From epic space operas to intimate two-player duels, 2024 delivered a dazzling array of board games that captivated players with innovative mechanics, stunning artwork, and deep strategic choices. Whether you crave the thrill of asymmetric battles in Kelp: Shark vs Octopus, the cerebral twists of Arcs, or the nostalgic charm of reinvented classics, this year’s best games offer something for every tabletop enthusiast eager to discover their next favorite adventure.
The world of board gaming enjoyed a bit of a respite in 2024. Supply chain issues and shipping costs stabilized for the most part, giving developers and publishers an increased feeling of certainty. up to a point. Meanwhile, both direct-to-retail and crowdfunded projects remained strong, with plenty of new and interesting games making their way to the marketplace. That sense of relative peace helped clear space for eager players to do what they do best – build community around the table.
To celebrate the year in tabletop, AELGAMES asked dozens of writers, designers, YouTubers, actors, and personalities from around the world of board gaming to tell us which games stood out to them this year – even if they weren’t released in 2024. Here are the best games we played this year.
221B Baker Street
221B Baker Street is a classic detective board game that immerses players in the world of Sherlock Holmes, challenging them to solve intricate cases by gathering clues across iconic London locations like 221B Baker Street itself, Scotland Yard, and the Apothecary. Originally developed in the 1970s, the game has evolved with multiple expansions and a Deluxe Edition featuring 200 cases, updated artwork, and collectible tokens. It offers a rich narrative experience where deduction and exploration take center stage, making it a must-play for fans of mystery and classic detective stories. While some players find the game’s pacing and dice mechanics can slow down the mid-game, its thematic depth and engaging puzzles continue to captivate tabletop enthusiasts.
Joseph Fink, creator of Welcome to Night Vale, soon to be a TTRPG by Renegade Game Studios
221B Baker Street: The Board Game Classic
$40 $40
Players: 2-6, age 10
Playtime: 90 minutes
Read More $40 at Amazon$40 at Walmart$40 at Barnes & Noble
My mother has always been obsessed with Sherlock Holmes. One shelf in our house was dedicated to every original story, plus shelf after shelf of Sherlock books written by other authors. And in the midst of these well-worn paperbacks was a board game, 221B Baker Street. Usually family game nights were dedicated to our own variation on the game Dictionary, where instead of trying to make plausible definitions, we just tried to crack each other up with silly ones. But occasionally, we would haul out 221B Baker Street and set everything up. The game was magical for me as a kid. Everything about it looked antique, and I loved how the storyline was different every time we played.
My mom’s love of fiction taught me what a written world could give people, but this game was part of what taught me that a written world is not just something to passively read but also mine to create and change. I haven’t played this game since I was a teen and have no idea if it would hold up, but on a recent trip to San Luis Obispo, I was pleasantly surprised to see that familiar box sitting on the shelf of a toy store, still for sale. I snapped a picture and sent it to my mom and sister, so they could have that unexpected moment of memory too.
Ark Nova
Ark Nova stands out as a brilliantly cohesive and cerebral board game where players build and manage their own zoos through clever engine building, card combos, and strategic tile placement. Praised for its deep decision space and smooth gameplay flow, it offers a rich variety of cards and thematic accuracy that keep each playthrough fresh and engaging. While some component quality and graphic design choices have drawn criticism, these minor flaws do not detract from its status as a modern classic with high replayability and satisfying complexity. Ark Nova is highly recommended for players who enjoy thoughtful, strategic euro-style games with a unique zoo-building theme.
Jonathan Guberman, designer of the award-winningUnmatched: Slings and Arrows
My son randomly picked Ark Nova off the shelf at our local game store. It’s a complex strategy game where players compete to build the best zoo. The only trouble is, we don’t usually play complex strategy games. I was daunted by the multi-hour playtime and 20-page main manual (yes, there’s more than one manual) and kept putting off actually playing with him.
This is me eating crow.
Yes, it took over our dining table, and yes, we had to eat breakfast at the kitchen counter because our first game ran over to the next day. But we got the hang of it pretty quickly, and now I’m looking at getting a proper gaming table so sessions don’t compete with meals, and watching YouTube strategy videos so I can finally beat a 12-year-old.
Ark Nova
$54$7528% off $54
Players: 1-4, age 14
Playtime: 90-150 minutes
Read More $54 at Amazon$75 at Capstone Games
Captain Flip
Captain Flip stands out as one of the best casual board games of 2024, designed by Remo Conzadori and Paolo Mori. Its simple yet clever gameplay revolves around drawing pirate crew tiles from a bag and deciding whether to place them as-is or flip them for a different effect, creating a push-your-luck dynamic that keeps every turn exciting. With four different player boards offering varied strategies and nine unique characters with distinct abilities, Captain Flip balances accessibility and depth, making it perfect for families and casual gamers alike. Its quick setup, short playtime, and engaging pirate theme have earned it nominations for prestigious awards and widespread acclaim as a must-have gateway game.
AnnaMaria Phelps, owner of Violet Daisy Games and creator of You Don’t Meet in a Tavern
This autumn I was introduced to Captain Flip and it quickly became a game I play on Board Game Arena daily! It’s incredibly easy to learn and teach with easy-to-read tiles and clear, simple objectives. Captain Flip shines as a pre-game night filler, asynchronous turn-based play, or family fun. Variable boards keep the gameplay fresh, and Jonathan Aucomte’s art really enhances the theme. Shiver me timbers – who can resist a great pirate game?!
