23 votes

What are your favourite board games?

Maybe this is something that would exist better on ~games but, here it is.

54 comments

  1. [3]
    Deimos
    Link
    My overall favorite is probably Space Alert, but it's so much work to teach people to play that I hardly ever get to play it. It takes hours to teach people how to play it fully, and by the time...

    My overall favorite is probably Space Alert, but it's so much work to teach people to play that I hardly ever get to play it. It takes hours to teach people how to play it fully, and by the time we get to that point, they've usually had enough for the day. Then next time, someone else that doesn't know how to play is around, so you have to start over.

    The Castles of Burgundy is another one of my favorites that I try to play with people that aren't intimidated by a lot of rules/components. It's not as complicated as it looks like it will be, so it scares some people a bit. It also plays really well with any of 2, 3, or 4 people, so it's a really good option to play with a smaller group (or even just one other person).

    8 votes
    1. nothis
      Link Parent
      Oh wow, I actually played Space Alert! Like real-life FTL. Tons of fun!

      Oh wow, I actually played Space Alert! Like real-life FTL. Tons of fun!

      5 votes
    2. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      If you like Castles of Burgundy I think you'd probably like Anachrony (the one I suggest above); it's been a couple of years since the one time I played Castles, but I feel like they're about the...

      If you like Castles of Burgundy I think you'd probably like Anachrony (the one I suggest above); it's been a couple of years since the one time I played Castles, but I feel like they're about the same level of complexity (with Anachrony maybe being a bit more setup).

      I haven't played Space Alert - I'll try to check it out!

      1 vote
  2. [2]
    aphoenix
    Link
    My family is really into Catan right now, and it's a great 'gateway' game for kids to get into more advanced board games. My wife is a big fan of Ticket to Ride and most of its variations,...

    My family is really into Catan right now, and it's a great 'gateway' game for kids to get into more advanced board games.

    My wife is a big fan of Ticket to Ride and most of its variations, especially the Nordic countries variant.

    My personal favourite right now is Anachrony - a worker placement game with a great story (a meteor hit the earth so hard that it exploded in the past and messed up the world).

    7 votes
    1. AirStryke
      Link Parent
      You're absolutely right about Catan being a 'gateway' board game. It's my go-to for friends who have never played anything more advanced than Monopoly. Simple enough to explain and set up quickly...

      You're absolutely right about Catan being a 'gateway' board game. It's my go-to for friends who have never played anything more advanced than Monopoly. Simple enough to explain and set up quickly so you don't loose your audience before you even start, yet deep enough to show a glimpse of what the full potential of board games are.

      1 vote
  3. [6]
    Edritch
    (edited )
    Link
    My all time favorite is definitely Dominion. It's one of the original deck builders. I have most of the expansions, and each time I play it's completely different. My friends and I have a lot of...

    My all time favorite is definitely Dominion. It's one of the original deck builders. I have most of the expansions, and each time I play it's completely different. My friends and I have a lot of fun playing it on the weekends.

    Other than that, I'm a fan of the betrayal games. Either Betrayal at House on the Hill or Betrayal at Baulder's Gate if you have played D&D style games before.

    I think the best measure of a truly great game is replayability. Any game can be played once and be fun. A good game can be replayed occasionally. A great game is something you can play back to back in the same session and have it work out completely differently.

    5 votes
    1. [4]
      cfabbro
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      You forgot this: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_(card_game) Edit: nm, I see you got it now. :P

      You forgot this:
      https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_(card_game)

      Edit: nm, I see you got it now. :P

      2 votes
      1. [3]
        Edritch
        Link Parent
        Lol, thanks. I was typing on mobile and hit the post button on accident.

        Lol, thanks. I was typing on mobile and hit the post button on accident.

        2 votes
        1. [2]
          cfabbro
          Link Parent
          Np I do that a lot on mobile too. :/ How is the Baldur’s Gate tabletop game? I adore the old CRPGs and have seen the tabletop before but am always wary of “tie in” style games like that. The few...

          Np I do that a lot on mobile too. :/

          How is the Baldur’s Gate tabletop game? I adore the old CRPGs and have seen the tabletop before but am always wary of “tie in” style games like that. The few of those type of tabletop games that I have played so far seemed artificially restricted in terms of mechanics because of their source material, so they probably would have been better off just doing their own thing instead of latching on to an existing IP.

