Top 10 Best Board Games 2023 That You Must Try

By -Jonie Toh
Posted on August 6, 2023March 30, 2024
Posted in Board Games, Game Reviews, Gaming

Board games have been a favorite pastime for people of all ages for centuries. From ancient games like chess and go-to modern classics like Monopoly and Clue, board games have always been a great way to spend time with friends and family.

But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to play. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 board games you simply must try this year.

We personally enjoy Sushi Go Party! a little too much, but that is because we are foodies first, brain teasers later. Decrypto is another best board game in our party game favorites!

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of board games, there’s something for everyone on this list. So let’s dive in and discover the best board games of 2023!

Best Classic Board Games with a Modern Twist

When it comes to board games, sometimes the classics are the best. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be updated for the modern era. Here are two classic games with a modern twist that you’ll love.

Monopoly Ultimate Banking – Best Classic Board Game

Monopoly has been a classic board game since it was first introduced in 1935. The game has gone through many changes over the years, but the basic concept remains the same: buy properties, collect rent, and bankrupt your opponents.

The latest version of Monopoly, Ultimate Banking, takes the game to a whole new level. Instead of paper money, players use a digital banking unit to keep track of their finances. This adds a new level of realism to the game, as players can now buy properties and charge rent with the tap of a button.

With updated gameplay and a modern twist, Monopoly Ultimate Banking is a must-play for any board game fan.

Clue: Liars Edition

Another classic game that has been updated for the modern era is Clue. In the original game, players had to solve a murder mystery by discovering which character committed the crime, in which room, and with which weapon.

The new version of the game, Clue: Liars Edition, adds a fun twist to the gameplay. In this version, players are allowed to lie about their cards, which adds a new level of strategy to the game plus plenty of laughter! With updated gameplay and a modern twist, Clue: Liars Edition is a perfect choice for any classic board game fan.

Best Cooperative Board Games

If you’re looking for a game that requires teamwork and cooperation, then these two co-op board games are perfect for you.

Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 – Best Story-Rich Board Game

Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 is the ultimate story-rich board game that brings together friends or family to combat diseases spreading across the world. Its compelling narrative unfolds as you play, with each month representing a new chapter in an overarching story, complete with unexpected twists and turns that keep players on the edge of their seats. What’s more, every choice you make has consequences, creating an immersive experience where you truly feel like you’re shaping the fate of humanity.

The dynamic changes and branching paths in Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 mean that no two playthroughs are alike. With unexpected events that can throw your carefully laid plans into disarray, it’s exhilarating to see how your actions shape subsequent games and how the story unfolds differently for each group.

The growing sense of urgency adds to the excitement, as you race against time to find cures and prevent outbreaks. This combination of cooperative gameplay and a rich storyline sets Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 apart from other board games in its genre, offering an immersive experience where players become invested in saving humanity from disaster.

Magic Maze Kids – Best for Family Game Nights

Magic Maze Kids is the perfect board game for families looking for a fun and engaging activity that everyone can enjoy! This cooperative game is all about working together as a team to accomplish a common goal, making it an ideal way to strengthen family bonds and build communication skills.

In Magic Maze Kids, players take on the role of adventurous heroes who must navigate a magical maze filled with obstacles, treasures, and dangers. Each player controls a different character with their own unique abilities, which must be used strategically to overcome the challenges they face.

The rules are easy to learn and understand, making it perfect for younger players, but still engaging enough for adults. This makes it a great way to introduce younger children to the world of board games and encourage family game nights. With its cooperative gameplay, accessible rules, and exciting real-time element, this game is sure to become a fast favorite for any family looking for a fun and unique way to spend time together.

You can also go for Magic Maze Original version which allows up to 8 players.

Best Strategy Board Games

If you’re a fan of games that require strategy and planning, then these two strategy games are perfect for you.

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion – Best RPG Tabletop Game

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is the latest installment in the popular Gloomhaven series. This cooperative board game is all about working together with your fellow players to explore dark and dangerous dungeons, battle fierce monsters, and complete challenging quests.

In Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, players take on the role of brave adventurers on a mission to save the world from a mysterious and powerful threat. Each player controls a unique character with their own set of abilities, strengths, and weaknesses that must be carefully balanced and utilized to succeed in their quest.

