10Best.Guide

Board Games for Adults

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Easy to learn and play
  • Hilarious and fun with friends
  • Great icebreaker for social gatherings
  • Adds an adult twist to Apples to Apples
  • Good for parties and strangers
Cons
  • Not politically correct
  • Some cards may not be funny
Bottom Line
Cards Against Humanity is a hilarious and fun party game that is easy to learn and play. However, it is not for the faint of heart and may not be suitable for family gatherings. The game adds an adult twist to Apples to Apples and is great for social gatherings and strangers.
Pros
  • Quick learning curve
  • Great for larger groups
  • Fun for all ages
  • Intriguing gameplay
  • Simple gameplay
Cons
  • Repetitive gameplay
  • Needs more than 8 players to be fun
Bottom Line
Secret Hitler is a fun and entertaining social deduction game that is great for larger groups and all ages. While the gameplay can become repetitive, it is still a great addition to any game night. The game is expensive for the materials included, but the high-quality board and pieces make up for it.
Pros
  • Easy to learn and play
  • Well-made board and components
  • Great for parties and groups
  • Fun and humorous
  • Includes trivia and challenges
Cons
  • Not as complex as other board games
  • Draw cards lack variety
Bottom Line
Ganjaland is a fun and humorous board game that is perfect for parties and groups, especially for stoners. It includes trivia and challenges, and comes with photo props and a crown. However, it may not be as complex as other board games, and some challenges involve social media.
Pros
  • Fun for all ages and group sizes
  • Easy to learn and play
  • Can be played as a party game or with just two people
  • Great concept with a grid of cards and spymasters
  • Can be played with word or picture versions
Cons
  • Some boxes arrived with grit or powder inside
  • Not everyone enjoys the spy theme
Bottom Line
Codenames is a fun and easy-to-learn game that can be played with a variety of group sizes and ages. While some boxes may arrive with manufacturing errors, the game itself is enjoyable and versatile.
Pros
  • Easy to learn and play
  • Beautifully designed and well-made pieces
  • Quick to set up and play
  • Fun pirate theme
  • Endless ways to play
Cons
  • Luck-based with very little strategy
  • Rules may seem overwhelming at first
Bottom Line
Plunder is a beautifully designed and easy-to-learn pirate-themed board game that is great for families with kids. While it may be luck-based with little strategy, it offers endless ways to play and has quality production and fun mechanics. However, it may not be for everyone and is a bit pricey.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Board Games for Adults: Top Picks, Tips, and FAQs

Overview

Board games are a great way to spend quality time with friends, family, or your significant other. Whether you're looking for a fun party game, a competitive strategy game, or a casual game to play on a cozy night in, there's a board game out there for you. In this buying guide, we'll explore the top types of board games for adults, key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a game, features to look for, prices, tips for maximizing your game experience, and frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Strategy Board Games for Adults: These games require strategic thinking and planning, and often involve resource management, territory control, or worker placement. Examples include Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Dominion.

2. Party Board Games for Adults: These games are designed for larger groups and often involve socializing, humor, and silly challenges. Examples include Cards Against Humanity, What Do You Meme?, and Telestrations.

3. Cooperative Board Games for Adults: These games require players to work together to achieve a common goal, and often involve communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Examples include Pandemic, Forbidden Island, and Hanabi.

4. Two-Player Board Games for Adults: These games are designed for two players and often involve head-to-head strategy or competitive play. Examples include Jaipur, Hive, and 7 Wonders: Duel.

5. Classic Board Games for Adults: These games have been around for decades and are still popular today, often because of their simplicity and universal appeal. Examples include Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue.

6. Modern Board Games for Adults: These games are newer to the market and often offer more complex gameplay, interesting themes, and unique mechanics. Examples include Gloomhaven, Scythe, and Terraforming Mars.

Key Considerations

1. Number of players: Consider how many people will be playing the game and choose a game that accommodates the group size.

2. Game length: Consider how long you want the game to last and choose a game with a suitable play time.

3. Complexity: Consider the complexity of the game and choose a game that matches the skill level of the players.

4. Theme and style: Consider the theme and style of the game and choose a game that matches your interests and preferences.

5. Replayability: Consider the replayability of the game and choose a game that offers variety and longevity.

Features

1. Quality components: Look for games with high-quality components, such as sturdy game boards, durable cards, and well-crafted pieces.

