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Playing board games is one of the most joyful activities with groups. I always cherish the time I’ve spent playing board games with my friends and families. From chess to monopoly, I’ve enjoyed every piece of this genre. My childhood memories are filled with countless board games that I’ve played and still I enjoy playing them whenever I have free time. However, I was always getting confused with different types of board games that are available to play.
It took me nearly a year to find out the best types of board games that I’ve enjoyed playing and I would also recommend you guys to try them out. I have created a list that includes different types of board games that are actually good and entertaining.
My ultimate goal for creating this guide is to help gamers understand the wide range of board games types. So, if you are also not familiar with the wide brand of board games, this is the place to explore them.
Board games aren’t just something to do when you’re bored. They actually help us connect with friends and families, make our brains work better and even tell cool stories. When you play, you’re not just moving pieces around—you’re making memories, solving problems, and having real fun with other people.
There’s a board game for every kind of mood and group. Maybe you want something fast and funny for a party, or maybe you want a tough game that makes you think hard for hours. If you know the different types of board games and how they work, it’s easier to find one you’ll really enjoy.
So let’s check out the most popular kinds of board games and what makes each one special, so you can find your next favorite game to play.
Do you want to explore the most popular types of board games? Let’s go through the top 10 types of board games, explain what each one is, who they’re best for, and give you some popular examples. This way, you can easily figure out what kind of board game fits what you’re looking for—whether it’s for family, adults, or kids.
These games are all about thinking and planning. The rules are usually pretty simple, but the game itself can get really deep and tricky. There’s no luck involved—just skill and smart moves. You usually play on a board with shapes or squares, and there’s no story or theme to distract you. It’s just you and your opponent making moves that change the whole game, like solving a puzzle that’s always changing.
Why You Might Like Them
If you like thinking ahead and solving problems, these games are great. They’re like a workout for your brain. And if you lose, it’s never because of bad luck—it’s either because you didn’t plan well or your opponent outsmarted you. When your plan works perfectly, it feels awesome.
Who They’re Good For
These games are perfect for adults who love tough, strategic battles and thinking through every move. They’re also good for older kids and teens who enjoy brain challenges and logical thinking.
Examples: Chess, Go, Checkers, Othello, Hive.
In area control games, your main goal is to take over parts of the game board. You start by placing your pieces, and then you try to spread your influence while blocking your opponents. Because you’re competing for space and resources, there’s usually a lot of back-and-forth action. Plus, sometimes you can make deals or form temporary alliances, which add even more strategy to the game.
If you enjoy feeling powerful and expanding your territory, these games will really grab you. Not only are they exciting and competitive, but the control of the map keeps shifting as players battle it out. As a result, no two games ever feel the same, keeping things fresh and thrilling.
These games are perfect for people who like direct competition, smart moves, and a little bit of friendly conflict. So, if you enjoy spirited rivalry, especially with family or friends, you’ll find a lot to love here.
Examples: Risk, El Grande, Small World, Ethnos.
Unlike most games where you compete against each other, cooperative games have everyone working together toward a common goal. Instead of fighting with friends, you team up to beat the game itself. This means you’ll spend time discussing plans, sharing ideas, and solving problems together before time runs out or the situation gets worse.
If you prefer working with others instead of against them, these games are perfect. Because no one gets knocked out early, everyone stays involved until the very end. This way, the whole group gets to celebrate wins or learn from losses together, which helps build a strong sense of teamwork.
These are ideal for families and friends who want to avoid conflict and enjoy bonding. Also, they’re great for kids since they encourage working together and problem-solving skills.
Examples: Pandemic, Forbidden Island, Hanabi, Spirit Island.
Deck-building games start with a small, simple set of cards. Then, as the game goes on, you get to buy or collect better cards to add to your deck. Every time you shuffle your deck, it becomes stronger and more customized to your strategy. So, the fun comes from building a powerful combination of cards and pulling off great moves.
If you like seeing yourself get better as you play and enjoy planning carefully, deck-building games will be right up your alley. Over time, your deck grows stronger, and by the end, you’re pulling off huge, impressive turns that make all the planning worth it.
These games are great for players who like strategy and progress. They work well for teens and adults who enjoy thinking ahead and adjusting to new challenges.