Captain Flip
$32 $32
Players: 2-5, age 8
Playtime: 20 minutes
Read More $32 at Amazon$32 at Target$32 at Walmart
City of Six Moons
City of Six Moons stands out in 2024 as a singular board game experience that challenges players before they even begin to play. Designed by Amabel Holland, the game’s rulebook is written entirely in an invented alien language composed of icons, glyphs, and symbols, requiring players to painstakingly translate it before they can understand how to play. This process of deciphering the rules is not just a prelude but a core part of the game itself, blending puzzle-solving with the discovery of an alien civilization’s culture and logic. Even after players manage to decode enough to play, Holland suggests that the uncertainty-never knowing if you’ve fully cracked the code-is part of the intended experience, imbuing each playthrough with a sense of mystery and alien perspective. With some players reportedly spending over 20 hours on the translation alone, City of Six Moons is less about quick gratification and more about immersion in a truly otherworldly challenge, making it one of the year’s most ambitious and talked-about solo tabletop releases.
Jo Kelly, creator of Molly House
Words fail me. I crush the sprawling constellation of thoughts and feelings in my brain and heart into them over and over again. I make music because it contains both a directness and ambiguity language lacks. It says everything while saying precisely nothing at all.
City of Six Moons also speaks wordlessly. Yet, as we spend time together, we slowly discover one another. I guess at how to decipher its alien glyphs. I move pieces around, playing at playing the game. Sometimes, in a bolt of inspiration, something clicks. More often, I stare at it, trying to glean its meaning.
I go through its motions, aiming not to win, but to understand. In return, it gives the joy of discovery, of doing for doing’s sake, a joy easily overlooked in pursuit of victory. Like music, it’s direct, ambiguous, and powerfully wordless.
City of Six Moons
$30 $30
Players: ???, age ???
Playtime: ???
Read More $30 at Hollandspiele
Confusing Lands
Confusing Lands is a quick and engaging two-player game that challenges players to build personal landscapes by strategically picking and placing double-sided cards. Each card features unique scoring conditions and symbols, requiring careful planning to maximize points while navigating the tricky rule that scoring conditions subtract from the total score. With its compact size and easy-to-learn mechanics, Confusing Lands offers a perfect blend of strategy and portability, making it an ideal choice for a fast, thoughtful game session anywhere.
Tim Eisner, owner of Weird City Games and co-designer of March of the Ants
One of the games that really captivated me this year is Confusing Lands. As a game designer, I’m always intrigued by games that provide strategic depth and replayability in a small package. With just 18 cards, Confusing Lands presents players with tough and meaningful decisions on every turn. It is elegant and streamlined, while still delivering a fun narrative as each player crafts their own confusing land. Each game I play I get better and better, but I still feel called to get it back on the table to see if I can create the perfect Confusing Land.
Confusing Lands
$15 $15
Players: 1-2, age 12
Playtime: 10 minutes
Read More $15 at Amazon$15 at Envy Born Games
Creature Caravan
Creature Caravan stands out in 2024 as a cozy yet strategic tableau-building adventure set in the whimsical world of Arzium. Players lead their caravans across deserts, plains, and mountains, rescuing quirky creatures and racing to the safe city of Eastrey while contending with ember zombies and competing in a bustling market. The game blends dice placement and simultaneous turns, keeping downtime minimal and the pace brisk. With a wealth of unique creature cards and multiple scoring paths-combat, trade, travel, and clever engine-building-each playthrough feels fresh and rewarding. While interaction is mostly limited to market and combat boards, Creature Caravan’s tranquil, multiplayer-solitaire vibe and accessible rules make it a standout family game and a delightful pick for anyone seeking a charming, replayable tabletop journey.
Jamey Stegmaier, owner of Stonemaier Games
One of my favorite games of 2024 is Creature Caravan from Ryan Laukat at Red Raven Games. I love the tableau-building, dice-placement puzzle as you traverse across a map simultaneously with up to six players – it’s one that I’ve played multiple times since receiving my Kickstarter copy.
[Ed. note: The standard edition of Creature Caravan seats up to four players, while the deluxe version sold via the game’s original crowdfunding campaign accommodates up to six. An expansion, titled Wanderers, must be purchased alongside the standard game. Check back with the publisher, Red Raven Games, for more information.]
Creature Caravan
$38 $38
Players: 1-4, age 8
Playtime: 60-90 minutes
Read More $38 at Miniature Market
Crossbows & Catapults: Fortress War
Crossbows & Catapults: Fortress War is a lively remake of the classic 1980s dexterity game that combines castle-building with thrilling siege weapon battles. Players construct their fortresses from plastic blocks and deploy troops, then take turns launching discs from catapults and crossbows to topple their opponent’s defenses. The addition of tactics cards and mercenary units adds strategic depth, offering special powers and dynamic gameplay beyond simple aim and fire. With high-quality components, adjustable siege engines, and a playful yet engaging experience, Fortress War appeals to both families and board gamers seeking a fun, hands-on battle of skill and strategy. The game’s toy-like charm and well-designed mechanics make it a standout in 2024’s board game lineup.