          1 vote
          1. Edritch
            Link Parent
            Well, it's definitely a flavored version of the original IP, but I think they did it very well. They added new mechanics that make it feel like more than just a reskin, things like your character...

            Well, it's definitely a flavored version of the original IP, but I think they did it very well. They added new mechanics that make it feel like more than just a reskin, things like your character getting a power based on their class, and lots of monsters and traps appearing in the game. Plus all of the haunts are different and some are very interesting and unique.

            If you were thinking of getting one of the two, I'd say get the Baulder's Gate one.

            2 votes
    2. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      I really enjoy both Dominion and Betrayal at House on the Hill. I haven't tried Betrayal at Baulder's Gate - I'll check it out!

      I really enjoy both Dominion and Betrayal at House on the Hill. I haven't tried Betrayal at Baulder's Gate - I'll check it out!

      1 vote
  4. [10]
    cfabbro
    (edited )
    Link
    Small World is my absolute favorite. It's easy to learn, the games are paced perfectly for hanging out and chatting while playing, it's remarkably strategic for how simple the mechanics are and...

    Small World is my absolute favorite. It's easy to learn, the games are paced perfectly for hanging out and chatting while playing, it's remarkably strategic for how simple the mechanics are and features potentially friendship ending levels of backstabbing and collusion. What's not to love!?

    Cards Against Humanity is a close second... though it's technically a tabletop card game not a "board"game.

    I am still good friends with all my old Everquest->DAoC->WoW guild. Anywhere from 10-20 of us, from all over the world, meet up once a year for a week-long nerd-fest "con", usually at one of our old leader's cottage in northern Ontario. LAN party, tons of tabletop games (Ticket to Ride, Catan, King of Tokyo, Talisman, etc.), competitions/events (e.g. geeky bar trivia, playing team based competitive videogames while being shot with nerf guns by the other teams, hoverboard obstacle course races, M:TG draft tourny, etc.) complete with trophies and prizes/swag, way too much alcohol and marijuana consumption and absolutely no sleep. It's the sort of "vacation" that you need another vacation immediately afterwards to recover from.

    Pretty much every day during the "con" there is several Small World games going on at once because it's perfect for playing together while drinking and shooting the shit. And we also always do one or two several-hour long games of Cards Against Humanity that leaves us all completely exhausted just from the sheer amount of laughing it causes. Hence why those two are the standouts for me.

    4 votes
    1. [9]
      aphoenix
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Small World has been on my list of "maybe I should pick this up" boardgames for a while. I think I'll take the plunge. Edit: Amazon, my downfall: immediate gratification, here tomorrow, I'll play...

      Small World has been on my list of "maybe I should pick this up" boardgames for a while. I think I'll take the plunge. Edit: Amazon, my downfall: immediate gratification, here tomorrow, I'll play this on the weekend. (I bought this game)

      Boardgame-con sounds awesome. My WoW guild does the same sort of thing, in the same sort of part of the world. Last year we played a lot of Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Duel at Mt. Skullzfyre which was pretty silly, but also pretty fun.

      1 vote
      1. [8]
        cfabbro
        (edited )
        Link Parent
        Sorry... looks like I was a bit too late. I was going to suggest giving 'Small World 2' a try on iOS or Android for $10 before dropping $40-120 on the boardgame and expansions but, TBH, I don't...

        Sorry... looks like I was a bit too late. I was going to suggest giving 'Small World 2' a try on iOS or Android for $10 before dropping $40-120 on the boardgame and expansions but, TBH, I don't think you will regret your purchase at all. We use all three (board, iOS and Android on tablets) to play at the con, since often we have multiple games going at once.

        And just FYI, IMO all the expansions but the 'Cursed!' one are worth getting at some point too if you enjoy the game... Underground especially since it has a totally new board to play on and tons of new races to play with.

        I will have to check out Epic Spell Wars... it looks pretty fun/interesting. (TableTop FTW!)

        1 vote
        1. [7]
          aphoenix
          Link Parent
          Ha, it's okay - I try to pick up a board game about once a month to play with the family, and I didn't do so last month, so I was ready! I picked up an expansion as well; it suggested it as a...

          Ha, it's okay - I try to pick up a board game about once a month to play with the family, and I didn't do so last month, so I was ready! I picked up an expansion as well; it suggested it as a bundle.

