We researched the best party board games, considering the number and age of the players, time commitment, and difficulty level of each. Our favorite pick is Settlers of Catan: Family Edition. The strategy-based game is challenging, fun, and has a high replay value. Here are the best party board games. Settlers of Catan has been translated into over 30 different languages, so it’s safe to say this one appeals to a range of audiences. This adventure-based board game requires players to battle it out to collect resources and build the biggest settlements on the island of Catan. The board is made up of 19 hexagonal tiles that are arranged randomly at the beginning of each game—making sure that no two games are ever the same. Each player gets a color-coded settlement, road, and city pieces, and earns “victory points” as they build various structures. The first player to 10 points wins the game. The game relies on tactical thinking and decision-making, and while it is competitive, it ends up pitting players against the game rather than each other. Users love the more family-friendly version of the classic game but note that it is definitely not as extensive as the original. Still, there are plenty of opportunities to replay this pick and try out different strategies and methods. Despite the game’s challenging premise, it’s easy for players to get engaged because each player has a special ability to help cure the pandemic. Part of the fun is developing a strategy as a team and deliberating amongst each other to figure out what the best approach is and how to best utilize everyone’s special abilities. Beware that many of the topics discussed in these questions are not suitable for children or for those who get offended easily. But, this game will look completely different depending on the group playing, making for a high replay value. The answers remain in a confidential folder while players move room to room in a mansion and are dealt character, location, and weapon cards. These cards are then used to make an accusation against other characters to uncover clues about who the killer is, the scene of the crime, and the weapon. Through deductive reasoning, players attempt to solve the mystery by guessing all three correctly to win. Players work in teams and earn points as they discover words and phrases, but you can also forego the scoring system and simply test your communication and deduction skills. Players race to collect train cards, claim routes, and try to connect cities coast-to-coast before their fellow players do. The game ends when one player claims the Golden Ticket by completing six tickets. It’s a game that encourages long-term planning and careful monitoring of your progress and the progress of those around you. Games last about 30 minutes and are easy enough to understand, but it’s engaging and challenging enough to keep kiddos interested. This version includes a few new upgrades, though. For example, the addition of Monopoly Cards (these cards are replacing Chance and Community Chance Cards) which are essentially the same but the new “Location spots” allow you to pay to move to any space on the board. And, for those who remember getting stuck with the less-than-exciting thimble, shoe, or wheelbarrow tokens, this version features a few new tokens (a Rubber Ducky, T-Rex, and Penguin). This highly competitive, family-friendly game can take several hours to complete and can be played with two to six players. Each player controls an army of bugs—ants, spiders, grasshoppers, and more—that are tasked with protecting their Queen Bee. Like chess, each piece has its own distinct movement style and players have two choices per turn: They can either play a tile from their supply or move an existing tile on the board. The goal of the game is for one player to surround the opposing Queen and prevent her from making a move. Overall, Hive is a fun game that requires both strategy and critical thinking. To play the game, players draw from encounter cards and combat cards to move. In the end, the score is determined by a player’s global achievements, and the game ends after a player completes six specific objectives. This is a game of strategy, so those who enjoy the narrative aspect of Catan will find Scythe to be a refreshing yet slightly familiar game.
Type of Players
Before you select the perfect game, think about your pool of players and consider their age and comprehensive levels. As a general rule of thumb, look to the age requirements on the box. More times than not, that will let you know whether a game is family-friendly or adult-approved.
Level of Competition
Some games have higher stakes than others. Think about if you really want to challenge your guests or if you just want them to have a good time. Some games may combine both aspects, but in general, those that require strategy and knowledge will fire up the competitive stakes the most.
Time Commitment
Anyone who has ever played Monopoly or Settlers of Catan knows it can take the entire night to complete one game. However, you can complete a round of Clue in no time. Before you select a game, consider whether this is the main event or a clever way to pass the time.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written and researched by Meredith Hurd, who focuses on digital marketing and copywriting for wellness brands and tech startups. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She’s also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product roundups, interviews with experts, and more.
