Board games are not just for kids anymore. In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity of board games among adults. They provide a refreshing break from the screen-dominated world we live in and offer the perfect opportunity for friends and family to come together and have a great time. If you’re looking to organize a board game night with your adult friends, or simply want to expand your collection, here are some of the most popular board games for adults that are sure to provide hours of entertainment and fun.
Strategy Board Games
Strategy board games are an excellent choice for those who enjoy engaging in intellectual challenges. These games require critical thinking, planning, and decision-making. Three strategy board games that are widely loved by adults are:
Catan
Catan, also known as Settlers of Catan, is a classic strategy game where players compete to establish settlements and cities on an ever-changing island. The game involves trading resources, negotiating with other players, and strategic placement of settlements to gain victory points.
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a railway-themed game in which players aim to create the most extensive rail network across North America. The game combines route planning, resource management, and strategic blocking to hinder opponents’ progress.
Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative game where players work together to save the world from deadly diseases. Each player takes on a different role, contributing their unique abilities to find the cure and prevent the outbreak from overwhelming humanity.
Party Board Games
If you’re looking for a board game to break the ice and create a fun and lively atmosphere, party board games are the way to go. These games are designed to be entertaining and to spark laughter among players. Some popular party board games for adults include:
Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity is an irreverent and hilarious party game where players compete to come up with the most outrageous and inappropriate responses to various prompts. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it guarantees a lot of laughter.
The Resistance
The Resistance is a deduction and bluffing game in which players take on the roles of resistance members or spies. The objective is simple: the resistance members try to identify the spies among them, while the spies attempt to sabotage their missions without being discovered.
Codenames
Codenames is a word-guessing game that challenges players’ ability to make connections and associations. It requires teamwork, communication, and quick thinking. One player gives clues to their teammates to guess the words correctly, without accidentally pointing to the assassin word.
Cooperative Board Games
Cooperative board games foster teamwork and collaboration, making them an excellent choice for players who prefer a shared goal over competing against each other. Here are three cooperative board games that adults enjoy:
Betrayal at House on the Hill
Betrayal at House on the Hill is a horror-themed game where players explore a haunted mansion full of secrets and dangers. As the game progresses, one player will turn against the others, leading to an intense and suspenseful final showdown.
Dead of Winter
Dead of Winter is a post-apocalyptic game where players try to survive in a harsh, zombie-infested world. Each player has individual goals, but there is also a collective objective that must be achieved. Trust, communication, and resource management are vital for success.
Mansions of Madness
Mansions of Madness is a Lovecraftian horror game that embraces the suspense and nail-biting tension of investigating paranormal occurrences. Players explore haunted mansions, solve puzzles, and struggle against otherworldly creatures.
Deck-Building Board Games
Deck-building board games are known for their strategic depth and the thrill of building your own unique deck of cards throughout gameplay. Here are three deck-building games that are loved by adults:
Dominion
Dominion is the game that popularized the deck-building mechanic. Players start with a small deck of cards and aim to build a powerful deck by purchasing new cards from a central pool. The goal is to collect victory points and have the most valuable deck at the end of the game.
Marvel Legendary
Marvel Legendary is a deck-building game that allows players to assemble a team of superheroes to battle against a mastermind villain. The game features iconic Marvel characters and offers various expansions and combinations to create exciting and diverse gameplay experiences.
Ascension
Ascension is a fast-paced deck-building game set in a fantasy world. Players recruit heroes and construct a deck to defeat fearsome monsters and gain honor points. With different card combinations and strategies, each game offers a unique experience.
Classic Board Games for Adults
Some classic board games have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by adults of all ages. These games are perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity and familiarity of traditional board games. Here are three classic board games that are beloved by adults:
Scrabble
Scrabble is a word game that challenges players to build words using letter tiles and strategically place them on a game board. It’s a game that combines vocabulary skills, strategy, and a bit of luck, making it a timeless favorite among language enthusiasts.
Chess
Chess is a strategy game that has been enjoyed for centuries. It requires critical thinking, planning, and foresight as players compete to outmaneuver and capture their opponent’s pieces while protecting their own king. Chess is often considered the ultimate test of strategic mastery.
Risk
Risk is a classic game of global domination where players aim to conquer territories and eliminate opponents. With a combination of strategy and risk-taking, players must carefully plan their moves to expand their armies and achieve victory.
How to Choose the Right Board Game for Adults
With a wide array of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right board game for your adult game night. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a game:
Considering the Group Size and Preferences
Take into account the number of players and their preferences. Some games are designed for larger groups, while others are more suitable for smaller gatherings.
Checking Complexity and Gaming Length
Consider the complexity of the game and the amount of time you and your group are willing to invest. Some games are quick and easy to learn, while others may require a longer playing time.
Considering Theme and Genre Preferences
Think about the interests and tastes of your group. Whether they prefer fantasy, history, mystery, or humor, there is a board game out there to cater to every theme and genre.
Tips for Hosting a Board Game Night for Adults
Hosting a board game night can be a delightful experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips to make your board game night a success:
Preparing the Gaming Area
Make sure you have enough space and a suitable playing area. Clear the table, provide comfortable seating, and ensure good lighting for an optimal gaming experience.
Setting the Mood and Ambiance
Create an enjoyable atmosphere by playing background music, dimming the lights, or even decorating the space according to the theme of the game being played.
Providing Refreshments and Snacks
Keep your participants energized and satisfied by offering a variety of snacks and beverages. Finger foods, like chips, dips, and cookies, are excellent choices for a board game night.
Conclusion: The Joy and Social Benefits of Playing Board Games as Adults
Playing board games as adults is not only a form of entertainment but also an opportunity to bond and create lasting memories with friends and family. These games promote social interaction, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Whether you’re a fan of strategy, party, cooperative, or classic games, there’s a board game out there that will cater to your preferences. So gather your loved ones, pick a game from the list, and let the fun and laughter begin.