What sets this game apart is its immersive world-building and rich storytelling. As players explore the dungeons and complete quests, they uncover a complex and compelling narrative that will keep them engaged and invested in the outcome of their adventure. If you’re a fan of strategy games, then Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a must-play in our opinion, even if you are a tabletop beginner.

Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition – Best for 2 Players

Ah, Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition, a game that truly takes you on a journey through the vast expanse of space! This strategic board game is all about building a thriving civilization on the red planet, Mars, while navigating the harsh environment and competing against other players.

In Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition, players take on the role of powerful corporations tasked with the monumental challenge of terraforming the planet to make it habitable for human life. This is no easy feat, as players must carefully manage resources, invest in research and development, and strategically place their colonies to ensure the survival and growth of their civilization.

Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition is an exciting and engaging game that will challenge your strategic thinking and test your ability to adapt to changing circumstances. If you already own the original base game Terraforming Mars or start considering the game, you might appreciate this spin-off since it is a lighter game.

Quick and Easy Board Games

If you’re short on time or just looking for an easy-to-learn board game to play, then these two games are perfect for you.

Azul: Summer Pavilion – Best Board Game with Beautiful Artwork

If you’re a fan of board games with a good amount of brain-teasing challenges, get ready to be transported to a world of vibrant colors and intricate patterns with Azul: Summer Pavilion. This latest installment in the Azul series is an absolute delight for both experienced players and newcomers alike, and typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes to play, which is pretty quick for games of this genre. With its stunning artwork and strategic gameplay, it offers hours of entertainment that will leave you craving for more.

One of the highlights of Azul: Summer Pavilion is the unique blending mechanism that adds a new layer of depth to the game. As you carefully select tiles from various factories, your goal is not only to collect matching colors but also create seamless patterns on your own personal board. It’s like piecing together a work of art, where every move counts towards achieving perfection. This added challenge introduces an exciting level of strategy that keeps players engaged throughout each turn.

Sushi Go Party! – Most Adorable Board Game

Sushi Go Party! is a fun and fast-paced game that is perfect for players of all ages. In this game, players must collect different types of sushi and create the perfect meal. The gameplay is simple yet requires some thinking to get the most number of points to advance your pawn.

The game is designed to be played in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick game night. And guess what, this is our personal favorite because…how could you not like the adorable sushi pictures?

Best Party Board Games

If you’re looking for a game to play at your next party, then these two board games are perfect for you.

Wavelength

Wavelength is a fun and engaging party game that is perfect for players of all ages that will have you and your friends laughing, guessing, and having a blast! The game challenges players to guess where a hidden target lies on a spectrum, with clues given by teammates. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, including a dial that players turn to reveal the target location, every round is filled with excitement and anticipation.

With a playing time of 30-45 minutes and a low rules complexity, it’s a game that’s easy to learn and perfect for any group of up to 12 players. Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or a casual player, Wavelength is a must-try game that will keep you entertained for hours on end!

Decrypto

Decrypto is an addictively fun and engaging board game that will have you on the edge of your seat! The game challenges players to decipher their opponents’ codes before they decipher yours, all while avoiding getting caught. With a playing time of 15-45 minutes, it’s a fast-paced game that’s perfect for parties and game nights.

The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, including giving clues that relate to three of your four keywords without revealing those four keywords, make every decision feel crucial. Decrypto is a must-play for anyone looking for a thrilling and exciting board game experience!

Benefits of playing board games

Playing board games has many benefits, both for individuals and for groups. Board games can help improve social skills, boost cognitive function, and reduce stress. They also provide a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of board games, there are many benefits to be gained from playing these fun and engaging games.

How to choose the right board game for you and your group

Choosing the right board game can be challenging, especially with so many options available. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right game for you and your group:

Consider the number of players: Make sure the game you choose can accommodate the number of players in your group.
Think about the theme: Choose a game with a theme that interests you and your group.
Consider the difficulty level: Make sure the game you choose is appropriate for the skill level of your group.
Read reviews, watch how-to-play videos: Check out reviews of the game before you buy it to make sure it’s right for you and your group. You could also check out videos on how to play the game before you invest into it.

Final Thoughts

Board games are a great way to spend time with friends and family, and with so many options available, we hope you manage to find something for your next game night. From classic games with a modern twist such as Monopoly Ultimate Banking to brand-new releases such as Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion, the top 10 board games in the list above offer endless hours of fun and entertainment.

So gather your friends and family, clear your schedules, and get ready to experience the thrill of competition, strategy, and fun. Game on!