Charlie Hall, senior editor, tabletop games at AELGAMES
Crossbows & Catapults: Fortress War
$85$906% off $85
Players: 2, age 10
Playtime: 20-40 minutes
Read More $85 at Amazon$85 at Walmart
In 1987, baby Charlie walked over to a garage sale behind his house and came back with three unique and powerful totems that would literally change his life. The first was a still-functioning manual typewriter, which I used to write my first story – about spaceships and stowaway aliens. There was a 1965 Boy Scout handbook, which I used to teach myself how to get properly lost in the woods. And there was a battered copy of the original Crossbows and Catapults, which I used to make a mess on the kitchen floor.
This year Restoration Games gave me specifically, and no one else, a very memorable Christmas present by reintroducing the classic dexterity-based game with a new edition called Crossbows & Catapults: Fortress War, and I can’t be more grateful. Sharing this loud, creative, magical game with my kids has been an absolute dream. If you’re looking for an experience that could put a crack in the armor of even the grumpiest grognard in your life, look no further.
Daybreak
Daybreak stands out as one of the most played and beloved board games of 2024, praised for its engaging gameplay that has captured the attention of many gaming enthusiasts. It offers a compelling experience that balances strategy and accessibility, making it a favorite for repeated sessions in households and game groups alike. This game exemplifies the best of what 2024 had to offer in tabletop gaming, combining innovative mechanics with a satisfying playtime that keeps players coming back.
Chris Sigaty, veteran of Blizzard Entertainment, studio head at Secret Door, and designer of the upcoming tabletop-inspired Sunderfolk
My board gaming group and family are always on the lookout for great cooperative board games. This year, we were introduced to Daybreak, a game centered on overcoming global warming. At first, I was a bit hesitant about the theme, but I was immediately intrigued by the mechanics. The game offers a compelling combination of building a personal engine for your country and working together to achieve shared global goals. I also found the unique challenges faced by different countries fascinating, which made me eager to play as various nations. We ended up playing it twice on the first night and have returned to it multiple times since – a rarity for our group, as we’re usually exploring new games.
One aspect of Daybreak that I particularly appreciate is its success avoiding the common “alpha player” problem found in many cooperative games, where one person dictates everyone else’s moves. Instead, the engine you build for your country (or countries) is uniquely your own, and the game’s complexity makes it nearly impossible for any single player to keep track of everything. This design encourages true collaboration and meaningful cooperation.
I highly recommend Daybreak to all board gamers, especially groups and families who enjoy cooperative gameplay. It’s a standout addition to any collection!
Daybreak
$50$6017% off $50
Players: 1-4, age 10
Playtime: 60-120 minutes
Read More $50 at Amazon$50 at CMYK
Distilled
Distilled to its essence, the best board games of 2024 exemplify refined design and innovative mechanics that deliver deep, engaging experiences without unnecessary complexity. Titles like CONIC showcase this perfectly, offering fast, brutal simultaneous bidding distilled into a sleek, elegant package, while games such as Marabunta reinvent familiar genres with fresh twists and strategic depth. This year’s standout games balance accessibility with meaningful choices, proving that great design is about clarity and impact rather than sheer volume of rules or components.
Jackie Fox, bassist for The Runaways and designer of Rock Hard: 1977
This may be surprising coming from someone who doesn’t drink, but my favorite board game in 2024 was Distilled from indie publisher Paverson Games.
At first Distilled appears to be a typical “Euro” – buy ingredients, recipes, and upgrades, then use them to make liquor you can sell for immediate points and money, or can sometimes age, forgoing income now in favor of more points later.
But what makes the game shine is a delicious push-your-luck element based on the real-life process of distillation, during which the bad-tasting “heads” and “tails” of the liquor must be discarded. Did I include enough fruit sugar to end up with brandy or did I only make vodka? Oh well, at least I had a skull-shaped bottle to sell it in. My game group loved the edge-of-your-seat excitement.
Side bonus: The production values are out of this world and the game comes with an amazingly great organizer.
Distilled
$0 0
Players: 1-5, age 14
Playtime: 30-150 minutes
Read More $0 at Amazon$0 at Paverson Games
Dune: Imperium – Uprising
Dune: Imperium – Uprising is a standalone spinoff that builds on the acclaimed blend of deck-building and worker placement from the original Dune: Imperium, introducing new mechanics like spies, sandworms, and a thrilling six-player team mode. It offers fresh strategic depth with new leaders, cards, and a redesigned board, while maintaining the core gameplay that fans love. Praised for its balance and thematic immersion, Uprising enhances the original experience with more impactful turns and dynamic choices, making it a must-play for both newcomers and veterans of the Dune board game universe.
Samantha Nelson, freelance writer and AELGAMES contributor
Paul Dennen’s Dune: Imperium was already one of my favorite board games, but stand-alone sequel Dune: Imperium – Uprising manages to improve on practically every aspect of the original. It’s best with four players who can make strategic uses of the game’s conflicts to control areas of Arrakis with their armies and sandworms – and the game absolutely nails the flavor of the series. You need to think carefully about how to deploy your agents and spies, figuring out the best moves each turn while also avoiding thinking too far ahead and missing the importance of fighting tooth and nail for the present objective. I’m eager to see how next year’s expansion will change things up even though I still don’t feel like I’ve mastered all of the game’s strategies.