          Spell Wars is never going to be anyone's favourite game, but it's a nice bit of fun, and it's another good game to play together while drinking and shooting the shit.

          We also always have a pretty epic game of Cards Against Humanity. I'm amazed at how similar our get togethers are. Do you guys ever play Slap Cup (it's entirely a drinking game)?

          1 vote
          1. [6]
            cfabbro
            (edited )
            Link Parent
            Naw, everyone in our group is a bit of a beer snob (myself included) so we tend to get almost exclusively expensive craft beers and even when we drink hard liquor it's usually pretty high quality...

            Naw, everyone in our group is a bit of a beer snob (myself included) so we tend to get almost exclusively expensive craft beers and even when we drink hard liquor it's usually pretty high quality hooch that we make "classy" mixed drinks with, e.g. Mojitos, instead of simply doing shots. Neither of which is very conducive to drinking games. And besides, we don't need to play drinking games in order to drink massive quantities of alcohol, we got that thoroughly covered already. :)

            1 vote
            1. [5]
              aphoenix
              Link Parent
              The last time we played slap cup, we played with Wellington's Russian Imperial because we play hardmode (it's definitely not a beer you want to chug normally). I'm a beer snob as well (and also...

              The last time we played slap cup, we played with Wellington's Russian Imperial because we play hardmode (it's definitely not a beer you want to chug normally).

              I'm a beer snob as well (and also old) but Slap Cup's a pretty good time. Also, I'm fairly dextrous, so if we play with shit beer, I don't often have to drink it.

              Sometimes we have a kids slap cup table with apple juice or ginger ale. That's also hilarious.

              1 vote
              1. [4]
                cfabbro
                Link Parent
                I too am also old (35+) and couldn't imagine chugging Russian Imperial. It's like highly alcoholic porridge and chugging would just feel like a waste of all that amazing flavour. I love it, but...

                I too am also old (35+) and couldn't imagine chugging Russian Imperial. It's like highly alcoholic porridge and chugging would just feel like a waste of all that amazing flavour. I love it, but for sipping when it's nice and warm (can't stand cold stouts).

                Let me know what you think about Small World, BTW.

                2 votes
                1. [3]
                  aphoenix
                  Link Parent
                  We've played Small World twice now, and it's a hit. Currently the overall score is: Kids:2 Adults: 0

                  We've played Small World twice now, and it's a hit. Currently the overall score is:
                  Kids:2
                  Adults: 0

                  1 vote
                  1. [2]
                    cfabbro
                    Link Parent
                    Hah awesome... I'm glad everyone enjoyed my recommendation... and also sorry because if your kids demand more it can get expensive with all the expansions. ;)

                    Hah awesome... I'm glad everyone enjoyed my recommendation... and also sorry because if your kids demand more it can get expensive with all the expansions. ;)

                    1 vote
                    1. aphoenix
                      Link Parent
                      If my kids request things like board games as their way to dump money, that's generally okay with me! My oldest daughter splits her time between asking for a horse and asking for board games; the...

                      If my kids request things like board games as their way to dump money, that's generally okay with me!

                      My oldest daughter splits her time between asking for a horse and asking for board games; the games are much cheaper.

                      1 vote
  5. [3]
    arghdos
    Link
    Is there a Roll20 equivalent for board games? (though thinking about it, that might negate the whole "you having to buy the game thing)

    Is there a Roll20 equivalent for board games? (though thinking about it, that might negate the whole "you having to buy the game thing)

    4 votes
  6. [4]
    Parliament
    Link
    Without a doubt Scotland Yard. In my family, the person playing Mr. X (the fugitive) dresses up and wears sunglasses to obscure where they’re looking on the board and planning their next move.

    Without a doubt Scotland Yard. In my family, the person playing Mr. X (the fugitive) dresses up and wears sunglasses to obscure where they’re looking on the board and planning their next move.

    4 votes
    1. [2]
      crius
      Link Parent
      The dress up is a so cool touch. Unless you play in the summer without AC. Sorry, in London is weirdly hot since a week now and we got kinda freaked out.

      The dress up is a so cool touch. Unless you play in the summer without AC.

      Sorry, in London is weirdly hot since a week now and we got kinda freaked out.

      2 votes
      1. Parliament
        Link Parent
        When I was in London a few years ago (August 2015), it happened to be an abnormally hot day. Had seats in the open sun for a match at Selhurst Park and got cooked. Then I inadvertently ordered a...

