Best Strategy Board Games for 2025: Classics for All Ages

Regardless of whether you’re arranging an evening with companions or aiming to liven up a quiet Sunday, a well-chosen board game is always a great choice.

Engaging in board games offers an excellent opportunity for amusement and bonding with those nearby, perhaps even unveiling facets of them you’ve never seen before! Regular board games can conclude swiftly, sometimes causing friction within friendly circles that might not be beneficial. However, strategic board games serve as an ideal solution for filling time effectively.

Strategy games such as Risk, Pandemic, Wingspan, and the latest Cluedo Conspiracy stimulate your mind and focus in ways that are more intense compared to ordinary games.

In strategy games, you need to devise plans, scheme, and exhibit patience as you strive to dominate the gameboard without tipping off your co-players. Frequently, they result in thrilling instances with greater peaks and valleys as you manage the intricate pieces that make these games so captivating.

Before organizing your upcoming game night, here’s a peek at some top-notch strategy board games you might want to consider.

Best strategy board games at a glance

Best overall strategy board game: Ticket to Ride, ~~£44.99~~ £30 (save £14.99 or 32%)
Best for adults: Cluedo Conspiracy, £24
Best for kids: Catan Junior, £34.99
Best classic game: Risk, £28
Best two player game: Azul, £36
Best six player game: Seven Wonders, £39
Best unique game: Wingspan, £48
Best for co-operation: Pandemic, £33
Best game for film lovers: The Lord of the Rings Duel for Middle-Earth, £27.99

Best strategy board games to buy in 2025

Ticket to Ride Europe

Best overall strategy board game

For ages: 8+
Number of players: 2 – 5 players

In simple terms, Ticket to Ride is a quick-thinking strategy game where players aim to construct train routes across Europe. The objective is to gather and play matching train cards to extend your railroad network to specific areas on the map. Additionally, you can earn extra points by building the longest railway, and there’s an opportunity for you to hinder your opponents in their progress.

Cluedo Conspiracy

Best for adults

For ages: 14+
Number of players: 4 – 10 players

In this modern twist on Clue, instead of a library, you find yourself at the opulent Black Adder Resort. The game’s unusual turn, called Cluedo Conspiracy, has you uncovering a plot to assassinate its manager, Mr. Coral. Unlike traditional Clue, teams are formed here, with some aiming to protect Mr. Coral and others trying to execute the conspiracy. However, the challenge lies in determining who can be trusted!

Catan Junior

Best for kids

For ages: 6+
Number of players: 2 – 4 players

Encourage your children to develop strategic thinking from an early age by introducing them to the junior edition of Settlers of Catan. Similar to the original game, this version challenges players to exert influence over territories using a blend of puzzles and strategy. However, it adds an element of adventure as well. The objective is to be the first player to commandeer seven pirate hideouts, but they must navigate dangers such as the fearsome ghost captain along the way.

Risk

Best classic game

For ages: 10+
Number of players: 2 – 5 players

This timeless game, known as Risk, is about conquering lands and achieving global supremacy. Essentially, players strive to take over their opponents’ territories by developing forces, deploying soldiers, and clashing in combat. The outcome of each encounter depends on the toss of a die; victory or defeat could be yours. Brace yourself for an hour filled with deceit, strategic partnerships, and sudden assaults! Be warned, it might lead to heated discussions among family members afterwards.

Azul

Best two player game

For ages: 8+
Number of players: 2 – 4 players

As a film enthusiast putting forth my thoughts on Azul, I’d say it’s a game that catches my eye for three main reasons: it’s intuitive to grasp, entertaining, and visually captivating. This tile-placement game invites players to work their way through a showboard, accumulating points by strategically placing tiles and creating intriguing patterns.

During your turn, you’ll pick tiles from one of the market discs at your disposal, but be wary: when making a selection, you must take all matching tiles from that disc, and any discarded tiles will come back to haunt you, lowering your score at the end.

Seven Wonders

Best six player game

For ages: 10+
Number of players: 3 – 7 players

The game “Seven Wonders” is renowned as the world’s most acclaimed board game, having been sold nearly two million times worldwide. In this game, you assume the role of a leader of one of the seven most prominent cities in ancient times. Your objective is to advance your city through scientific breakthroughs, military victories, trade alliances, and other means, while simultaneously monitoring the progress of your neighboring cities. However, which city will ultimately emerge triumphant and endure the test of time remains to be seen?

Wingspan

Best unique game

For ages: 14+
Number of players: 1 – 5 players

In Wingspan, you immerse yourself in a serene world where players act as avian enthusiasts, such as researchers, birdwatchers, ornithologists, or collectors. The objective is to discover and attract the finest birds to your wildlife preserves by amassing food tokens, nurturing eggs, and strategically selecting from an array of unique bird cards. Ultimately, the player with the most impressive avian collection wins the game.

Pandemic

Best for co-operation

For ages: 8+
Number of players: 2 – 4 players

Starting from 2020, this game might seem a tad more authentic, yet it remains a timeless favorite. The Pandemic board game requires players to collaborate in devising strategies to eliminate diseases that are on the verge of global domination. Success depends on teamwork and utilizing each character’s unique abilities effectively, ensuring the world is protected from outbreaks and epidemics.

The Lord of the Rings Duel for Middle-Earth

Best game for film lovers

Why not move the traditional tactics and conflicts of strategy games into the landscapes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth? In this setting, you could choose to be part of the Fellowship, striving to destroy the One Ring, or assume the role of Sauron, attempting to conquer the land.

2025-02-04 13:37