Dune: Imperium – Uprising
$52$6013% off $52
Players: 1-6, age 13
Playtime: 60-120 minutes
Read More $52 at Amazon
Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Annihilageddon 2 – Xtreme Nacho Legends
Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Annihilageddon 2 – Xtreme Nacho Legends is a wildly intense and irreverent deck-building game that amps up the chaos and humor of the series with new features like XTREME Nacho Chips, a Legendary Line-Up of cards, and Mega Mayhems that throw even more mayhem into the mix. Players choose from 10 oversized Wizards and their Familiars, battling fiercely in a fast-paced, mature-themed arena where friendships are tested and table-flipping is encouraged. The game’s blend of strategic deck-building and outrageous, over-the-top art makes it a standout for fans seeking both tactical depth and hilarious, unpredictable gameplay. It’s a standalone title fully compatible with the original Annihilageddon game and expansions, delivering some of the most intense deck-building action legally available.
David Andrew Laws, co-creator and writer of The Twenty-Sided Tavern
The game I can’t stop playing is the same one whose name I can never get exactly right:Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Annihilageddon 2 – Xtreme Nacho Legends. Yes, there’s always the original Annihilageddon, the Kickstarter-exclusive Annihilageddon – Gang Bangers, and even the newer Annihilageddon 3 – Satanic Panic, but what my circle has lovingly come to call “Nacho Game” still reigns supreme (pun entirely intended).
It’s a deck builder that makes other deck builders avert their eyes – think Star Realms’ tatted-up, chain-smoking older sibling. Simple to learn, but with a point system that can conjure the greatest of comebacks. Whether you’re attacking with a Limp Wand, avoiding becoming a Dingler, or marveling over the excessively NSFW art style, this game has something for. well, not “everyone,” but at least lovely weirdos like me.
Epic Spell Wars of the Battle Wizards: Annihilageddon 2 – Xtreme Nacho Legends
$38$417% off $38
Players: 2-5, age 17
Playtime: 45-60 minutes
Read More $38 at Amazon$45 at Cryptozoic
Final Girl: Starter Set
The Final Girl: Starter Set by Van Ryder Games offers a highly immersive solo horror experience where players take on the role of a fearless female protagonist battling relentless slashers. This set includes the Core Box and the “Happy Trails Horror” feature film, providing everything needed to start playing immediately. Players navigate iconic locations, strategically search for items, and confront killers like Hans the Butcher, with each game session delivering fresh thrills through dynamic combinations of characters, killers, and settings. The Starter Set is perfect for horror fans looking for a deep, strategic solo game that captures the essence of classic slasher movies, and it can be expanded with additional Feature Film Boxes for even greater replayability.
Ryan Miller, brand manager and co-designer of Disney Lorcana
I’m a big fan of mystery stories, and a really big fan of immersive games that really transport you to another world. I’d heard about Final Girl when it came out back in 2021, but only picked it up this year. And wow, was I missing out!!
Similar to the game’s theming, its gameplay was also absolutely brutal; it was many, many plays before I was finally able to defeat the killer (though with a twist-worthy ending worthy of an ’80s slasher film). This may be a solo board game, but its narrative and mechanics worked together to keep me totally on edge for nearly the entire game. What a blast.
Final Girl: Starter Set
$38 $38
Players: 1, age 14
Playtime: 20-60 minutes
Read More $38 at Amazon$42 at Van Ryder Games
Flip 7
Flip 7 is a fast-paced, press-your-luck card game that blends the thrill of blackjack with the excitement of unique deck mechanics. Players take turns flipping cards, trying to rack up points without busting by revealing the same number twice-a twist that makes every decision a nail-biting risk versus reward scenario. With special action cards, easy-to-learn rules, and rounds that play out in under 20 minutes, Flip 7 is a standout hit for game nights and has even earned a nomination for the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award as one of the top games of the year.
Kevin Hovdestad, director of brand development for Catan
A bunch of us were introduced to Flip 7 at Spiel Essen in Germany this year, and I was hooked instantly. I’ve taken to describing it as “party blackjack” to my friends, and as a short, enjoyable game to pull out while traveling or pressed for time, it quickly entered my standard rotation. Egging other players into drawing cards shouldn’t be this much fun, but it was uproariously hilarious every round.
Flip 7
$13$147% off $13
Players: 3-99, age 8
Playtime: 20 minutes
Read More $13 at Amazon$14 at The OP Games
Halo: Flashpoint
Halo: Flashpoint is a standout tactical miniatures game released in late 2024 that brings the iconic Halo multiplayer experience to the tabletop. Designed for two or more players, it features fast-paced, skirmish-style combat with preassembled Spartan and Elite miniatures, classic Halo game modes like Slayer and Capture the Flag, and innovative mechanics such as energy shields and respawning units that capture the feel of the video games. The game uses a unique cube-based movement system that balances the freedom of miniatures positioning with the ease of board game play, making it accessible yet deeply strategic. Praised for its dynamic gameplay and faithful adaptation of Halo’s signature combat, Flashpoint offers both newcomers and veterans a thrilling and cinematic tabletop experience.
