In an era where digital entertainment is at the forefront, the timeless joy of family board games remains an invaluable gem. These games don’t just provide amusement; they enhance connections, spark laughter, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Navigating the plethora of choices to find the perfect board game for your next family game night can be daunting. Fear not, for we have scoured the vast seas of tabletop gaming to bring you a comprehensive list of the best family board games in 2023.
From perennial classics to delightful newcomers, here are our top picks:
23. Monopoly
- Players: 2-8
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 1-3 Hours
- Complexity: Easy
Monopoly is a classic property trading game that’s been a family favorite for decades. While it ranks last on our list due to its notorious potential for long, drawn-out games and often contentious negotiations, it still holds a place in many family game closets.
Plenty of different editions are available, from Dungeons & Dragons Monopoly to the Godfather.
22. Fluxx
- Players: 2-6
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 30 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
Fluxx is a standout in the realm of family board games due to its inherent unpredictability. This intriguing card game is a delightful mix of strategy and chance, with a dynamic rule system that can change in an instant.
As its name suggests, Fluxx is all about flux and fluidity. One moment, you’re on the brink of victory; the next, a single card has altered the course of the game, transforming your imminent triumph into an uphill battle.
21. Trivial Pursuit
- Players: 2-6
- Ages: 16+
- Play Time: 1-2 Hours
- Complexity: Easy
Trivial Pursuit is a timeless classic that tests the intellectual mettle of its players, bringing an enjoyable yet competitive edge to family game night.
An embodiment of the phrase “knowledge is power”, Trivial Pursuit rewards those who have a breadth of understanding across a diverse range of categories, from geography to sports, from history to arts and literature.
20. Cluedo
- Players: 3-6
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 45 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
Step into the world of mystery and deduction with Cluedo, the much-beloved board game that brings murder mystery novels to life. Perfect for players who love piecing together clues and testing their detective skills, Cluedo captivates families with its combination of suspense, strategy, and a dash of luck.
Also known as Clue in some parts of the world, this iconic board game invites players to solve a gripping murder mystery inside a stately mansion.
19. The Resistance
- Players: 5-10
- Ages: 13+
- Play Time: 30 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
The Resistance is a social deduction game where players work together to complete missions, but some among them are spies trying to sabotage the cause. It’s fun, but it can cause a bit of conflict among players.
18. Takenoko
- Players: 2-4
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 45 minutes
- Complexity: Medium
Delve into the serene and engaging world of Takenoko, a beautifully designed board game that merges strategy with whimsy, and skill with luck. Its unique gameplay, eye-catching components, and strategic depth make it a family favorite, perfect for players eager to test their skills in a vibrant and thematic game.
In Takenoko, players find themselves in an imperial garden in ancient Japan, nurturing bamboo, managing plots, and looking after a hungry panda.
17. Disney Villainous
- Players: 2-6
- Ages: 10+
- Play Time: 1 Hour
- Complexity: Medium
Disney Villainous offers a unique twist, inviting players to step into the shoes of iconic Disney villains instead of the customary heroes. Each player plots their own path to victory, with individual goals dependent on the villain chosen.
From capturing puppies as Cruella De Vil to gathering ingredients for a poison apple as Evil Queen, the objectives are as diverse as they are wickedly delightful.
16. Pandemic
- Players: 2-4
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 45 minutes
- Complexity: Medium
Pandemic flips the competitive board game script by emphasizing cooperative gameplay. Instead of striving for personal victory, players become members of a disease-fighting team aiming to stop four deadly diseases from spreading across the globe.
With each player contributing their unique skills to the team effort, the game encourages strategic planning and effective communication.
15. Exploding Kittens
- Players: 2-5
- Ages: 7+
- Play Time: 15 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
If your family enjoys humor, quick gameplay, and a dose of unpredictability, Exploding Kittens is the game for you. Players draw cards until someone pulls an exploding kitten card, thereby getting booted out of the game unless they have a defuse card in hand. This game of ‘kitten Russian Roulette’ is filled with laughs, surprises, and playful competition.
14. Castle Panic
- Players: 1-6
- Ages: 10+
- Play Time: 1 Hour
- Complexity: Easy
Castle Panic turns the traditional competitive board game on its head, offering a cooperative experience where players work together to defend their castle from encroaching monsters.
This strategy game emphasizes teamwork and planning, making it a perfect choice for families looking to strengthen their collaborative skills while enjoying an immersive fantasy setting. With a play time of about an hour, it’s a great game for a dedicated family game night.
13. Ticket to Ride
- Players: 2-5
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 1 Hour
- Complexity: Medium
Ticket to Ride stands as a hallmark of modern board gaming, coupling straightforward gameplay with deep strategic possibilities. In this game, players collect and play matching cards to claim railway routes across a beautifully illustrated map.
Offering both simplicity and strategy, Ticket to Ride encourages strategic thinking and planning, making it a perfect introduction to more complex board games. Its balance between accessibility and depth, along with the shared thrill of expanding one’s own railway network, has made it a favorite in family gatherings and casual game nights alike.
12. Cranium
- Players: 4+
- Ages: 13+
- Play Time: 1 Hour
- Complexity: Easy
Offering a blend of Pictionary, Charades, Trivia, and more, Cranium is a one-stop-shop for family entertainment. Each turn presents a new challenge that can engage a variety of skills, from artistic creativity to knowledge prowess.