        When I was in London a few years ago (August 2015), it happened to be an abnormally hot day. Had seats in the open sun for a match at Selhurst Park and got cooked. Then I inadvertently ordered a cask ale at a pub not realizing cask ale is served at room temp. A mistake you only make once.

        2 votes
    2. aphoenix
      (edited )
      Link Parent
      Despite it's age (and my own)... I've never played Scotland Yard.

      Despite it's age (and my own)... I've never played Scotland Yard.

      1 vote
  7. [2]
    nothis
    Link
    Just started playing a game called Village. You play a medieval family over several generations and put them into different professions, let them travel, etc. At the end, the player whose family...

    Just started playing a game called Village. You play a medieval family over several generations and put them into different professions, let them travel, etc. At the end, the player whose family accumulated the most "prestige" wins. It's super hardcore and tactical (just setup and reading the rules took us over an hour!), we enjoyed it a lot!

    4 votes
    1. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      I added this to my list of potential buys!

      I added this to my list of potential buys!

  8. [3]
    orz
    Link
    I'm a sucker for Lords of Waterdeep. Very good worker-placement game, a bit iffy on the expansion with the corruption points, but otherwise an enjoyable 2-3 hour game. Plays 2 to 6 players.

    I'm a sucker for Lords of Waterdeep. Very good worker-placement game, a bit iffy on the expansion with the corruption points, but otherwise an enjoyable 2-3 hour game. Plays 2 to 6 players.

    4 votes
    1. CorbuMulak
      Link Parent
      I second Waterdeep. It's a lot of fun and it's also real easy to get new players into, even if they're not used to playing modern board games. And once you're used to the game it has plenty of...

      I second Waterdeep. It's a lot of fun and it's also real easy to get new players into, even if they're not used to playing modern board games. And once you're used to the game it has plenty of strategy without becoming bogged down.

      3 votes
    2. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      I love this one as well. If you like it, you may also like Anachrony, which I listed above.

      I love this one as well. If you like it, you may also like Anachrony, which I listed above.

      1 vote
  9. burntcookie90
    Link
    Nothing has got me playing over and over like Splendor.

    Nothing has got me playing over and over like Splendor.

    4 votes
  10. euphoria066
    Link
    My favourite is also Space Alert, but we have too many dang games so playing one fairly often is hard. The space alert expansion has a experience system with achievements that I think is truly...

    My favourite is also Space Alert, but we have too many dang games so playing one fairly often is hard. The space alert expansion has a experience system with achievements that I think is truly great. It also adds double action cards, which I think are way more fun.

    I love Mage Knight a lot, but you have to start at about 11am to finish at 11pm with no breaks. But it's like a cooperative table version of Heroes of Might and Magic III which is the best game of all time.

    3 votes
  11. [2]
    LoanWolf
    Link
    Even coming up with a top 5 is really hard to decide. I'm going to say: Space Alert, Tzolk'in, Lords of Vegas, Millions of Dollars, and A Feast for Odin

    Even coming up with a top 5 is really hard to decide. I'm going to say:
    Space Alert, Tzolk'in, Lords of Vegas, Millions of Dollars, and A Feast for Odin

    3 votes
    1. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      So many people are saying space alert that I think I should probably pick it up.

      So many people are saying space alert that I think I should probably pick it up.

      1 vote
  12. [4]
    tape
    Link
    One of my friends has all the expansions and stuff for Sentinels of the Multiverse and it's been pretty fun every time we get to play.

    One of my friends has all the expansions and stuff for Sentinels of the Multiverse and it's been pretty fun every time we get to play.

    3 votes
    1. [3]
      Petril
      Link Parent
      My husband loves Sentinels. Games tend to make me anxious, but I've started really liking this one! I think because of the co-op thing. Do you have a favorite character to play?

      My husband loves Sentinels. Games tend to make me anxious, but I've started really liking this one! I think because of the co-op thing.

      Do you have a favorite character to play?

      1 vote
      1. [2]
        tape
        Link Parent
        He's so basic but I love playing Ra. So much fire :D

        He's so basic but I love playing Ra. So much fire :D

        2 votes
        1. Petril
          Link Parent
          Yes! Ra is great. I've been trying to play different characters each time, so i haven't really formed an attachment. I just played ex-patriette and loved her, though!