Tyler Parrott, senior game designer of Star Wars: Unlimited card game at Fantasy Flight Games
As a lifelong Halo fan and tabletop gamer, I was instantly drawn to Halo: Flashpoint. But even without the theme, Mantic has delivered an impressive game that bridges miniatures wargames and tactical board games. It offers the depth and hobby potential of the former with the accessibility of the latter – no assembly required (though I’m painting my models). The streamlined grid-based movement, simple list-building, and dynamic respawn system make it exciting and easy to pick up. With “exploding” combat dice and plenty of strategy, it truly feels like an arena deathmatch with super soldiers. I’m excited to see what’s next in 2025!
Halo: Flashpoint – Spartan Edition
$110$12512% off $110
Players: 2 players, age 14
Playtime: 30-90 minutes
Read More $110 at Amazon$132 at Mantic Games
Harmonies
Harmonies in board games often arise when mechanics, theme, and player interaction blend seamlessly to create an engaging and memorable experience. In 2024, standout titles like Arcs and The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth exemplified this balance by combining deep strategy with immersive narratives and striking artwork, enhancing both competition and storytelling. Games such as Kelp: Shark vs Octopus showcased how asymmetric gameplay can harmonize tension and fun, while Einfach Genial 3D brought a fresh spatial dimension that enriched strategic depth. These harmonious elements across various games contributed to a year rich with innovative and satisfying tabletop experiences.
Yoshiaki Mimura, narrative director on Altered TCG
2024 has been a quieter year for me in the board game scene. Some longtime friends and I recently concluded a 20-plus-year campaign of Pendragon, finally covering the entirety of King Arthur’s reign. With many weekends dedicated to other TTRPGs – ranging from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Star Wars and White Wolf’s Scion – my board gaming moments were mostly spent with family. Among those experiences, one game stood out this year.
Harmonies, designed by Johan Benvenuto, illustrated by Maëva Da Silva, and published by Libellud, is a delightful, family-friendly game. For a world-builder like me, it offers an evocative and immersive experience. Players create ecosystems that become populated by diverse fauna while navigating the competition, tension, and strain imposed by neighboring biomes. The game masterfully balances its vibrant, colorful, and poetic essence with an abstract, almost puzzle-like aspect – all without sacrificing its strategic depth.
Harmonies
$31$3511% off $31
Players: 1-4 players, age 10
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Read More $35 at Amazon$31 at Walmart
Heat: Pedal to the Metal
Heat: Pedal to the Metal delivers an exhilarating experience inspired by 1960s Formula racing, where players manage their speed and positioning through clever card play rather than dice rolls. The game’s core mechanic revolves around choosing movement cards in secret, then revealing them simultaneously to simulate the tension of a high-speed race. While the basic game offers a solid racing experience, the advanced modules introduce strategic depth, including drafting mechanics that reward players for staying close to opponents. Despite some criticism regarding component quality and limited player interaction, Heat stands out as one of the best racing board games of recent years, capturing the thrill of pedal-to-the-metal competition with elegant design and immersive gameplay.
Jervis Johnson, veteran Games Workshop and Warhammer designer, co-designer of Heroes of Might and Magic: Battles
One of my favorite games of the last year is Heat: Pedal to the Metal by Days of Wonder. It uses deck-building mechanics to create a new way of playing a car-racing game. Each turn you get to play a number of cards equal to the gear your car is in. Going too fast causes the car to overheat, which adds heat cards to your hand that clog it up. It’s very clever and feels very thematic.
I also really appreciate Heat’s rules for slipstreaming and adrenaline that allow players that have fallen behind to get back into the race, and the rules that allow players to customize their car at the start of a race so that each car performs differently. All in all it is a wonderful game that I always enjoy playing.
Heat: Pedal to the Metal
$50$8038% off $50
Players: 1-6, age 10
Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Read More $50 at Amazon
Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron
Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron is a standout fantasy miniatures board game set in the richly detailed kingdoms of Enveron, where players lead bands of Adventurers into ancient dungeons to seek fortune and glory. Building on the acclaimed Core Space system, Maladum offers an immersive dungeon-crawling experience with dynamic scenarios that emphasize survival and tactical decision-making, as players must loot, complete objectives, and escape before the escalating dangers overwhelm them. The game features a unique campaign system that develops characters over multiple sessions, integrating magic, traps, and evolving threats to create a tense and rewarding adventure. Praised for its seamless mechanics, engaging narrative, and high-quality components, Maladum has earned its place as one of the best board games of 2024.
Charlie Theel, freelance writer and AELGAMES contributor
2024 has been such a fascinating year. I would have put down a hefty bet thatArcs: Conflict & Collapse in the Reach would end up as my most beloved game of the year, but I would have lost that money. Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron is simply too enthralling. It’s nearly the perfect dungeon crawler for my tastes, featuring a core system influenced by the extraction shooter genre that is wholly engrossing and unique in the board game medium. The sleek yet rich gameplay builds upon its predecessor, Core Space, but retains its central simplicity that layers atop modules and expansive content.
