game that you’d like on the list let us know in the comments below and we’ll consider reviewing it!

In this article we’ll be reviewing some of the best trivia board games out there – iconic, old, new, and everything in between. A good healthy mix of trivia games will have something for everyone.

Top Choices

Best Trivia Board Games	Game	Review	Rating	Get it Here
Wits & Wagers		One of my favorite trivia game styles where you don’t need to know the answer to win. Great party game.	(4.5 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Smart Ass		Fun trivia game with a few penalty quirks and different cards. Great family trivia game.	(4 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Geek Out		Standard trivia game that’s category specific. Great for groups to compete for knowledge.	(3.5 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Trivial Pursuit		Probably the best trivia board game of all time, Trivial Pursuit. Tweak the rules a bit for a great time.	(4.5 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Timeline		Cool chronological order trivia game, place the events in the right order to win.	(4 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Bezzerwizzer		Great interactive trivia game with board game elements.	(4 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Gambit 7		Awesome entirely number based trivia game! Guess the closest answer and win.	(3.5 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Cranium		Variety trivia where you sculpt, guess, and act your way to victory. Awesome family party trivia game.	(4.5 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Pub Trivia		Great pub-like trivia variation, awesome party trivia game for rowdy groups.	(4.5 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad
Balderdash		My all time favorite trivia game where you can BS your way to victory, or just straight up know the answer.	(4.5 / 5)	Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Best Trivia Board Game Reviews

Trivia games are a great change of pace from those nail-biting family board game nights which grudges are formed over. Trivia games are in their own way competitive, but at the core everyone is competing with themselves to be able to blurt out the answer before the rest of em figure it out. Obviously reviewing in my opinion the top 10 best trivia board games we’ll encounter a lot of board games with twists so some might be more competitive and begrudge worthy than others! Let’s get into the list.

Wits & Wagers

3-7 players, 25 min play time, 10+

One of the most well known party/trivia friendship making and breaking games. The trivia game that lets you submit your own answer, and also bet on the other answers that come in. Play the odds, make educated guesses, and play to your friends strengths! If you think someone is particularly educated or knowledgeable for one of the specific questions – bet on them. A super fun game that lets anyone win, even if you don’t know the answer yourself.

It’s a really unique and competitive spin on trivia that doesn’t put you down in the dumps if you just don’t know that much about the topic. Do your best with the answer and piggyback on the real champ to earn your way to victory.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Smart Ass

2-8 Players, 30 min play time, 12+

Be the Smart Ass in your group – with four questions categories in Who Am I? Where Am I? What Am I? and Hard Ass! This 500 question game is formulated into several clues. The reader starts reading the card and the clues go from vague to more and more specific. The first one to yell out the answer wins so don’t wait too long! A fun game that rewards the quick and sharp, but eventually will let every round be solved with how much more specific the clues become.

The only trick is if you yell out the wrong answer, you have to wait until the next round to answer again! There are a few sneaky penalty cards, and the first one to land on the donkey’s butt is declared the “Smart Ass”.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Geek Out

2-Unlimited players, 30 min play time, 10+

Traditional pop culture trivia combined with a bidding element where other players can bid on your card to steal your action if they think they’ve got the answer locked down. This is a list style trivia game so you could be asked to list a certain number of things related to categories like comic books, fantasy, games, science fiction, or the miscellaneous category.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Trivial Pursuit

2-8 players, 90 min game, 12+

On it’s own, Trivial Pursuit is only a rule set that can be accompanied by any edition of the game: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, anything really! Each player gets a pie with 6 pie slices that fit into it. Collect your full pie and win the game! It’s board based so you move along by rolling a die and answering a question and possibly getting a piece of the pie depending on what space you land on. The rules DO seem a bit dated so here are some really great rule adjustments to make the game more enjoyable, and also a bit quicker since it tends to be a longer game.

• Mix and match question sets – load up as many different categories as possible to keep the game exciting
• Don’t worry about the cheese squares – any square can get you a cheese now as this is the one thing that makes games really long and un-exciting. Along this ruleset, if you land on a cheese space name a color in your opponents wheel, if you answer the question correctly then they lose that piece.
• Ditch the board and silly pies! Try this: Ask the player on your left a question from their category of choice – it has to be different from the category last asked, and the category they won last. If they get it right they keep the card as one point. If they get it wrong, it keeps going around the table until someone gets it right (other than the one asking the question of course). Repeat by having the person to the left of the previous question master do the same thing. Continue this until a set amount of points or until you’re all trivia’d out!

Considered a classic and probably one of the best trivia board games of all time – especially with the spicy rule mix-ups.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Timeline Series

2-8 players, 15 min game, age 8+

Timeline is a rule set, that is applied to a variety of category sets like inventions, historical events, discoveries, music & cinema, and way way more. At it’s core it’s a card game – you get dealt a set of cards and each of them depicts something from the category like an event, invention etc. and you need to place them in the proper order aka ‘timeline’. Players take turns placing cards from their hand into the row on the table, if it’s placed in the right spot it stays, if not the card is removed and the player must draw another card. The player to get rid of his entire hand first wins! This is a pretty standard trivia game based solely on dates and chronological order, it does have some variety in the other sets but it’s a pretty dry, classic, yet dry trivia game that needs to be included on this list for hardcore trivia doers.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Bezzerwizzer

2-4 players, 45 min, 14+

Danish game Bezzerwizzer translates to know-it-all – in this quiz game you’ll be answering from thousands of questions in 20 different categories. Draw category tiles from the bag and sort them on your player board according to your knowledge on the topics. If you know the answer to the category you’re the worst at, you get one point, if you answer the category that you’re the best at correctly, you get 4 points.

You get 3 other tokens, one Z and two B’s. With the Z token you can swap categories with another player, and the B tokens allow you to answer a question you think your opponents might not know. A quick and fun party game that’s easy to pick up with a few fun quirks that make it worth it to play over and over again.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Gambit 7

3-21 players, 15 minutes, 7+

I really love trivia games where you don’t have to know the answer to win – because they involve both a senseo of knowledge to answer the question correctly if you know it but also weighing the odds of the situation to guess who might have given the best answer! Similar to Wits and Wagers this is another party favorite with a twist – it’s only numerical values! So literally anyone can be right, or close, or you can bet on the one you think is the closest if you’ve blown your answer out of the water.

Quick, fun, easy to set up, and anyone can play. The one with the most points after 7 rounds wins! Set the round limit to whatever you like for a shorter or longer game :D.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Cranium

4-16 players, 60 mins, 13+

Another long game on the list, slightly shorter than Trivial Pursuit but still up there is Cranium. This is one of the more unique trivia games combining four quiz elements in Creative Cat, where you have to draw, sculpt, or even draw it with your eyes closed. Data Head which is a standard question category, Word Worm which involves a variety of word games to figure out the answer, and Star Performer where you act out, whistle, or sing to give clues for the answer.

This is essentially an amazing combination of standard trivia, charades, claymania, etc. – really fun in groups and it has a lot of variety and excitement which has made it a fan favorite over the years. Absolute blast as a party game.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Pub Trivia

any players, 60 mins, 12+

Pub Trivia makes it on the list for the sheer quality of the questions – this is no different than the trivia you’d experience in the pub where some half-assed comedian tries to make fun of the crowd whilst asking trivia questions and making sure there aren’t any cheaters on their smart phones. Here’s a classic style trivia game where one person will read out the questions while the rest are divided into teams and turn in their question cards at the end to see who takes it all. NO CHEATING!

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

Balderdash

2-6 players, 60 mins, 12+

Here’s my all-time favorite trivia game, a combination of trivia and bluffing makes this a sweet one for tight-knight groups that can mess with each other. One player reads a world aloud – the words are often not well known. If you know the definition you can write it, and if you don’t know it you can write one that you think could sound passable. After the entries are in, the word master reads all of the definition and everyone bets on which one they think is correct. You score points for guessing the right one, and you score points if people guess your card as well. Another great trivia game where you don’t have to know the right answer to win, and creativity/group assessment can reward you in points as well. Definitely a great one.

 Check it out on Amazon here #ad

What Makes a Trivia Game Good?

I guess this is the basis of the article, it comes down to the question what a trivia game the best trivia board game? For me it’s a few things, and we can break it down into these categories:

Play Length

Depending on the play group, the popularity lives and dies by the game length – especially if you only have a few hours to meet and want to get through several games. I think the ideal length for trivia games is around 20-30 minutes, especially considering that most standard trivia games have similar type questions so you don’t want it to become too repetitive like in the case of Trivial Pursuit. Which is why in the Trivial Pursuit section I have a few suggestions there to make the game shorter.

Category and Overall Variety

Sometimes when you sit down for a game of trivia you want to go after a specific topic maybe pop culture, sports, Lord of the Rings – this depends on the group again. If you have a diverse group a game that doesn’t have a topic like Balderdash, or a game where you don’t have to know the answer to win via betting on the best answer would be a suitable game. Cranium is also awesome in the sense of variety because you do more than just answer questions or make an educated guess on the right answer.

