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  4. 10 Best Board Games for Adults in 2022 (Calliope, Skybound, and More)
  • 10 Best Board Games for Adults in 2022 (Calliope, Skybound, and More) 1
  • 10 Best Board Games for Adults in 2022 (Calliope, Skybound, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Board Games for Adults in 2022 (Calliope, Skybound, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Board Games for Adults in 2022 (Calliope, Skybound, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Board Games for Adults in 2022 (Calliope, Skybound, and More) 5

10 Best Board Games for Adults in 2022 (Calliope, Skybound, and More)

Are you looking for a fun way to spend an evening with friends or family? Or maybe you're just looking to find a new board game to add to your regular rotation. Board games for adults can be both fun and strategic while also testing your ability to compete or collaborate with others.

With so many board game themes, playing styles, and levels of complexity available, it can be difficult to choose the best board game for adults for you. But, don't worry! We've done the research so you don't have to and chose Ticket to Ride by Days of Wonder as our favorite due to its replay value and accessibility. We’ve also put together a top 10 list for you to consider and created a handy buying guide to help you make your choice!
Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose Board Games For Adults

Before you buy a board game for adults, there are a few things you should take into consideration. These include genre, complexity, and replay value. 

1

Pick the Right Genre and Style of Play

Pick the Right Genre and Style of Play


There are many different styles and genres of board games that are aimed at adults. Before you decide which board game to purchase, you should consider what kind of game appeals to you.


If you're looking for some laughs, then a raunchier game or one that relies on mechanisms such as drawing or fast-talking might be the one for you. There's often little strategy in these games, but you need to be quick-thinking and comfortable enough with the other players to fully throw yourself into them.


For players that like to get completely absorbed in their board games, look for a world-building or strategy game. These games will throw you into a wild adventure in a different world and there is often a backstory and lore to make them more immersive. You usually need some strategy and imagination to succeed at these games.


As well as games that are aimed at specific groups, there are more general games that rely on trivia or don't have an elaborate backstory. These are a good choice for mixed groups with different tastes. There are games for basically any preference or situation, so it should be a breeze to find one that fits what you’re looking for.

2

Choose Between Cooperative or Competitive Games

Choose Between Cooperative or Competitive Games
As much fun as games can be, there’s always the risk that someone gets a little too competitive. If you’re looking for something that’s less likely to get people worked up, look for a collaborative game that has everyone working together. You can also look for games that although competitive, don't expect players to purposely target each other.

There are also games that are team-based where half the group is working together against the other half. This is another good option as cooler heads can often calm down a hotter one! But of course, if the competition is the best part of the game for you, don’t be afraid to go all out.

3

Match Game Complexity to Your Situation

You should figure out what kind of game complexity you’re looking for by thinking about what situations you might play in and who you might be playing with.

For Beginners, Pick Games That Are Easy to Understand

For Beginners, Pick Games That Are Easy to Understand
Board games are meant to be a fun activity that a group can enjoy together. For some people, their idea of fun doesn't involve an hour of reading through complicated instructions before the game has even begun. This kind of game can also be alienating to anyone who is new to board games.

In these cases, it makes sense to look for a fun, simple game that everyone can pick up on quickly. Look for games with short playtimes and fewer components to set-up. You can always replay games if they run short, but it's more challenging to leave a game halfway through because it's too long or difficult.

If You're More Experienced, You Can Be More Adventurous

If You're More Experienced, You Can Be More Adventurous

On the other hand, if you take game-playing a little more seriously or are more experienced, then feel free to find a game with as many rules, exceptions, and clauses as you want. Many board games rely on the same underlying mechanics to drive the gameplay so the more experienced you are, the quicker you will pick up new games.

Remember, many games have YouTube tutorials that explain how to play the game, too. If you're the type of person that learns best through demonstration than reading, these tutorials can be a gateway to more complicated games.

4

Consider How Many Times You’ll be Replaying

Consider How Many Times You’ll be Replaying
Some board games will offer multiple (and sometimes random) scenarios so that each time you play, the situation and the objectives are a little different. These are great if you plan on replaying a game and the thought of solving the same mystery 100 times over doesn’t appeal to you.

Other games involve on-going campaigns or legacy games, where player choices affect the scenarios or rules triggered. Each time you come to the table to play, the game and the story will have advanced a little more. Of course, it only makes sense to play campaign-based games if you meet up with the same group of friends on a regular basis for game night.

5

Find a Game That Involves Everyone

Find a Game That Involves Everyone
Some games require a larger group to work well while others can be played with just two people. Before you pick a game, think about who you’re most likely to play it with. Most board games are configured for four players, so if you have more or fewer players than this you should check the game supports them, first.

If you plan on using the same game in a number of different situations, then look for one with some flexibility when it comes to the number of players. It's not unusual for board games to list a range of players, such as two to six, and these will offer the most flexibility. 


It's also possible to increase the number of players of some games by buying an expansion pack or second copy. You might be able to adapt some other games to work as team games, so instead of four solo players, you can have four pairs working together.