While the moment-to-moment action of Maladum is tense in its own right, the experience is beautifully tied together with long-term campaign play. All of it retains the creative spirit that harkens back to the origins of the tabletop hobby, offering you tools to modify or adapt play to your whims. It doesn’t hurt that the game looks gorgeous as well.
Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron
$110 $110
Players: 1-4 , age 14
Playtime: 45-120 minutes
Read More $115 at Battle Systems$110 at Amazon
Hey, That’s My Fish!
Among the standout tabletop experiences of 2024, Hey, That’s My Fish! captured players with its charming simplicity and strategic depth. This quick, engaging game challenges you to outmaneuver opponents on a shrinking ice floe, collecting fish while blocking rivals. Perfect for both casual and seasoned gamers, it’s a delightful addition to any game night lineup.
Rowan Hall, co-designer of Daggerheart from Darrington Press, Critical Role’s tabletop imprint
At first glance, Hey, That’s My Fish! appears to be for young kids, but it’s a surprisingly brilliant design that has been a hit with everyone I’ve introduced it to. What seems like a cute game about penguins quickly becomes a cutthroat battle to capture ice floes full of fish. This area-control game is a great way to get people who are new to tabletop games hooked – it’s simple enough for folks to feel competent on their first playthrough and requires enough strategizing to be fun for each replay. It’s easy to teach, fast to play, and my go-to game to bring to parties.
Hey, That’s My Fish!
$35 $35
Players: 2-4 players, age 8
Playtime: 20 minutes
Read More $35 at Amazon$35 at Walmart
Necromolds: Monster Battles
Necromolds: Monster Battles stands out as one of the most creative and tactile board games of the year, blending the fun of molding your own army with the excitement of a fantasy skirmish. Players use “spellbook” molds and colorful clay to craft unique monsters, then roll dice and strategize to defeat opponents-culminating in the gleeful destruction of fallen foes by smashing them flat with special rings. This game is especially appealing for families and newcomers to tabletop gaming, offering a lighthearted, hands-on experience that’s easy to learn, visually striking, and packed with opportunities for imaginative play and laughter.
Rick Perry, creative producer, production designer of Dimension 20
If you’re looking for a fun wargame you can play with younger kids, this is it. Evoking a TV commercial from a Saturday morning cartoon, Necromolds: Monster Battles hits a sweet spot between ’90s toys and grimdark wargames.
Take on the role of a sorcerer commanding a squad of tiny putty minions! Build your army by hand-pressing Play-Doh monsters using a plastic spellbook! When a monster dies, squish them with a plastic ring! Rules are simple: take turns rolling special dice, moving, attacking, and casting spells. Kickstarted in 2022 (with a reprint and expansion in 2024), there are a fair amount of supplementary options available now.
The charming aesthetic, tactile experience, and snappy gameplay were a hit with my kids, aged 5 and 9.
Necromolds
$60 $60
Players: 2-4, age 9
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Read More $60 at Necromolds
Netrunner
Netrunner stands out as a tense, asymmetric card game of cyber-espionage where one player becomes a shadowy megacorporation and the other a daring hacker, or “Runner.” Each side has a unique deck and play style: the Corporation installs secret agendas and layers of ICE to protect their data, while the Runner launches daring runs to breach servers and steal those agendas. The game is a masterclass in bluffing, tactical decision-making, and risk management, with every turn offering new mind games and shifting strategies. Its dynamic interplay and deep card pool have kept it a beloved classic among competitive and casual gamers alike, making it one of the most thrilling experiences at the table in 2024.
Calvin Wong Tze Loon 黃子倫, actor (Crazy Rich Asians) and co-designer of Mass Effect: The Board Game
Originally designed by Richard Garfield, Netunner is the struggle for power in a cyber-noir future. The vivid stories on the cards weaved with the game’s tense mechanics: The constantly surveilled hacker must play in the open, while the secretive corp lays all their plans face down. Desperate dives on protected servers snatch victory from the jaws of daring bluff plays and lethal traps. What’s a cool new program when the corp can launch missiles at you from orbit? And all in a pay-what-you-want format.
[Ed. note:Android: Netrunner was originally published by Fantasy Flight Games, and utilizes intellectual property owned by R. Talsorian Games. The original game is currently out of print, but it is maintained by Null Signal Games, a nonprofit AELGAMES profiled in 2022. Its Netrunner-compatible starter set, called System Gateway: Remastered Edition, is currently available for purchase.]
System Gateway – Remastered Edition (compatible with Netrunner)
$45 $45
Players: 2, age 14
Playtime: 45 minutes
Read More $45 at Null Signal Games
On the Edge
On the Edge captures the thrill of board games that push boundaries in 2024, where innovative mechanics and daring designs keep players on their toes. Titles like Andromeda’s Edge deliver intense galactic exploration and combat with quick, meaningful turns, while Marabunta reinvents roll-and-write with strategic tile placement and competitive territory control. Games such as The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth and Kelp: Shark vs Octopus offer unique asymmetrical battles and multi-path victories, keeping the tension high and gameplay dynamic. These games exemplify the cutting edge of tabletop innovation, combining deep strategy with fresh, engaging experiences that challenge and excite.