Content

Straight up some of the best trivia board games out there may just not appeal to you due to the question types and game style. Find what type of game you like most – do you want to be quizzed? Competitive? Or interact with your fellow players. These are all questions to answer to find the right trivia game for you.

Wrap Up

It’s hard to go wrong with any of the presented options on this list. They each are some of the best trivia board games in their own right, as they all have their own unique twists, categories, and content types. Some are more standard trivia games, where others are sneaky, and interactive. Choose the right one for your age group, select a good play time, and have a blast! I hope you enjoyed my take on the best trivia board games – make sure to check out some of our other articles on the site related to board games as well :)!

• Best strategy board games
• Best board games for kids or to play with your children

If you find yourself asking, what are the best strategy board games without wanting to spend hours researching – you’re in the right place! Check out our swift analysis and ranking of some of the most popular old and recent strategy board games!

Top Choices

Best Strategy Board Games	Image	Review	Get it Here
Chess		One of the world’s oldest and most famous strategy games.	Get a chess set from Amazon here #ad
Backgammon		A classic strategy game with a charming fusion of luck and skill.	Get a Backgammon set from Amazon here #ad
Risk		One of the best known modern strategy games, and one of the most frustrating games as well.	Get Risk from Amazon here #ad
Monopoly		A timless game worth pulling out on a rainy afternoon.	Get Monopoly from Amazon here #ad
Settlers of Catan		One of my personal favorite complex strategy games.	Get Settlers of Catan from Amazon here #ad
Pandemic		Less competitive but very enjoyable co-op strategy game.	Get Pandemic from Amazon here #ad
Game of Thrones Board Game		Very popular recent strategy war and politics strategy game.	Get the Game of Thrones Board Game from Amazon here #ad
Diplomacy		Great interpersonal strategy game with no luck involved.	Get Diplomacy from Amazon here #ad
Puerto Rico		Very fun strategic building/trading game with no luck involved – one of my favorites!	Get Puerto Rico from Amazon here #ad
Stratego		Simple yet addicting strategy game that sets everyone on equal footing in a game of deception.	Get Stratego from Amazon here #ad

Board games have been played since the dawn of civilization in Asia more than five thousand years ago. From the Chinese game of Go to the ancient Egyptian game of Senet.
Even in today’s predominantly digital world the pastime remains popular amongst both children and adults. The variety is endless, with something out there for everybody. While video games now comfortably outsell table top games we have also seen a bit of a boom since the turn of the millennium. More and more new games are being released onto the market, while the old classics are growing in popularity once more.

How to Pick the Best Strategy Board Games for You

The answer to this question is more complicated than it might seem at first glance. People are individuals and everybody will have a different list of priorities. That said, there are a few standard factors which we can analyse to determine if a particular game is a suitable choice.

One of the most important qualities of a game has to be the level of difficulty. If the game is solvable to a great extent then our interest can quickly wane away. Easy to learn, but hard to master is a great selling point for any game. Take for example Connect Four, and Chess. Mastery of Chess is a lifetime’s work, yet can be played by a four year old child. Connect Four on the other hand is much simpler to solve, and is far less interesting.

The luck factor is a point to consider when buying a game which will be played by both children and adults. A child can quickly become frustrated if every game ends with a loss. By introducing randomness into the rules the weaker player has a much greater chance of victory. This can be in many forms, the most obvious being through the use of dice.

The amount of natural variance in a game is something else which can kill interest in a game which on the surface looks incredibly fun. If the game plays out almost the same every time then people are going to become bored very quickly. Games which have a lot of luck factor tend to score well on this metric. Whether through dice or drawing cards at random the path of the game will have many different possibilities.

One aspect which very few people will ever consider is called the “King Maker” effect. If during a multi player game it is obvious that a certain player no longer has any reasonable hope of victory, but their actions for the remainder of the game have a large role in determining the winner, then the potential for conflict can be high. Many board gamers take what they do seriously, and accusations of any kind of ganging up will quickly ruin the fun atmosphere.

Finally, I want to mention elimination and waiting times. If you’re sat around waiting for too long then boredom can creep in. Some games have a process of elimination, which if happens early in the game can result in a player feeling left out for too long. Also if the game is playable by several people at the same time waiting times until your turn comes around again can make a game unsuitable for the more impatient gamers.

These points are by no means a complete list, but they should give you plenty to consider when choosing a suitable game for your needs.

Let’s take a look at a selection of ten of the best strategy board games out there!

Top 10 Best Strategy Board Games List

Chess

Number of Players: 2

For Ages: 4+

This game needs no introduction to anybody who plays board games to any degree. One of the world’s very oldest games still being played today, with more than an estimated six hundred million players at the very least.

It is a game of abstract strategy played by two players, using a clock to determine the length of the game in a competitive environment. Probably the best example I can think of for an activity which takes ten minutes to learn but a lifetime to master.

Two armies of white and black pieces take turns to move one of their pieces on a checkered board of sixty four squares with the ultimate aim to capture the opponent’s king, known as delivering “check mate.” The strategy is incredibly complicated with more different games possible than there are stars in the known universe.

I recommend this game for both adults and children. Children can learn many things from chess, such as responsibility for their own actions to personal qualities such as patience and self control. Memory is also something which can be seriously tested during a game, which can help a child learn about future planning and judgement in general.

Adults may appreciate the fact that this is a game with no luck involved. Chess is a game of complete information where you are pitting your intellect against your opponent. There is no place to hide, and nobody else to blame for your shortcomings.

In the internet age there is always somebody to play of your own level, with a rating system making it clear exactly where you stand, and a choice of time controls from thirty seconds per player, to games lasting over seven hours.

Backgammon

Number of Players: 2

For Ages: 7+

Another old classic, reputed to be over five thousand years old in various similar forms.

Backgammon is a deceptively simple fusion of skill and luck. It has a tremendously high variance factor due to the dice, but don’t let that fool you into underestimating just how much skill is involved.

The game is turn based with an aim of moving all your checkers around the twenty four “point” board, and then “bearing off” until one player has no checkers left on the board. Each turn a player rolls two dice determining his choices of moves. When moving checkers it is possible to “hit” your opponent’s lone checkers sending them back to the beginning, which makes it more than a pure race around the board. There is plenty of interaction between the players.

A large part of the beauty of this game is the possibility to win occasional games against a player of a much higher skill level, even if over the long run you expect to lose the majority.

The social aspect is also something which many players value when playing face to face. Whether you’re playing a friendly game on a table outside a cafe in the sunshine, or in a tournament hall competing for prize money.

Overall I would say Backgammon is an interesting game, but may be a little dry for some people’s tastes, but don’t forget it’s been around for such a long length of time for a reason.

Risk

Number of Players: 2-6

For Ages: 8+

Risk is one of the best known modern strategy board games. Played on a map of the world divided up into territories, the players use armies to take control of the continents for added bonuses, ultimately striving to achieve world domination with all other players being eliminated. Dice are used to simulate combat with a card based system partly used to control the addition of new armies to the board.

This is an incredibly popular game which owes much of its success to the balanced inclusion of luck and skill. Not only that but it is possible to deviate from the goal of world domination choosing instead to play one of several variations such as a secret missions style where players may have to destroy an army of a particular colour, or capture various specified territories. There are many different options.

Some drawbacks to the game are the elimination process where a player out of the game early may have a long wait until the next round. Also the playing time if six players are competing can run to several hours.

Younger players may have an interest in one of the themed versions available, such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and A Game of Thrones.

This is a quality choice, sure to be popular for a long time to come.

 Get Risk from Amazon here #ad

Monopoly

Number of Players: 2-6

For Ages: 8+

This is an all time classic being played by families around the kitchen table for more than eighty years. The rules are crystal clear making it easy for children to compete with adults on an equal footing. With the inclusion of dice and cards to introduce an element of chance this is another great choice for family entertainment.

Players move around the perimeter of the board landing on properties which they can purchase and then collect rent from other players who land on the same square on a later turn. Players with enough funds can add houses and hotels to any owned properties which increases the amount of rent charged.

As well as properties, some of the squares require the player to draw a card with either positive or negative consequences, as well as the famous “Go to jail” corner forcing a player to roll a double, pay a fine or miss three turns.

Once a player can not pay any debts due he is out of the game.

Some people say it’s purely a game of luck, while others claim to understand some strategy based on which properties are the best to own. It’s tough to argue one way or the other.

This game is timeless and always worth pulling out on a rainy afternoon.

 Get Monopoly from Amazon here #ad

Settlers of Catan

Number of Players: 3-4

For Ages: 10+

Only released in 1995 Settlers of Catan is a relative newcomer to the scene, but has quickly risen the ranks to one of the most popular board games currently on sale.