          Yes! Ra is great. I've been trying to play different characters each time, so i haven't really formed an attachment. I just played ex-patriette and loved her, though!

          1 vote
  13. [2]
    dolgfinnstjarna
    Link
    Arkham Horror and the AH LCG are among my all-time favorites, but lately I've been on a big Star Trek Frontiers kick.

    Arkham Horror and the AH LCG are among my all-time favorites, but lately I've been on a big Star Trek Frontiers kick.

    3 votes
    1. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      Arkham Horror is one that I play with some frequency and really enjoy - my brother and his wife frequently host full day games of it.

      Arkham Horror is one that I play with some frequency and really enjoy - my brother and his wife frequently host full day games of it.

      2 votes
  14. blackbird
    Link
    One Night Werewolf is my go to. It is fast so can be used as a short filler game; or you can play it's variations over and over for hours. Any hidden role game that results in everyone yelling and...

    One Night Werewolf is my go to. It is fast so can be used as a short filler game; or you can play it's variations over and over for hours. Any hidden role game that results in everyone yelling and accusing each other is a fun time for my group

    3 votes
  15. [2]
    ocean
    Link
    Tsuro is amazing and super simple! You can pull it out and get a game going within minutes, same with Tsuro of the Seas.

    Tsuro is amazing and super simple! You can pull it out and get a game going within minutes, same with Tsuro of the Seas.

    3 votes
    1. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      I like Tsuro and it's another one that's easy for kids to pick up too.

      I like Tsuro and it's another one that's easy for kids to pick up too.

      2 votes
  16. [2]
    CorbuMulak
    Link
    I really like Puerto Rico. Something about having your own playspace to manage, while still being able to mess with other players, is really satisfying.

    I really like Puerto Rico. Something about having your own playspace to manage, while still being able to mess with other players, is really satisfying.

    2 votes
    1. aphoenix
      Link Parent
      I really enjoy Puerto Rico, but have never successfully played a game without several people saying, "First you get the sugar; then you get the power; then you get the women."

      I really enjoy Puerto Rico, but have never successfully played a game without several people saying, "First you get the sugar; then you get the power; then you get the women."

  17. Shiga
    Link
    Othello/Reversi. Incredibly simple rules and objectives, but there’s a lot of really fun and deep understandings of the game when both players get highly competitive. Sort of in the same vein as...

    Othello/Reversi. Incredibly simple rules and objectives, but there’s a lot of really fun and deep understandings of the game when both players get highly competitive. Sort of in the same vein as Connect 4.

    Wiki page for some context: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reversi

    2 votes
  18. [3]
    nayr1991
    Link
    I have always loved games that require improv, such as Snakeoil

    I have always loved games that require improv, such as Snakeoil

    2 votes
    1. [2]
      aphoenix
      Link Parent
      This game looks pretty cool. Have you played Werewolf? It's a take on Mafia, but has a bit of improv in it.

      This game looks pretty cool.

      Have you played Werewolf? It's a take on Mafia, but has a bit of improv in it.

      1. nayr1991
        Link Parent
        Ooh cool, no I haven't. Looks interesting, I'll definitely check it out!

        Ooh cool, no I haven't. Looks interesting, I'll definitely check it out!

  19. QuellSpeller
    Link
    I've really been enjoying Glass Road recently, it's got a neat system of action selection that I've only seen in one other game, and the resource system is also pretty unique. It's great as a...

    I've really been enjoying Glass Road recently, it's got a neat system of action selection that I've only seen in one other game, and the resource system is also pretty unique. It's great as a quicker Rosenberg game that still has some depth (compared to Bohnanza, not a huge fan).

    2 votes
  20. IncreaseTheDosage
    (edited )
    Link
    I'm pretty new to board gaming, and I think I liked pretty much every game I played. Catan is my first game and still my one of my favorites. It's really fun to play, but bad thing about it is...

    I'm pretty new to board gaming, and I think I liked pretty much every game I played. Catan is my first game and still my one of my favorites. It's really fun to play, but bad thing about it is that people tend to get really competitive playing it, and the outcome heavily depends on the initial placement of your towns/roads. Lords of Waterdeep is awesome and pretty much has no faults. 7 wonders is also a super fun game. Other games I liked are: Jamaica, Pandemic, Ticket to Ride: Europe.

    1 vote