17 Overlooked Board Games That Are Actually Great Fun

Board games have come a long way from the usual classics. Some of the most fun games don’t get the recognition they deserve. Hidden gems in the board game world offer unique experiences, thrilling strategy, and memorable moments. Dive into these games that will bring joy and excitement to your next game night.

Isle of Skye

In Isle of Skye, players act as clan leaders building their kingdoms, and it is priced at $35 to $40. The game features tile-laying mechanics, where each tile represents land with various resources. Players must set prices for their tiles, sell, and buy from others, incorporating resource management and auction tactics. The ever-changing scoring system keeps the game fresh and replayable. Its blend of strategy and interaction makes it an underrated classic, perfect for family or group play.

The Quest for El Dorado

The Quest for El Dorado is a deck-building game combined with a racing element, available for $30 to $35. Players embark on a journey through a jungle, seeking the mythical city of gold. Decks of cards determine movement through different terrain, balancing strategy and speed. The game’s fast pace keeps competition tight and exciting. Its simple rules yet strategic depth make it a great, overlooked choice for both families and seasoned gamers.

Architects of the West Kingdom

Architects of the West Kingdom, priced at $45 to $50, revolves around resource management and building cathedrals. Players, as medieval architects, aim to gain the king’s favor by constructing buildings. The game uses worker placement but adds a twist, allowing players to capture and release each other’s workers. Balancing resource management and reputation becomes key. Its dynamic gameplay and unique mechanics make it a standout in worker-placement games.

Clans of Caledonia

Clans of Caledonia is a deep economic game set in 19th-century Scotland, priced at $50 to $55. Players control clans, each with special abilities, to produce goods and trade for profit. The modular board and diverse clan abilities provide endless strategic variety. Players must balance trade, production, and economic expansion to win. Its complexity is balanced by its rewarding gameplay, making it perfect for fans of strategic, resource-heavy games.

Castles of Burgundy

Castles of Burgundy is a medieval-themed tile-placing game, available for $30 to $35. Players develop their princedoms by placing tiles that represent buildings, castles, and farms. Multiple strategies, from resource management to careful tile placement, offer various paths to victory. Known for its smooth mechanics and replayability, it’s a favorite among strategy enthusiasts. Though it may seem complex, the game offers rewarding depth without being overwhelming.

Codenames: Duet

Codenames: Duet, priced at $15 to $20, is a cooperative word game designed for two players. Players give one-word clues to find hidden agents, but some agents are dangerous, requiring careful clue-giving. The game involves clever word association and deduction, turning each round into a puzzle. A cooperative twist on the original Codenames, Duet offers a unique challenge for couples or friends seeking engaging gameplay.

Takenoko

Takenoko is a light strategy game that costs about $30 to $35. Players take on the role of gardeners growing bamboo while managing a picky panda. The objective is to grow bamboo and complete objectives related to garden layout and panda movement. Its colorful board and charming theme make it accessible to all ages. The game combines strategy with lighthearted fun, making it an overlooked choice for family game nights. Its balance of simplicity and strategy keeps everyone engaged.

Ra

Ra is a classic auction game, priced at $40 to $45, set in ancient Egypt. Players use sun tokens to bid on tiles that represent different aspects of Egyptian life. The goal is to collect sets of tiles to score points, but players must carefully manage their bids. It combines luck and skill, offering a tense but satisfying game experience. Its unique auction mechanic and historical theme make it a hidden treasure among strategy games.

Spirit Island

Spirit Island, costing $60 to $65, is a cooperative game where players act as spirits defending an island from colonizing invaders. Each spirit has unique powers and must work together to stop the invaders’ expansion. The game’s mechanics blend strategic planning, cooperation, and power management. Its deep, thematic gameplay makes it a standout cooperative experience. Though overlooked, it’s perfect for those who enjoy immersive, challenging strategy games.

Root

Root is an asymmetrical warfare game priced at $50 to $55, set in a forest. Players take on different roles, each with unique abilities and objectives, from woodland creatures to powerful armies. The game’s diverse factions offer endless replayability, with each one bringing its own style of play. Root’s mix of strategy, area control, and diplomacy make it a unique and engaging experience. Its charming art style hides a deep and competitive game that deserves more attention.

Five Tribes

Five Tribes, available for $45 to $50, is a strategy game where players manipulate tribes in ancient Arabia. The goal is to gain influence by moving tribe members, collecting resources, and using powerful abilities. Its innovative movement mechanics create endless strategic possibilities. Players must plan their moves carefully, as they can impact both their own and their opponents’ future actions. Its blend of strategy and tactical play makes it an underrated hit in the board gaming world.

Shadows Over Camelot

Shadows Over Camelot, priced at $40 to $45, is a cooperative game set in the Arthurian legend. Players are knights of the Round Table, working together to complete quests and defend Camelot. However, one player might be a traitor, secretly working against the group. This mix of cooperation and hidden roles adds tension and excitement to each game. Its immersive theme and engaging mechanics make it a standout cooperative game that often flies under the radar.

Tigris & Euphrates

Tigris & Euphrates is a classic tile-laying game that costs around $45 to $50. Players build civilizations in ancient Mesopotamia, managing four types of resources: farming, trading, religion, and government. Conflict arises when players vie for control of land, creating tense and strategic battles. The game rewards careful planning and adaptability, as every move can shift the balance of power. It’s an underrated classic that offers deep strategy for seasoned players.

A Feast for Odin

A Feast for Odin is a worker placement and resource management game priced at $80 to $90. Players take on the role of Viking leaders building settlements, hunting, and raiding for riches. The game offers a wide range of actions, from gathering resources to arranging tiles on a personal board to score points. Its depth comes from the countless strategic decisions players can make each turn. Though complex, it offers immense replayability and satisfaction for those who enjoy heavy strategy games.

The Voyages of Marco Polo

The Voyages of Marco Polo costs around $45 to $50 and focuses on dice placement and resource management. Players retrace Marco Polo’s journey, completing contracts and gaining wealth along the way. Dice rolls determine available actions, but players can manipulate them to achieve their goals. The game’s tight design and variety of character abilities offer plenty of strategic depth. Its blend of luck and skill creates a balanced, engaging experience that is often overlooked.

The Quacks of Quedlinburg

The Quacks of Quedlinburg, priced at $40 to $45, is a push-your-luck game where players brew potions using ingredient tokens. Players must draw tokens from a bag, trying to improve their potions without causing them to explode. Each round offers chances to upgrade ingredients and enhance future turns. The game’s simplicity and fun, combined with just the right amount of risk, make it highly addictive. It’s an often-overlooked game that’s perfect for casual and competitive players alike.

Great Western Trail

Great Western Trail is a deck-building and route-planning game that costs $50 to $55. Players lead cattle across the American plains, managing herds and completing deliveries along the way. The game offers strategic decisions with a blend of deck management and board movement. Its diverse strategies and ever-changing board setup make each game session different. Though often overlooked, it’s a highly strategic game that rewards careful planning and execution.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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