Players take the role of settlers building colonies on the island of Catan by collecting resources represented by cards. Resources are used to build settlements, cities, and connecting roads, and to encourage interaction between the players resource cards are permitted to be traded amongst themselves as they see fit.

The aim of the game is to collect ten victory points which are scored by various achievements such as owning settlements, cities, and the longest road.

One clever design feature of Settlers of Catan is that the hexagonal tiles which divide the terrains can be rearranged in a different manner for every game. The replayability factor is a huge bonus for the game’s fans.

Well worth a try in my opinion. Although a little complicated for some at first it soon becomes addictive once the strategies become clear. In my opinion this is one of the best strategy board games out there and a personal favorite of mine.

 Get Settlers of Catan from Amazon here #ad

Pandemic

Number of Players: 2-4

For Ages: 10+

Pandemic is fundamentally different from the vast majority of board games in that the gameplay is purely cooperative rather than competitive. A great idea for groups of gamers with a history of frayed tempers over losing to one of their friends!

Gameplay centres on the players taking the role of a dispatcher, medic, operations specialist, scientist, or researcher. The aim is to find the cure for four diseases before a pandemic results.

On each turn a player has a choice between moving through the network of forty eight cities, sharing information with another player, treating a unit of infection, constructing a research lab. Finding the cure for a disease can occur by being in a city with a research and holding five player cards of the same colour.

Due to the initial success following the 2007 release three expansions are available, with four spin off stand alone versions, one of which is non-cooperative if that’s what you prefer, and another which takes place over a whole calender year.

Another great choice which suits those of a less competitive nature.

 Get Pandemic from Amazon here #ad

Game of Thrones Board Game

Number of Players: 3-6

For Ages: 13+

First released in 2003 this game’s success found a second wind following the huge popularity of the TV series. It isn’t necessary to be a fan of the books or programs to love this game though.

With very little luck involved, and a fair amount of complexity the gameplay is more suited to an older age range.

Each player choose one of the houses of Westeros and vies to ascend to the iron throne by means of war, spying and politics. Alliances will be forged and broken throughout the ten turns which make up the game, which adds a great deal of spice into the mix. Maybe best not to invite your more volatile friends around to play this one!

After ten rounds if nobody has claimed the iron throne then the player controlling the most territory is declared the winner.

Each turn consists of three phases. A Westeros phase for day to day activities and special events. A planning phase for giving orders. And an action phase for resolving the results of any orders and combat.

As is the norm for such popular games today there are a couple of expansion packs available to keep your interest piqued.

 Get the Game of Thrones Board Game from Amazon here #ad

Diplomacy

Number of Players: 2-7

For Ages: 12+

In my eyes this is another old classic yet it’s not as well known as many other games which have stood the test of time. First released back in 1959 Diplomacy requires a combination of tactical and strategic skill with psychology and negotiations playing a large part of any victories. There is no element of chance in this game whatsoever. It is a pure strategic game with only skill deciding the winner.

The gameplay is based on the map of Europe before the outbreak of war in 1914, with some portions of North Africa and the Middle East also included. Players each take control of one of the great powers from the time.

Quite differently from the majority of board games, players don’t take their turns in order, but write down their decisions following a negotiation period and then all participant’s orders are carried out simultaneously. Following this the removal of armies takes place using a simple sets of rules.

The map is divided up into fifty six territories with thirty four having a supply center. The aim is to take control of these centers in order to resupply your armies.

Games can take as long as twelve hours, with some groups even opting to play via post, although I guess email is more the done thing these days.

For younger players, I think this game is a great way to learn interpersonal skills when playing with adults. A superb choice.

 Get Diplomacy from Amazon here #ad

Puerto Rico

Number of Players: 3-5

For Ages: 12+

Puerto Rico is a multi award winning game from Germany. It’s one of those that seems complicated at first but very quickly becomes addictive once you get the hang of it.

Players take the role of a colonial governor in Puerto Rico and aim to score as many victory points as possible. This is done by growing crops which can either be sold for points or exchanged for doubloons which can in turn be used to construct buildings conferring some kind of advantage.

Each round players take it in turns to choose a role card of either “Trader” or “Builder.” This gives that player some kind of privilege making the decision and important one which can make or break an overall strategy.

All player’s current points score is kept a secret until the end of the game helping to keep people guessing and the tension high.

Recommendations for this game are to get as many players as possible which makes the strategy side much more interesting. Even though there is no luck involved it is still almost impossible to play the same game twice making it difficult to find a winning strategy that you can repeat on demand.

 Get Puerto Rico from Amazon here #ad

Stratego

Number of Players: 2

For Ages: 8+

Stratego is a modern variant of some older games with similar gameplay. Two armies of thirty three men plus six bombs and a flag are placed in your half of a board ten by ten squares. The aim is simple. Capture your opponents flag.

Sounds simple doesn’t it?

Each game piece has the rank printed on one side only so you can not see how your opponent has arranged his army.

Each player takes a turn of moving a member of his army one square forwards, backwards or to the side. The flag and bombs can not move. To attack another piece you simply move into that square and both players must declare the rank of their piece with the lowest ranked piece being removed from the board.

Several pieces have special properties making strategy far from simple. For example only rank eight sappers can defuse a bomb, or the spy which can beat the rank one Marshal only if he attacks, rather than gets attacked himself. Rank nine Scouts can move any distance in one turn but this obviously informs your opponent what the piece is without needing to attack it.

It’s not the most complicated or strategy rich game on the list but due to the variety of army set ups possible the replayability factor is decent. It’s also suitable for playing between adults and children on an equal footing.

 Get Stratego from Amazon here #ad

Wrap Up

Any of the games on this list will make a solid purchase but if I have to choose only one to recommend as the then it has to be Chess – to me it’s to date one of the best strategy board games.

The game simply has everything which will satisfy fans of the strategy genre. It is extremely rich in possibilities allowing you to really stamp your personality on your style of play. The amount of literature available is incredible giving you endless possibilities to find ways to improve.

The tournament scene for Chess is extremely healthy with categories for all abilities. Not only that but Chess online is extremely easy to get into with a simple rating system that ensures you can find suitable opponents when nobody is available to play you face to face.

I also seriously recommend the game as a way for young children to develop their problem solving abilities – and on that note we recently added an article covering the best board games for kids. Hopefully this list of some of the top strategy board games hits the spot for you – if you want to share any of your favorites feel free to do so below!

Love Star Wars and board games? Check out our reviews and top list of the best Star Wars board games to ever grace the table tops.

With new Star Wars movies being released recently, and more to come over 2017 and 2018, what better time to take a look at Star Wars board games. With both young and old fans of the franchise searching for branded merchandise, there has been a steady supply of new Star Wars board games arriving on the scene.

There has been a mixed reaction to the quality of the games; all of them capturing the feel of the Star Wars universe in different ways. Some more successfully than others. Now, due to licensing restrictions, new productions are limited to only certain publishers, but not to worry because there is still a great deal of good quality choices out there. Minnesota-based Fantasy Flight Games is doing a great job of bringing new ideas to your gaming table.

As ever, it’s difficult to find a game which will suit all demographics, but there’s something suitable for everybody if you look through the list. Maybe you’re a Star Wars super-fan, or just a board game fan in general, it doesn’t matter. With the games we’ve picked out for you, you’re only a click away from ordering a game which is guaranteed to give you many hours of fun. All the picks have a majority of positive reviews.

Top Choices

Star Wars Loopin’ Chewie

For Ages: 4+

Number of Players: 2-3

This is a re-hash of the popular game Loopin’ Louie in a new Star Wars theme. Obviously designed for the younger end of the children’s market, it became a best-seller in its previous guise. It might not be something to wheel out on a serious games night, but after a few beers with your friends you’ll be amazed at the ridiculous fun you can have.

The idea of the game is Chewie flying the Millennium Falcon in a circular motion trying to knock over Stormtroopers, represented by tokens. As the battery powered spaceship flies past each player the aim is to press your paddle which deflects Chewie. If you mis-time your action then one of your tokens will fall down. The winner is the last player to have tokens still standing.

Ridiculously simple, but it’s a good choice for young children who have recently discovered Star Wars and may not be mature enough for something more complicated.

 Check the price here! #ad

Star Wars: Empire vs Rebellion

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 2

Not one of the more well known Star Wars board games, but it’s a solid choice. A fast-paced card game, designed for only two players who take opposing sides in the war between the evil Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance. The gameplay is not complicated at all, and has a great blend of strategy and luck to ensure tons of replayability.

Each side has the same resources, the only difference being the eight character cards which are shuffled into your deck of 20 more cards. Event cards which are turned over on each turn have numbers which lead to a Blackjack style game with elements of bluffing and a little double guessing.

Each game lasts around 20 minutes, so can even be taken to work to liven up your lunch hour.

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Clash of the Lightsabers

For Ages: 8+

Number of Players: 2

This is a strategic card game designed to recreate a lightsaber duel between Qui-Gonn and Darth Maul. Very simplistic but also easy to enjoy. Designed in 1999, in time for the release of Phantom of the Menace, it was initially accused of being nothing more than a cheap idea to take advantage of the new craze. Once you look past the cheap components you can see it’s actually a lot of fun.

