Image: MomJunction Design Team
Take your game nights to the next level with some of the best euro board games available in the market. These games are similar to American board games and are usually based on drama and chance. The German-style board games are played on a tabletop and are characterized by a strong focus on strategy and skill over luck, the absence of player elimination, and the use of economic themes.
We hope our list of the best euro board games can help you choose the right one to play with your family and friends on your next game night. You can pick one of the best-selling games based on the theme you like, such as mythology and history. The best Eurogames have engaging elements that are guaranteed to keep you hooked and help you have a great time. Some games are designed for only two players, while others can include up to six players. Also, the duration of play can range from 30 minutes to a few hours. So choose a tried-and-tested one that suits your preferences and enjoy a fun gaming experience.
Top Picks
11 Best Euro Board Games
1. Best Unique:Cephalofair Games Gloomhaven Strategy Boxed Board Game
In the Gloomhaven board game, players will assume the character of a mercenary with their unique combination of skills and motives. All the players need to work together to tackle dangerous dungeons and ancient crypts in this fictional game. This time-tested game is the favorite game of many users–it offers around one to two hours of playtime and is suitable for one to four players. Check out this review video showcasing a tester’s experience for more information.
Pros
- Innovative card system
- 17 playable characters
- Lots of replayability
- Can modify your ‘attack modifier deck’
- 90-plus missions
Cons
- Might take some time to set up
- Retirement system might be a little confusing
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 1,088 positive reviews on Amazon.
2. Best With Armed Mechs:Stonemaier Games Scythe Board Game
Set in the 1920s Europa, the board game portrays a parallel history where a capitalistic city-state called ‘The Factory’ had started a war with heavily armed mechs and has now shut down. Each player in Scythe portrays a fallen leader who strives to reclaim their dignity and lead their group to dominance in Eastern Europe. Players need to capture territories and villages, recruit new troops, gather resources, and construct structures while defending their land from other factions’ mechs. You require one to five players and can play this game for around 120 minutes. Take a look at this video to learn more about the multiplayer board game.
Pros
- No player elimination
- Unit can’t be destroyed or killed
- Streamlined action-selection mechanism
- Ideal for kids 14 years and up
Cons
- Map might be a little difficult to fit inside the Scythe Legendary Box
- Lack of interaction with other players
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 932 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
3. Best Medieval Trade-Themed:Capstone Games Orleans Strategy Board Game
Capstone Game’s Orleans is a medieval trade-themed board game suitable for two to five players. The economic game requires players to take trade trips to other cities on the board, acquire coveted goods, and make their followers work as traders, builders, and scholars to prosper. This award-winning Euro-style simulation game set has different colored tokens, and the challenging part is choosing the right path, as there are multiple ways to achieve victory.
Pros
- Fast-paced game
- Tile placement game
- Ideal for families
- Boosts interaction between players
- Offers replayability
Cons
- Some wooden pieces might not be highly durable
Cephalofair Games Gloomhaven Strategy Boxed Board Game Best Unique | Stonemaier Games Scythe Board Game Best With Armed Mechs | Capstone Games Orleans Strategy Board Game Best Medieval Trade-Themed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Cardboard | - | Cardboard |
| Weight | 21.6 pounds | 7 pounds | 4.48 pounds |
| Dimensions | 17.64 x 9.13 x 13.03 inches | 11.81 x 4 x 14.57 inches | 2.75 x 8.9 x 12.4 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,088 | 932 | 11 |
| Price | $173.71 | $67.33 | $52.48 |
4. Best For Four Players:Grey Fox Games Champions Of Midgard Strategy Board Game
Suitable for two to four players aged ten years and above, the players of this empire-building game act as chiefs of Viking clans who have traveled to a harbor town to protect it from drag, trolls, and other fabled Norse monsters. Players acquire honor and divine favor by defeating the legendary beasts. In the end, the player with the most glory receives the title of “jarl”.
Pros
- Customizable ship and crew
- Beautifully illustrated artwork
- Six action spaces
- 75-90 minutes of playtime
Cons
- Repeated action plans might give less bonus
- Glory point tracker might be a little simple
Did you know?5. Best For Artwork:Starling Games Everdell Collector’s Edition 2nd Edition
The game of Everdell collector’s edition has beautiful artwork and wooden animal meeples. This worker-allocation construction board game lets you grow your colony in an enchanting world of colorful woodland critters. This award-winning and entertaining game involves complex strategies to keep the whole family engaged and active.
Pros
- Streamlined worker placement game
- Family friendly game
- Modified Wooden Twig resource tokens
- Comes with replayability
- Can be played solo
Cons
- Font size on the cards might be a little small
- Tag tree might not be durable
6. Best Medieval-Themed:Tasty Minstrel Orléans Board Game
Suitable for two to four players, you need to expand your commercial reach and get followers to succeed. With up to 120 minutes of entertaining game time, you can create trade centers and collect commodities and money. With the help of farmers, merchants, scholars, and more, you need to make advancements and create wealth in this medieval-themed game.
Pros
- Medieval theme
- Deep strategic play
- Multiple paths to victory
- Bag building
Cons
- Tracks on the board may not be labeled
- Tokens may not be durable
Quick fact7. Best Fast-Paced:Days Of Wonder Ticket To Ride Europe Board Game
The fast-paced deep strategy game is one of the easy-to-learn, best-selling games with a playtime of 30 to 60 minutes. Suitable for two to five players, you need to connect important European cities through train routes to win points. The intellectual empire-building game comes in beautiful tin boxes with precisely detailed plastic trains and stops. It includes new artwork, an oversized board, and tickets printed true to date. You can play this game with the entire family.
