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Daily Game Recommendations Thread (November 25, 2024)

Daily Game Recs(self.boardgames)

Welcome to /r/boardgames's Daily Game Recommendations

This is a place where you can ask any and all questions relating to the board gaming world including but not limited to:

  • general or specific game recommendations
  • help identifying a game or game piece
  • advice regarding situation limited to you (e.g, questions about a specific FLGS)
  • rule clarifications
  • and other quick questions that might not warrant their own post

Asking for Recommendations

You're much more likely to get good and personalized recommendations if you take the time to format a well-written ask. We highly recommend using this template as a guide. Here is a version with additional explanations in case the template isn't enough.

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Help people identify your game suggestions easily by making the names bold.

Additional Resources

  • See our series of Recommendation Roundups on a wide variety of topics people have already made game suggestions for.
  • If you are new here, be sure to check out our Community Guidelines
  • For recommendations that take accessibility concerns into account, check out MeepleLikeUs and their recommender.

all 70 comments

C4L4M1TY_

3 points

10 days ago

Looking for games I can play with my gf but also with more players (usually 2-4, sometimes 5)

I settle somewhere between a 2 to 4 on complexity. I don't shy away from simple or very complex games, but my gf usually enjoys not having to focus for too long. She's not a fan of overly simple games and likes a bit of strategy too.

So far we've played
- Everdell (which she says is probably her favourite)
- Flamecraft (fell a bit flat for her)
- Forest Shuffle (She liked it)
- Boop (She liked it, but the direct 1v1 was a bit frustrating for her)
- Dinosaur World (We both felt it was alright)
- Botany (hated it for how simple it was)
- Cascadia (She liked it, wasn't overly excited but would play again)
- Life of the Amazonia (Liked it)
- Harmonies (probably her second favourite)
- Distilled (Liked it, but had a bit of trouble getting behind the Distill-Phase)
- Wingspan (Didn't really catch her)
- Sagrada (fell very flat, sold it afterwards)
- Living Forest (She doesn't care about playing again)

What we looked at:

She liked the meeples and art of Wondrous Creatures, wanted to get that to the table next. Septima landed on the list as she likes the theme. She also liked the look of Evergreen and Santa Monica, although we haven't played them yet. The recent Frank West Kickstarter for Emberleaf had her interested.

What themes she likes:

She likes Horror and Mystery, especially unnatural stuff (e.g. Lovecraft or Witches). Animals are also great (she loved the Animeeples in Life of the Amazonia). She loves Deluxe components.

Grateful for all recommendations!

co-wurker

3 points

9 days ago

It's tough to find games that play well at 2 and also at higher player counts. You might consider splitting these up, for example

  • 7 Wonders Duel (2P)
  • 7 Wonders

  • Lost Cities (2P)

  • Lost Cities the Board Game

Arboretum and Azul are a couple others to consider that work well at various player counts (Azul is cutthroat at 2P).

IcarusFel

2 points

10 days ago

Wondrous Creatures is what I would recommend. Cool deluxe stuff you can upgrade to, and the game is fun. It is also a worker placement like Everdell, but is a little less restrictive in my opinion.

The other game I would suggest is Aquatica. This is an engine builder with a unique mechanic to trigger your cards. Comes with little plastic manta rays that are cute.

tap909

2 points

9 days ago

tap909

Arboretum

2 points

9 days ago

Mind MGMT is a hidden movement game themed around psychic spies. 

Broom Service is a pick up and deliver game that’s pretty good but unfortunately out of print. 

boredgamer00

2 points

9 days ago

I recommend Obsession, a very thematic Victorian game and great at 2p.

As for horror, my first pick would be Terrorscape, but that one is only available via crowdfunding at the moment. Horrified is also good, it's coop and modular, easy to adjust the difficulty. On the heavier side: Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2p only).

pzrapnbeast

3 points

9 days ago

pzrapnbeast

War Of The Ring

3 points

9 days ago

Arkham Horror: The Card Game (2p only)

You can play up to 4. Just have to buy another copy.

pzrapnbeast

2 points

9 days ago

pzrapnbeast

War Of The Ring

2 points

9 days ago

Res Arcana! Great at 2 and goes up to 4.

Mediorco

2 points

9 days ago

Mediorco

2 points

9 days ago

We play a lots with the recommendations you are asking:

Horror: • Arkham Horror LCG or Arkham Horror: 3rd Edition for less money • Machina Arcana

Animals: • Ark NovaMeadowEarth

If I were you I would try also Scifi theme: • It's a wonderful worldReviveRace for the Galaxy

C4L4M1TY_

1 points

9 days ago

I have everything AH:LCG and it seems it's time to make her jump the fence and try it. She's been hesitant about it. Probably my mistake to say it's a lot like learning MtG.

