Speaking to the power of playing, board games help any age to solve problems, build memory, make decisions, deal with mistakes, and defer gratification. The “best” board games are diverse because they depend on personal preference and the group of people playing with. This compilation combines popular and highly regarded adult board games across genres.
Roll the dice to find out what board games are worthwhile.
Strategy Games
Strategy board games prioritize critical thinking, planning, and decision-making. Catan is a prime example of considering the consequences of future actions. Players can collect resources and build settlements with their goods to expand their territory and win victory points.
Similar to Catan, Scythe is another recommendation for strategic play. As an engine-building game (gradually improving one’s ability to generate resources, earn points, or gain other benefits during a match), Scythe encourages players to explore the mysterious city-state, the “Factory,” an alternate history of 1920.
For more entry-level games, consider Betrayal at House on the Hill or Ticket to Ride. Ticket to Ride encourages players to build railroad tracks across the United States, and one earns points by connecting the cities. Beware the next game, for the haunted mansion turns players against each other. The task is to survive the bloodcurdling scenarios and see the light of day again.
Each game has unique tactics and themes, whether individually or as a team.
Cooperative Games
There is no better feeling than winning in a team scenario. The following games test teamwork and trust between friends- Pandemic, Gloomhaven, and Spirit Island. The Pandemic’s main objective is for a group of players to work together to stop the spread of diseases worldwide, collecting clues on how to stop the chaos.
Gloomhaven is a cooperative fantasy adventure campaign that features tactical combat, character progression, and an evolving story. Spirit Island is another fantasy game where players are different spirits of the land defending their island home from foreign invaders. Games don’t always have to be serious their are fun party games as well.
Party Games
Adult board games at parties send laughter through rooms, creating joyous nights to remember. A few fun suggestions are Sushi Go!, Codenames, and Telestrations After Dark. To get the party started and the juices flowing, the fast-paced game Sushi Go!, is an excellent option. This rendition is like Go Fish, collecting cards as they whiz by to make sushi rolls (pairs) while other players take unwanted cards. It’s a race to finish who can eat their rolls the fastest.
Continuing the laughter but slowing down the energy is Codenames. Accommodating any number of players, Codename breaks players up into two teams. Each team has a spymaster who attempts to get their team to guess which cards on the table conceal their agent—the team who can guess their agent’s card first wins.
Last but not least is Telestrations After Dark. This adult-only version is still the classic drawing and guessing game, but instead, it deals with adult-themed prompts full of laughter. The game can make anyone more social and open to being sillier by drawing mature cues.
Finale
When it comes to adult board games, it’s essential to consider complexity, as in leveling up in Scythe, themes that may be too scary, like Betrayal at House on the Hill, and atmosphere to find the best fit for one’s group. Reviews and descriptions can help ensure a good fit for everyone’s sense of humor, such as being a spy in Codenames or comfort level as in dancing as a chicken from a Telestrations After Dark prompt. Having fun isn’t just for kids. Taking a chance and rolling the dice can lead to exciting adventures with friends or family.
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