There are loads of fun and exciting activities you can do to take some time off your busy schedules. While some people will go to the park with their pets or hit the gym, others like activities that engage the brain, such as board games. For decades, board games have been one of the best ways to spend quality time with family, friends, and loved ones. If you are looking for a fun way to spend time with your loved ones without breaking the bank, board games are the way to go. The top selling board games are affordable, easy to play, fun, and engaging.
However, with the numerous options on the market, finding the best selling board games can be daunting. You need to consider some important factors when picking a board game. After thorough research and consideration, we have compiled a list of the best board games on the market across various age groups.
In addition, we will walk you through the various board game categories and a comprehensive guide on picking the right one for you and your family. Here are our top picks:
Abstract
Abstract board games usually have no themes, or the offered theme is disconnected from the actual playing experience. They are some of the oldest board games ever and are still very popular today. Some examples of abstract board games are Chess, Checkers, Tak, and Go. Some of the specific features of board games in this category include:
Turn-based movement
No randomness, like card draws, dice rolls, etc.
Unimportant theme
The game does not have hidden information
Any board game with no storyline or little to no theme is categorized as abstract. If it has a little theme, it can easily be removed, ignored, or changed. Abstract board games feature simple mechanics and designs. They provide all the information needed to play the game, with little to no element of randomness or luck. These games usually depend on the skill of the players, and they feature a high level of tactics and/or strategy.
Children’s Game
These are board games specifically designed to be played by kids. There are board games for different age groups, including 5-6 years old, 8-10 years old, and 10-12 years old. Board games for teenagers also fall in this category. These games are designed to be entertaining, engaging, and educational. They teach children many things, from basic concepts such as counting or taking turns to games that teach specific topics.
The design and game play experience of these games are getting better and better as time progresses. However, just because these games are designed for kids does not mean they are only enjoyable for kids. They are fun for adults and kids as well, so you can play with your kids. The age range only indicates that kids within that age limit can understand it easily. We highly recommend kids’ board games because most of them are highly educative and will improve your kids’ critical and logical thinking skills. They also improve communication and teamwork among kids.
Campaign and Legacy
Campaign and legacy board games are defined by individual plays accompanied by several connected scenarios. In such board games, the outcome and actions of one scenario usually affect the next scenario. Legacy games permanently change with each progressive game play and throughout the game; they are only good for a single playthrough.
This could mean destroying or modifying existing content or unlocking new content. Either way, any alteration of decision you make in one state will affect all future plays of the game. Examples of such games include Gloomhaven and Risk Legacy.
Party Board Games
Party board games are one of the most popular types of board games. These board games sell thousands of units because of mass appeal. Party board games are designed to be enjoyed in large, small, or casual gatherings. Whether it is an end-of-year party at the office, school, family timeout, birthday parties, etc., party board games always come in handy. They are multiplayer board games, supporting as many as 20 players.
Board games for parties are more common among groups of people that are not particularly into tabletop games. These games have a higher maximum player count, easy to set up, quick gameplay, and easy to understand. Interestingly, many board games fall in this category.
Adult/Couple Board Games
Couple’s board games usually feature adult themes. These board games have explicit humor or/and depictions of adult situations. Most come in card forms, where lovers get to ask some fun questions to help boost their relationship, communication, or romantic life. Some are also cooperative games, where the couple embarks on certain quests together. Such games help to build teamwork and cooperation amongst couples. These games are not meant for kids or teenagers. If you have one in your home, you should keep it out of your kids’ reach.
Role Playing Games (RPG)
Role-playing board games are increasingly becoming popular these days. This group of games is classified as RPG, and there are tons of them on the market today. Role-playing board games are characterized by players taking on the roles of the game’s fictional character. This group of games is not only popular in board games but also tabletop and video games.
These board games are available in solo and multiplayer modes, and you can embark on the quest alone or with your partner. Most of them are also suitable for kids, making them excellent family games. However, RPG board games are challenging, as they come with some difficult tasks.
Top Selling Board Games Comparison
S/N | Board Games | Age | No. of Players |
7+ | 2-12 | ||
12+ | Up to 4 | ||
8+ | 2- 4 | ||
6+ | 2 | ||
10+ | 3-4 | ||
7+ | 2 | ||
5+ | 2-4 | ||
8+ | 3-6 | ||
Monopoly Junior | 5+ | 4 | |
3+ | 2-4 |
The 5 Top Selling Board Games
Sequence is undoubtedly one of the top selling board games. The game is fun, challenging, quick, and exciting. Players are required to play cards and place a chip on the corresponding space on the game board. If you place five chips in a row, it is a sequence. The game is designed for 2 to 12 players, and you can play a one-on-one match or as a team.
The goal of each team or player is to score more five-card sequences than their opponent. The first team or player to reach the required number of sequences wins the game. It is a fun family game, suitable for kids and adults. In addition to being fun, the game helps develop critical thinking and strategy skills. It comes with simple and clear instructions, making it easy for kids to play without parental assistance. In addition, the game comes with all the accessories you need, so you do not have to purchase additional accessories to play it.