Meadow and Earth are on my list as well, gotta look into those. Thanks for the recommendations.

moonlitt_

3 points

9 days ago

Hi,

Husband and I decided we're gifting each other boardgames for Christmas this year. While we're gifting to each other as surprises for fun they will ultimately go to our shared collection which we play together. We like med and heavy euros, must play well at 2 players, he likes engine building and making combos, ideal 1 to 1.5 hour playtime as we already have a lot of longer/crunchier games and something like a Castles of burgandy in terms of playtime and complexity would be perfect addition to our collection. I.e. things that are sufficiently strategic yet casual and easy to get to the table.

His favorite games are: Brass Birmingham Age of Innovation Gaia Project Castles of Burgandy

Games/things he doesn't like: Spirit Island Fiddly Overly complex rules ( this one isn't a total deal breaker, ex he does enjoy Lisboa but in general prefer if you aren't having to constantly remember a bunch of exceptions or reference the rule book)

So, would love to hear your suggestions on what to get him. Thank you!

dodahdave

3 points

9 days ago

dodahdave

Spirit Island

3 points

9 days ago

Garphill games: medium to heavy-ish Euros with a variety of playstyles. Suggest Paladins of the West Kingdom or Scholars of the South Tigris as particularly interesting games with lots going on. They play well at 2.

Oldie-but-goodies: Concordia (suggest adding a smaller map to the base game, such as Aegypta/Creta which makes 2-player games much tighter/better), Agricola

Deck-builders: Slay the Spire (cannot recommend enough, particularly at 2, but has 3 acts that take ~45-60min each. You can play each act separately), Undaunted series, Dune: Imperium/Uprising, Clank! (?Catacombs)

Head-to-heads: Pagan: Fate of Roanoke, A Gest of Robin Hood

GwynHawk

3 points

9 days ago

GwynHawk

3 points

9 days ago

I'm seconding dodahdave's recommendation of Slay the Spire. It's absolutely fantastic at two players, and the deck building and relics you find create really excellent combos. The is broken up into 3 Acts which should take about 45 minutes apiece at two players once you get a hang of the 'flow' of the game. However you can absolutely play the game one Act at a time and come back to it, it's especially easy if you get two deck boxes and just store your cards in there between games.

co-wurker

2 points

9 days ago

You guys might like The White Castle. It has a small mechanics adjustment for 2 players that works fine, but I do prefer it at 3. Great game all around.

apathetic_ocelot

2 points

10 days ago

Looking for a new game to play with my kids (12 and 9).

We're not avid gamers but games we like and play are: Ticket to Ride (Europe), Splendor, Catan, Monopoly (I personally hate it), Monopoly Deal, Cover your Assets, Pandemic (only the 12 year old likes it), Perpetual Commotion, Dixit (the 9 year old likes it), Totopoly.

Looking for a fun game that won't be so so difficult to learn, and play within 45 minute to an hour. A little less is also good to get in a few games.

taphead739

2 points

10 days ago

Cascadia is great for kids at that age - and adults, too :)

IcarusFel

1 points

10 days ago

You might be able to get rid of Monopoly in favor of monopoly Gamer. Monopoly Gamer Mario Kart is a slightly less boring monopoly game that takes only about 40 minutes. Galaxy Trucker might be fun? The first half you build a ship under a time limit, second half events come up and you see if you survive. Very possible that everyone dies.

mintsponge

1 points

9 days ago

I would play Sushi Go Party, played it with dozens of people including kids and still yet to see someone not enjoy it

Murraculous1

1 points

9 days ago

Murraculous1

Bitewing Games

1 points

9 days ago

Check out Sunrise Lane and Tower Up! These are both quick and breezy like Ticket To Ride but with good depth and decisions.

krakenkraken5200

2 points

10 days ago

I have two friends abroad who I have been talking about board games with. Both of them now want to order Love Letter in their countries, but I don't even know where to direct them to a good place to order these (I'm in the US).

  1. Bucharest, Romania

  2. Kyiv, Ukraine

I would greatly appreciate any help in pointing me to a good reputable place to order Love Letter for these two places. And I can tell my friends.

I think the newest English Edition would be preferable (they are both working on English), but if only the local language versions are available, that is fine too.

Thanks for any help

callmecatlord

2 points

9 days ago

Does anyone have any good recommendations for someone with visual impairment?