Pros
- Player count of two to five players
- Features finely detailed trains and stations
- Compatible with Alexa
- Large map with detailed landscape
- Family friendly game
- Has simple rules
- Easy to play
- Ideal for children eight years and above
Cons
- May be a little difficult to store
- Black and wild cards might be a little difficult to differentiate
"The intricate detailing and the theme of expansions have been my favorite part of this classic game. Though I find the card sorting part of the game slightly time-consuming, I would still recommend this option for the thrill and joy it brings my family and me."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 133 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
8. Best For Victory Scores:Stronghold Games Great Western Trail Board Game
Set in 19th century America, this game requires players to play as rival cattle ranchers grazing cattle in a circular trail from Texas to Kansas City. You can earn cash and victory scores if you can handle your herd appropriately and reach the destination. In this fantastic game, players can hire capable employees, such as cowboys, carpenters, and railway engineers, to finish the tasks on time.
Pros
- Player count of two to four players
- 75 to 150 minutes of playtime
- Involves iconography
- Suitable for children aged 12 and above
Cons
- Box might not be sturdy enough
- Rulebook might not be very detailed
"The board game is a hit with my family members. Indulging in it has become a weekend routine for us. It takes a few rounds to get the hang of the rules, but once grasped, it's pretty addictive."
9. Best Portrayed:Roxley Games Brass: Lancashire Board Games
Brass: Lancashire is a time-tested economic strategy game set during the Industrial Revolution and focuses on the portrayal of rival cotton businessmen in Lancashire. To profit from the demand for iron, coal, and cotton, you need to grow, create and establish your connections and industry. This tabletop game is divided into two sections: a rail and a canal phase. Score the most victory points calculated after each half of the game to win.
Pros
- Comes with four player mats
- Balanced levels
- Fun to play
- Ideal for children over 14 years of age
Cons
- Cards might crease easily
- Might have too many rules
"This board game has become a favorite with its clever strategy and resource management blend. While gameplay time is lengthy, it sure is engaging. Plus, it is not luck-based, so remember to bring those thinking hats out."
10. Best Exploration-Themed:Burnt Island Games Endeavor Age Sail
This fantastic game by Burnt Island encourages cooperative play as the players need to explore shipping routes and occupy towns worldwide as they sail out of Europe and the Mediterranean. In each round, you can select a new structure to add to your coastline. New territories become available for conquest once shipping tracks are created. Collect asset cards from all over the world to get significant boosts and end-game points.
Pros
- Player count of two to five players
- Worker placement game
- Average playtime of 60 minutes
- Exciting exploits
- Ideal for children over the age of 12 years
Cons
- Use of slavery might have heavy penalties
- Not advancing the money track might make it difficult to call back workers
"As an avid Endeavor game series enthusiast, I am delighted by this game’s nostalgic aspect and innovative nuances. Its balance between complexity and accessibility and thoughtful inclusions like inserts and expansions have made it a fun and replayable game."
11. Best Trading-Based:Eagle Games Vinhos Deluxe Board Game
Based on wine-making, this trading and commercial game requires you to cultivate your vineyards, choose quality varieties, recruit the most qualified oenologists, and attend trade fairs. You need to prove to your opponents that you are the best winemaker in the game during six harvests by utilizing strategic elements. The game’s goal is to make high-quality wines to trade for cash or victory points.
Pros
- Double-sided player boards
- Features both versions of the game
- Come with an added ninth region
- Improved rules of the original game of vinhos
- Player count of up to four players
Cons
- Playing solo might be a little tricky
- Changing path halfway through the game may cause loss in the game
"The game's standout feature is its clever double-sided board design. Although my younger child found the game a bit overwhelming, he has gradually developed a taste for the challenge it offers. Overall, it has been a perfect find for our growing board game collection."
How To Choose The Right Euro Board Games?
Here are a few things to consider while choosing the right Euro board games.
- Number of players: While a few European board games are designed for two players, most may accommodate two to six players.
- Duration: Most games offer from 30 minutes to a few hours of playtime. Choose the game depending on your preferences.
- Theme: Consider the board game genre before choosing one. It is important to feel drawn to the theme, landscape, gameplay elements, and the characters to enjoy the game.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a skilled product writer and reviewer specializing in toys and gifts. Since she has many such articles under her name, she is familiar with the likes and dislikes of readers when it comes to choosing the right games. Keeping her readers’ interests in mind, she has compiled this list of the best Euro board games after going through many websites. The best features of each of these best-selling games are described. She has also included a buying guide to help you make the right choice and have an enjoyable gaming experience.
Euro board games are one of the most sought-after board games. They are known for promoting player interaction and involve strategic elements that require planning. You can pick one of the above games based on the theme you like, such as mythology and history. These games are guaranteed to keep the players hooked and help you have a great time with your friends and family. Some games are designed for only two players, while others can include up to six players. Also, the duration of play can range from 30 minutes to a few hours. So go for the one that suits your preferences best.
Infographic: How Do Board Games Benefit People?
Board games can be a fun way to spend quality time with your family and friends. With various themes and rules, they can ensure an engaging, screen-free time. Read the infographic below to know how board games can benefit you. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Wellness Wednesday – 5 Mental Benefits of Board Games
https://www.ashevillenc.gov/news/wellness-wednesday-5-mental-benefits-of-board-games/
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