5 Essential Tabletop Games for Every Collection

Magic: The Gathering is a classic, long-standing card-based tabletop game geared around collecting and building your deck of cards, then battling it out with your friends or family to destroy monsters and take out the players’ health points. This game was first released in 1993 and has become a staple in the gaming community ever since. The rules can be complex at times, but can be picked up on through gameplay rules and reading descriptions on the cards in play.

The game quickly becomes addictive, and with new cards and pop culture references released multiple times a year, building a deck stays fresh. It is also a game that has some of the best card game tournaments in the world, drawing high-level gamers from all over. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hard-core competitor, Magic: The Gathering scratches the itch of a fun, strategic game that can be replayed time and time again.

4. Unstable Unicorns

Unstable Unicorns is one of the newer tabletop games on the list and probably the one that has gained the least publicity. The game is also a card based strategy game, but unlike Magic, Unstable Unicorns provides all the cards for you each time. The object is to use the cards you collect to control your own Unicorn Army. I mean, who doesn’t want an army of unicorns marching by your side?

This game can be cutthroat, but the entertainment value provided can keep a group laughing for hours at a time. The game saw cult success, driving the development company, Unstable Games, to create a plethora of similar tabletop games to get the party going week after week. The game has a rules packet that can be picked up on quickly, and this card game truly is an essential addition to any collection, with humor and fun combined with strategic manipulation, making any gamer let their emotions run wild.

3. Settlers Of Catan

Catan is a tabletop game that fits the classic image of a board game. You set up a board in front of you, and using cards, dice roles, and resources, attempt to build an empire before your opponents. It has quickly become one of the best-selling board games, and its popularity has driven the move to multiple expansion packs and even mobile and console versions of the tabletop game classic.

What is great about this game is that it can be picked up easily but allows a whole plethora of strategic planning. Players can trade resource cards with one another and set up bases that gain them the best possibilities for growth. Each playthrough is different because the board is made from detaching hexagons that are spread out randomly, meaning each layout will be different. Think through your moves, convince your competitors to help you out, and work your way to control. Settlers of Catan will be an essential addition to your collection that is enjoyable for all ages.

2. Wingspan

Wingspan is a critically acclaimed tabletop game that is driven by card collection and beautiful illustrations. Not only is the game fun, but it brings the joy of science and bird watching to a family and friends’ game night. Each player has a separate player board, with multiple habitats. Each player will then spend resources to collect bird cards, which they will then add to their respective habitats.

As players’ habitats grow, so do the benefits of the habitat. By completing objectives and growing your bird collection, you receive points at the end towards your win. This game takes learning into an exciting, beautiful, and captivating tabletop game experience that is truly one of a kind. Wingspan developers have recently come out with additional variations of similar games, so if you enjoy it, there are plenty more options on the horizon!

1. Dungeons & Dragons

No tabletop game collection is truly complete without the game that defines the genre. The game was created back in 1974 and has been updated and improved ever since. This role-playing game has been the inspiration for countless video games, including the highly successful Final Fantasy franchise and the critically acclaimed game of the year Baldur’s Gate series. Dungeons and Dragons is a cooperative game, run by the players, for the players.

Following the basic ruleplay and gameplay for development, dice roles, and story growth, players make their way through whatever ideas the game master throws their way. Because it is entirely player-driven, every single campaign in every single group plays out entirely differently. Campaigns can go on for as long or as little as the group wants. It is truly in your hands. Many other tabletop games were inspired by this classic, but nothing can replace the original.

Final Thoughts

This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to gaming. Every year, games are released that blow players’ minds and establish themselves in the gaming landscape as must-play games. Fans are encouraged to check out games that catch their eye because there are so many options out there. Looking for adult fun? Perhaps Cards Against Humanity fits your style. Want a simple board game that is easy to play again and again? Clue, Monopoly, Chess, Mancala, and Taboo all fit that and cover a wide range of different types of gameplay. Want a game that can go for days? Risk is calling your name.

The possibilities are truly endless, so mix and match your favorites. Starting with these essential 5, though, gives you a huge head start on tabletop game nights that will be the envy of all your friends and family.