Gloomhaven is one of the best strategy board games ever. It is also one of the best selling board games because many people love it. This game is for adults and kids 12 years and above. It is the first expansion for Gloomhaven, featuring 20 new scenarios that took place in the event of the first Gloomhaven. The game is about the character – Aesther Diviner and her attempt to prevent an imminent calamity.
With 60 to 120 minutes of playtime, you will have a lot of fun on the board with your friends and loved ones. This game has many road events, items, city events, rift events, and unlockable envelopes. It comes with simple and clear instructions, so you do not need prior knowledge of the first version to play it. It actually offers more because it comes with a new playable character, seven new monster types, three powerful bosses, etc.
Scrabble is one of the all-time favorite board games of many. This game is one of the most popular in the history of board games. It is also fast-selling too, thanks to its intellectual impart. This scrabble game from Hasbro Gaming has an appealing design and is made with durable material. Unlike some low-quality products, this game’s tiles do not break easily, and the letters on the tiles do not fade out.
It is a classic board game with a simple mission and no hidden information. The package includes one game board, four tile racks, 100 wooden letter tiles, one drawstring letter bag, and a game guide. This game does not have a specific playtime – the player with the highest score after exhausting the tiles wins. It supports up to four players (eight years and above). This classic family favorite provides an excellent way to spend quality time with your family. It is fun and challenging at the same time. The game improves logical thinking and vocabulary.
This game is designed for two players, making it an excellent option for homes with two kids or for couples. It is designed for adults and kids six years and above. Connect is a very popular board game because it is easy to understand and play. The game only requires fast thinking to bit your opponent. It comes with 21 yellow discs, 21 red discs, a slider bar, two legs, and a game rule.
This disc-dropping fun game requires both players to pick red or yellow discs. The goal of each player is to get four of their discs in a row. For instance, if you choose yellow discs, you have to fix four yellow discs consecutively on the board to win the game. However, your opponent might not allow that, so that is where the fun lies. Both players have the same goal, so you have to be technical and find a winning strategy. It encourages critical thinking.
Catan is an adventure, strategy, fun-filled game for adults and kids 10 years and above. The game support up to four players, and your mission is to build, trade, and settle on the island of Catan. You can control your own civilization and spread across the hex board in pursuit of victory points. The game has countless replay opportunities, which means it provides an entirely different gameplay experience whenever you play it.
The multiple gameplay experiences ensure you never get bored regardless of the number of times you play it. You can play this game as a family, group, or via video conference. Thanks to its clear instructions and simple mechanism, you can learn the basics of this game in just a few minutes. The game supports three to four players, but you can opt for the extension packs to support up to six players. Catan will teach you critical thinking and effective planning.
Other Top Board Games
Battleship: Battleship is one of the most popular board games on the market today. The game features airplanes and ships for awesome strategic and epic battles. Crash enemy planes, sink ships, and devise strategies to win the battle.
Trouble: This is one of the most affordable yet fun board games out there. It is a great family game that engages adults and kids five years and above. This game enhances problem-solving skills, so you and your kids will learn while having fun.
Clue: Do you want to play detective? Then this is the right board game for you. The game is for three to six players, so it is great for families, parties, etc. In this suspenseful game, it is the mission of the players to find out who murdered Mr. Boddy of Tudor Mansion. Your mission is to find all the clues to the murder and nail the murderer.
Monopoly Junior: This is another board game making waves in the industry. This version is suitable for adults and children (five years and above). It supports up to four players and features intriguing, simplified gameplay.
Candy Land: Candy Land is a fun and educative game for kids. The game is full of many “delicious” surprises as players move their gingerbread man pawns in a race to the castle. The first to reach King Kandy’s castle wins.
Tips for Choosing the Right Board Game
Shopping for a board game is not as easy as it sounds because of the many options on the market today. These games are engaging, fun, and educative, and you might be confused about which to pick. However, before you begin your search, you need to have some vital things in mind. Here are some key things to consider when looking for a board game.
Targe Age Range
When buying a board game, one of the first things you need to consider is the age range of the game. That means you need to consider who you are buying the game for. If the board game is for you and your spouse, you are not restricted by age. However, if you want to buy the game for your kids, you should ensure it is suitable for their age. Most kid board games are also playable and enjoyable by adults, so you can have fun with your kids.
How Many Players?
If you are buying a board game for your family, this is one of the most important things to consider. Board games are designed for solo players up to 20 players (some board games even support more). Hence, you want to ensure that you choose a game that supports the number of people you want to play the game. Again, a solo game is your best bet if you are buying it for yourself. Most board games are not designed for a single player, so you must be two or more to play it.
Build Material
Some board games have great gameplay and storyline but are poorly designed. No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on an item that will not last. Hence, you should only buy a board game made with premium quality materials. It should be made of plastic or cardboard. The board should also be thick and the pieces made firmly.
Conclusion
The top selling board games are making waves in the industry because of their fascinating gameplay, storylines, and fun. These games are educative and promote good logical and critical thinking skills. We have carefully selected the best of the best options for you. You can pick anyone that suits your style.