Top 10 Best Board Games of All Time: A Comprehensive Guide for Gamers

We’ve scoured the internet to find the player’s 10 best board games of all time. Each of these games offers a unique and exciting experience and is sure to provide hours of entertainment. Whether you prefer cooperative or competitive games, there is something for everyone on this list so be sure to check out any linked reviews to find out if your next table monster is sitting on this list.

10. Spirit Island

Spirit Island claws its way into the top 10 of the best board games by narrowly edging out Dune Imperium from the list.

Spirit Island is a tabletop strategy game that takes place on a mystical island inhabited by powerful spirits. In this cooperative game, players control one of these spirits, each with their own unique abilities and powers. The objective of the game is to work together to defend the island from colonizing invaders and protect the land.

The game is played on a map of the island, with players placing terrain tiles and tokens to represent the spirits, the invaders, and the land itself. The players must use their spirits’ abilities to manipulate the land, create natural disasters, and summon elemental forces to stop the invaders and their settlements from spreading.

The game features a deck-building system, where players can build their spirits’ decks over the course of the game, adding new abilities and powers to their arsenal. The game also includes event cards that represent the unfolding story of the island and the spirits’ efforts to defend it. These events can bring new challenges and opportunities for the players, keeping the game fresh and engaging.

Spirit Island is a challenging game that requires cooperation, strategic thinking, and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each spirit. The game is designed for 1-4 players and can be played in a single session or over multiple sessions. With its unique setting, rich mechanics, and cooperative play, “Spirit Island” is an excellent choice for fans of strategy games and cooperative games.

9. War of the Ring: Second Edition

War of the Ring: Second Edition is a board game that simulates the epic struggle between good and evil as depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” universe. The game is designed for 2 players, with one player controlling the forces of good, including the armies of Men, Elves, and Dwarves, and the other player controlling the forces of evil, including the armies of Sauron and his minions.

The game is played on a large map of Middle Earth, featuring detailed representations of territories, fortresses, and cities from the “The Lord of the Rings” universe. Players use their armies to conquer territories, gather resources, and launch battles, with the ultimate goal of either destroying the One Ring or controlling the Free Peoples of Middle Earth.

The game features a unique mechanic where the player controlling the forces of good must secretly transport the One Ring to Mount Doom, while the player controlling the forces of evil must use their armies to intercept and capture the Ring. This creates a thrilling cat-and-mouse game where the player controlling the Ring must use their wits and cunning to evade their pursuers, while the player controlling the forces of evil must use their armies to block and intercept their movements.

War of the Ring: Second Edition is a challenging and immersive game that requires strategic thinking, attention to detail, and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each army. The game includes a wealth of miniatures, cards, and tokens, adding depth and detail to the gameplay. The game is designed for experienced gamers and fans of “The Lord of the Rings” universe and can take several hours to play.

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8. Star Wars: Rebellion

Star Wars: Rebellion is a game that simulates the epic struggle between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire as they battle for control of the galaxy. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with each player taking on the role of either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire. The objective of the Rebel Alliance is to gather support and resources while sabotaging the Empire’s plans, ultimately leading to their defeat. On the other hand, the objective of the Galactic Empire is to locate and crush the Rebel base, thereby eliminating the Rebel threat.

The game is played on a large map of the Star Wars galaxy, featuring planets and systems from the Star Wars universe. Players use their armies, fleets, leaders, and special abilities to gain an advantage over their opponents and achieve their goals. The game also includes various cards representing events and characters from the Star Wars universe, adding depth and flavour to the gameplay.

The outcome of each battle and mission is determined by dice rolls, and the results can greatly impact the flow of the game. As such, “Star Wars: Rebellion” requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The game can last several hours and is designed to be played over multiple sessions, as players work to achieve their objectives and ultimately determine the fate of the galaxy.

7. Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion

Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion is a tabletop role-playing game set in the city of Gloomhaven. In this cooperative game, players control a group of mercenaries who work together to complete various missions and uncover the mysteries of the city. Each player takes on the role of a unique character, each with their own abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.

The game features a campaign mode where players progress through a series of interconnected missions, making decisions and facing challenges along the way. As they complete missions, they earn experience and can level up their characters, unlocking new abilities and upgrades. The game also features a variety of enemies, including powerful bosses and standard minions, each with their own unique abilities and behaviours.

