Welcome to our guide on the 20 best board games of 2025! This year has brought an exciting range of board games that are perfect for family gatherings, game nights with friends, and solo play.
Whether you’re looking for the best board games for 2 players, top strategy board games, or the latest hits in board gaming, you’ll find something here to suit your needs. Dive into our list to discover the top picks that will elevate your game nights and provide hours of entertainment.
Best Board Games
List of the Popular Board Games 2025
Here is the list of the 20 best popular board games in 2025
Arcs
Arcs stands out as the best board game for adults due to its unique blend of trick-taking mechanics with a space opera theme, providing a fresh take on strategic board games. Why we love it: The game’s emphasis on timing and decision-making creates a dynamic experience where every move counts. The beautiful artwork and thematic storytelling add depth and immersion, making each session feel like a unique adventure.
Player Count: 3-4 players.
Duration: 60-120 minutes.
Rules: Trick-taking with space exploration and conquest mechanics.
Ages: 14+
How to Play:
Players begin by selecting factions and setting up the board with modular tiles representing the galaxy. The game progresses through rounds where players simultaneously play cards to perform actions, such as exploring new sectors, gaining resources, and battling opponents. Success hinges on mastering the balance between immediate gains and long-term strategy, as well as anticipating opponents’ moves. The goal is to dominate the galaxy by achieving set objectives or amassing the most influence through various tactics and alliances.
7 Wonders Duel
7 Wonders Duel is a two-player strategy game that condenses the essence of 7 Wonders into a duel format, making it one of the best board games for 2 players. It’s beloved for its streamlined mechanics, competitive card drafting, and the variety of paths to victory, making each game feel unique and tense.
Player Count: 2 players.
Duration: 30 minutes.
Rules: Players take turns drafting cards to build their civilizations, aiming for military, scientific, or civilian dominance.
Ages: 10+.
How to Play
Players draft cards from a shared pool to build structures, gather resources, and develop their civilization. The game ends when a player achieves military or scientific dominance or when all cards are drafted, with the winner determined by points.
The Quacks of Quedlinburg
The Quacks of Quedlinburg is a delightful family game about concocting potions using a push-your-luck mechanic, making it one of the best board games for family gatherings. It’s loved for its light-hearted gameplay, the unpredictability of draws, and strategic decisions on when to press on or play it safe. The combination of risk and reward keeps every game engaging and fun.
Player Count: 2-4 players.
Duration: 45 minutes.
Rules: Players draw ingredients from a bag to brew potions, with push-your-luck mechanics where bad draws can cause explosions.
Ages: 10+.
How to Play
Players take turns drawing ingredient chips from their bags to add to their cauldrons, aiming to create the highest value potion without causing it to explode. Players can buy new ingredients to improve their odds in future rounds, and after nine rounds, the player with the most points wins.
Pandemic
Pandemic is a top-rated cooperative board game where players act as a team of disease-fighting specialists working to save the world from deadly outbreaks. Its appeal lies in the intense cooperation, strategic gameplay, and the race against time, making it one of the best cooperative board games for families and strategy enthusiasts alike. It’s often considered the best board game for family gatherings, offering an engaging and challenging experience that brings everyone together.
Player Count: 2-4 players.
Duration: 45 minutes.
Rules: Players collaborate to manage global outbreaks by treating infections, containing hot zones, and developing cures for four diseases.
Ages: 8+.
How to Play
In Pandemic, players use their turn to travel, treat infections, share knowledge, and work together to develop cures. The game progresses as diseases spread across the globe, and players must coordinate to keep outbreaks under control. Success depends on strategic planning, optimal use of roles, and strong teamwork. The game is won by curing all diseases, but it’s a race against time as outbreaks and infections escalate.
Wingspan
Wingspan is a highly popular engine-building board game and is often considered the best board game for family gatherings and the best board game for 2 players, where players become bird enthusiasts working to attract diverse species to their wildlife preserves. It’s loved for its beautiful artwork, relaxing gameplay, and strategic depth. The game appeals to a wide range of players, from families to serious gamers, thanks to its mix of strategy, nature themes, and high replayability.
Player Count: 1-5 players.
Duration: 40-70 minutes.
Rules: Players collect and manage bird cards, habitats, and food resources to build the most efficient bird sanctuary.
Ages: 10+.
How to Play
Players take turns placing bird cards into one of three habitats, which generate food, lay eggs, or draw more cards. Birds provide unique abilities that can create powerful combos, increasing your chances to score points. Success in Wingspan hinges on optimizing your bird sanctuary and managing resources efficiently over four rounds to outscore your opponents.
