Image: MomJunction Design Team
War and war strategy games fascinate many. The best war board games give you the feel of the planning and strategizing needed in battlegrounds from the comfort of your home. You can experience the thrill of planning an ambush, fighting your opponents, and crushing the enemies without taking a life’s risk.
So if you are looking for some exciting, time-tested, and best-selling board games to play with your friends or family at home, war board games can be an excellent choice. We have curated some of the best war board games in the post that you can bring home and enjoy with your loved ones.
Top Picks
11 Best War Board Games
1. Best Strategy: Hasbro Risk Game
Let your child conquer the world in this popular war strategy board game by Hasbro Gaming. The set comes with improved mission cards and figures to speed up the game. In this strategy game, players have to conquer their enemies’ territories by engaging in battles between armies, and each player’s fate depends on the roll of the dice. The tried-and-tested game is all about domination, expansion, and cunning leadership.
This battle board game, inspired by historic battles, keeps players excited throughout as it involves alliances, surprise attacks, and even betrayals—coz everything is fair in love and war! Here is an informative video that tells you more about this military action board game.
Pros
- Comes with crates for easy storage
- Compatible with Alexa
- Includes all relevant accessories
- Four-player game
- Four ways to play
Cons
- Some units may seem flimsy
- Some may find the instruction font small
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 348 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
2. Best Conflict-Resolution: Avalon Hill Axis And Allies 1941 Board Game
The board game is set in 1941 as five major powers struggle for supremacy. The classic game offers a playtime of around 120 minutes. This tactical game requires you to control one of the allied powers or Axis to command the military forces of your country and run the economy.
Gift this set to your children to let them plan attacks, give orders, and resolve conflicts. The player who conquers the opponent on the battlefield and occupies the most powerful cities on the map wins. For more information about the military action game, click this video.
Pros
- Easy version
- Two to five players required
- 16 new designs
- Based on historical events
- Suitable play duration for weekends
Cons
- Board may take up a lot of space
- Setting up the game might be time consuming
"I got this game to introduce my children to the thrill that the Axis & Allies games offer. It's simpler and quicker than the other versions, so my kids could easily grasp it. I was also pleased to see that it still has that depth, and the historical leanings are pretty cool."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 1,574 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
3. Best Engaging: Days Of Wonder Memoir ‘44 Board Game
The engaging Memoir ’44 board game is a strategy war game that involves the deployment of forces using different command cards. It is up to the smart commander to optimally use the skills of their units, including tanks, infantry, paratroopers, artillery, resistance fighters, and commandos. Each battle mimics the objectives, troop placements, and terrain of each army.
With 17 historical scenarios, the military action game set includes a double-sided battlefield board map, 144 army pieces, 36 obstacles, 44 terrain tiles, 60 command cards, nine summary cards, two card holders, and eight battle dice. Check out a tester’s experience in this review video to learn more about this board game with various historical events.
Pros
- Two-player game
- Excellent gamefor children as well as adults
- Complex strategy game
- Educational and exciting war table game
- Hex grid board
- 30-60 minutes play time
Cons
- Some may find the color of the two armies similar
- Some might feel the need for expansion sets
"Its dice and card mechanism perfectly balances strategy and chance every time my nephews and I play this game. Although the variety of scenarios and expansions is impressive, the board can make it difficult to differentiate between pieces. However, that does not dampen the fun this game offers."
Did you know?Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 1,305 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
4. Best Fast-Paced: Age Of War
Age of War is a strategy war board game created by Reiner Knizia, the renowned game designer. The complex war game is suitable for players aged 13 years and above. It requires players to assume the roles of rival daimyos who compete to conquer the castles in feudal Japan and get control of the country.
The set includes seven custom dice that one must roll to muster the troops and then rally the troops to establish siege in any of the fourteen castles. The strategy game requires assembling a unique combination of troops to conquer every castle. The daimyo who gets the maximum support in the end wins. Good luck!
