Board games are like a time machine: they take us back to the essence of fun, away from screens and immersed in a world of strategy, luck and social interaction. Not only do they bring people together, but they also stimulate intelligence, creativity and competitive spirit in a healthy and engaging way.
Whether you are looking for an alternative to Netflix nights or want to liven up a family gathering, we have selected for you 17 must-have boxed games that promise hours of entertainment. From pure strategy to unbridled hilarity, there’s the right idea for every taste. Get ready to discover or rediscover these classics and new gems of the gaming world!
Are you ready to play?
Table Of Contents
Monopoly
The undisputed king of board games, Monopoly catapults you into the world of real estate deals. Buy property, build houses and hotels, and try to bankrupt your opponents. Beware, though: fortunes can change with a roll of the dice! This timeless classic teaches the basics of finance and negotiation, all seasoned with a dash of luck and a lot of competitive spirit.
Risk!
Budding Generals, it’s your time! Risk! puts you in command of armies ready to conquer the world. Plan global strategies, form and break alliances, and rely on Lady Luck in combat. This board game is perfect for long, intense evenings where diplomacy and tactics come together in a compelling experience that will test your leadership skills.
Back to the future
One of the most beloved 80s movies is transformed into a board game for 2-4 players. You will relive memorable scenes from the Back to the Future movie trilogy through iconic objects and locations in the game. The average length of a game is 60 minutes and is a great gift for movie fans.
Catan
Welcome to the island of Catan, where you will be pioneers in search of resources to build your civilization. Trade raw materials, expand your settlements and become the undisputed lords of the island. Catan is a masterpiece of balance between luck, strategy and social skills. Its innovative mechanics have revolutionized the world of board games, offering an ever-changing experience with each game.
Dixit
Let your imagination take flight with Dixit, a card game where surreal images take center stage. Describe a card with an enigmatic phrase and see if the other players can guess it among the others. This board game stimulates creativity and interpretation, creating moments of pure poetry and hilarity. Perfect for diverse groups, Dixit breaks down the barriers of age and cultural background.
Pandemic
Never before has a game been so topical. In Pandemic, form a team of experts to save the world from four deadly diseases. Cooperate, use your unique skills, and make crucial decisions before it’s too late. This cooperative board game will hold your breath, teaching the value of teamwork and strategic planning under pressure.
Disney Villainous
Want to be a Disney villain? You can be Captain Hook, Ursula, Prince John, Jafar, Maleficent, and the Queen of Hearts. What is the villainous plan? Destroy different heroes-Ariel, Peter Pan, Aladdin and many others. A hilarious game for 2-6 players that will keep you entertained for an hour or two (depends on the number of players).
The Mind
Are you ready for an experiment in telepathy? The Mind is a card game for 2-4 players. You lose or win together. The small group must successfully complete all levels.
Ticket to Ride
All aboard! Ticket to Ride takes you on a railroad journey across Europe (or other parts of the world, depending on the version). Connect cities, complete secret routes and thwart your opponents’ plans in this breathtaking ride. With simple rules but deep strategies, this game is ideal for introducing new players to the world of modern board games.
Cluedo
Who is the assassin? With what weapon? And in which room? Cluedo turns everyone into a detective in a race against time to solve an intricate mystery. Question suspects, gather clues and make clever deductions to unmask the culprit. This classic game of deduction stimulates logical thinking and observation, keeping the tension high until the last card.
Marco Polo II
This board game allows you to experience Marco Polo’s adventures in Asia. After retracing Marco Polo’s routes from Venice to the court of Kublai Khan in the first chapter, you can now meet new characters and new stories. Players 2 to 4.
7 Wonders
Lead one of the seven great civilizations of antiquity to glory in just three rounds! 7 Wonders is a card game that challenges you to build wonders, develop technologies, and create a military or trade empire. Its unique card draft mechanic offers quick and engaging strategic decisions, making each game a unique and balanced experience, regardless of the number of players.
Scotland Yard
Who do you want to be? The detective or the criminal? Each game allows you to choose your character (2-6 players). Scotland Yard is a game with high replayability and keeps the whole family entertained. The criminal Mr. X will win if he manages to cross the city of London, while the Scotland Yard team will triumph if they manage to stop him in time.
Codename.
Spies and words intertwine in this electrifying game of association. Divided into two teams, you must guess your team’s words based on cryptic clues provided by your spy leader. Be careful, however, not to reveal the identity of the killer! Codename is perfect for large groups, stimulating linguistic creativity and the ability to think “outside the box.”
Exploding Kittens
Get ready for a dose of feline madness with Exploding Kittens! This card game is an explosive mix of strategy, luck and surreal humor. Draw cards, avoid exploding kittens and use special skills to survive. With hilarious illustrations and simple but ingenious mechanics, it’s ideal for livening up any evening with guaranteed laughs.
Dobble
Sharpen your eyesight and sharpen your reflexes with Dobble, the game that will test your powers of observation! This fast-paced box game is based on a simple but ingenious concept: between two cards there is always a symbol in common. Be the first to spot it and shout it out to win! With several game variations included in the box, Dobble will suit players of all ages, providing instant fun and fast-paced games that will keep you glued for hours. Perfect for breaking the ice in new groups or as an energizing break between more complex games.
Trivial Pursuit
We finish our list of the most fun board games with a great classic: Trivial Pursuit! Test your general knowledge with the board game that made knowledge fun! Divided into six thematic categories, it challenges you to answer questions about art, literature, history, geography, science and sports. Advance on the board by collecting colored “wedges” and be the first to complete your “knowledge pie.” Ideal for evenings with friends, Trivial Pursuit stimulates curiosity and learning, turning each game into an opportunity to learn something new in a fun and competitive way.
Whether you are a born strategist, mystery lover, or simply looking for an excuse to get friends and family together, these seventeen board games offer a range of experiences for all tastes.
Remember, the important thing is not to win (although, let’s face it, it always feels good), but to enjoy the journey, strengthen bonds, and create unforgettable memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Turn off your smartphones, gather your loved ones and immerse yourself in these tabletop adventures. The fun is served, and the next move is yours!