A key difference between its bigger brother is that all the action takes place in the campaign book thereby eliminating the need for the dearth of tiles that accompany Gloomhaven but still making it one of the best board games available right now.

Combat in “Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion” is turn-based and uses a card-driven system, where players use action cards to perform actions such as attacking, moving, and using special abilities. The cards have a limited number of uses, so players must carefully plan and strategize to make the most of their resources. The game also features elements of puzzle-solving, exploration, and resource management, as players work together to overcome obstacles and complete missions.

With its rich world-building, challenging gameplay, and cooperative play, “Gloomhaven Jaws of the Lion” is an excellent choice for fans of tabletop games and the fantasy genre. The game is designed to be accessible to both seasoned gamers and newcomers and can be played solo or with a group of friends.

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6. Terraforming Mars

Terraforming Mars is a board game where players take on the role of corporations tasked with the challenge of terraforming the Red Planet and making it a habitable world. The game is competitive, with players competing against each other to be the first to reach a certain level of terraforming progress and make the planet livable.

The game is played on a board that represents the surface of Mars, with players using various cards and tiles to represent various terraforming projects, such as adding oxygen to the atmosphere, building cities and settlements, and creating forests and oceans. Players must also manage their corporations’ resources, including money, energy, and heat, and use them to fund their terraforming projects and expand their operations.

In addition to terraforming the planet, players must also compete for various awards and milestones, such as being the first to create a sustainable population or being the first to create a large, thriving city. These awards provide additional victory points and help determine the overall winner of the game.

Terraforming Mars is a complex and challenging game that requires players to make strategic decisions, manage resources effectively, and work together with other players to achieve the common goal of terraforming the planet. The game is designed for 2-5 players and can take several hours to play, making it an excellent choice for fans of competitive strategy games and science fiction.

5. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition

Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition is a sprawling epic of a board game that takes players on a journey through the vast reaches of space. In the game, players control one of several alien races, each with their own unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. The goal of the game is to become the dominant power in the galaxy, either by military conquest, diplomacy, or other means.

The game is played on a large, detailed map of the galaxy, with players using their armies, ships, and resources to expand their empires, build new technologies, and engage in strategic alliances and diplomacy. Players must also manage their economy, build new ships, and maintain their military forces, all while competing against other players for control of territory and resources.

Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition is known for its depth and complexity, with a wide range of options and strategies available to players. The game features a rich, immersive storyline and a variety of events and obstacles that can alter the course of play and add unexpected twists and turns to the game.

The game is designed for 3-6 players and can take several hours to play, making it an excellent choice for fans of competitive strategy games and science fiction. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the game or a newcomer, Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition offers a rich and rewarding gaming experience that will keep you engaged and entertained for hours on end.

4. Ark Nova

Ark Nova is a cooperative board game where players take on the role of managers of a modern, scientifically managed zoo. The goal of the game is to plan and build the best possible zoo, while also supporting various conservation projects.

In the game, players work together to make decisions about which animals to house in the zoo, what habitats to build for them, and how to best care for the animals. The game features a wide range of unique and exotic animals, each with its own needs and requirements, and players must balance the needs of the animals with the needs of the zoo and the conservation projects.

Players must also manage the zoo’s budget and resources, making strategic decisions about how to allocate resources to various projects and initiatives. The game features a variety of challenges and obstacles that can arise, such as unexpected weather events or animal health issues, and players must work together to overcome these challenges and keep the zoo running smoothly.

Ark Nova is designed for 2-4 players but does have a solo mode and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to play, making it an excellent choice for families and groups of friends who enjoy cooperative games. Whether you’re a fan of animal conservation, zoo management, or simply love working together to achieve a common goal, “Ark Nova” offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that will keep you entertained and challenged for hours

3. Pandemic Legacy Season 1

Pandemic Legacy Season 1 is a cooperative board game that takes players on a journey to stop the spread of deadly diseases across the world. In the game, players work together as a team of scientists, researchers, and medics, using their skills and expertise to contain and cure diseases before they spread out of control.

The game is played over a series of months, with each game building on the last and creating a unique story. As the game progresses, players make decisions that have lasting consequences and shape the outcome of the game. For example, players may choose to invest in research and development to find a cure for a disease, but this may come at the cost of not having enough resources to contain it.