Pros
- 15-30-minute play time
- Easy to learn
- Two to six players needed
- Comes with protective card sleeves
- Quick set-up time
Cons
- Some may not find it challenging enough
- Mostly luck-based
"Its rules are simple, but the game, on the whole, keeps us all engaged. The medium playtime is a plus, but I found the strategy part a little luck dependent. Nevertheless, the game offers a mix of challenge and amusement that keeps my whole family entertained."
5. Best The Lord of The Rings-Inspired: Ares Games War Of The Rings 2nd Edition’
The strategy war-based board game allows its players to experience the dramatic conflicts, actions, and characters of the epic “The Lord of The Rings.” It is a game designed for two to four players and offers an average playtime of around 120 minutes.
The entertaining and engrossing set includes a board with two sections, 16 action dice, 76 cardboard counters, 204 well-detailed game figures, five combat dice, and more. The goal of the game is to hunt the ring-bearer using 110 character and event cards and strategize to bring the precious ring to the master. So, let the quest begin!
Pros
- Stimulating
- Aesthetic finish
- Ideal for complex-game lovers
- Huge board
Cons
- May be time consuming
- May have to refer to the rulebook constantly
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 832 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
6. Best Interactive: Rudy Games Leader 2019 Interactive Cold War Strategy Board Game
The interactive war-based board game developed by Rudy Games involves conquering foreign lands, forming alliances, coming up with new technologies, and conspiring. It comes with an app that introduces the game and its rules.
The set comes with a game board, 300 plastic game miniatures, six nation cards and player boards, 18 battle dice, 15 scenario markers, 31 wooden markers, and six headquarters overview boards. This tactical game is full of endless opportunities for you to explore.
Pros
- Multi-device compatible
- Provides detailed gaming statistics
- For sci-fi lovers
- Minimal set-up time
- WhatsApp support available
Cons
- Font size of the instructions could be small
- May require consistent internet connection
7. Best Science-Based:Alderac Entertainment Group-War Chest
Challenge your children’s analytical ability with the strategy board game by Alderac Entertainment Group. The war chest is an abstract strategy game that combines the elements of classic chess with the gameplay of traditional board games. It requires careful planning, can be played between two to four players, and offers 30 minutes of exciting playtime.
To play this game, the players take turns while taking thoughtful steps to move the pieces and outmaneuvering the opponent army. With easy rules and quick gameplay, the board game is suitable for anyone over 14 years of age regardless of their experience with board games.
Pros
- Science-fiction genre
- Replayable
- Chip-style coins
- Includes a rusty looking storage box
Cons
- Storage box may not be durable
- Some units may be flimsy
"I like the chess-like undertone of this abstract strategy game as it makes every level challenging yet engaging. Also, the heavy chips offer tactile satisfaction during play. Overall, it's been a decent find as my first war game."
8. Best Tabletop: Axis & Allies D-Day Game
Designed for players aged 12 years and up, this is one of the best tabletop wargames with an average playtime of around 120 minutes. The army board game is a fun variation of a classic game. It puts you right in the middle of the greatest battle of the 20th century.
The players strive to get control over the cities of Caen, St. Lo, and Cherbourg as the fate of Europe rests upon them. Sailors, the army, and airmen need to come together to win this war.
Pros
- Easy to pick up
- Detailed instructions
- Stimulating
- Includes all required accessories
- Durable units
Cons
- Playtime may be a few hours
- May not be suitable for big groups
"This fresh take on the Axis & Allies experience is charming and fun. Its streamlined rules make it fun for people of all ages in my family. At times, the play sessions can run for hours, but its depth of strategy keeps everyone on their toes."
9. Best Civilization-Based:Repos Production 7 Wonders Duel Board Game
Set in the ancient world, this board game by Repos Production takes you through a journey over civilizations. Seven wonders duel is a thrilling strategy board game that can be played between two players where each individual player strives to build their civilization using a combination of cards and other resources. This multiplayer game involves constructing buildings, creating wonders, and advancing society with multiple tactics to attain victory.
