Board games have come a long way from the days of Monopoly and Risk. Now, there are games with incredible themes, clever mechanics, and jaw-dropping designs that take game night to the next level. For collectors, the real fun is in discovering those hidden gems—games that are rare, innovative, or just plain awesome. Whether you’re into deep strategy, immersive storytelling, or quirky themes, this list of 25 must-own board games has something for you. Each of these picks stands out for its unique gameplay, stunning components, or cult-favorite status. Let’s dive in and find your next obsession!
Gloomhaven
A modern masterpiece, Gloomhaven blends tactical combat, dungeon-crawling, and legacy mechanics in a massive, ever-evolving campaign. Players take on the roles of mercenaries exploring a dark fantasy world, making choices that permanently alter the game. With nearly 100 scenarios and over 1,500 cards, it offers immense replayability. Its legacy system means characters retire, new ones unlock, and the world changes as you progress. The combat is deep, requiring careful hand management and teamwork. Miniatures, map tiles, and a rich narrative enhance the immersive experience. While it’s complex, dedicated players will find it one of the most rewarding games ever made. Gloomhaven is an essential for serious collectors who love deep storytelling and strategy.
Root
This asymmetric strategy game features woodland creatures vying for control of the forest. Each faction plays completely differently, from the industrializing Cats to the rebellious Woodland Alliance. The charming artwork and wooden meeples make it a standout on the shelf. Underneath its cute exterior lies a deep, war-game-style strategy. The game shines with four players, as alliances and rivalries constantly shift. Expansion packs add even more variety, introducing new factions and mechanics. Its blend of accessibility and depth makes Root a game that rewards repeated play. Collectors who appreciate asymmetry and beautiful components should own this gem.
Scythe
A stunning combination of engine-building, resource management, and area control, Scythe is set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe. Each player commands a faction striving for dominance using mechs, workers, and resources. The game has little luck, rewarding strategic planning and efficiency. The artwork, inspired by Jakub Różalski’s paintings, makes it a visual masterpiece. Miniatures and player mats add to the premium feel. Despite its war-like theme, combat is minimal, focusing more on economy and expansion. With expansions like The Rise of Fenris, the game gains even more depth and replayability. Any collector who appreciates premium-quality components and deep strategy should own Scythe.
Terraforming Mars
In Terraforming Mars, players represent corporations working to make the red planet habitable. The game combines tableau-building, resource management, and long-term planning. Every action, from placing greenery tiles to launching space projects, affects the game’s evolving map. Hundreds of unique project cards ensure no two games are alike. The science-based theme and strategic depth make it a favorite among Eurogame fans. Expansions add new maps, corporations, and challenges. The game’s blend of competition and cooperation keeps players engaged. A must-have for collectors who enjoy engine-building and deep strategy.
Azul
Azul is a visually stunning tile-laying game inspired by Portuguese ceramic tiles. Players take turns drafting colorful tiles to decorate their personal board while strategically blocking opponents. The game combines simplicity with depth, making it easy to learn but challenging to master. Scoring is based on how well players arrange their tiles, rewarding planning and creativity. The beautifully designed components make it a must-have for collectors. With multiple expansion versions available, it remains fresh and engaging. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced players. If you enjoy pattern-building games, Azul is a fantastic choice.
Wingspan
Wingspan is a breathtaking engine-building game where players collect birds to populate their wildlife reserves. The game features beautifully illustrated cards, realistic eggs, and a well-balanced mechanic that rewards strategic thinking. Each bird has unique abilities that interact in fascinating ways, making every game different. It’s educational, teaching players about real bird species, habitats, and feeding behaviors. The game is relaxing, with an elegant flow that keeps players engaged. The components, including the birdhouse dice tower, add to its charm. It’s great for nature lovers and those who enjoy strategy games. Wingspan’s expansions add even more variety to an already rich experience.
Sagrada
Sagrada challenges players to create beautiful stained-glass windows using colorful dice. Each turn, players draft dice and place them according to unique placement rules, ensuring no two games are alike. The puzzle-like nature of the game makes it satisfying but not overly complex. Strategy comes from balancing color and number restrictions while maximizing points. The game’s aesthetic appeal is a huge draw, with vibrant translucent dice and a thematic design. Special tools and private objectives add extra layers of strategy. It’s a fantastic game for those who enjoy Sudoku-like challenges. With expansions available, it remains a rewarding experience.