Root
Root is a critically acclaimed asymmetric strategy board game often considered one of the best board games for adults, where players take on the roles of different woodland factions, each with unique playstyles and objectives. It’s loved for its deep strategy, charming artwork, and highly variable gameplay, offering a unique experience each time. Root’s blend of area control, resource management, and faction-specific strategies makes it one of the most engaging and competitive board games on the market.
Player Count: 2-4 players (up to 6 with expansions).
Duration: 60-90 minutes.
Rules: Asymmetrical gameplay where each faction has unique abilities, goals, and mechanics, battling for control of the forest.
Ages: 10+.
How to Play
Each player selects a faction with distinct goals and strategies—ranging from military conquest to guerrilla tactics or economic dominance. The game revolves around actions like moving, battling, crafting, and recruiting, with each faction playing differently. The winner is the first to reach a set number of victory points through controlling territories, completing quests, or fulfilling faction-specific objectives.
Gloomhaven: Jaws of The Lion
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a cooperative dungeon-crawling board game set in the Gloomhaven universe and is often considered one of the best board games for adults. It’s praised for its immersive storytelling, deep strategy, and accessible entry point into the larger Gloomhaven experience. The game’s tactical combat, character progression, and evolving story make it a favorite among fans of complex cooperative games.
Player Count: 1-4 players.
Duration: 30-120 minutes per scenario.
Rules: Players take on character roles, completing scenarios through tactical combat and narrative decisions, with a legacy component where choices impact future gameplay.
Ages: 14+.
How to Play
Players choose characters with unique abilities and work together to complete scenarios by defeating enemies and making narrative choices. The game uses a card-based system for actions and movement, with players needing to carefully manage their resources. As players progress, their characters gain experience, level up, and unlock new abilities, while the story evolves based on their decisions.
Cascadia
Cascadia is a nature-themed tile-laying and token-drafting board game that’s highly praised for its beautiful design, simple yet strategic gameplay, and relaxing pace. As one of the best board games for family and one of the best board games 2 players, players create their own Pacific Northwest landscapes, scoring points by matching wildlife patterns and habitats. It’s a favorite among families and casual gamers due to its accessibility, quick setup, and satisfying puzzle-like elements.
Player Count: 1-4 players.
Duration: 30-45 minutes.
Rules: Players build their own ecosystems by drafting habitat tiles and matching wildlife tokens, aiming to optimize patterns for points.
Ages: 10+.
How to Play
Players take turns drafting habitat tiles and wildlife tokens to build and populate their ecosystems. Scoring is based on achieving specific patterns and meeting the requirements of wildlife goals. The game challenges players to balance tile placement and wildlife management, with the goal of creating the most harmonious and efficient ecosystem by the end of the game.
Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is considered the best board game for adults who enjoy highly strategic, engine-building gameplay. In this game, players take on the roles of corporations tasked with making Mars habitable. It’s loved for its complex strategy, thematic depth, and endless replayability, as each game offers different card combinations and strategies to explore. The game’s blend of resource management and competitive play makes it a favorite among strategy enthusiasts.
Player Count: 1-5 players.
Duration: 120-180 minutes.
Rules: Players manage corporations and compete to terraform Mars by raising temperature, creating oceans, and building cities, using cards and resources.
Ages: 12+.
How to Play
Players take turns using cards to perform actions like increasing temperature, generating oxygen, or building cities. Each action earns points, and the game ends when Mars is fully terraformed. Players gain points through milestones, awards, and other achievements, with the highest score winning. Effective resource management and strategic planning are crucial to outmaneuver opponents and achieve victory.
Scythe
Scythe is a popular area control and engine-building board game set in an alternate-history universe where factions vie for dominance in a war-torn Europe. As one of the best board games for adults, it’s loved for its blend of strategic depth, resource management, and beautiful artwork. The game stands out for its asymmetrical factions and the balance of combat, resource production, and economic development, making it a favorite for those who enjoy strategic and competitive gameplay
Player Count: 1-7 players.
Duration: 90-115 minutes.
Rules: Players control factions in a post-war alternate 1920s Europe, competing for resources, territory, and influence using mechs, workers, and strategic planning.
Ages: 14+.