The entertaining game features beautiful artwork and is suitable for kids aged ten years and up. You can also play this fun family game with your partner, friend or sibling to have hours of time spent intersecting ancient civilizations.
Pros
- Interactive gameplay
- Offers 30 minutes playtime
- Wall-made cards
- Includes detailed instructions
Cons
- May be a bit complicated to understand at first
"Although easy to learn, this game never gets boring, regardless of how often it's pulled out during family game nights. Once its symbols are understood, it offers a dynamic playing experience. Plus, the replayability factor is a bonus."
10. Best Survival: Ares Games This War Of Mine: The Board Game
This War of Mine (TWOM) is a unique game in which players play as a group of civilians who struggle to find food and medicines and try to survive amidst constant danger from hostile scavengers. It is an adaptation of a renowned and award-winning video game that depicts the experience of war from the angle of civilians in a besieged city. It offers an average playtime of 45 to 120 minutes and is full of dramatic experiences of civilians as they try to survive a relentless war.
Pros
- Can be played solo
- Easy to store
- Easy to follow
- Six-player game
Cons
- May not be suitable for children
- Some may find it slow
"Despite the steep rules, I find this game extremely entertaining, especially for its deeply engaging narrative. It often encourages us to see through moral boundaries, which requires emotional depth, making each session more thought-provoking. It's worth recommending for its unique, unconventional touch."
11. Best Movie-Themed:Ravensburger Star Wars Villainous:Power Of The Dark Side
The Star Wars-inspired board game by the renowned and trusted brand Ravensburger could become an absolute favorite of all Star Wars fans. The board wargame involves you taking the role of the most notorious villains in the Star Wars universe, including Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and Boba Fett. Each character in the game is given their own unique abilities and objectives that makes the game more interesting.
The complex strategy game includes a variety of attractively designed character cards and tokens, including five sculpted villain movers, five villain sectors, 150 illustrated villain cards, 75 fate cards, one luke skywalker tile, one destiny tracker, 79 game tokens, a chamber, and more.
Pros
- Four-player game
- Offers 20 minutes of playtime per player
- Includes five reference cards
- Comes with strategy guides and a rulebook
Cons
- Setup may be time-taking
- Some units may be oddly designed
"As an eternal Star Wars fan, I find this game quite exciting, especially with its new mechanics that have made it more fun. Its pieces are also very detailed and double as decoration when I am not playing the game. It may take some time for kids to grasp this game, but I find it alluring."
How To Choose The Right War Board Game?
Keep the following points in mind to pick the right war board game.
- Number of players: Select a board game depending upon how many people would generally play the game. The war-themed board games usually involve two to six players.
- Age: Always keep in mind the age of the players while purchasing the board game and game genre because some games that require a combination of planning and luck are relatively simple and designed for children, while others are complicated and meant strictly for adults.
- Duration: The average playtime of the war games varies between 30 minutes and 120 minutes depending upon how complex the game is.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Priti Bose is a highly skilled and articulate writer and reviewer who shows a keen interest in everything related to children’s toys and games. In this post, she brings you a curated list of the best war board games to help you choose your child’s next favorite game. She has ensured to cover all the information required to learn about these consumer-tested games and has specifically chosen those games that can help develop your child’s planning and strategizing skills.
Playing board games with your family can be fun. And when it’s war board games or games based on human history, you can raise the fun quotient to a whole new level. Playing these games also gives a great opportunity for every member of the family to bond with each other. War board games are thrilling and exciting. And from strategizing to executing plans, they involve a lot of fun and frolic until the very end. Pick an age-appropriate game that you think would keep everyone engaged and factor in the skill levels of the players when choosing one.
Infographic: Tips To Choose The Right War Board Game
If you’re looking to purchase a war board game, it’s important to keep certain parameters in mind to find the most suitable one for you. Since every war board game mentioned here is interesting and unique in its own way, check out the following infographic to make a more informed choice.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- The Game of Monopoly is Patented.
https://guides.loc.gov/this-month-in-business-history/december/game-of-monopoly-patent
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