2. Clear instructions: Look for games with clear and easy-to-follow instructions, so you can start playing quickly and easily.

3. Interesting mechanics: Look for games with interesting mechanics, such as unique card drafting, worker placement, or resource management.

4. Engaging gameplay: Look for games with engaging and immersive gameplay, so you can get lost in the game and have fun.

Prices

Board games can range in price from under $10 to over $100, depending on the complexity, components, and popularity of the game. Generally, you can find a good quality board game for around $30-$50.

Tips

1. Read reviews: Read reviews from other players to get an idea of the gameplay, quality, and enjoyment of the game.

2. Watch gameplay videos: Watch gameplay videos on YouTube or BoardGameGeek to see how the game is played and get a better sense of the mechanics.

3. Attend game nights: Attend game nights at your local board game store or community center to try out new games and meet other players.

4. Have fun: Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the game with your friends and family.

FAQs

Q: What are some good board games for couples?

A: Some good board games for couples include Patchwork, Codenames Duet, and Azul.

Q: What are some good board games for parties?

A: Some good board games for parties include Cards Against Humanity, Telestrations, and Codenames.

Q: What are some good board games for large groups?

A: Some good board games for large groups include Werewolf, Secret Hitler, and Spyfall.

Q: What are some good board games for beginners?

A: Some good board games for beginners include Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Splendor.

Q: Can you play board games online?

A: Yes, many board games have online versions or can be played through apps or websites.

Q: How do I store my board games?

A: Store your board games in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use shelf dividers or plastic containers to keep the games organized and prevent damage to the components.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right board game for your next game night, party, or date night can be a fun and rewarding experience. By considering the types of games available, key considerations to keep in mind, features to look for, and prices, you can find the perfect game to suit your needs and preferences. Remember to have fun and enjoy the game with your friends and family!

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Easy to learn and pick up
  • Visually appealing and well-manufactured
  • Good for family game night
  • Quick gameplay
  • Competitive edge adds to the fun
Cons
  • Confusing instructions for some players
  • Defective parts in some copies
Bottom Line
Azul is a visually appealing and well-manufactured tile placement game that is easy to learn and quick to play. While some copies may have defective parts or cheap plastic pieces, the game is great for family game night and has a competitive edge that adds to the fun. However, some players may find the instructions confusing and the gameplay too long.
Pros
  • Easy to learn and catch on
  • Fun for all ages
  • Can be played with multiple players
  • Each player has their own erasable slate
  • Hilariously fun game for adults and kids alike
Cons
  • Erasable markers not included
  • Cheaply made boards
Bottom Line
Blank Slate is an easy-to-learn and fun game for all ages that can be played with multiple players. However, it may not be as much fun as expected and some versions may have quality issues.
Pros
  • Fabulous thinking/planning game
  • Great for 2 people
  • Easy to learn
  • Convenient holders for the plastic tiles
  • Improved visibility for those with vision issues
Cons
  • Poor quality paint on tiles
  • Replacement tiles are expensive
Bottom Line
Rummikub is an entertaining and fun game that is easy to learn and great for two people. However, the quality of the tiles and the rules can be ambiguous, and replacement tiles are expensive. The travel edition may not be the best option due to small tiles and flimsy racks.
Pros
  • Fun for all ages
  • Easy to learn
  • Good for family game nights
  • Quick-paced and energetic
  • Can be played with any age group
Cons
  • Slapping can get painful
  • Some may find it too simple or silly
Bottom Line
This game is a fun and easy-to-learn option for family game nights or gatherings with friends. It can be played with any age group, but may not be suitable for younger children due to the fast-paced slapping. Be cautious of potential pain from slapping the cards.
Pros
  • Easy to learn and quick to play.
  • Lots of laughable moments and potential for repeated game nights.
  • Good for larger groups.
  • Exceptional customer service.
  • Great party game.
Cons
  • Limited number of cards.
  • Cards are double-sided, so removing inappropriate cards means losing playing material.
Bottom Line
Off Topic is a fun and easy-to-learn party game that is great for larger groups. While it may not be much different from Scattergories, it offers potential for repeated game nights and lots of laughter. However, the limited number of cards and double-sided nature of the cards may be a drawback for some players.
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