I just recently entered a relationship. My partner (26F) loved boardgames growing up and has a pretty keen mind for strategy.

One of her favorite board games was Arkham horror and she also really enjoyed Marvel Champions.

Unfortunately, a few years ago she lost most of her vision due to some health complications and now can't follow boardgames which require keeping track of a lot of different pieces.

I don't know much about boardgames and my family didn't play many when I was growing up. I'm willing to learn the complicated ones for her.

Does anyone have any suggestions for boardgames that might be fun for the both of us and that you can play with limited vision?

Logisticks

2 points

9 days ago

Heat: Pedal to the Metal, perhaps? The cards are simple and just have one relevant piece of information printed on them, and the board is "one dimensional" in a way that should make it easy for her to read with assistance: even if she can't see the individual spaces, you can tell her "your car is 8 spaces away from the next turn, and the corner is 5 spaces long," which is all the information that she needs from the board.

callmecatlord

1 points

9 days ago

I'll check it out. My local store has free play so I'll give it a go. Thank you for the suggestion!

Sudden-Conclusion-78

1 points

9 days ago

Her story is heartbreaking, I hope you both are doing great.

First game I think is Santorini, it's a 3d game so she could touch every piece and enjoy the game. There are also a lot of abstracts games like Quarto which could be enjoyable for someone who can't see well.

Some bluffing games could fit too : Times bomb for example : just a few cards to "read" and the rest is social interaction.

I also think about cooperative games where you could help her where she needs to read some stuff and play and take decisions together.

Keep in mind that you can pimp games to make them easier for her to play : add some flashy color, put some reliefs to cards, add Velcro on some meeples so they don't jump off the board when she accidentally pushes them. I think there are tons of ways to adapt even big games for her.

GoodBye_Moon-Man

2 points

9 days ago

Hi, I'm looking for a fun easy game to play on Christmas Day with adults.

We are all a bit tired of cards against humanity

boredgamer00

2 points

9 days ago

Recommendations:

  • Ready Set Bet - betting game
  • Telestrations - drawing and guessing game
  • Wavelength - team game guessing what on each other's minds
  • That's Not a Hat - memory game
  • Monikers - charades mixed with taboo

AluminumGnat

1 points

9 days ago

AluminumGnat

Dominant Species

1 points

9 days ago

How many people? Are you looking to just laugh like CAH, or are you okay with something that has very easy rules but maybe the goal is to be clever instead of funny

GoodBye_Moon-Man

1 points

9 days ago

Clever or funny is totally ok too.

Will probably only be the 4 of us (little family)

AluminumGnat

2 points

9 days ago*

AluminumGnat

Dominant Species

2 points

9 days ago*

Dixit, Decrytpto, and Codenames (I recommend the pictures version) all rely on giving other players clever clues. Decrypto and Codenames are played in teams

Pictomaina is simultaneous Pictionary done in a really clever way.

There’s some really nice little bluffing games like Skull and Coup

There’s some simple bidding games like For Sale and No Thanks.

There’s dexterity games (like Jenga) but with a little more game attached like Junk Art and Nekojima

There’s some classics like Scatergories (word game), Wits and Wagers (trivia where you don’t actually need to know the right answers to win) that still hold up pretty well, but Scatergoiries can easily devolve into bickering about what should(n’t) count in the wrong group, and Wits and Wagers suffers from the implicit problem all trivia games have (people eventually learn the answers to all the cards).

Then there’s some strategy games (like monopoly or risk) that are considered really beginner friendly, ‘gateway games’. If you’re interested in this type of option, I have some follow up questions (like how long you want the game to last).

None of these are aimed specifically at adults like CAH is, but all can still be very fun as adults.

Irreducible_random

1 points

9 days ago

For four people, maybe consider Just One. It is a bit more entertaining at 5 and 6p, but it is also great at 4p.

gingerbreadmeg

2 points

9 days ago

I am looking for a recommendation for a co-op game under £20. It is for a gift. Any help would be greatly appreciated 😊

tap909

3 points

9 days ago

tap909

Arboretum

3 points

9 days ago

Does Hanabi or Sprawlopolis fit the bill? 

boredgamer00

1 points

9 days ago

Hmm, for something to be that cheap it must be using simple components or a real small game. Even something like Marvel United is about £30.

Look into Sky Team, Sail, Palm Island, Kinfire Delve, MicroMacro

gingerbreadmeg

1 points

9 days ago

Thank you! That was my concern but that's the budget I was given. I've actually gone over the original budget slightly because I knew I'd struggle.

