The Best Board Games
In years gone by, board games were a staple activity for those rainy days, long evenings, or gatherings of friends. And even with all our electronic devices, there's no better way to connect with friends and family than an engaging board game. We've taken stock of the best board games on the market today. In this selection, you'll find familiar classics, contemporary updates, and a range of options suitable for all ages.
What to Look For
With so many board games to choose between, you can narrow down the options with a few important considerations. For one, try to keep stock of how many players you want to be involved, as some games work for parties while others are one-on-one competitions. Some players might want to get straight into the action, in which case you’ll want a game with plain and simple rules. It’s also worth watching for small pieces if you’re planning to introduce these games to the youngest children. Our top board game overall is the classic Connect 4 from Hasbro Gaming. Few games offer as simple a premise while still bringing hours of fun and varied gameplay. If you’re looking for an option with greater variety, check out Hey! Play!’s travel set. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorite board games.
Hasbro Gaming Connect 4
The staple of strategy games
As board games go, it doesn’t get much simpler than the humble Connect 4. Though the rules are clear for all to see, it can be harder than you might think to achieve your goal when a shrewd opponent is blocking your every move. This classic set from Hasbro contains all you need to put your wits to the test in a head-to-head race to connect the discs. The simple setup and easy gameplay mean that the fun can start without delay, and make it an instant winner with kids of all ages.
Pros:
- This set comes with plenty of spare discs, so you can keep playing even if you lose some along the way.
- The plastic grid is sturdier than it seems and will withstand playful investigations from young toddlers.
- The large discs don’t pose a choking hazard for young kids.
Cons:
- Larger families or groups of kids might prefer a game for more than two players.
Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures
The sweetest victory
Candy land is a magical board game adventure perfect for kids with a sweet tooth. You might have played the classic version from years gone by when you were growing up. This modern version brings the same fun with updated graphics that our kids are sure to recognize. With the rainbow-colored board and deck of cards, it’s a fun and easy way for young learners to practice counting and simple logic as they race to the finish line. This dazzling adventure is suitable for up to four players, so you can gather the whole family together or invite some friends to join the action.
Pros:
- All of the cards are graphic, so they won’t deter those who are still learning to read from enjoying the fun.
- The cards are coated with a glossy finish to resist damage from accidental spills.
- Though simple by design, each game brings complexity and unexpected outcomes so you won’t get bored quickly.
Cons:
- The small plastic pawns may present a choking hazard for babies, so it’s only suitable for ages 3 and up.
Catan Family Board Game
Plan your empire
This elaborate and highly strategic option is sure to offer a suitable challenge to even the sharpest adult minds. The setup is simple enough. You enter the island of Catan as a humble settler to nurture your young civilization into a blossoming empire. The main obstacles to your goal are the competing factions controlled by your fellow players. As you navigate your new civilization, you’ll learn to trade, form allegiances, and vanquish the enemies that stand in your way. With so many paths to choose from, Catan offers hours of fun and endless replayability.
Pros:
- Despite the many possible tactics and strategies you can develop over time, a beginner can pick up the basics in a matter of minutes.
- Catan can be played by three or four players, making it an excellent option for a group games night.
- If you think you’ve experienced everything the game has to offer, there are several expansion sets available.
Cons:
- Younger kids might struggle to grasp the more complex rules. Catan is recommended for kids aged 10 and above.
Hey! Play! 7-in-1 Combo Game
More than meets the eye
If you’re struggling to choose a new board game for you or your kids, this combo set is a good place to start. This multi-functional board comes with seven classic board games ready to play right out of the box, offering hours of fun and a varied playing experience for new players. The tasteful wooden finish houses several boards back to back, so you can brush up on your chess skills, go head-to-head in backgammon or checkers, or try your hand at something new.
Pros:
- The wooden box has internal storage for all of the game pieces and dice, keeping everything tidily in one place. It also makes it great for traveling.
- With a selection of games ranging from two players up to six, there’s a board to pick for any gathering.
- A booklet is included with detailed instructions for each game, so you won’t have to test your memory each time you sit down to play.
Cons:
- This board is smaller than a standard chess set, which can make it difficult for growing hands to navigate.
Mattel Games Balderdash
Waffle and rhyme
Balderdash is a noble challenge for any budding poet or wordsmith. Whether or not you consider yourself a literary type, this classic board game offers hours of absurd and creative fun. It’s quick and easy to pick up the rules. In each round, an unusual word is read and each player has to invent definitions to suit it. Afterward, players guess to find the true definition between the bluffs. Each game brings new and unexpected turns, and it’s a surefire conversation starter.
Pros:
- The game recommends a maximum of six players, but this number could be increased to accommodate larger groups.
- There aren’t many pieces needed to play the game, and they’re easily replaceable if lost.
Cons:
- Gameplay involves a lot more discussion than most board games, so if you prefer silent strategic play it might not be the choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the recommended ages calculated for board games?
When introducing new board games to younger kids, we want to offer them the chance to learn something new without missing out on the fun. Age ranges usually consider the faculties needed to grasp the rules with ease, but if you’re confident of your young one’s abilities there’s no reason they might not exceed expectations. Some age ranges account for small pieces used for gameplay, which can be a hazard for the youngest kids if left unattended.
What types of board games are best for groups?
If your group of friends is small, such as four people, we recommend strategy games. Four is the perfect number of people to keep the competition friendly and engaging. However, if you have more than four or five players to entertain, we recommend something less competitive, like a word game.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.