Board games have been a popular pastime for generations, and in 2019, the industry saw some incredible releases.
From strategy games to cooperative play, there was something for everyone.
With so many games to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to add to your collection.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best board games of 2019, as chosen by various sources in the gaming community.
These games were praised for their innovative mechanics, engaging gameplay, and stunning artwork.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, there’s a game on this list that’s sure to capture your interest.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top board games of 2019 and discover what makes them stand out from the rest.
Top 10 Board Games of 2019
1. Wingspan
Wingspan, designed by Elizabeth Hargrave, is a stunning game that features gorgeous artwork and an immersive gameplay experience.
The game is all about birds and their habitats, and players compete to attract the most birds to their wildlife preserves.
With unique bird cards, various habitats, and strategic gameplay, Wingspan is a must-play for any board game enthusiast.
2. The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth, designed by Nathan Hajek and Grace Holdinghaus, is an adventure game that takes players on a journey through Middle-earth.
Players can choose to play as one of the iconic characters from the books, such as Aragorn or Legolas, and complete quests and battle enemies.
With a modular board, a companion app, and an immersive storyline, The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth is a must-have for any fan of the series.
3. Pax Pamir 2nd Edition
Pax Pamir 2nd Edition, designed by Cole Wehrle, is a game that takes place in 19th-century Afghanistan.
Players take on the roles of tribal leaders and compete to become the dominant power in the region.
With a unique combination of card drafting, area control, and political intrigue, Pax Pamir 2nd Edition is a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
4. Azul: Summer Pavilion
Azul: Summer Pavilion, designed by Michael Kiesling, is a tile drafting game that is the third installment in the Azul series. Players compete to build the most beautiful mosaic in the Summer Pavilion.
With stunning artwork and strategic gameplay, Azul: Summer Pavilion is a game that will keep you coming back for more.
5. Horrified
Horrified, designed by Prospero Hall, is a cooperative game that takes place in a small town that is being terrorized by classic monsters such as Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster.
Players must work together to defeat the monsters and save the town.
With a modular board and a variety of monsters to choose from, Horrified is a game that is perfect for Halloween or any time of the year.
6. The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine, designed by Thomas Sing, is a cooperative trick-taking game that takes place in space.
Players work together to complete various missions and navigate through the galaxy.
With unique gameplay and a variety of missions, The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine is a game that is perfect for fans of trick-taking games.
7. Watergate
Watergate, designed by Matthias Cramer, is a game that takes place during the Watergate scandal.
One player takes on the role of Nixon, while the other player takes on the role of the Washington Post.
Players must use their cards to gain momentum and uncover evidence to win the game.
With a unique theme and strategic gameplay, Watergate is a game that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
8. Marvel Champions: The Card Game
Marvel Champions: The Card Game, designed by Michael Boggs, Nate French, and Caleb Grace, is a cooperative game that allows players to take on the roles of their favorite Marvel superheroes.
Players must work together to defeat the villains and save the city.
With a variety of heroes and villains to choose from, Marvel Champions: The Card Game is a game that is perfect for fans of the Marvel universe.
9. QE
QE, designed by Gavin Birnbaum, is a game that takes place in a fictional country where players take on the roles of investors.
Players bid on contracts and try to accumulate the most wealth without any limits.
With unique gameplay and a variety of strategies, QE is a game that is perfect for fans of economic games.
10. Inis
Inis, designed by Christian Martinez, is a game that takes place in ancient Ireland.
Players compete to become the High King of Ireland by controlling territories and completing objectives.
With a unique combination of area control and card drafting, Inis is a game that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
Honorable Mentions
1. Wingspan
Wingspan, designed by Elizabeth Hargrave, is a game that has been making waves in the board gaming community.
It is a game that is all about birds, and players must collect different species and try to create the best aviary possible.
The game has been praised for its beautiful artwork, unique theme, and engaging gameplay.
While it did not make our top 10 list, it is definitely worth checking out.
2. Tapestry
Tapestry is a civilization-building game designed by Jamey Stegmaier that has been getting a lot of attention since its release.
Players must build their civilization from scratch, starting with a small tribe and expanding to a great empire.
The game has been praised for its beautiful artwork, unique mechanics, and replayability.
While it may not be for everyone, it is certainly a game that deserves an honorable mention.
3. The Quacks of Quedlinburg
The Quacks of Quedlinburg, designed by Wolfgang Warsch, is a game about potion-making.
Players must create potions using various ingredients, trying to create the most powerful and valuable potions possible.
The game has been praised for its fun gameplay, unique theme, and replayability.
While it may not be as well-known as some of the other games on this list, it is definitely worth checking out.
While these games did not make our top 10 list, they are still excellent games that are definitely worth playing.
Each game has its own unique mechanics, theme, and artwork, making them stand out from the crowd.
If you are a fan of board games, be sure to check out these honorable mentions.
Conclusion
Board games have continued to evolve in 2019, with new games and innovations being introduced to the market.
From strategy games to party games, there is something for everyone.
Here are some of the most popular board games of 2019:
- Wingspan: This game has gained popularity for its unique theme and mechanics. Players take on the role of bird enthusiasts, trying to attract birds to their wildlife preserves. The game features beautiful artwork and strategic gameplay.
- Root: This asymmetric game has players taking on different roles in a forest, including birds, cats, and mice. Each role has its own unique abilities and objectives, making for a challenging and dynamic gameplay experience.
- Just One: This party game has players trying to guess a word with the help of their teammates. The catch? Each teammate can only give one-word clues. This game is perfect for groups of all sizes and is easy to learn.
- Obscurio: This game combines deduction and communication as players try to escape a magical library. One player takes on the role of the traitor, trying to mislead the other players. The game features stunning artwork and challenging gameplay.
These games are just a few examples of the exciting board games that were released in 2019.
Whether you are a seasoned board game enthusiast or new to the hobby, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
With the continued growth of the board game industry, we can expect even more exciting games to be released in the coming years.