Examples: Dominion, Star Realms, Ascension, Clank!.
Dexterity games focus on physical skills like flicking, stacking, balancing, or dropping pieces. Rather than deep strategy, these games test your hand-eye coordination and precision. As a result, they often lead to funny and unpredictable moments that keep everyone laughing.
If you want quick, hands-on fun that gets everyone involved, these games are a perfect choice. Since the rules are usually simple, even people who don’t like heavy strategy can join in and have a great time.
These are perfect for family gatherings or mixed-age groups. Plus, they’re excellent for kids, helping with fine motor skills while being really fun.
Examples: Jenga, Crokinole, Tumblin’ Dice, Flick ‘em Up!.
Dungeon crawlers throw you into a fantasy world where you control heroes exploring dangerous dungeons, fighting monsters, and hunting for treasure. Usually, you’ll roll dice for combat and play through exciting quests that tell a story. Many of these games even have campaigns, so your characters get stronger as you play multiple sessions.
If you love role-playing games or fantasy stories, dungeon crawlers give you that adventure feeling without needing a game master. You get to make important decisions, experience epic battles, and be part of an unfolding story.
These games suit adults and older teens who want a deep, immersive experience. They’re especially good for players who love fantasy, adventure, and long-term strategy.
Examples: Gloomhaven, Descent: Journeys in the Dark, Mansions of Madness, Zombicide.
In economic games, you basically manage one or more resources and make smart decisions on wisely using them when required. Each resource is not free, you need to buy them. This tests your ability to invest your money. In order to grab a strong hand, your main objective is to put yourself ahead in these games to effectively manage your resources and ensure you have enough to be in a good position.
If you’re a fan of money games or like playing them, you’ll love them. These games keep you engaged and the best part of them is that at the end of the game you either become a millionaire or lose everything. Whatever the results are, you will be entertained for an hour, that’s for sure. It’s basically running your own little business on the table, and you get to see your strategy pay off.
These types of board games are for people who love big strategy games, negotiating with others, and thinking a few steps ahead.
Examples: Power Grid, Acquire, Brass: Birmingham, Merchants of Venus.
In engine-building games, you start with almost nothing and slowly create a system that gets better and better each turn. You collect pieces—usually cards or abilities—that work together to make you stronger. As the game goes on, your “engine” starts running faster, producing more resources or points without needing extra effort. Early decisions matter a lot because they set you up for big payoffs later.
If you love the feeling of watching your plan grow into something powerful, these are super satisfying. Every turn, your setup gets better and better, and it’s fun to see it all come together. It’s about creating combos, making everything work smoothly, and then sitting back to watch it churn out points like a well-oiled machine.
Players who like deep strategy, planning ahead, and making everything run as efficiently as possible.
Examples: Terraforming Mars, Splendor, Wingspan, Gizmos.
Euro games focus on strategy, resource management, and smart planning instead of luck. You might be trading, farming, or building things, and you score points by doing these actions well. There’s usually not much fighting—you won’t be knocking other players out—and everyone stays in the game until the end. Winning comes from playing smart, not from attacking others.
If you’d rather focus on your own clever moves than constant battles, Euro games are perfect. They’re fair, well-balanced, and give everyone a chance to win. You’ll spend the game building up your own system while still keeping an eye on what other players are doing.
Families and adults who like thoughtful games with low conflict. Also good for kids who are ready for more challenging strategy games.
Examples: Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Agricola.
Party games are made for big groups and a good time. The rules are simple, so you can start playing fast. They often involve guessing, quick thinking, funny challenges, or creative ideas. The goal isn’t to outsmart everyone—it’s just to have fun, laugh, and get people talking.
If you want a game that breaks the ice and gets everyone laughing, party games are the way to go. They’re easy to teach, quick to play, and great for players of all ages. Nobody’s worrying about winning too much—it’s about enjoying the moment and making memories.
Family gatherings, holiday parties, and groups with mixed ages or experience levels.
Examples: Codenames, Exploding Kittens, Telestrations, Just One.
Thanks for taking a look at our list of 10 different types of board games!
I hope you like it. These games are undoubtedly exciting and entertaining when playing with your kids or family. They are also good for adults. Try them out and share your experience with us! That’s all in this blog. Thanks for reading 😄
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