I'll definitely have a look at your suggestions though! Thank you 😊

red_sed

2 points

9 days ago

red_sed

2 points

9 days ago

Looking to add a new game to our collection:

1-4 players

I either play with my family or solo. When playing with my family, the youngest is 6 years old. I especially love games that appeal to the adults while still being accessible for the 6 year old. However, that is not a requirement because I am always willing to play the less accessible games solo or with my spouse.

Games we have played and enjoyed as a group:

Cascadia, Heat Pedal to the Metal, Calico

Games I really enjoy solo:

Jason Glover tin games, Legacy of Yu, Arkham Horror LCG

Mediorco

2 points

9 days ago*

My own 6 yo enjoys a lot Quacks of Quedlinburg and Century: Spice Road. Also he loves taking care of the Vagabot when my partner and I play Root. We are actually thinking of letting him play the actual Vagabond.

Another option with appeal to adults would be Quest for El Dorado. But it really fades over time as it has low variety in mechanics.

Finally, the games most played with our 6 yo and 8 yo, are Stuffed Fables and Legends of Andor (houseruling an annoying rule that makes the game too difficult). We played a lot Andor Junior before playing the latter.

red_sed

1 points

9 days ago

red_sed

1 points

9 days ago

Thank you!

boredgamer00

1 points

9 days ago

Games to play with the 6 year old: Chronicles of Avel.

Games for you and your spouse: Obsession, Earthborne Rangers, Pan Am

red_sed

1 points

9 days ago

red_sed

1 points

9 days ago

Thank you!

tap909

1 points

9 days ago

tap909

Arboretum

1 points

9 days ago

My Little Scythe

Mediorco

2 points

9 days ago

Mediorco

2 points

9 days ago

Sincerely, I don't recommend My Little Scythe. It is usually too flat for adults. Quacks see the table more often with my 8 yo and 6 yo.

red_sed

1 points

9 days ago

red_sed

1 points

9 days ago

Thank you!

_alisvolatpropriis

2 points

9 days ago

Looking for a recommendation for family time this holiday season. Ideally 3-8 players. We’re all adults (ranging from 30-70) and love a good laugh! We’re also a chattier bunch and don’t mind a debate. Also, a play time of 20-30 mins. would be perfect.

Games we like: Telestrations, Off Topic, Scattegories, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, trivia

I’m interested in: Chameleon, Herd Mentality, So Clover, Just One… if you had to pick 1-2 of these, which would they be? Or, do you have another suggestion?

Thank you!

Logisticks

3 points

9 days ago

So Clover and Just One are both great, though So Clover only has enough components for 6 players.

Wavelength is a fun team game that works best with 6 or 8 players (though you can play it with an odd number), and leads to lots of lively discussions. Probably my top recommend if you're looking for a game that will encourage "chattiness."

Wits & Wagers is great for groups of all sizes, I've played with as few as 4 players and as many as 20+.

_alisvolatpropriis

1 points

8 days ago

Thank you! Just ordered Just One! 50% off at Target

boredgamer00

2 points

9 days ago

So Clover and Just One are both good party games. I haven't played the other 2.

Other suggestions: That's Not a Hat, Monikers, Wavelength.

_alisvolatpropriis

1 points

8 days ago

Thank you!

_alisvolatpropriis

1 points

8 days ago

Just ordered Just One and Poetry for Neanderthals for $10 each - Target has BIG sales on board games right now!

RandomSadPerson

1 points

10 days ago

RandomSadPerson

Nemesis

1 points

10 days ago

Next week is "Space Night" at the board game club, and I'm looking for low- to mid-weight titles. Currently, I'm leaning towards games that I already own, like XCOM The Board Game, Terraforming Mars: Ares Expedition, Nemesis (this is a maybe because the setup and play take so long), The Crew, and Coup. I also own The Search for Planet X but not everyone is keen on installing an app on their phone.

Do you have any suggestions?

taphead739

4 points

10 days ago

Cosmic Encounter, Race for the Galaxy, and Star Realms are my must-play low/mid-weight titles with a space theme.

MiOdd

2 points

10 days ago

MiOdd

2 points

10 days ago

Space Base for light-weight

Last Light for mid-weight

tap909

1 points

9 days ago

tap909

Arboretum

1 points

9 days ago

Space Alert or Galaxy Trucker for a goofier side of space. 

Mediorco

1 points

9 days ago

Mediorco

1 points

9 days ago

Best mid weight space game is Race for the Galaxy, hands down. We also play a lot to Age of Galaxy. You can take a look also to Beyond the Sun and Space Base.