Each player has their own battle deck, which is identical apart from the artwork, and five Final Duel cards. The aim is to have a higher attack value than your opponent in each round. Dealing yourself seven cards for each battle you must choose only three to play; the strategy lies in how aggressive you want to be, because if you come out all guns blazing you might leave yourself open in the late game.

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Star Wars X-Wing Miniatures Game

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 2-3 (extra ships from expansion packs allow for more)

The problem with a lot of miniatures games is they tend to be either too simplistic or too complex; there’s very little choice in between. X-Wing is one of those rare types that sits perfectly in the middle.

If you dream of flying a spacecraft in a galactic battle, then this is the game for you. Take control of an advanced Starfighter in a game of tactical combat; with easy to learn rules you can be up and running in just a few minutes.

The miniatures feature stunning detail, and are painted extremely well. You can recreate space battles from only a couple of ships, to massive engagements with entire squadrons.

At around 60 minutes per game this is something you can really get your teeth into. Not only that but there is also an active tournament scene still ongoing.

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Star Wars: The Card Game

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 1-4

This head-to-head duel sees the two sides of light and darkness square up to decide the fate of the galaxy. Star Wars: The Card Game is a living card game which comes with everything you need to play with in the core set. Expansions are released periodically which constantly adds a new feel to your sessions.

Dark side players take control of the Sith, Imperial Navy, and the Scum and Villainy. Light side players take control of the Jedi, Rebel Alliance, and the Smugglers and Spies. The aim is to destroy your opponent’s objectives; the Light side needing three successes, while the Dark side aims to advance the Death Star counter to 12; whoever achieves their goal first is the winner.

40-60 minutes per game is normal. To get the best out of the game the expansions are necessary, but of course that is the whole purpose of living cards games.

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Star Wars: Rebellion

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 2-4

The latest release from Fantasy Flight Games, Star Wars: Rebellion is based on the original trilogy of movies. Probably the most popular Star Wars board game on the market right now.

This is the most complex game listed so far, using rules which cover 32 star systems and 150 miniatures. Civil war is spreading through the galaxy and the players control the usual sides of heroes and villains to decide what the ending will be.

During gameplay you may recognise events from the films, such as Luke Skywalker receiving Jedi training, or Han Solo being frozen in carbonite.

What kind of strategy appeals most to you? Diplomacy or the military option; it’s completely up to you. How will you collect resources to expand your power?

With some games lasting more than four hours, this is not for the faint hearted, and will suit the more hardcore gamer who is a fan of the original movies.

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Star Wars: Imperial Assault

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 2-5

One of the most popular Star Wars games ever seen. Offering two modes of gameplay, Campaign and Skirmish, players have the option of a cinematic journey through the Star Wars universe or a faster paced head-to-head tactical battle.

In Campaign mode one player takes the role of the Galactic Empire while up to four players play as the Rebel Alliance and constantly attempt to undermine the Emperor’s grand schemes. Experience and new skills play a role in character development, which ultimately decides how the story will unfold.

The Skirmish mode is a shorter game type for two players to muster strike teams which battle over conflicting objectives.

Multiple expansion packs are available to improve the gameplay possibilities. Also, included in the Core Set are both the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader packs which feature plastic miniatures and additional missions.

This is a fantastic game, and great value for money for being really two games in one.

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Star Wars Edge of The Empire RPG Core Rulebook

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 3-5

Edge of Empire is the original Star Wars role playing game. Perfect for losing yourself within the Star Wars universe, this richly textured game is a perfect introduction to role playing. Everything you need to begin your adventure is included within this 448-page rulebook.

All the rules for character creation and advancement are explained clearly so your GM can be leading you on in no time at all. All the background information needed to set the scene is here, and a complete adventure is included to help you on your way.

The Star Wars RPG system has now grown to include Age of Rebellion, Force and Destiny, and now The Force Awakens. Each one is available as a beginner box with modified rules which suit younger children and newbies. Each title is also a standalone product as well as an addition to any other which you already own.

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Star Wars: Armada

For Ages: 12+

Number of Players: 2

This two-player miniature game is a modern classic. Unlike X-Wing, this is a slower paced strategy game rather than fast paced tactical battles, but a similar idea. In Armada you control the Star destroyers which direct the smaller spacecraft. Entire squadrons is the name of the game, not single ships.

This is a game where you need to be planning out your actions two to three turns in advance, which for many people makes for a much more satisfying gaming experience. While this planning is going on you will still be under serious tactical pressure.

The miniatures are produced to a high standard making it visually appealing as well. There are few table top games which look as good. Overall this is one of the best buys out there.

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Risk: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 9+

Number of Players: 2 or 4

This classic board game has been revamped into an action packed replay of the final moments of Return of the Jedi. Recreate the three simultaneous battles where the Rebels attack the new Death Star, the shield generator is de-activated, and of course the showdown between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

Players choose between the Light Side or the Dark Side, and control a wide array of machinery and troops. For victory the Rebel Alliance must destroy the shield generator and then the Death Star, and the Galactic Empire must destroy all the Rebel ships before the Death Star is destroyed. Whoever wins the battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader will tip the balance in their side’s favor.

The gameplay is actually not as close to the original Risk game as you might think, so investigate further to avoid any disappointment. Popular opinion seems to be that this is a great version though.

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Star Wars: Epic Duels

For Ages: 8+

Number of Players: 2-6

This game allows you to pit Star Wars characters against each other in a fight to the death. Battling in one of four venues to choose from players can pick any of more than 30 painted miniatures as their role.

Each character comes with their own deck of cards dictating attack, defence, and special abilities. Special powers are individual to that character only. The four battlefields are Geonosis, the Emperor’s throne room, the carbonite freezing room, and a landing platform.

Gameplay is designed for a two player head-to-head match-up, three teams of two, or a six player free for all where the last man standing is the winner.

This game is so good you don’t even need to be a Star Wars fan to consider buying it. Seriously addictive.

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Star Wars Premiere Customizable Card Game

For Ages: 8+

Number of Players: 2

First appearing on the market in 1995, Star Wars CCG is an addictive strategy based card game. Players can choose from over 3000 different cards to make a deck of 60 to play with.

This introductory package includes enough to get started with, and also comes with unique Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader cards not found anywhere else. The game went out of print in 2001 but it kept alive by a fan based organisation releasing frequent updates to allow players to tweak their decks.

Players place their 60 cards on the table, and then lay out location cards. Characters and ships are placed at different locations while additional weapons and devices can be added. The aim of the game is to deplete your opponent’s life force.

Gameplay is complex for a CCG, but the mechanics are extremely innovative and elegant. You can have endless hours of fun, and the replayability factor is great due to the high number of expansion packs available.

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Operation: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 6+

Number of Players: 2-4

This 80’s classic is a perfect gift for a young Star Wars fan who loves board games. In 2017 a lot of parents will remember the original version from almost 40 years ago.

The game now centers on getting BB-8 up and rolling again. But is your hand steady enough? BB-8 has been rescued from Jakku but is completely on the blink. Can you remove his defective parts without setting off the buzzer? When all 12 parts have been removed the player who collected the most without setting off the buzzer is the winner.

Hours of fun for families with young children who love Star Wars. Even older gamers who love retro fun would enjoy it.

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Battleship: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 6+

Number of Players: 2

Another timeless classic, which can even be played on a piece of paper if you’re that desperate. Now re-themed with Star Wars ships on a 9 x 9 grid, players can take opposing sides in the battle between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance, as they search for enemy ships. As an interesting twist players can now choose whether or not to play with multiple shots in a single turn.

The game is small enough to be considered ideal for playing on your travels. Everything fits neatly into a small case.

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Monopoly Game: Star Wars Edition

For Ages: 10+

Number of Players: 2-4

Probably the most popular board game of all time. Now in a Star Wars theme players are on a quest to build and expand their very own galactic empire.

As you might expect there are a few wrinkles which make this different from ordinary Monopoly. Players can use the force to their advantage, allowing them to perform actions such as swap, steal, or even collect extra money.

All the locations are familiar from the Star Wars movies, such as Hoth and Tatooine.

Maybe ideal for families who want something more mature to play while still appealing to children.

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Final Thoughts

This is a great selection of Star Wars board games, with a lot of choice on what kind of gameplay you’re looking for. It’s difficult to pick one that will be the best buy for the majority of fans out there, but in our opinion Armada tops the list for sheer quality, but it is closely followed home by Imperial Assault. Both titles will leave you feeling glad you gave them a try – if you’re searching for the true best Star Wars board game… it might just be more than one game to fulfill your needs!

Honorable Mention: Star Wars Chess Game

In any list of quality games, if there’s anything chess related it simply cannot be left unmentioned. Star Wars fans who play chess will love this themed chess set. What better game to be able to contest the fight between light and dark sides?