6

Make Sure You Have Enough Space

Make Sure You Have Enough Space

Board games come in many different guises but the one thing they all have in common is the board! Unlike other types of games such as card games or word games, board games are always going to need a decently-sized space to be played.


Before you buy any board games, make sure you have a suitable area to play. It should be a solid and flat surface that the players can comfortably gather around. You should have enough space for the board itself, plus a little extra for any cards or other components the game requires.


If it's the type of board game that requires you to build the board as you play by placing cards or board pieces, it's best to overestimate the space you'll need than underestimate it. The playing area in these games doesn't always follow regular shapes like squares or rectangles. If you don't have enough room, you might find your board falling off a table and continuing onto the floor!

7

Keep in Mind the Number of Components

Keep in Mind the Number of Components

The pieces used in a board game are referred to as components. Some common components include dice, boards, cards, tiles, miniatures, tokens, and so on. Usually, board games that don't have a lot of components are easy to set up, while those that come with a lot of pieces might take hours. However, some games with many components start small and build up as the game plays.

You should also check the quality of the components as it matters a lot to the experience of playing a game. People will prefer to play with a sturdy game board with beautiful art rather than a flimsy one that doesn't have any stunning graphics.

It can be difficult to judge if the components look appealing or of good quality when you're purchasing online and relying only on photographs from the manufacturer. We would recommend checking the review section to see what previous buyers think!

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Board Games For Adults Ranking

Here are the best Board Games For Adults, ranked according to 10 Best Board Games for Adults (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Days of Wonder

Ticket to Ride

Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride 1

$39.59

Mid

Build Train Routes Across America With the Help of Alexa

2

Stronghold Games

Survive: Escape from Atlantis

Stronghold Games Survive: Escape from Atlantis 1

$37.48

Mid

Return From Atlantis With Treasure and Without Sinking

3

Z-Man Games

Pandemic: Legacy Season 1

Z-Man Games Pandemic: Legacy Season 1 1

$65.41

High

Defeat a Pandemic in a Long-Term Story

4

Plan B Games

Azul

Plan B Games Azul 1

$28.99

Low Mid

Great Replay Value and Beautiful Aesthetics

5

Avalon Hill

Betrayal at House on the Hill

Avalon Hill Betrayal at House on the Hill 1

$29.49

Low Mid

Survive a Haunting and a Player Turned Traitor

6

Plunder A Pirate's Life

Plunder A Pirate's Life

Plunder A Pirate's Life Plunder A Pirate's Life 1

$49.99

High Mid

Sail the Seven Seas to Discover Buried Treasure

7

Calliope

Tsuro: The Game of the Path

Calliope Tsuro: The Game of the Path 1

$23.99

Low

Forge Your Path While Blocking Others

8

Skybound

The Grimm Forest

Skybound The Grimm Forest 1

$47.04

Mid

Step Into a Fairytale and Sabotage Your Opponents

9

North Star Games

Wits & Wagers: Deluxe Edition

North Star Games Wits & Wagers: Deluxe Edition 1

$39.95

Mid

A Fast-Paced Trivia Game That's Suitable for All

10

USAOPOLY

Clue Game of Thrones

USAOPOLY Clue Game of Thrones 1

$59.99

High Mid

Best Classic Game With a Twist

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Days of WonderTicket to Ride

Ticket to Ride 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.59
Mid
Reference price
$39.59
Mid

Build Train Routes Across America With the Help of Alexa

In this game, your goal is to connect cities across America by claiming railway routes to earn points. Planning ahead is rewarded as the easiest way to rack up high scores is with long routes and completing destination tickets. 

The rules of this game can be learned quickly and reviewers say that it is even suitable for older children. The game is replayable as the setup and routes change with each play. Reviewers also like the addition of Alexa functionality, as Alexa can guide you through your playthrough and even add sound effects! 
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Stronghold GamesSurvive: Escape from Atlantis

Survive: Escape from Atlantis 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$37.48
Mid
Reference price
$37.48
Mid

Return From Atlantis With Treasure and Without Sinking

This is a competitive, cut-throat game where your task is to flee an exploding island–at the expense of your opponents. It’s a points-based game where the value of each piece is hidden from view and no one truly knows who’s in the lead until it’s over.

Reviewers write that it makes for a loud, fast-paced game that remains just as nerve-wracking every time you play it. It’s simple enough for older kids to easily understand but complex enough to allow you to really get into the game. You can also purchase expansions to increase the number of players to six.
No.3

Z-Man GamesPandemic: Legacy Season 1

Pandemic: Legacy Season 1 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$65.41
High
Reference price
$65.41
High

Defeat a Pandemic in a Long-Term Story

In this game, you work together with the other players to fight a deadly pathogen over the course of a year. Each in-game month sees the pathogen develop and forces players to face new challenges and objectives. 