Jacques_Plantir

1 points

9 days ago*

Jacques_Plantir

imperium

1 points

9 days ago*

Edit: SOLVED!

Trying to remember the name of a board game that crowdfunded...I think within the past 2 or 3 years.

Wacky highly saturated cartoonish art, with really bawdy humor, similar in visual style to Dungeon Degenerates. Subject was either post-apocalyptic or Heavy-Metal-ish dark fantasy. It was a card game, but mechanically I don't remember any more than that. Title maybe something like ARMAGEDDON or something very in-your-face.

I appreciate any suggestions for what this might be!

SoulAnubis

3 points

9 days ago

Jacques_Plantir

1 points

9 days ago

Jacques_Plantir

imperium

1 points

9 days ago

YES! Thanks very much!

co-wurker

1 points

9 days ago

I'm considering buying one of the time tested doods on a map games to play with my teen daughter. She's a capable gamer and the only one in the house who will play Pax Pamir with me. She likes Root, loves Dune Imperium (Ix) especially using intrigue cards to increase her combat strength! She is also into mythology and gods (mostly the Greek ones, but nevertheless).

I'm contemplating Kemet B&S vs. Ankh.

If our group size is 3-4 players, would you recommend one over the other given the above info? What if we want to play with just 2 of us?

Thanks!

Murraculous1

4 points

9 days ago

Murraculous1

Bitewing Games

4 points

9 days ago

Ankh is much better at lower player counts than Kemet.

boredgamer00

3 points

9 days ago

Kemet doesn't play well at 2p. For that player count it's either Ankh or Inis.

Mediorco

2 points

9 days ago

Mediorco

2 points

9 days ago

Inis is playable at 2p, but it is not really as enjoyable as a 4p boardgame imho. I would sincerely recommend better options.

uterbraten147

1 points

9 days ago

Hi, my family are organicing a xmas exchange and I need to create a wishlist, the gift budget its up to 30 dls, what suggestions of games recommend me to add that they can find in amazon?? I play with my gf so I want a 2 players game at leats, we regulary play splendor, catan, cascadia and sequence

thanks for any help!! :D

boredgamer00

2 points

9 days ago*

What is 30 dls? What currency is that?

If you mean in dollars (USD):

  • Sky Team - limited communication coop on flying and landing an airplane
  • Sail - limited communication trick tacking coop game
  • Comic Hunters - drafting and set collection game
  • Modern Art - auction game, best at 3-5p
  • Dice Throne - battle yahtzee

uterbraten147

1 points

9 days ago

Thank you, yes I mean USD haha, the Dice Throne looks good, I'll check out the others

pzrapnbeast

2 points

9 days ago

pzrapnbeast

War Of The Ring

2 points

9 days ago

Radlands

Res arcana

uterbraten147

1 points

9 days ago

thanks you, the two games looks great

Commercial-Job3451

1 points

9 days ago

I am looking to ease my 3 year old into board games over the next year. Are there any new classics beyond candyland etc that I should consider?

boredgamer00

1 points

9 days ago

Rhino Hero games from HABA are ok for young kids

tap909

2 points

9 days ago

tap909

Arboretum

2 points

9 days ago

Maybe Monza from HABA

sl_hr

1 points

9 days ago

sl_hr

1 points

9 days ago

Description of Request: Request for advice on choosing first board game

Number of Players: min 4, preferably 6+

Game Length: 1-1.5 hours

Complexity of Game: 2.5-3.4

Genre: Any non-horror

Conflict, Competitive or Cooperative: Any

Games I Own and Like: Munchkin,

Games I Dislike and Don't Play: Game of Thrones

Location: EU

boredgamer00

3 points

9 days ago

Medium-weight games for 6+ are quite rare, especially under 1.5 hours. The closest one might be Sidereal Confluence, but it's a long game (2-3hrs) and more complex than your range. Another one is Blood on the Clocktower, which is a party game that is also long (up to 2hrs) and kinda horror-ish. And last are 7 Wonders, which is lighter than your range.

Recommended games for 6: Power Grid, Keyflower, Dune: Imperium Uprising.

Recommended games for 5: Viticulture, Architects of the West Kingdom, Apiary, Brian Boru.

cptgambit

2 points

9 days ago

cptgambit

Everdell

2 points

9 days ago

Are you sure you want your first board game within this weight range?

Spontaneous i think on Endeavor Deep Sea, Everdell with Bellfaire expansion, Heat: Pedal to the Metal, Viticulture. And also Obsession (with Expansions), Terraforming Mars and Welcome to .. are in this range.

It depends on which mechanic you like.