All of the pieces are modeled on Star Wars characters from the original movies up to The Force Awakens. Beautifully crafted, this is a real work of art that will look great in any living room.

In this review article we’ll go over the best party board games for adults – guaranteed for a good time on a night in with friends!

The perfect board game for a party should be entertaining, rather than something to just fill the time. A party is supposed to bring people together for a good time; laughs and jokes are the order of the day. If all you have to offer is Scrabble and cheap wine, then there’s no hope for you, I’m afraid. Everybody’s idea of a good time is obviously not going to be the same, but in general when friends get together, a few drinks with something fun to do is going to make for an enjoyable evening.

Nothing too mentally taxing is needed; nor is anything which will set the more competitive guests off at each other’s throats. Fun is the central theme here, and we shouldn’t forget that.

When compiling our list of best party board games, we have searched through hundreds of customer reviews to find out exactly why a game is suitable. We’ve made sure there’s something in there for all personality types.

Top Choices

So, if you’re planning on hosting a get together between friends in the near future, read on to find out what we think are the best party board games for adults.

Bad Campaign: The Presidential Party Game

For Ages 17+

Only weeks after the US election result threw up an unexpected result, you have the opportunity to take part in a half-baked campaign for the Presidency against your friends. Whether or not you supported Clinton or Trump, you could probably do with unwinding a little, as far as politics goes. This game is a great choice for getting everybody laughing together.

You will all take turns at reading out campaign slogans, political promises, and awkward statements. The rest of the players will then submit an answer card to fill in the blank. Each combination is then read out, with the reader voting for their favorite. At the end of the game, the player with the most votes is declared the winner.

Using real life quotes and situations, you will make the usual bad promises which you don’t intend to keep. But the beauty of the game is that the more ridiculous you are, the better your chance of winning.

Many hours of fun to be had with this game; the off the wall humor will have you laughing your socks off in no time.

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Loaded Questions: With Adult Version

For Ages: 12+, and 18+ for Adult Version

This is a game sure to have everybody in stiches through the evening. Just how well do you know your friends? Now you’re about to find out.

At the start of a player’s turn they roll the dice and read a question for the corresponding color of the square they landed on. The four categories are: Hypotheticals, Anything Goes, No-Brainers, and Personals.

All the other players write their answers down, which are then read out by the previous roller. The current roller will then try to match each answer with the player who wrote it.

There are also squares where the roles are reversed. The roller writes down an answer and the other players must try and guess exactly what they wrote.

With more than 1000 questions this game will keep you all entertained for many sessions. The adult version is a standalone product but can be mixed in with the original for those who like their fun a little more risqué.

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Cards Against Humanity

For Ages: 17+

This is the number one best seller in the Amazon Toys & Games department. That alone should tell you just how popular this game is.

Completely politically incorrect, this adult themed card game is a simple way to keep your guests enjoying themselves.

Each player takes a turn reading from a Black Card, and each of the remaining players answer with their funniest White Card.

An example round would be: “Life for the Native Americans was forever changed after the white man introduced them to ____________.”

Answers might include: “Smallpox Blankets”, “Drinking Alone”, “A Can of Whoop-Ass”, and “Take-Backsies”

You do need a little black humor inside you to make the best of this game, but it’s suitable for anybody looking for some laughter.

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Exploding Kittens: NSFW Edition (Explicit Content)

For Ages: 18+

This is a crazy fun and addictive choice. Another Amazon big seller, confirming its popularity.

Exploding Kittens NSFW is an adult remake of the popular card based board game which is super-popular with children. Rehashed with a delightfully crude and obnoxious theme you can expect to have a good time.

The basics of the game play is players draw cards until somebody ends up with the Exploding Kitten card. If whoever drew the bomb isn’t holding a Defuse card, then it’s curtains for the little feline! Other cards involve a variety of actions, but the aim is to be the last man standing. It doesn’t matter how well you’ve done so far, just don’t blow up or it’s game over.

The game contents are magnificently designed, with fantastic artwork of a more adult orientated theme. Expect your guests to have a lot of fun and be laughing all night long.

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The Resistance

For Ages: 13+

The Resistance is a great game to play with friends. It does come with a health warning though; by the end of your party there’s a chance that some of the guests won’t be on speaking terms any longer.

The aim of the game is for the players to deduce each other’s identities. Set in the middle of a revolution, players take the role of either a resistance member, or a government spy. This is a fairly complex game, but many of you out there I’m sure would prefer something a bit deep to get your teeth into.

5-10 players can play at any one time, and the rules are designed so there is no player elimination; everyone plays until the end. You need to be able to think on your feet while you lie to your friends, and try to work out if they are lying to you.

Don’t expect many laughs from The Resistance, but you will definitely be impressed with how enjoyable the gameplay is.

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Smart Ass

For Ages: 15+

Smart Ass is a fast-paced trivia game, which unlike Trivial Pursuit, will be over in 30 minutes or less. If you’re the sort of person who loves to shout out the answer to a question, then this will be ideal for you.

The idea is simple; be the first the answer the question. Every turn a question is read out by one player to the remaining players. Each player is allowed a single guess, but there’s a catch. With each question there are 10 clues. So, do you take a chance while you’re not 100% sure, or risk somebody else beating you to the punch by waiting for more clues?

There are 461 question cards divided up into Who, What, and Where am I? categories, which is plenty to prevent repeating too frequently.

A simple but extremely enjoyable way to spend an evening. Something which will test your trivia knowledge, but isn’t mentally taxing.

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Say Anything

For Ages: 13+

This game has party written all over it. The title means exactly what it says; you can literally say anything. There is no right and wrong here.

The player whose turn it is will ask the other players a question, such as “If you could have a “BIG” anything, what would it be?”

Then the players write down an answer each and turn it face up, so the player whose turn it is can choose his favorite. Players then bet tokens on which answer was chosen as the best.

It’s extremely light-hearted, and just as much a way to get people laughing and talking as it is a game. No deep strategy around here. It’s important to make sure the players are in the right mood to get the best out of Say Anything. Whoever wins is not important as well, for game such as this, but at only 30 minutes per game if there’s a competitive guest he’ll have plenty of chances over the whole night.

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Taboo

For Ages: 13+

Taboo is almost a variation of charades. This comical game of forbidden words will bring many laughs at your party, as the teams try to guess the secret word/phrase. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? The catch is that the most obvious words to describe the secret word are banned! If you accidentally say a forbidden word the rival team will “squeak” you, and you don’t win any points for that secret word/phrase.

The potential for fun is huge with this game in a party setting. After a few drinks can you come up with a creative clue against the clock? The game has recently been updated to include more relevant topics from pop culture and the latest hot trends, which should make it more interesting.

The best selling point about Taboo is that it is inclusive to most personality types. Anybody in a party mood will get some enjoyment and laughs out of it. In my opinion one of the best party board games for adults – I’d recommend it in if I had to put it to one game.

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Drunk, Stoned, or Stupid

For Ages: 17+

Drunk, Stoned or Stupid is a game which excels in a party environment. It is simply perfect for groups with an off the wall sense of humour. It’s also a great choice for those with a lazy inclination, because the only preparation is shuffling the deck of cards.

The gameplay is turn based with one player acting as the judge, who reads out one of the cards. The remaining players then call out in turn who out of the group should be tagged with this label.

The accusations can be based off of anything you know about this person, it really doesn’t matter. The judge will consider all of what he hears and make a final ruling on who will be tagged. After a single player has been tagged with seven cards he is declared the loser.

This is where the game ends, because there is no winner in Drunk, Stoned, or Stupid; only losers. The game is based around friends poking fun at each other rather than anything competitive. This is all about the laughs, and having a good time.

If members of your group are likely to take offense easily then this might not be the right choice, but for everyone else you can look forward to much hilarity at your party.

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Cash N Guns

For Ages: 14+

A great addition to any collection, Cash n guns is one of those games which will have non-gamers begging for more. Usually after alcohol is involved I’ll admit; it is one of those games.

Based around a group of crooks after a successful heist, Cash n Guns is all about what happens when everybody decides that they want a bigger cut of the loot. When bullets speak louder than words it all comes down to who can intimidate their partners the most. With each player issued a full-size foam replica pistol to point at their friends, this is a game that comes with a don’t take it personally warning.

Players have the option each turn to load up with a bullet or a blank card as you try to bluff your way to the biggest share of the loot. Each turn, whoever didn’t get shot or back out gets a share of the loot. This is as interactive as it gets, with that added element of silliness that a few drinks can appreciate.

Some have said that this game doesn’t have enough repetition to be a classic, but the point is that the reviews show it is universally liked by almost all who try it.

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Conclusion

It’s difficult to come up with a “best choice” out of a diverse selection of the best party board games for adults, but put on the spot I would recommend Taboo. Anybody who is out for a night of fun will be able to enjoy themselves with this game. For those with a more “extreme” sense of humour it is easy to see which of our top 10 will suit you better.