Despite its simplicity, Cranium manages to keep all players involved and intrigued, turning any gathering into a vibrant, fun-filled event. Though it’s perfect for older kids and adults, some activities might be a bit challenging for younger players, adding to the hilarity and unexpected outcomes.
11. Sushi Go Party!
- Players: 2-8
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 20 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
Welcome to the world of sushi in this light, fast-paced, and adorable card-drafting game. In Sushi Go Party!, you and your family get to experience the thrill of gathering the best combination of sushi dishes. Each round brings new choices, offering a clever balance of luck and strategy that keeps everyone at the edge of their seats.
It’s not just about winning – it’s about having fun, making decisions, and relishing in the cheerful artwork.
Quick to learn and incredibly engaging, Sushi Go Party! makes for the perfect appetizer or dessert at any family game night.
10. King of Tokyo
- Players: 2-6
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 30 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
Take on the role of city-stomping monsters in King of Tokyo, an exhilarating, dice-rolling showdown. This board game provides quick, light-hearted fun that captures everyone’s attention from the first roll to the last.
With simple rules, cool monster characters, and a dash of luck mixed with strategy, it delivers an action-packed experience perfect for players young and old.
Brace yourself for a royally good time with King of Tokyo, the game where every turn could make you the King… or leave you fleeing the city!
9. Tiny Towns
- Players: 1-6
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 1 Hour
- Complexity: Medium
Tiny Towns offers a glimpse into the world of civic planning as players take on the role of mayors seeking to develop the most prosperous towns. While this game requires careful strategy and planning, it delivers a satisfying and compact city-building experience.
If you enjoy the challenge of managing resources and responding to changing circumstances, Tiny Towns is a great addition to your board game collection.
8. Forbidden Desert
- Players: 2-5
- Ages: 10+
- Play Time: 1 Hour
- Complexity: Medium
In Forbidden Desert, you and your teammates must collaborate to outwit the blistering heat and treacherous sandstorms of a ruthless desert. This board game elevates cooperative play to a new level of suspense and excitement, where every move counts, and the stakes are survival.
Brace yourself for an adventurous challenge filled with strategic decision-making and suspenseful gameplay, where cooperation is key, and every turn can make a dramatic difference.
7. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
- Players: 2-5
- Ages: 10+
- Play Time: 30 minutes
- Complexity: Medium
The Crew: Mission Deep Sea takes players on a cooperative, underwater voyage. Combining trick-taking dynamics with a unique twist of collaborative problem-solving, it presents a series of challenging missions that require collective effort.
Every game round is an underwater adventure, making for an immersive, quick, and fun experience perfect for those looking to dive deep into strategic and cooperative gameplay.
6. The Quest for El Dorado
- Players: 2-4
- Ages: 10+
- Play Time: 1 Hour
- Complexity: Medium
In The Quest for El Dorado, players take on the roles of daring adventurers racing through a treacherous jungle in search of the mythical city of gold.
This clever deck-building game successfully merges strategic card play with an exciting adventure narrative.
Its balance of risk and reward coupled with an enticing theme makes it a thrilling choice for families seeking a bit of excitement and strategic thinking in their game time.
5. Cascadia
- Players: 1-4
- Ages: 10+
- Play Time: 30 minutes
- Complexity: Medium
Cascadia invites players to assemble a diverse and harmonious Pacific Northwest ecosystem. The game’s intuitive mechanics and beautifully illustrated components offer a serene, engaging gameplay experience.
Its approachable complexity and the potential for different strategies each play, make it a wonderful choice for families seeking a more contemplative and visually appealing board game experience.
4. Wavelength
- Players: 2-12
- Ages: 14+
- Play Time: 30 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
Wavelength is a fascinating social deduction game where players aim to align their thought processes. By guessing how a teammate positions a concept on a spectrum, you’ll delve into the intriguing world of perspective and interpretation.
Ideal for large groups, Wavelength will keep everyone on their toes, ensuring an evening filled with laughter, debate, and revelation.
3. Catan
- Players: 3-4
- Ages: 10+
- Play Time: 1-2 Hours
- Complexity: Medium
In Catan, players find themselves as settlers on an uninhabited island, tasked with creating thriving communities.
With its blend of strategic resource management, negotiation, and chance, Catan provides an engaging and immersive experience.
Its evolving gameplay and intense competition make it an unmissable classic in the world of board games.
2. Telestrations
- Players: 4-8
- Ages: 8+
- Play Time: 30 minutes
- Complexity: Easy
Unleash your inner artist with Telestrations, a game that brings doodles and laughter to the table. With its unique blend of Chinese whispers and Pictionary, Telestrations leads to hilarity and surprise as simple drawings evolve in unpredictable ways.
Great for all ages, it’s an excellent choice for adding some light-hearted fun to your game nights.
1. Carcassonne
- Players: 2-5
- Ages: 7+
- Play Time: 30-45 minutes
- Complexity: Medium
Step into medieval southern France with Carcassonne, a tile-placement game that transforms you into a master strategist.
Players lay down tiles to create a vibrant map of cities, roads, cloisters, and fields, placing their “meeples” wisely to earn points. Its quick play time, easy-to-grasp rules, and strategic depth make Carcassonne an all-time family favourite that’s captivating for all ages, earning its position as our top pick for 2024.