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Board games aren’t just for kids. They’ve become a popular way for adults to relax and socialize. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or diving into a strategy-packed session, there’s a board game for every group. We asked avid board gamers and game designers, and these are their adult board game recommendations.
Why Choose Board Games for Adults?
Board games spark conversation, get you thinking and are downright fun. What started with the classics like Monopoly and Clue has quickly evolved into a diverse world of strategy, storytelling and cooperative gameplay that challenges your mind while keeping the atmosphere light and social.
Today, there’s a game for every taste. Whether you want to build an empire or solve a haunted mystery, there’s something for you and your friend group.
Popular Adult Board Games to Try
Adult board games offer something for every type of player, from cooperative challenges to competitive classics. Experts recommend a mix of timeless favorites and modern hits that spark conversation, strategy and, of course, laughter:
- Pandemic: Liz Kolb, co-founder and CEO of Axion Now, a company that organizes Magic the Gathering events, highlights this game as a perfect choice for adult game nights: “I like Pandemic because it’s cooperative and everyone works together to beat the game, which is a nice paradigm change from competitive games.”
- Settlers of Catan: A long-standing favorite, Catan has become one of the most popular strategy board games. “Catan has been one of the most popular choices for adult game nights for 30 years. It introduced millions of players to modern board games and helped popularize Euro-style games around the world,” says Kevin Hovdestad, director of brand development at Catan Studio.
- Ticket to Ride: Praised for being both strategic and easy to learn, this game is recommended by multiple experts. Trond Nyland, CEO and owner at Tudos.no AS, a marketplace for Norwegian businesses, says: “Ticket to Ride is easy to learn but still has strategy,” while Julien Sharp, general manager of board game store Asmodee North America, includes it among “timeless classics” that continue to be hits at adult game nights.
- Azul: For a more modern and visually sleek experience, Sharp recommends Azul as a game that consistently engages players and is the perfect balance of strategy and style.
- 7 Wonders: If your group enjoys variety and depth, Sharp says, “7 Wonders is fantastic” and appeals to players who like historical themes, economic engines and multilayered strategy.
How to Choose the Right Board Game for Adults
When selecting a game for adults, your main consideration should be complexity. “Adults often look for a game that blends strategy with social interaction and stays fresh even after repeated play,” says Hovdestad. While board games like Settlers of Catan rely on strategic moves and calculated play, other games like The Quacks of Quedlinburg are pure luck, or just silly.
Not every game night has the same vibe, and Sharp suggests letting your group’s energy guide the game choice: “Match the game to your group’s mood. If you want something fast and social, go with Azul. For a deeper challenge, Catan or Harmonies bring rich strategy. For casual fun, Ticket to Ride is a sure win.”
Other expert tips for choosing the right board game for your game night include:
- Length of gameplay: Board games that last one to two hours can get long for the average game night, so look for games that stick to about an hour or less.
- Your group’s interests: Not everyone loves hardcore strategy games. Instead, choose a game that fits your group’s interests, whether that be a silly conversation-based game like Dumb Questions to Ask Your Friends or a more involved game like Bunny Kingdom.
- Something new or well-known: Some groups love playing new games and learning new rules, whereas others like to stick with what they know.
- Group size: Some games are designed for two to four players, whereas others can accommodate a larger group. Choose a game that everyone can play.
Read More: Best Board Games
Adult Board Games by Theme or Genre
Board game themes and genres are seemingly endless, and there are many subcategories for all interests. Overall, most games fall into abstract, fantasy, historical, modern life, mystery, space and war games, but you can certainly find more.
Because there are so many games, choose the titles that will interest your group: “If you love history, 7 Wonders is perfect. Fans of economics and engines will enjoy Catan, but for something abstract and elegant, Azul really shines,” says Sharp.
Game Night Tips for Adults
Game night doesn’t need to be fancy, and the game itself will help set the mood. If you have the time, starting with a quick warm-up game can help everyone relax before diving into more strategic options. Social games like Codenames or Azul are good choices because they are easy to learn and get the conversation flowing. And always remember: “Snacks and good vibes are just as important as the rulebook,” says Sharp.
Here are his other tips for a successful game night:
- Keeping game night simple makes it easier for everyone
- Pick a game that fits your group’s time and energy level
- Have a mix of games at the ready in case your group isn’t up to an intense strategy game
- Invite the right number of people for the chosen game
- Preparation matters. Have one or two people brush up on the rules before game night to prevent long pauses while flipping through the rulebook
- Let everyone get settled before you start the game; but also, don’t start the game too late in case it goes too long
- Have plenty of snacks and drinks to last the night
Where to Find Adult Board Games
Finding the right game is easier than ever, as you can find the most popular games both online and in person. Most major retailers sell adult board games, so you can find them “everywhere from local hobby shops to national retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon and Barnes & Noble,” says Sharp. If it’s convenience you seek, online stores will ship games right to your door.
When you can, visit a specialty store. These stores often have new games and titles that you don’t usually see—perfect for regular board gamers who want something new. “I usually tell people to buy board games from specialty stores. Local stores are great because they often suggest new games and host game nights,” says Nyland.
Adult Board Games Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What board games are fun for adults to play at parties?
Telestrations, Apples to Apples and Catchphrase are all great party games for adults because they can accommodate a crowd.
Are adult board games family-friendly?
It depends on the board game. Some games like Codenames and Apples to Apples are perfectly family-friendly, whereas others, like Cards Against Humanity, are a bit more R-rated.
What themes are popular in adult board games?
There are many themes in board games, but the themes most often seen are Fantasy (like Carcassonne or Catan), Historical (like Ticket to Ride), Space (like Terraforming Mars), Mystery (like Betrayal at House on the Hill) and Modern Life/Economy (like Monopoly).
How many players are adult board games made for?
Most adult board games are designed for two to five players, but some do allow up to eight players.
Are there mature-themed board games for adults?
Cards Against Humanity, Telestrations After Dark and Monikers are more mature-themed games geared toward adults.