Paul J. Comeau, freelance writer and AELGAMES contributor
On the Edge is a trading card game where players take on the role of a shadowy conspirator struggling to control the fictitious Mediterranean island of Al Amarja (pronounced “AHL-uh-MAR-huh”) in this game of surreal conspiracies based on the Over the Edge role-playing game. The cards represent the resources, characters, and gear you manipulate in your struggle to gain Influence on the island and win the game. Condition, environmental, and “whammy” cards buff your cards and thwart the actions of your opponents. The grid-based playing area adds to the strategy, making where you play cards almost as important as what you play.
Three to five players (each with their own deck) make for the most compelling gameplay. On the Edge recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and is available directly from Atlas Games. For $30, you get five starter decks and a booster box of the Standard Version – more than enough cards to get you and your friends manipulating and assassinating each other on your path to domination.
On the Edge
$30 $30
Players: 2, age 14
Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Read More $30 at Atlas Games
Red Dust Rebellion
Red Dust Rebellion, the twelfth volume in GMT Games’ acclaimed COIN series, transports players to a futuristic Mars in the year 2250, amid the bicentennial celebrations of the first human colony. This asymmetric strategy game immerses 1 to 4 players in the Martian revolts and the rise of Martian nationalism, with factions including the Martian Government, Corporations, the Red Dust Movement insurgents, and the Church of the Reclaimer. The game features multiple battlefields across Mars’ vast underground labyrinths and surface regions, incorporating satellite warfare and dynamic environmental challenges like dust storms that affect gameplay. Known for its deep strategic complexity and rich narrative, Red Dust Rebellion expands the COIN series into a sci-fi setting while maintaining the intricate faction interactions and event-driven mechanics that fans appreciate.
Cole Wehrle, co-founder of Wehrlegig Games and designer of Arcs: Conflict & Collapse in the Reach
Though I’ve been a longtime fan of the GMT’s COIN (Counter-Insurgency) series, I would have never expected one of these games to take my pick for my favorite game of the year. That mostly has to do with my bad habits as a player – those games demand and reward focus and repeat play. Usually, I just don’t have time to explore them properly. However, this year’s entry, Red Dust Rebellion, designed by Jarrod Carmichael, has got ahold of my brain and just refuses to let go.
The setup seems like classic COIN fare: There’s a government and there’s a group of upstart insurgents playing the usual popularity contest. But the game sharply departs from the rest of the series in the design of the other factions, a shadowy syndicate of corporations and a bizarre anti-terraforming cult. Really, that’s just the start, though. Red Dust Rebellion features several core system improvements (including dust storms, flashpoints, and a mobile population system) as well as a wonderfully designed and tense starting situation. The result is what might be the best COIN game in years. While I’m not sure if it’s the ideal entry point for the series, I have used it to introduce several new players. I think it represents a real achievement both for Carmichael as a new designer, as well as GMT’s crack team of in-house developers and editors.
Red Dust Rebellion
$95 $95
Players: 1-4, age 14
Playtime: 120-240 minutes
Read More $95 at GMT Games
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
Slay the Spire: The Board Game brilliantly adapts the iconic roguelike deck-building video game into a cooperative tabletop experience for one to four players. Players choose unique characters and traverse a dungeon-like board, battling enemies and bosses across three increasingly difficult Acts. The game retains the original’s addictive strategic depth, with players upgrading cards and collecting relics to build powerful decks while working together to overcome challenges. Its flexible turn order and cooperative mechanics encourage teamwork, making it a standout cooperative game that captures the essence of the digital original while offering fresh, tactile gameplay. Though the price is on the higher side, the rich replayability and faithful adaptation make it a top pick for 2024.
Tasha Robinson, entertainment editor at AELGAMES
Is it a bad thing if the best new board game I tried this year is a video game? For what it’s worth, I hadn’t played Slay the Spire in digital form before getting to experience its roguelike vertical dungeon crawl, team dynamics, and oddball 2D monsters in board game form, so it was all new and addictive to me. The physical game reproduces the video game’s art, characters, and mechanics faithfully, apart from some necessary scaling and mechanical tweaks. (No one wants to track small, incremental damage on a 3,000-hit-point monster in a board game.) But getting to play it in person as a co-op experience makes the game feel a lot more strategic, and opens up engaging new collaborative options. By the time I tried the video game, it felt lonely by comparison.
Slay The Spire: The Board Game
$115 $115
Players: 1-4, age 12
Playtime: 30-150 minutes
Read More $166 at Amazon$115 at Contention Games
The Gang
The Gang stands out in 2024’s board game lineup as a cooperative twist on the classic poker format, making it accessible and enjoyable for casual gamers and diverse groups alike. Designed to shine best with 4 or 5 players, it offers a quick, engaging filler experience that contrasts with more complex cooperative card games like The Crew. Its approachable mechanics and social gameplay have given it a lasting appeal, making it a favorite to introduce to new players and different gaming circles throughout the year.
Kara Centell-Dunk, former Fantasy Flight Games designer and campaign designer on Sunderfolk
I am terribly enamored with The Gang, a cooperative version of Texas Hold ’em poker, where the rounds of betting are replaced with the players’ constrained attempts to order their hands from worst to best. It teaches in less than two minutes and plays in less than 10, making “just one more hand” an easy enticement.