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
This cooperative trick-taking game takes players on a space-themed mission filled with challenges. Unlike traditional trick-taking games, players must work together to complete specific tasks. Limited communication adds to the tension, requiring clever planning and teamwork. The game comes with 50 unique missions that increase in difficulty, keeping players engaged. It’s quick to learn but highly strategic, making it great for repeated play. The game shines with three to five players, offering an immersive experience. Its small size makes it easy to carry for game nights. The Crew is an award-winning gem that belongs in every collection.
Kingdomino
Kingdomino is a delightful tile-laying game where players build their kingdoms using domino-like pieces. The goal is to connect matching terrain tiles while strategically claiming the best spots. Players must balance expansion with point-maximizing strategies, ensuring no two kingdoms look the same. The game is fast-paced, usually lasting around 15 minutes. Its elegant mechanics make it ideal for all ages and skill levels. Beautiful artwork and high-quality components enhance the experience. The game has an expansion, “Queendomino,” that adds extra depth. It’s perfect for collectors who enjoy quick yet satisfying games.
Camel Up
Camel Up is a chaotic yet fun camel racing game with a betting twist. Players bet on which camel will win each leg of the race, adjusting their strategies as the game unfolds. The game features a fantastic pyramid-shaped dice roller that adds an element of suspense. Since camels can stack on top of each other, unexpected outcomes keep every race exciting. The game is accessible to newcomers but offers strategic depth for experienced players. Vibrant components, including quirky camel figures, add to its appeal. It’s a fantastic party game that guarantees laughs. Camel Up is a modern classic that collectors will appreciate.
Patchwork
Patchwork is a two-player game where players compete to create the most efficient quilt using different fabric pieces. The game’s Tetris-like mechanics require careful planning to optimize space and resources. Players must manage buttons (the game’s currency) while choosing from a limited selection of patches. The game is easy to learn but offers deep strategic choices. Its compact size makes it great for travel. The charming quilt theme is relaxing yet engaging. The player interaction ensures a competitive yet friendly experience. Patchwork is a must-have for collectors who enjoy two-player games.
Cascadia
Cascadia is a beautiful tile-laying game where players create balanced ecosystems by connecting different habitats. Each turn, players draft tiles and animal tokens to form the best possible landscape. The game rewards thoughtful planning and efficient space usage. It features a relaxing yet competitive gameplay style. The artwork is gorgeous, making the game feel immersive. Cascadia has simple rules but plenty of strategic depth. It’s great for families, solo play, or competitive gaming. The variability in scoring objectives ensures high replayability.
Tokaido
Tokaido takes players on a scenic journey through Japan, where the goal is to have the most enriching experience. Players collect souvenirs, visit hot springs, and taste delicious meals along the way. The game is unique because it focuses on the journey rather than a direct competition. Stunning artwork and minimalistic mechanics make it an elegant addition to any collection. It’s a relaxing game, perfect for casual players. Strategy comes from choosing the best route while blocking opponents’ options. Tokaido’s expansions add more layers of depth to the experience. It’s a masterpiece of simplicity and beauty.
Splendor
Splendor is a fast-paced economic game where players collect gems to purchase development cards and earn prestige points. The mechanics are simple yet deeply strategic, making it accessible for beginners and engaging for experienced players. Players must manage resources efficiently while competing to build the most valuable gem empire. The high-quality poker chip-style gem tokens add to the game’s luxurious feel. With quick turns and multiple paths to victory, Splendor is highly replayable. It plays well with two to four players, offering a balanced experience at any player count. The game has an expansion, “Cities of Splendor,” for added variety. It’s a staple in any board game collection.
Calico
Calico is a charming tile-laying game where players create cozy quilts while attracting adorable cats. Each tile represents a piece of fabric, and players must strategically place them to score points based on patterns and colors. The game is simple to learn but offers a rewarding puzzle-like challenge. Cute artwork and a relaxing theme make it appealing to all types of players. The cat tokens add a delightful collectible element. The game is great for both solo and group play. It’s a visually stunning and highly engaging game. If you love puzzles and aesthetics, Calico is a must-have.
Tiny Towns
Tiny Towns is a city-building game where players construct their own tiny villages using resource cubes. Each player follows the same resource placement rules but creates unique town layouts. The challenge lies in efficient resource management and space optimization. The game plays quickly, typically lasting around 45 minutes. Its simple mechanics make it easy to teach but difficult to master. The variability in building cards keeps the game fresh and replayable. With expansions available, the game continues to evolve. It’s a great addition to any collection for those who enjoy light strategy games.
