When it comes to bringing people together, nothing beats a good board game. Whether you’re looking to challenge your strategic thinking, have a laugh with friends, or simply pass the time, the right board game can elevate any gathering. With so many options on the market, finding the perfect game can be daunting. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best board games 2023 has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking for something new to play, this guide has something for everyone.
1. Cascadia: A Game of Beautiful Ecosystems
Why It’s a Hit: Cascadia has quickly become a favorite in the board game community for its serene theme and deep strategic gameplay. It’s one of the best board games 2023 has seen, offering a perfect blend of simplicity and strategy.
Gameplay Overview: In Cascadia, each player builds their own ecosystem by drafting and placing habitat tiles and wildlife tokens. The goal is to create the best combinations of habitats and animals, scoring points based on how well they meet specific scoring objectives. This game is a standout among the best board games 2023, perfect for those who enjoy puzzling out optimal strategies while also appreciating beautiful artwork.
2. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Why It’s a Hit: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion simplifies the mechanics of the original Gloomhaven while maintaining its rich, immersive gameplay. It’s a fantastic entry point for those who have been intrigued by the original but were intimidated by its complexity, making it one of the best board games 2023 has to offer for cooperative play.
Gameplay Overview: This game is a cooperative campaign-style dungeon crawler. Players take on the roles of adventurers working together to clear dungeons and progress through a narrative-driven campaign. With each scenario, characters grow stronger and more capable, making each game session feel like an epic journey. Best board games 2023 lists wouldn’t be complete without this exceptional title.
3. Wingspan: Asia Expansion
Why It’s a Hit: Wingspan has been a favorite among board gamers since its release, and the Asia Expansion adds even more depth and variety to the game. The expansion introduces new bird species native to Asia, solidifying Wingspan’s place among the best board games 2023.
Gameplay Overview: Wingspan is a card-driven engine-building game where players compete to attract the best birds to their wildlife preserves. The Asia Expansion introduces new cards and game mechanics, offering fresh challenges and strategies for players. It’s a must-have for fans of the original game and a great reason to revisit this beloved title in the best board games 2023 category.
4. Ark Nova
Why It’s a Hit: Ark Nova is a game about building and managing a modern zoo. What sets it apart is its intricate system of interlocking mechanics, offering a rich and rewarding experience for those who enjoy deep strategic planning. It’s no surprise that Ark Nova is often mentioned among the best board games 2023.
Gameplay Overview: In Ark Nova, players are zoo managers working to build the most successful zoo possible. This involves constructing enclosures, adopting animals, and supporting conservation projects. The game is highly strategic, with multiple paths to victory. Players must carefully balance the needs of their animals, the public, and conservation efforts to come out on top in one of the best board games 2023 has introduced.
5. Return to Dark Tower
Why It’s a Hit: Return to Dark Tower is a reimagining of the classic 1980s game, brought to life with modern design and technology. It blends physical and digital gameplay elements, creating a unique and immersive experience that earns it a spot on the best board games 2023 list.
Gameplay Overview: This cooperative game sees players working together to defeat a looming evil that threatens the land. The Dark Tower at the center of the board is not just a visual centerpiece but also a digital component that interacts with the game, adding a layer of unpredictability. This blend of strategy, adventure, and cooperation makes it one of the best board games 2023 has to offer.
6. Planet Unknown
Why It’s a Hit: Planet Unknown has taken the gaming world by storm with its innovative rotating board and engaging gameplay. It’s a game of space exploration and colonization with a twist, earning it a well-deserved place among the best board games 2023.
Gameplay Overview: Players take on the role of space colonizers, tasked with developing a planet to support life. The game’s standout feature is its rotating board, which presents players with new opportunities and challenges as they build their colonies. With a variety of strategies to explore and a dynamic game board, Planet Unknown offers endless replayability, making it one of the best board games 2023.
7. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
Why It’s a Hit: The Crew: Mission Deep Sea builds on the success of the original The Crew, offering new challenges and a fresh theme. It’s a cooperative trick-taking game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master, making it perfect for a wide range of players and a strong contender in the best board games 2023 lineup.
Gameplay Overview: In The Crew: Mission Deep Sea, players work together to complete missions by playing cards in a specific order. Communication is limited, so players must rely on intuition and teamwork to succeed. The underwater theme adds a new layer of immersion, and the game’s escalating difficulty keeps players coming back for more, earning its spot on the best board games 2023 list.
8. Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile
Why It’s a Hit: Oath is a game of shifting power and legacy, where players’ actions in one game influence the setup and story of the next. It’s a unique concept that creates a living, evolving game world, making it one of the most innovative titles among the best board games 2023.
Gameplay Overview: Players take on the roles of rulers, exiles, and citizens in a fantastical world. The game’s narrative evolves based on the players’ decisions, with no two games ever being the same. Oath is a game of strategy, diplomacy, and storytelling, where players must adapt to a constantly changing political landscape, ensuring its place in the best board games 2023.
9. Lost Ruins of Arnak: Expedition Leaders
Why It’s a Hit: Lost Ruins of Arnak: Expedition Leaders expands on the original game by introducing new characters with unique abilities. It’s a perfect way to add variety and depth to an already great game, securing its spot among the best board games 2023.
Gameplay Overview: The game combines deck-building and worker placement mechanics as players explore a mysterious island in search of ancient artifacts. The Expedition Leaders expansion introduces asymmetric gameplay, where each player’s leader has unique abilities that influence their strategy. It’s a fantastic addition to the base game, offering new challenges and strategies, making it one of the best board games 2023.
10. 7 Wonders Architects
Why It’s a Hit: 7 Wonders Architects is a streamlined version of the classic 7 Wonders game, designed to be more accessible while retaining the strategic depth that fans love. It’s perfect for newcomers and veterans alike, earning it a place on the best board games 2023 list.
Gameplay Overview: Players race to build one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by collecting resources, developing their civilization, and constructing their wonder. The game is easy to learn but offers plenty of strategic choices, making it a hit for both casual and competitive players. The simplified rules and quicker playtime make it an excellent choice for game nights and a strong entry in the best board games 2023 category.
Honorable Mentions
While the games listed above are our top picks for 2023, several other fantastic games deserve a mention. Dune: Imperium – Rise of Ix continues to build on the success of the original Dune: Imperium, adding new layers of strategy and intrigue. The Isle of Cats: Kittens & Beasts offers new challenges and adorable artwork, making it a favorite among family gamers and an honorable mention in the best board games 2023.
Why Board Games Are Thriving in 2023
Board games have seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly in a world where digital entertainment often dominates. In 2023, the appeal of board games lies in their ability to bring people together in a shared, tactile experience. They offer a break from screens and a chance to engage in meaningful social interactions. Whether it’s the satisfaction of a well-played strategy or the joy of discovering new stories, the best board games 2023 continue to captivate players of all ages.
Conclusion: Finding Your Next Favorite Game
With so many great board games released in 2023, there’s never been a better time to dive into the hobby. Whether you’re drawn to the strategic depth of Cascadia or the immersive storytelling of Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile, there’s something on this list for everyone. As you explore these titles, you’re sure to find a new favorite that will bring joy to your game nights for years to come.
So gather your friends, clear off the table, and get ready to enjoy some of the best board games 2023 has to offer!