The game plays like a season of a TV-show, with each month being its own episode and hour-long game in its own right. It is possible to fail a month but you are allowed to replay the month. Once the story and the in-game year are fully completed, however, the game has little replay value.


The lack of replay value is something to consider before you purchase this game, but keep in mind that to complete the full year will take between 12 to 24 games. Reviewers enjoyed playing this, saying that the unique structure and the twists and turns were fun and engaging.
No.4

Plan B GamesAzul

Azul 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$28.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$28.99
Low Mid

Great Replay Value and Beautiful Aesthetics

This game involves collecting tiles, arranging them in patterns, and tallying up the points once gameplay is over. It starts off pretty amicably, but as players run out of space, tensions rise as you try to force others into bad moves.

Some reviewers struggled to grasp how to play this game but were able to find YouTube instructions that made it clearer. The game is infinitely replayable according to reviewers, and they love the beautiful colors and aesthetic of the game.
No.5

Avalon HillBetrayal at House on the Hill

Betrayal at House on the Hill 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$29.49
Low Mid
Reference price
$29.49
Low Mid

Survive a Haunting and a Player Turned Traitor

With this game, you build your own board. This board represents a haunted house and the players must work together to survive the house. One player is cast in the role of a traitor and works against the other players as the horror unfolds.


The game does have a very strong horror and occult theme, making this unsuitable for some players. Please make sure that all players approve of these themes before purchase. Reviewers love that this game has many different scenarios that can be played through and that the house is different each time you play.

No.6

Plunder A Pirate's LifePlunder A Pirate's Life

Plunder A Pirate's Life 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$49.99
High Mid
Reference price
$49.99
High Mid

Sail the Seven Seas to Discover Buried Treasure

In this pirate-themed game, you build and upgrade your fleet of pirate ships so you can meet your fellow players in battle. Your ships will also explore the game board, claiming islands and discovering buried treasure as they go. 


The sections that make up the board game are double-sided, adding extra longevity to the game. Reviewers like that there are different ways to play the game, as you can attack your opponents or trade resources with them. They say that the game is fun to play and easy to pick up.

No.7

CalliopeTsuro: The Game of the Path

Tsuro: The Game of the Path 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$23.99
Low
Reference price
$23.99
Low

Forge Your Path While Blocking Others

The aim of this game is to lay maze tiles on the board that will allow you to remain on the path. You have to use strategy and forward planning to lead your opponents off the board, and the winner is the last player left on the board.


The game is very easy to learn and some reviewers found it too easy for their tastes. Although the rules are simple, it requires a strategy to master, and many reviewers like the challenge. They also praise the aesthetic and quality of the game.

No.8

SkyboundThe Grimm Forest

The Grimm Forest 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$47.04
Mid
Reference price
$47.04
Mid

Step Into a Fairytale and Sabotage Your Opponents

The rules of this game are based on the stories from the Brothers Grimm. You play as the three (or four) little pigs and compete against each other to build three houses. You can seek help from a wide variety of characters that were brought to life in the Grimm fairytales.

The game encourages players to sabotage each other and be as evil as possible, and this might not appeal to everyone. Reviewers praise the quality of the game pieces and like that to be successful, you need to predict your opponent's strategy.
No.9

North Star GamesWits & Wagers: Deluxe Edition

Wits & Wagers: Deluxe Edition 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$39.95
Mid
Reference price
$39.95
Mid

A Fast-Paced Trivia Game That's Suitable for All

This game involves placing bets on questions that you probably don’t know the answer to, such as “How many breeds of dogs are recognized by the AKC?” You can bet on your own answer or on someone else's. It’s fast-paced and doesn’t involve waiting for turns, which makes it great for parties.

The game has 250 different questions, so it's inevitable that the questions will eventually be repeated if you play it enough times. The more players this game has the more fun it is, according to reviewers. As nobody is expected to know the answers to the questions, it is a trivia game that is accessible to everyone.
No.10

USAOPOLYClue Game of Thrones

Clue Game of Thrones 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$59.99
High Mid
Reference price
$59.99
High Mid

Best Classic Game With a Twist

For a twist on a classic game, why not try Game of Thrones-themed Clue? It plays similarly to the classic board game, as you try to solve a murder by finding the murderer, weapon, and location. This version of Clue has a few twists, such as a double-sided board, which makes the game more fun and more interesting. 

As the game follows the same rules as the original Clue, you don't need to be a fan of Game of Thrones to play. Reviewers like that the double-sided board gives two different locations to play in and that there are a variety of characters.

Looking for Other Ways to Pass Time?

Board games are a great way to pass time, but if you're looking for some other ideas, we have some recommendations for you. These can be enjoyed solo or with friends.

Top 5 Board Games For Adults

No. 1: Days of WonderTicket to Ride

No. 2: Stronghold GamesSurvive: Escape from Atlantis

No. 3: Z-Man GamesPandemic: Legacy Season 1

No. 4: Plan B GamesAzul

No. 5: Avalon HillBetrayal at House on the Hill

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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