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This article will help you find the best dice sets for D&D and other types of chance and role-playing games. See further below for what to look for in D&D dice for what I took into account when rating these sets of best polyhedral dice.

Best D&D Dice Sets:

Best dice set with the highest precision and accuracy: Gamescience Precision Edge Set #ad

Best metal dice set with the highest quality: Masterwork Precision Aluminum Set with Strongbox #ad

Best multi-set value deals – under $2 per set:
Mooker 5x Sets #ad
Wiz Dice 15x sets #ad
Skull Splitter 18x sets #ad

It is generally more cost efficient to purchase a multi-set deal than to buy the cheapest singular set, but here is the best one I could find in case you’re interested.
Best cheap dice set: Bescon Set with Storage Tube #ad

Click here for more cool and unique dice sets. #ad
Click here for more of the best metal dice set choices. #ad

Dice: Love Them or Just Need Them

The dice are important tools providing the randomization of your actions and widening the tree of possibilities. If you’re serious about your dice though, your carefully collected sets embody your in-game identity and even seem to give you an edge against difficult tasks and deadly encounters. Busting out the right set at the right time can seemingly break your cold dice streak, use a set too long and the rolls become stale and disappointing.

If you’re a frequent player it’d be no surprise if you’ve already begun a collection containing a variety of colors, designs, and materials. Aside from seeking out awesome dice sets to form an expansive collection, you may eventually need to replace your dice due to wear and tear. After being rolled enough any die will start to take a more rounded form, and it won’t be quite as accurate as it once was.

Whatever your reason, this guide will highlight the important qualities of any good set and list you the most awesome and best dice sets to fit your taste and/or your budget based on mine and other dice owners’ opinions.

What Dice Do You Need for D&D

The Official Dungeons and Dragons dice set contains the following:

• D4: Four sided dice
• D6: Six sided dice
• D8: Eight sided dice
• D10: 10 sided dice
• D00: 10 percentile dice
• D12: 12 sided dice
• D20: 20 sided dice

These are the dice that are included in all of the 7 dice set reviews. More uncommon dice that some sets may include are the d3, d5, d7, d14, d16, d24, and d30.  These types of dice will be included in the other reviews below including d6 dice sets, cool and unique plastic/metal designs, and more.

How to pick a good dice set

The factors of a dice set’s value largely depend on the person. Maybe you want the most perfectly crafted set, the brightest colors, or the most unique style. When you’re choosing your RPG dice set you may want to take the following into consideration:

• Visual quality
• Accuracy
• Readability
• Rolling feel
• Budget/Price

Visual Quality

The colors & material of the die both contribute to its visual quality. Color schemes can include plain, translucent/opaque, marbled, two-tone, metallic, rainbow, and shadowy. The material used to create the die produces a different texture; the flat glossy appearance of plastic, the shiny brushed appearance of metal, or the grainy neutral look of wood.

Accuracy

Dice accuracy refers to both the symmetry of the die and the fairness of the rolls. Quite simply it’s how close to a perfect shape the die has been crafted to as well as how evenly it has been weighted. A perfect shape will have equal measurements on all angles and faces. The more accurate the die is, the more fair the rolls will be. Any of the dice listed here are the best dice sets due to the high quality and accuracy these brands produce. There are reports of most cheaper inaccurate dice rolling lower more often than higher, so this is all the more reason to ensure you have the highest quality D&D dice set you can afford.

Readability

The legibility of the print as well as its aesthetic appeal both come to mind when trying to describe the perfect style of die. Pretty self-explanatory, the best dice are going to have numbers that are easy to read and possibly catch the eye in some manner either through the dice font, the color contrast, or the way it’s been engraved.

Rolling Feel

How you feel about this might make a difference due to the sheer volume of dice throws some games require. I believe most people like a bit of weight to their dice when they roll, but just how much would be your personal preference. Plastic dice can be light but most are pretty standardly weighted. Metal dice sets are logically a fair bit heavier and feel quite solid bouncing around between your hands, and for this reason you should be selective as to which surface you roll them on.

Price/Budget

Another key factor that you will undoubtedly take into consideration when buying a set of dice is your budget. There are some dice out there that are sleek looking, high quality, and relatively affordable, and those are listed here as what I think are the best dice sets. Of course, if you have a little wiggle room in your budget you could choose from the more exquisite and unique dice sets that will be more scarce among your gaming company.

Now that we know a good dice set when we see it, let’s take a look at some other cool and unique dice brand sets that I think are very well crafted.

Cool and Unique Dice set designs

Paladin dice sets – Slate – Undine – Enchantress – Salamander – Sylph #ad
Q-Workshop Steampunk sets #ad
Q-Workshop Celtic sets #ad
Opaque Bone – CGR Gaming #ad

Best Metal dice set for mid-range budget

Paladin Roleplaying solid metal set – Silver – Antique Bronze – Black #ad

Other high quality unique metal dice sets

Battleworn Gold – Die Hard #ad
Cthulhu’s Gold – Darksilver Forge #ad
Ancient Brass – Bescon #ad
Aged Mithril – Norse Foundry #ad
Icy Doom – Skull Splitter #ad
Black Dragon – Skull Splitter #ad
Smoke and Fire – Skull Splitter #ad
Copper – Skull Splitter #ad
Brushed Silver – Dragon’s Breath #ad

If you’re looking into purchasing you first metal d&d dice set, be sure to invest in some sort of surface or tray that you can roll on so you won’t damage any wood/glass surfaces. I will be making another article soon reviewing the best dice trays and dice towers to help you choose the right one. Along with that article I will also be reviewing the best DnD dice roller. Let me know what your favorite dice sets or other dice accessories are in the comments!

Cooperative board games are a great way for gamers to get their fix. A completely different beast from what most of you will be used to, but that shouldn’t put you off. This genre has grown into one of the more popular in recent years. One of the more common reasons being that it’s a lot more difficult to fall out with your gaming buddies if the objective requires you to work together. Cooperation over competition!

Cooperative board games are ideal for families to have fun together. If you worry about argumentative siblings raising hell during what is supposed to be a relaxing evening together, this could be just what you’re looking for. That said, building teamwork skills within the family isn’t always going to be trouble free, but you can’t have it all, right?

The general idea is that the players team together and play against the game itself. Sometimes one player may be required to play the role of the antagonist, while the remaining participants make up the team. No more having to put with that annoying friend who takes it all too seriously and ends up ruining the night. Bad losers will be in their element: win together and lose together.

From an educational point of view cooperative board games are a fantastic tool for children. Personal development skills that can be learned from mastering teamwork will be essential later on in life. Okay, children also have to learn to kerb their temper with competitive gameplay, but being able to harness all the benefits of learning about teamwork without getting embroiled in arguments over winning and losing is still a good idea.

So, if you’re looking to give cooperative board games a try for the first time take a look at our list of tried and tested titles. Each selection has passed the test of crushing the review pages, and is guaranteed to be a high quality game which will give you much pleasure for years to come.

Our Picks for Best Cooperative Board Games

Pandemic

Number of Players: 2-4

For Ages: 10+

Pandemic is all about learning if you have what it takes to save the whole of humanity. Each team member takes the role of a skilled disease fighting team trying to keep four deadly diseases from wiping out the human population. You can choose either a dispatcher, medic, operations specialist, scientist, or researcher.

On each turn players move between 48 different cities taking a choice of actions; treat a single unit of infection, build a research station, or pass information to one of your fellow team members. If a player is in a city with a research station and holds five player cards of the same color then a cure for one of the disease strains is found.

The game mechanics allow for plenty of rich strategic thinking, while still being simple enough for older children to get to grips with. This game is one of the most popular board games currently available, not just in the cooperative genre. If you turn out to be a big fan after trying it out there are expansions and spin-off standalone versions to keep you going for a long time.

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Robinson Crusoe: Adventure on Cursed Island

Number of Players: 1-4

For Ages: 12+

What better way to lose yourself in an adventure than to fight for survival on a desert island. This classic board game provides seven different scenarios for players to enjoy with varying difficulty. Tons of replayability factor here.

As players take the role of castaways on an uninhabited island they must find shelter from various dangers and complete the missions for whichever scenario they chose. It all sounds so simple, and the goals are, but don’t be fooled into thinking that the gameplay isn’t interesting because it is quite complex.

Players take individual turns, sometimes undertaking a task alone or with the group, but the good of the group is the main concern for everybody.

2016 saw a re-write of the rules for a much improved version compared to the first edition. Any complaints about unclear game mechanics no longer apply.

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Arkham Horror

Number of Players: 2-8

For Ages: 12+

This horror themed title is set in the Massachusetts town of Arkham during the 1920’s, where all sorts of weird things have been happening lately. People are vanishing and there have been sightings of the most hideous creatures imaginable.

Players line-up together as a team of investigators, choosing from 16 playable characters with different special abilities. Eventually they will all square off against the 8 ancient Ones from the infamous Cthulhu Mythos universe.