How to Play
Players choose factions with unique abilities and use actions to move, deploy mechs, gather resources, build structures, and engage in combat. The objective is to earn the most coins by achieving various milestones like completing objectives, winning battles, and controlling key territories. Success in Scythe requires strategic planning, efficient resource use, and anticipating opponents’ moves to expand your influence and secure victory.
Azul
Azul is a beautifully designed, tile-drafting board game where players compete to decorate their palace walls with intricate patterns. It’s celebrated for its simple rules, strategic depth, and aesthetic appeal. As one of the best board games for family gatherings and the best board games for 2 players, the game’s engaging mechanics, combined with a balance of strategy and accessibility, make it a favorite among both casual and serious gamers.
Player Count: 2-4 players.
Duration: 30-45 minutes.
Rules: Players take turns drafting tiles from a central pool to complete rows on their boards, scoring points based on patterns and placements.
Ages: 8+.
How to Play
Players draft tiles from factories and place them on their boards, aiming to complete rows and score points based on specific patterns and arrangements. Penalties are incurred for excess tiles, and strategic planning is key to maximizing points while minimizing waste. The game continues for several rounds, and the player with the highest score at the end wins.
Dune: Imperium
Dune: Imperium is a strategy board game set in the Dune universe, where players command factions competing for control over the desert planet of Arrakis. Often considered one of the best board games for adults, it’s loved for its blend of thematic depth, strategic decision-making, and the combination of deck-building and worker placement mechanics. The game’s dynamic interaction, intrigue, and tension make it a standout for fans of competitive strategy games.
Player Count: 1-4 players.
Duration: 60-120 minutes.
Rules: Combines deck-building and worker placement mechanics where players lead factions vying for control of Arrakis by gaining influence, resources, and military strength.
Ages: 14+.
How to Play
Players take turns playing cards from their hands to place agents on the board, gain resources, and advance their influence with key factions. Each round culminates in a combat phase where players can deploy troops to battle for control and rewards. Points are scored by achieving key objectives and building alliances, with the game ending when a player reaches the victory threshold.
Ark Nova
Ark Nova is a strategic board game, often considered one of the best board games for adults, where players design and manage their own zoos, focusing on animal care, habitat building, and conservation efforts. It’s celebrated for its deep strategy, thematic integration, and the variety of paths to victory. The game’s blend of card drafting, tableau building, and resource management offers a rich and rewarding experience that appeals to strategy enthusiasts and animal lovers alike.
Player Count: 1-4 players.
Duration: 90-150 minutes.
Rules: Players build and manage modern zoos, drafting cards to add animals, build enclosures, and support conservation projects.
Ages: 14+.
How to Play
Players draft and play cards to construct enclosures, add animals, and complete conservation projects. Balancing animal attractions with conservation goals is key to success. Players must manage resources effectively, optimize their zoo layouts, and strategically select cards that align with their long-term objectives. The game ends when a player reaches the required conservation and appeal points, with the most points determining the winner.
Marvel Champions: The Card Game
Marvel Champions: The Card Game is a cooperative card game where players embody Marvel superheroes, working together to thwart villainous schemes. It’s praised for its thematic immersion, flexible deck-building, and dynamic gameplay. Each hero offers unique abilities and strategies, making it appealing for fans of both Marvel and strategic card games.
Player Count: 1-4 players.
Duration: 45-90 minutes.
Rules: A cooperative living card game where players assume the roles of Marvel superheroes, building decks to battle iconic villains.
Ages: 14+.
How to Play
Players create decks for their chosen heroes and take turns playing cards to attack, defend, and thwart villain schemes. Success requires coordination and strategic use of each hero’s abilities and resources. The game is won by defeating the villain and stopping their scheme, but players lose if the villain’s plan succeeds or the heroes are defeated.
Spirit Island
Spirit Island is a cooperative strategy game where players embody powerful spirits working to protect their island from invading colonizers. It’s celebrated as one of the best board games for adults due to its complex strategy, deep tactical gameplay, and high replayability, with each spirit offering unique abilities and challenges. The game’s thematic depth and need for tight cooperation make it a favorite among gamers who enjoy rich, strategic experiences.
Player Count: 1-4 players.
Duration: 90-120 minutes.
Rules: A cooperative game where players act as spirits defending their island from colonizers, using unique powers and teamwork to repel invaders.
Ages: 13+.
How to Play
Players select spirits, each with unique powers and goals, and use their abilities to defend the island, manage resources, and push back invaders. Each turn involves playing power cards, managing energy, and coordinating actions to destroy settlements and fend off invaders. Success hinges on the spirits’ ability to work together and adapt their strategies to counter the colonizers’ moves, with victory achieved by driving out all invaders or fulfilling specific win conditions.