Cartographers
Cartographers is a roll-and-write game where players draw maps based on randomly drawn terrain cards. Each turn, players must decide how to fit the required shapes onto their personal maps. The game includes a fun twist where opponents can disrupt your map by drawing monsters. With multiple scoring objectives, every game feels different. It’s a creative game that rewards planning and adaptability. The artwork and fantasy theme enhance the overall experience. Cartographers is great for solo play as well as larger groups. It’s a perfect game for those who enjoy puzzles and drawing-based mechanics.
The Quacks of Quedlinburg
This quirky game is all about brewing potions using a fun push-your-luck mechanic. Players take turns drawing ingredients from their personal bags, trying to create the best potion without it exploding. The randomness adds excitement, but strategic choices influence success. The game features high replayability, as different ingredients provide unique effects each round. It’s easy to learn but offers great depth in decision-making. The components, including vibrant ingredient tokens, enhance the experience. Quacks of Quedlinburg is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy. Expansions add even more variety and replayability.
Downforce
Downforce is a fast-paced racing game where players bid on cars and race them using a clever card-driven system. Players don’t just control their own cars—they can influence the movement of other racers. Betting on the outcome adds a strategic twist, making every decision impactful. The game is quick to play, with rounds lasting around 30 minutes. High-quality race track boards and car miniatures add to the immersion. It’s great for players who enjoy tactical racing games without overly complex rules. The game scales well from two to six players. Downforce is a fantastic addition to any collection.
Welcome To…
Welcome To… is a roll-and-write game where players design their ideal neighborhood by choosing house numbers and special features. The game allows for creative urban planning while maintaining a competitive edge. Multiple scoring strategies keep gameplay dynamic and replayable. It’s a fantastic game for large groups, as everyone plays simultaneously. The art and theme are charming, making the experience feel immersive. It’s great for both casual and strategic players. The solo mode is engaging and well-designed. Welcome To… is a must-have for fans of city-building and roll-and-write games.
King of Tokyo
King of Tokyo is a fun, dice-rolling game where players take on the role of giant monsters battling for dominance. The goal is to either eliminate opponents or reach 20 victory points first. Rolling dice allows players to attack, heal, or gain energy for upgrades. The game is quick to learn and full of exciting moments. The cartoonish artwork and monster designs add to its charm. Players must decide when to stay in Tokyo and when to retreat, adding a strategic layer. Expansions introduce new monsters and mechanics for even more variety. It’s a perfect game for those who love lighthearted competition.
Everdell
Everdell is a stunning worker-placement game set in a magical forest. Players build a village by collecting resources, placing workers, and playing beautifully illustrated cards. The game combines deep strategy with an enchanting theme, making it both challenging and immersive. The 3D tree component adds to the visual appeal. Multiple paths to victory keep gameplay dynamic. The artwork and storytelling elements make it a standout game. It’s great for players who enjoy engine-building and tableau-building mechanics. Everdell is a true collector’s piece with its breathtaking presentation.
Santorini
Santorini is a simple yet deep strategy game where players build structures and move their workers to outmaneuver opponents. The goal is to reach the third level of a building while blocking opponents from doing the same. The game’s 3D board and miniature buildings make it visually striking. Each game plays out differently thanks to the inclusion of unique god powers. It’s easy to learn but provides endless strategic possibilities. The game plays well with two to four players, making it versatile. The quick playtime makes it great for multiple rounds. Santorini is a must-have for abstract strategy fans.
Takenoko
Takenoko is a delightful game where players care for a giant panda by growing bamboo and maintaining a beautiful Japanese garden. The game features gorgeous artwork and high-quality components, including a detailed panda figurine. Players take turns completing objectives by irrigating land, growing bamboo, and feeding the panda. It’s a game of light strategy with a relaxing, playful theme. The mix of planning and luck keeps each session fresh and enjoyable. The game is family-friendly but still engaging for experienced players. It’s easy to learn and has a great table presence. Takenoko is a charming addition to any board game collection.
Draftosaurus
Draftosaurus is a quick and fun drafting game where players build a dinosaur park by selecting dinosaur meeples. Each round, players choose a dino and place it in a specific area based on placement rules. The game is simple to learn, making it great for families and new players. Its bright, colorful components make it stand out on the table. The dice-rolling mechanic adds an element of unpredictability. Games are fast, usually lasting around 15 minutes, making it great for multiple rounds. The expansion, “Aerial Show,” introduces flying dinosaurs for more variety. Draftosaurus is a light and enjoyable game with a unique theme.