Arkham Horror was originally released in 1987 and has undergone numerous refinements over the years to ultimately produce one of the best all time classics in the business. This is one game where it doesn’t really matter if you win or lose because all the fun is in the playing.

Plenty of expansions are available if you ever feel like you want to change up the story a little.

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Forbidden Island

Number of Players: 2-4

For Ages: 10+

Are you brave enough to join a team of adventurers on a quest to Forbidden Island? Your squad is on a mission to capture four sacred treasures from the ruins of the Archean Empire. This ancient civilisation was rumoured to have the ability to control the Earth’s core elements wind, earth, water, and fire by using these treasures. For years they were hidden from enemies on this island which was designed to sink if intruders came close to finding them.

Using different combinations of Adventurer, Flood, and Treasure cards on the 24 game tiles players must work together to keep the island from sinking while they seek out the treasures. Once all four treasures are in your possession the team must make their way to Fool’s Landing and escape on the helicopter. If the island sinks before this happens the team lose. Simple!

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Lord of the Rings

Number of Players: 1-5

For Ages: 10+

Lord of the Rings follows the storyline from the epic book and movie series. The objective being to destroy the infamous ring by casting it into the volcanic fires of Mount Doom. Players take the role of one of the hobbits from the Fellowship of the Ring attempting to evade the corrupting influence of the evil entity Sauron on their journey.

The group’s progress across Middle Earth is recorded on a master game board which is supported by a number of scenario boards specific to adventures in particular locations. If the hobbits are overcome by Sauron the game is lost.

This is a fantastically well crafted game which is suitable for adults just as much as children. Reviews suggest that it is at its best when a larger group is playing, but there is nothing wrong with going solo if nobody is available to play with you.

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Witch of Salem

Number of Players: 2-4

For Ages: 10+

This horror title is another game set in the early 20th century. Players team up to try and close the inter-dimensional gates preventing the Old One from entering our world, with Salem’s Master Witch Robert Craven holding the key to keeping mankind safe.

The team of scholars Craven puts together will seek out all of the hidden portals and close them with powerful magic seals.

This is one of the most challenging board games available today, so don’t be expecting to win more often than you lose. Failure to highlight teamwork in your decisions will be punished most severely.

One point which is mentioned frequently in reviews is the high standard of artwork in the game design. This is a great choice for gamers who appreciate this aspect.

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Battlestar Galactica

Number of Players: 3-6

For Ages: 10+

This is a great game based on the struggle for survival by the human race following the invasion of the Cylons. Players have a wide choice of roles from pilots to engineers, or even political leaders to military leaders. It doesn’t get much more diverse than this.

One of the players will secretly be siding with the Cylons while the rest of the team attempts to expose the traitor. The main aim of the game is for Galactica to make jumps to Kobol while the Cylons do their utmost to sabotage the effort. Political unrest along with fuel shortages and food contamination make for a tough task.

Average game time runs to around three hours, so it’s not for the faint hearted of those who struggle with their attention span. The gameplay is deep and rich in possibilities making it a decent choice for hardcore gamers who want something to really get their teeth into.

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Shadows over Camelot

Number of Players: 3-7

For Ages: 10+

In Shadows over Camelot players take the role of a knight from King Arthur’s Round Table, collaborating together in quests such as the search for the Holy Grail, Excalibur, or Sir Lancelot’s armor. As quests are completed white swords are placed on the Round Table; failed quests place a black sword instead. The knights must ensure a majority of white swords before Camelot falls.

There is a twist though. One of your fellow knights might not be a loyal as you think. They might be plotting for the destruction of Camelot and biding their time to strike.

With a maximum seven players able to play this is a great game for bigger gaming groups. Each game takes around 60-90 minutes to play.

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Defenders of the Realm

Number of Players: 1-4

For Ages: 10+

This fantasy board game is all about the King’s Champions defending the ancient Citadel of Monarch City from an impending darkness about to sweep across the land. Four creature factions are approaching the city from each side, so you and your allies must take the role as one of the champions, Cleric, Dwarf, Eagle Rider, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer or Wizard, and defend the countryside before one of the enemies enters the city.

Players make use of strategy, special abilities, cooperation, and card play in each unique adventure as they battle the likes of orcs, dragons, demons, and the undead. There is but a single road to victory but many ways to fail.

This is a highly enjoyable game which takes little time to set up and learn the rules. It’s not an easy game to win, but that just makes it all the sweeter whenever you do pull it off.

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Police Precinct

Number of Players: 1-6

For Ages: 10+

Police Precinct is a game where players take the role of police officers with different skill sets. The gameplay centers around solving a mysterious murder at the same time as controlling crime on the streets, and stopping the entire city from descending into chaos.

Just like in some of our other choices, there may be a traitor within the team. One of your number may be corrupt and taking payments from the murderer.

Players search for evidence in a pack of shuffled investigation cards, Interview Witness, Collect Crime Scene Evidence, Examine Body and Locate Murder Weapon. It’s also possible that the corrupt cop did the search and ignored any evidence he found. After so many days if the team hasn’t solved the case then the murderer will escape justice.

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Flash Point: Fire Rescue

Number of Players: 1-6

For Ages: 8+

This cooperative game of fire rescue comes with two different rule books, and three difficulty settings. Perfect for young children or adults wanting something a little lighter for their evening in.

All players are on the same side: win together, or lose together.

Whether you’re playing the basic game or the expert version, the players are attempting to rescue 7-10 victims from a burning building. As the game progresses the fire will spread to other parts of the building possibly blocking off rescue routes. If four people perish or the building collapses from too much structural damage the game is lost.

The expert version adds enough extra strategy to the game play to make this still a serious choice for the more seasoned gamer.

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Final Thoughts: Our Recommendation for Coop Fun

Every game reviewed here is well worth a purchase. They are all high quality and would stand themselves in good stead on any list of board games. Of course, we still need to made our recommendation though.

We feel that one game stands out, not just as a cooperative board game but also a game which will still be played in many years to come, and that game is Pandemic.

Pandemic has everything a game should have. The game mechanics and strategy are at a perfect level; not too complex nor too simple. The quality of the contents is also at a high level. There really isn’t anything bad to say – it’s our pick for the best cooperative board game for groups of two or more.

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In this article we’ll be covering a wide variety of the best board games for kids based on what type of game it is, strategy, fun, or educational, and for what age groups. Read on to find the perfect game to play with your children and watch them grow!

Playing board games can bring many benefits to a child’s life. Often in areas where we wouldn’t expect it. During those early years of personal development introducing something which has educational value, and which also helps to improve important life skills can only ever be a positive step. A child’s age, and how well they are developing will help us to assess what type of game will benefit their personal growth most.

What Makes the Best Board Games for Kids?

Let’s take a look at the different aspects we can hope to improve on :

• Learning to take turns

Children are notorious for being impatient. Turn based games will help to instil a willingness to wait for what they want. Concentration can also be built up this way by forcing them to pay attention while the other players take their turn.

• Learning about competition

Competitive pursuits can be a lot of fun. Children can be taught to lose gracefully while understanding that winning and losing is a normal part of life. A child’s attention span can be greatly improved by using their natural desire to win.

• Improving numeracy skills

Many games have some type of scoring system which requires a basic use of numbers. Game elements such as a number of cards which can be played over a certain number of turns remaining can help a child gain some confidence with basic arithmetic. It is obviously important that the parent does not give in to any complaints that it’s too time consuming, and then do the calculation themselves. It’s supposed to be a learning experience.

• Taking responsibility for their own actions

When children begin to play any type of competitive team game we often see many of them unwilling to accept they are at fault for a mistake. With most board games being played individually it becomes easier to teach a child that they have to face up to their own errors. Instead of concentrating on the mistake we can teach how to look back on the decisions which led to it in the first place; a great way to improve analytical thinking.

• Planning

One of the best things about being under ten years old is that you live in the here and now. There isn’t any dwelling on the past, nor looking to the future. The problem with this is that young children are terrible at planning by looking ahead. Learning even to plan a turn or two ahead will help to repeat this behavior in real life situation.

• Making tough choices

Very often, just as in real life, there may not be a perfect choice available during a tense game moment. When a decision has to be made the child will quickly learn to assess positives and negatives for each option followed by an opportunity to learn when the consequences are there for all to see.

It doesn’t have to be all about learning though. Fun is an important part of playing games with friends and family. Fostering the idea that learning can be fun with your children will also improve their attitude towards their mainstream education. With all this in mind I’ve selected a wide variety of games all of which I consider are fun to play,  with some choices educational in one way or another.

Our Picks & Reviews

Hoot Owl Hoot Review

Number of Players : 2-4

For Ages : 4+

This is a game for the younger end of the children’s market. A fully cooperative game where the players have to work together to bring four to six owls home to their nest before the sun comes up.