Viticulture
Viticulture is a strategic board game often considered one of the best board games for adults, where players build and manage their own wineries in Tuscany. It’s loved for its thematic depth, strategic planning, and relaxing yet competitive gameplay. The game’s charming vineyard setting, combined with the challenge of optimizing actions each season, makes it a favorite for those who enjoy resource management and worker placement games.
Player Count: 1-6 players.
Duration: 45-90 minutes.
Rules: A worker placement game where players manage vineyards, planting vines, harvesting grapes, and producing wines to fulfill orders and earn victory points.
Ages: 13+.
How to Play
Players place workers to take actions like planting vines, building structures, and making wines. The game is divided into seasons, each offering different actions, and players must plan their moves carefully to maximize their vineyard’s efficiency.
Cartographers
Cartographers is a roll-and-write board game where players act as mapmakers, drawing different terrains to fulfill objectives set by the queen. It’s known for its easy-to-learn rules, strategic depth, and engaging gameplay that suits both solo and group play. The game’s mix of planning and creative map-drawing offers a satisfying and dynamic experience.
Player Count: 1-100 players.
Duration: 30-45 minutes.
Rules: A roll-and-write game where players draw terrain on their maps, aiming to meet scoring goals and avoid monsters.
Ages: 10+.
How to Play
Players draw terrain shapes on their map sheets based on cards revealed each round, aiming to maximize points through strategic placements that meet scoring objectives. Monster cards disrupt plans by forcing negative placements, adding a layer of challenge. The game ends after four seasons, with the highest score winning.
Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham is a highly strategic economic board game set in the Industrial Revolution era, known for its deep gameplay and intricate network-building mechanics. Widely regarded as the best board game for adults, it offers players the chance to compete by developing industries, connecting cities, and capitalizing on fluctuating markets. The game’s combination of economic strategy, variable player powers, and tight competition makes it a favorite among seasoned gamers.
Player Count: 2-4 players.
Duration: 60-120 minutes.
Rules: An economic strategy game set during the Industrial Revolution, where players build networks, develop industries, and navigate market demands.
Ages: 14+.
How to Play
Players take turns building industries, expanding networks, and selling goods to earn points. Success relies on efficiently managing resources, anticipating market needs, and outmaneuvering opponents. The game is played over two eras, and the player with the highest score at the end of the second era wins.
Nemesis
Nemesis is considered one of the best board games for adults, offering a survival horror experience that combines cooperative and competitive elements. In this game, players must work together to complete objectives while navigating a spaceship overrun by alien threats. It’s known for its tense atmosphere, immersive storytelling, and unpredictable gameplay, where alliances can shift as players pursue hidden personal goals.
Player Count: 1-5 players.
Duration: 90-180 minutes.
Rules: A semi-cooperative survival horror game where players navigate a spaceship infested with hostile aliens, each with their own secret objectives.
Ages: 12+.
How to Play
Players explore the spaceship, completing tasks and fighting off alien intruders while trying to survive. Each player has a secret objective, which can range from escaping the ship to sabotaging others. The game is won by fulfilling your personal objective while keeping your character alive, but danger from the ship and aliens makes survival a constant challenge.
Sleeping Gods
Sleeping Gods is an open-world, story-driven board game where players captain a ship lost in a mysterious world, searching for totems to find a way home. It’s often considered one of the best board games for adults, loved for its immersive narrative, expansive exploration, and cooperative gameplay. The game’s branching story paths and replayability make each session feel like a new adventure.
Player Count: 1-4 players.
Duration: 60-120 minutes per session (campaign style).
Rules: A cooperative narrative-driven adventure game where players explore an open world, completing quests, battling enemies, and making choices that shape the story.
Ages: 13+.
How to Play
Players explore islands, meet characters, and make choices that affect the game’s story. Actions include exploring, battling enemies, and gathering resources. The campaign progresses over multiple sessions, with choices and achievements carrying over. Players aim to collect totems and navigate back to Earth, with the story evolving based on their decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2025 has brought an exciting array of board games to the table, each offering unique experiences and endless fun. Whether you’re looking for the best board games for families, the top board games for 2 players, or the latest and greatest in board gaming, this year’s selection has something for everyone. From strategy-packed games to light-hearted classics, these top 20 board games of 2025 are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your game nights with these standout picks. Explore the best board games of 2025 and find your new favorite today!