The game features a large, detailed map of the world, with players travelling to various cities to treat patients, collect samples, and conduct research. The game also features a deck of cards that represent the diseases, with each card representing a new challenge or obstacle that players must overcome.

Pandemic Legacy Season 1 is designed for 2-4 players and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to play. The game is known for its intense, suspenseful gameplay, and its combination of strategy, cooperation, and storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of cooperative games, medical thrillers, or simply love a good challenge, “Pandemic Legacy Season 1” offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

2. Brass Birmingham

Brass Birmingham is a competitive board game that takes players back to 18th-century Birmingham, England, a time when the city was undergoing a major industrial revolution. In the game, players control industrial entrepreneurs, each with their own unique strengths and abilities, as they strive to become the most successful entrepreneur in Birmingham.

The game is played over a series of rounds, during which players must build factories, establish trade networks, and produce goods in order to generate income and expand their businesses. Players must also manage their resources, including coal, iron, and goods, making strategic decisions about how to allocate resources to best support their businesses.

One of the key features of “Brass Birmingham” is its use of a network-building mechanic, in which players must establish connections between their factories, ports, and markets in order to transport goods and generate income. The game features a variety of different goods, each with its own production and trade requirements, and players must balance their production and trade activities to maximize their profits.

Brass Birmingham is designed for 2-4 players and can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 2 hours to play. The game is known for its complex, strategic gameplay, and its combination of economic management and network-building mechanics. Whether you’re a fan of economic games, industrial history, or simply love a good challenge, “Brass Birmingham” offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that will test your business acumen and strategic skills.

1. Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven is number 1 for good. This cooperative game is set in a dark, medieval world and is full of secrets and characters to reveal. Initially, players control one of several starting characters, each with their own unique abilities, skills, and personality. Some of the characters include:

• The Brute: A formidable warrior who specializes in melee combat and can take and dish out a lot of damage.
• The Scoundrel: A cunning rogue who excels at sneaking, thievery, and ranged combat.
• The Tinkerer: A tech-savvy inventor who uses gadgets and machines to aid in combat and support their allies.
• The Spellweaver: A powerful mage who wields elemental magic to attack enemies and protect their allies.

One of the unique mechanics of Gloomhaven is its stamina system, in which players “burn” cards to use their abilities. Each character starts with a set of cards that represent their abilities, and each card can only be used once per scenario before having to rest, when you rest you get your cards back but are forced to burn a card which is then lost for the rest of that scenario.

This means that players must choose their actions carefully, as they can only use a limited number of abilities per scenario, and must balance their use of abilities with the need to conserve resources.

In addition to the character abilities, Gloomhaven also features an intricate item system, with a wide variety of weapons, armour, and other equipment that players can use to upgrade their characters and enhance their abilities. Players must also manage their resources, including money, healing potions, and item charges, making strategic decisions about how to allocate resources to best support their characters.

Each Gloomhaven scenario typically takes 60-120 minutes to complete, and there are 95 different scenarios to play through. The game features an overarching campaign that allows players to carry their characters and items from scenario to scenario, creating a unique and personalized story for each player.

Overall, Gloomhaven offers a rich and varied gaming experience, with a wide range of characters to choose from and a large pool of abilities and items to explore. The intricate mechanics, engaging storyline, and challenging gameplay have earned it a well-deserved reputation as the best board game of all time, and it continues to be a favourite among fans of cooperative gaming and medieval fantasy.

It is however a beast of a game to organise, with so many pieces, cards, and tokens, it can make it challenging to set up and keep organized during play. An organizer helps to keep everything neat and organized, making it easier to find the pieces you need and reducing the risk of losing or misplacing important components.

An organizer is especially useful for keeping track of player characters, their items, and their abilities, as well as organizing the various tokens, coins, and cards used throughout the game. It also makes it easier to keep the game board and playing area organized, with designated spaces for each type of component and room for all of the necessary pieces.

Having an organizer can help to speed up setup and make the game more enjoyable, as players can focus on playing the game instead of constantly searching for pieces and organizing the playing area. It also makes it easier to store the game between plays, as all of the components can be neatly packed away in their designated spaces.

In short, while an organizer is not strictly necessary to play “Gloomhaven”, it can greatly enhance the overall gaming experience by making the game easier to set up, play, and store.

So there you have it, the 10 best board games as voted for by players like you. What do you think? Are these your favourites, is your game missing, what does your personal best board game list look like?