At the start of the game owl tokens are placed on a track made up of colored sections. Players draw three cards initially, and then play one every turn followed by drawing a replacement. Most cards have a color, but there are also cards with a sun which the player must play right away by moving a sun token one space along the sun track.

When a player plays a color card an owl token can move to the next instance of that color on the owl track. If the section is already occupied then the owl can move along to the next one. This concept gives the players a way to work together by getting them to think ahead to formulate the most effective plan to get the owls home based on what cards they are all holding.

If the sun token reaches the end of its track before the owls are home in their nest then all the players lose together.

Maybe not a game which can maintain a child’s interest for too many years, but for the recommended age group it is extremely popular.

Robot Turtles

Number of Players : 2-5

For Ages : 4+

Only released onto the market in 2013 Robot Turtles is a modern game with a twist. Invented by a software programmer who one afternoon decided if he could produce a game which teaches the fundamentals of programming but still captivates a child’s interest.

The players use “code cards” to dictate the movement of their robot turtle on the board. Forward, left, and right. Any mistakes along the way can be rectified by playing a “bug” card, and the player shouting “undo.”  The aim is to reach a jewel which means they win, although it is usual for all players to continue until they have a jewel too.

Varying levels of difficulty have been built into the rules, with ever more complicated  code cards, and obstacles available. This helps to give the game decent longevity across a wide range of suitable ages.

Scoring high on most reviews this educational gem comes highly recommended.

Forbidden Island

Number of Players : 2-4

For Ages : 10+

Another cooperative board game, but this time aimed at the older end of the children’s market.

Players each take the role of a different adventurer searching for hidden treasure on a mysterious island. As the island sinks all around them they have to work together to find the treasure and escape in the helicopter before it is totally flooded.

The island is represented by twenty four double sided tiles with one side colored blue to show that section is now flooded. During each turn players can take actions such as moving, shoring up a tile from flooded to not flooded, passing a treasure card to another player in the tile, and collecting a treasure.

There are also two free actions which can be done at any time outside of the player’s normal turn by discarding the corresponding treasure card. Helicopter lifting another player , and sandbagging a flooded tile.

Multiple levels of difficulty have been built into the game, with variation possible by switching around some of the rules. Much has also been said about the high quality of game components provided. Visually impressive, the level of attention to detail is incredible.

At an average of thirty minutes per game this multi award winning game is sure to keep your child entertained for many hours. At such a bargain price it has to be worth a try. I think this is one of the most fun / best board games for kids for the value.

Splendor

Number of Players: 2-4

For Ages : 8+

This multi award winning game absolutely crushes the reviews section anywhere you look. Only published in 2014 Splendor was nominated for the prestigious “Spiel des Jahres” award at the end of its first year on the market.

Players take the role of gem merchants during the renaissance period accumulating prestige points with the aim to collect fifteen before any of your opponents. This is achieved by buying gem mines, means of transportation, or shops.

Each turn a player can collect gems, buy and build a card, or reserve a card. All cards will increase your wealth by giving a bonus on further purchases.

The gameplay is extremely smooth,and simple, with most games completed with half an hour. At first glance you might think it is just too simple to hold interest for long, but that is not true. The best strategy depends on what your opponents are doing, with more players it then becomes much more difficult to play optimally.

A great lesson in planning and forward thinking for any child. This beautifully crafted game is a welcome addition to any collection.

The Magic Labyrinth

Number of Players : 2-4

For Ages : 6+

An easy game to understand and play, The Magic Labyrinth is suitable for the younger end of the market.

Players take the role of magician apprentices trying to recover some magic objects without their master noticing anything. Played on a six by six board which is laid on top of the maze so that the walls are in effect invisible. Players roll dice to determine how many squares they can move each turn, with the aim to move to the square containing a treasure.

Each magician apprentice has a magnetic ball attached beneath the playing piece which becomes detached if the player attempts to move through the wall. The players have to return to their corner starting square if this happens.

The longer this goes on the more accurate mental picture can be built up to locate a clear path to a treasure. A simple but effective tool for encouraging a child to improve their memory.

As each treasure is found, another one is placed with the first player to collect five declared the winner.

Pyramid (AKA Fluch der Mumie or Curse of the Mummy)

Number of Players : 2-5

For Ages : 8+

This is a game with asymmetrical goals where one player takes the role of the mummy, and all the other players are tomb raiders hunting treasure.

The board is set up vertically with a mummy piece on either side, but the tomb raider pieces are hidden from the mummy player.

All players move their piece according to the roll of dice, with the mummy trying to deduce where the tomb raiders are by the color of their treasure cards and what numbers they roll.

Once the mummy moves over a tomb raider player they are considered caught and lose life points. Once the mummy collects a certain number of life points it is the overall winner. If the treasure hunters secure a certain number of treasures then they win.

With the use of dice we have an element of luck. Memorization and even bluffing can become important too.

7 Wonders

Number of Players : 2-7

For Ages : 10+

As a leader of one of the seven great cities of the ancient world you will battle for dominance against the other players. Build up your military supremacy while gathering resources and developing commercial routes.

7 wonders is a dedicated card game with aim of earning as many victory points as possible. The game is played over three ages with a different deck used for each phase. As the age starts each player is dealt seven cards, they select one to play and pass the remainder to an adjacent player face down. This process is repeated until five of the seven cards have been played. Then each player chooses one of their remaining two cards, discarding the other.

The cards represent structures, and when you play the card you are building it. This costs either coins or resources which you have saved. It is also possible to buy resources from a direct neighbor.

With such a wide variety of cards in each deck the possibilities for inventive strategies are many. There are seven different ways to achieve a victory point.

After a great deal of quick success five official expansion packs have been released, with several fan published options available for download free of charge.

Overall this is another highly rated choice that does well in many different review sections online.

Dominion

Number of Players : 2-4

For Ages : 10+

Players take the role of a medieval monarch eager to build an ever more powerful kingdom. They strive to create a dominion!

This is another card based game, but with a difference. Dominion is a deck building game where players compete to create the most valuable deck from fourteen different card types.

Players draw cards from a deck of their own which allow them to perform actions and then buy cards from a communal deck. The aim is to earn the most victory points by the end of the game.

The game comes with five hundred cards allowing incredible variety. No two games are ever likely to be the same.

Each turn the players go through the same sequence of phases. Action phase, buy phase, and clean up phase. The game ends under two different conditions. Either the province card stack is depleted, or when three other stacks from the supply are exhausted. Different end of game conditions were introduced in the game’s expansion packs for some added variety.

At thirty to forty minutes per game it is possible to get through a decent number of games in an evening. One point often made about Dominion is how an experienced player can beat a newbie quite easily. With each game not taking up too much time experience can be built up quickly.

My First Carcassonne

Number of Players : 2-4

For Ages : 4+

This remake of the classic Carcassonne is aimed at including an even younger section of the market.

The back story for this version is that all the town’s sheep, chickens, and cows have been set free in the town of Carcassonne. The children have to capture all the animals before sunset.

Just like in the classic version players draw a landscape tile and place it. The difference is that all the tiles match and so can be placed anywhere on the board. By completing roads players will be able to place their “meeples” wherever on the path there is a picture of their character. The game’s underlying strategy is all about which paths to close off and which to leave alone.

At an average of only twenty minutes per game there shouldn’t ever be any problems with attention spans not being up to the task.

The game teaches children a variety of skills from basic arithmetic, to spatial awareness. If your child learns quickly and masters this version, then of course there is the classic version which will keep them occupied for years to come.

Chess

Number of Players : 2

For Ages : 3+

A repetition from the adults and kids list, but deservedly so. Every single educational benefit mentioned in the introductory section applies to chess. In recent years we are seeing more and more scientific evidence showing how playing the game regularly from an early age can aid brain development.

Attending school with a boosted analytical ability and decision making ability can help a child stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive world.

The mental clarity gained from regular practice can help with just about any other part of somebody’s life. There are no negatives whatsoever, providing other important aspects of a child’s personal development do not get neglected at the expense of chess study or practice. Mainstream education and learning social skills remain firmly at the front of priorities.

Creativity is another aspect of your child’s life which can be boosted through chess. Logic and critical thinking are used mostly, but so often during a game there is opportunity for original thought.

Finally, chess is a discipline which rewards hard work. With a clear numerical rating system for players, any improvement will be highlighted fast enough. A child growing up with the understanding that working hard really does pay off will see this idea pay dividends throughout their life.

Conclusion

Unlike choosing a game suitable for both adults and children, choosing for children alone allows us to be more specific in what we are targeting.

Education over fun?

Any of the games listed above will at the very least be fun. If you’re choosing a game without any input from your child then rather than me providing a recommendation, I strongly suggest you look a bit further in depth at a short list to consider what educational aspects are your priority. Overall the best board games for kids is one that’s most of all fun, and if it provides educational or strategic value past that – it’s a bonus!  If your children are considering getting into RPG games you can check out my review of the best dice sets for DnD and other similar games.