It’s no wonder I’m drawn to it: Poker was one of my first true gaming loves. As a kid, I played five-card draw at my grandmother’s kitchen table with decks so beat up from shuffling they’d sometimes develop a permanent crease down the center. With its focus on ranking the concealed hands together rather than beating each other, the cooperative spin in The Gang calls back to those low-stakes summer afternoons. It’s a quick, satisfying puzzle, and its use of familiar poker hands lets me introduce it to players outside the hobby, too.
The Gang
$15 $15
Players: 3-6, age 10
Playtime: 20 minutes
Read More $15 at Amazon$15 at Thames & Kosmos
Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West
Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West is a captivating 12-part campaign board game that reinvents the classic Ticket to Ride experience with a rich narrative and evolving gameplay. Set in 19th-century North America, players build and manage their railway empires across multiple sessions, unlocking new rules, surprises, and map regions as the story unfolds. Designed by renowned creators Rob Daviau, Matt Leacock, and Alan R. Moon, this legacy edition combines strategic depth with immersive storytelling, ensuring each playthrough is unique and memorable. Upon completing the campaign, players are left with a personalized game board that offers endless replayability, making it a standout title for both longtime fans and newcomers.
SungWon “ProZD” Cho, YouTube personality and voice actor
I’ve always enjoyed Ticket to Ride when I’ve played it, and I’ve played a lot of Ticket to Ride in its various forms and expansions over the years. So when I heard about Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West, I was intrigued as to what the legacy format would bring to the table. After playing through the entire campaign, I have to say it was easily one of my favorite board gaming experiences this year.
The game is constantly rewarding you for filling out objectives, and every time you unlock a new piece of the map, the game not only expands but throws fun and engaging surprises at you. Each region of the United States brings its own flavor and minigame, and I was always excited to see what was next. The legacy game truly feels like a culmination of the best parts of all the versions of Ticket to Ride over the years, plus plenty of brand-new concepts that make you look at the game in a completely different way. If you’re a fan of Ticket to Ride, this is a must-play.
Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West
$90$12025% off $90
Players: 2-5, age 10
Playtime: 20-90 minutes
Read More $90 at Amazon
TIME Stories
TIME Stories is a narrative-driven board game that blends immersive storytelling with cooperative gameplay. Players take on the roles of time-traveling agents tasked with solving complex mysteries across different eras, combining puzzle-solving and role-playing elements. Its innovative use of scenarios and evolving storylines makes each session a unique experience, earning it a lasting place among memorable games to explore in 2024.
Ole Steiness, designer of Valheim: The Board Game
For me it’s pretty simple: I’ve been working on Valheim: The Board Game for most of the year, but my other favorite tabletop game of 2024 is actually something quite different: TIME Stories. Not a new game, but very simple to set up and enjoy with the family when I need to relax – that is, until my youngest son, our history buff, utterly destroys me in the game, of course.
TIME Stories
$35$6042% off $35
What are the standout board games that defined 2024 for me
The standout board games that defined 2024 include:
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Arcs: A top pick for its innovative design by Cole Wehrle, combining politics, drama, and trick-taking mechanics in a space opera setting. It offers deep strategic layers and unexpected plot twists, making it highly replayable and rewarding.
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Marabunta: A unique roll-and-write game that feels more like a 2-player tile placement strategy, praised for its agonizing decision space and competitive ant colony theme. It highlights Reiner Knizia’s mastery in 2-player game design.
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Einfach Genial 3D: A 3D twist on the classic Ingenious game, adding new strategic depth with layered board play. It balances casual and cunning gameplay, especially strong for two players.
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The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth: A 2-player drafting game based on 7 Wonders Duel, featuring three paths to victory and beautiful artwork, already ranked in the BoardGameGeek top 100.
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Lure: A spicy dice game centered on bidding dice to catch fish, notable for its clever risk-reward mechanic and polarizing appeal among players who enjoy dice games.
Additional notable games from various sources include Wilmot’s Warehouse for its storytelling approach, The Morrison Game Factory for immersive narrative, and Leviathan Wilds for fast, cooperative play with inventive mechanics.
These titles collectively showcase the diversity and innovation that made 2024 a remarkable year in board gaming.
What makes Arcs my top board game of 2024
Arcs stands out as your top board game of 2024 because it masterfully blends a unique trick-taking mechanic with tactical, dice-based combat, creating a gameplay experience that is both snappy and deeply strategic. The game’s innovative action selection system, where the card you play influences not only your actions but also the tempo of the round, offers a fresh and unpredictable turn-to-turn dynamic that keeps players constantly engaged. Unlike many grand strategy games, Arcs delivers fast-paced, immediate turns that maintain tension and excitement throughout, avoiding the slow, drawn-out play common in the genre.
Additionally, the game’s campaign mode adds a rich narrative layer, making it one of the best storytelling board games available, with emergent player politics and evolving strategies that deepen with each play. The dice combat system, favoring attackers but balanced by defenders’ choices, injects thrilling moments of uncertainty and comeback potential, enhancing the drama and replayability. This combination of original mechanics, tactical depth, and compelling narrative design makes Arcs a modern classic and a standout in 2024’s board game landscape.
