The Best Board Games You Should Already Be Playing (Or Judging Your Friends For Not Owning)

Got 100+ hours to spare and a friend group that stays committed? Nah, us neither. But Gloomhaven doesn’t care. This beast of a box offers an epic dungeon crawler that turns your game table into a saga of betrayal, strategy, and sore losers when someone accidentally triggers a trap (Jim, we’re looking at you). It’s like Dungeons and Dragons but without needing a friend to spend weeks writing lore.

Why it’s awesome:

• 95 scenarios. Yes, NINETY-FIVE.
• Modular storylines, so even your indecisive friend will feel useful.
• A sneaky legacy mechanic to keep things spicy (hint: decisions = permanent regret).

Is it kind of overwhelming? Sure. But it’s worth every second you spend squinting at the rulebook.

2. Ticket to Ride – Chill Vibes Only

Feel like arguing about train routes with your bestie? Perfect. Ticket to Ride might look deceptively innocent with its pastel-colored cards, but this lightweight gem packs enough competition to ruin friendships. It’s simple yet strategic, making it the ultimate choice when you want a game that’s easy to teach but harder to win (cue side-eye at the red line hoarder).

Why you’ll love it:

• Quick to play, so no one has to pull an all-nighter.
• Whimsical maps for an “around-the-world” vibe.
• Weirdly cathartic train-building. Don’t ask why. It just is.

It’s not an emotionally intense game, but that’s kind of the point. Chill, grab some coffee, and quietly sabotage your friends’ routes.

3. Catan – For Your Always-Trading Frenemy

Ah, Catan. The glorious, strategic masterpiece we love to hate. You’ll trade, build, and argue over who strategically placed the robber (spoiler alert: it wasn’t strategic; they just didn’t like you). Sure, it’s not new, but it’s a classic for a reason. Plus, there’s even an expansion for, wait for it, seafarers. Clearly, the designer wanted to squeeze in more ways for your pals to grumble about resource scarcity.

Why it slaps:

• It’s the perfect mix of strategy and pettiness.
• Hexagonal tiles keep the board fresh every game.
• Turns trade squabbles into an art form.

Own it. Play it. Use it to figure out which of your friends is secretly a dictator.

4. Betrayal at House on the Hill – Where Horror Meets Chaos

Like Scooby-Doo but darker, Betrayal at House on the Hill drops you into a haunted mansion, only for one of you to inevitably betray the group. (It’s always the quiet ones, isn’t it?) With 50 potential scenarios, this game has everything from vampire cults to evil dolls, ensuring you’ll never play the same story twice. And let’s be honest, seeing your friend cackle as they turn into a werewolf is… well, entertaining.

What makes it great:

• Unpredictable twists.
• A campy horror vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• Enough chaos to keep everyone laughing, panicking, or both.

It’s like a B-movie, but in board-game form. What’s not to like?

5. Wingspan – A Bird Lover’s Paradise

“So this is…a game about birds?” Yes, and it’s amazing. Wingspan is a calming, engine-building game that hides its competitive nature behind pastel eggs and bird facts. You’ll build habitats, collect food, and turn a simple scenic walk into points galore (or not, if you’re me and your strategy collapses midway through). Plus, the bird cards are basically art pieces.

Feathery highlights include:

• A gorgeous table presence. (It’s Instagrammable. Say no more.)
• Easy-to-grasp mechanics with room for depth.
• Legit bird trivia that’ll turn you into a bird nerd.

Play this one when you need a break from intense, friendship-ruining games.

6. Pandemic – Too Soon?

Irony aside, Pandemic is the original co-op sensation that forces you (and your friends) to save the world. Travel the globe, cure diseases, and try not to yell at your buddy for flying to the wrong city at the worst possible time. It’s stressful yet satisfying, and the victory feels like winning a gold medal at the emotional Olympics.

Why you need it:

• Intense teamwork moments that’ll leave you panicked (in the best way).
• Variable difficulties to accommodate your masochistic gaming friends.
• Expansion packs that make the regular game look like a warm-up.

It’s a thrilling reminder that group projects can succeed (sometimes).

7. Azul – The “Pretty But Deadly” Game

Azul wins for being the prettiest board game you’ll probably own. Don’t be fooled, though; beneath the pretty tiles, this one’s all about strategy. Place tiles, create patterns, and block your opponent’s plans just for fun. It’s quick, lighthearted, and surprisingly competitive.

What to love:

• Aesthetically stunning components.
• Quick gameplay to please your short-attention-span friends.
• Subtle moves that make sabotage feel… classy.

This one’s perfect for when you want to feel elegant while totally undermining your pals.

There’s No Excuse Not to Play These Board Games

Board games are no longer the dusty relics of yesteryear (sorry, Uncle Larry, we’ll pass on your 1960s Scrabble habit). Whether you’re into strategy, storytelling, or just sabotaging your friends for laughs, there’s a game waiting for you. Go forth, grab a box or two, and prepare for the chaos.

Oh, and when someone flips the table… don’t say we didn’t warn you.