Are you looking for a board game to bring to your next family night? Or perhaps you’re a fanatic in search of something new? Whichever it is, we have some excellent options for you.
The best thing about board games is that they come in a wide variety of themes and styles. Even when the instructions say it’s for ages 6 and up, you can still have a fun time with it as an adult!
You have a wide collection to choose from. So, here’s a list of the top 10 most popular board games to help you find the perfect one!
1. Life
If you need a last-minute board game for a night with family or friends, the game of Life is a must-try. In fact, you probably already know what it is.
Up to date, Life is still one of the most popular board games of all time. That comes from its simple, straightforward instructions and the way the rules change for every version.
The concept focuses on a spinner that gives you different life situations. Every turn, you make a decision, and each time, it influences your game.
So, if you want a casual game that tests your luck, this is the one for you!
2. Snakes and Ladders
Snakes and ladders is easily one of the most popular board games for kids. No matter how old you are, you must have tried it out at some point.
As simple as it looks, the board game actually teaches its players valuable life lessons. Studies show that the game is effective in social-emotional development among younger people.
The game is very straightforward. You spin a spinner or roll a die and move to the number of spaces it specifies. If you land on a ladder, you either climb up or down.
You can also add twists to the game by adding your own rules when you’re with friends or family.
3. Monopoly
Everyone knows Monopoly, whether they are board game fans or not. It’s a classic board game that still tops to this day with several versions, including online ones!
Here’s the thing: Monopoly isn’t a simple game. Simply put, it’s about buying properties and paying rent until you run out of money. But if you break that down, it includes rules like mortgage, property value, and more.
Even with all the real estate jargon, Monopoly’s popularity stems from the game’s nature alone. It lets you strategize in a competitive setting and tests how well you make decisions.
Try it out to learn about properties and put your strategy skills to the test!
4. Scrabble
If you’re a fan of games that make you wrack your brain, you would love a game of Scrabble.
It’s a simple board game for adults and kids centered on one concept: language. On top of that, it’s the foundation of almost every word-based tabletop game known so far.
But compared to newer options, Scrabble is the core of that concept. You have to think up words with limited characters. It requires you to plan based on what you see on the board.
5. Ticket to Ride
Many suggest trying out Ticket to Ride if you don’t normally play board games. Players even say it’s a great option to try with your friends and family.
If you aren’t familiar with it, Ticket to Ride challenges you to build train routes around the world. You collect cards and use them to place your trains on the board.
With this simple gameplay, you can think up strategies to claim routes and block other players until you win!
6. Clue
Clue is the perfect board game for anyone who likes to analyze their opponents. The game is about bluffing and deducing, wherein players need to investigate a murder.
Each player has a different card that dictates your role in the game. So, you have to find out the details of the case, including who the murder is and what weapon they used.
Although some say you need luck to win, it also requires the skill to find an answer with each clue.
7. Pictionary
You can think of Pictionary as the board game counterpart of charades. Instead of acting it out, you have to draw a picture and other players guess what it is.
This set up lets you play individually or on different teams.
Every time you guess an answer right, you place the card on the board. Whoever places the most cards wins the game!
8. Risk
In case you didn’t know, Risk is a war-inspired board game. The goal of each player is to conquer the world using different strategies.
Whether you attack or defend your territories depends on your dice roll. You can even form alliances or betrayals to boost your advantages against your opponents.
The key to winning the game is planning out the perfect strategy and executing it flawlessly.
9. Battleship
Battleship is a unique take on board games because it tries to simulate war in the water.
You start off with a 10 by 10 grid and secretly place your ships around the board. Each player takes a turn calling out coordinates. If your opponent has a ship on those coordinates, their ship sinks.
It’s a fun strategy game if you want something that requires you to observe your opponent. The downside is that it’s a two-player game, so it’s not ideal if you have several players or teams.
10. Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is about building a settlement, packed with roads, cities, and more. It focuses on the concept of trading and managing your resources in the best way possible.
Catan also made way for the board gaming industry to flourish as a niche. It’s one of the first games you would hear from champion board game players.
Note that not every board game player will become a pro in the future. Some of them, like Matt Calkins, turn into board game creators or even CEOs.
Check Out Some of the Most Popular Board Games Here
The most popular board games come in different gameplays and styles. Some of them are classics that even date back as far as the 90s!
If you’re on the hunt for a board game, they are surely worth trying out. You can check out our blog to learn more.
