Discovering the Best Grown Up Board Games on Amazon in 2024
If you are an adult who enjoys gathering with friends and family for some competitive fun, then you might be searching for the best grown up board games available on Amazon. This comprehensive guide will explore the top 10 products that stand out in 2024, providing you with in-depth reviews to help you make an informed choice. From strategic intrigue to humorous banter, these games cater to a variety of tastes, ensuring that whether you’re playing with friends or hosting a game night, you’ll find something suitable. The “best grown up board games” are not just about entertainment; they also foster connection and conversation.
Buying Guide for the Best Grown Up Board Games
When searching for the best grown up board games, several factors should be taken into consideration to ensure that you pick a game that suits your group’s preferences. Here are essential points to think about:
1. Game Type
Board games can be categorized into various types, such as strategy, party, trivia, cooperative, or luck-based games. Assess what your group prefers before selecting a game.
2. Player Count
Consider the number of players the game accommodates. Some games are designed for small groups (2-4 players), while others can be played with larger groups (5+ players).
3. Game Duration
Check the average time it takes to play the game. Some games can be finished in under an hour, while others may last several hours, which may not suit every occasion.
4. Complexity Level
The complexity of rules and gameplay can significantly affect how enjoyable a game is for your group. Some groups thrive on intricate strategies, while others may prefer straightforward gameplay.
5. Theme and Interest
Lastly, consider the themes that resonate with your group. Whether you enjoy fantasy, politics, historical contexts, or comedic settings, the theme can significantly enhance enjoyment.
Top 10 Best Grown Up Board Games on Amazon
1. Catan (formerly The Settlers of Catan)
Catan remains a staple in the realm of grown-up board games, lauded for its blend of strategy and social interaction. Players collect resources and build roads, settlements, and cities to expand their territories. The game’s primary draw lies in its trading aspect, compelling players to negotiate and strategize with one another.
This game is designed for 3-4 players, typically lasting around 90 minutes, making it perfect for a dedicated game night. It’s recommended for ages 10 and above, which aligns perfectly with its status as one of the best grown up board games on the market.
Why You Should Buy: Strong community engagement and strategic depth.
Cons: Can be lengthy for new players unfamiliar with the rules.
- EXPLORE CATAN: Set sail to the uncharted island of Catan and compete with other settlers to establish supremacy.
- RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Strategically gather and trade resources like ore, brick, lumber, grain, and wool to expand your settlements.
- BUILD AND UPGRADE: Use your resources to build roads, settlements, and cities to earn victory points.
- DYNAMIC GAMEPLAY: Roll the dice to collect resources based on terrain hexes, and employ clever tactics to outmaneuver your opponents.
- CLASSIC GAME: Celebrate the 25th anniversary of CATAN, a timeless strategy board game loved by players worldwide.
2. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is another quintessential board game for adults, known for its simple rules and engaging gameplay. Players race to build train routes across various maps, aiming to complete destination tickets while blocking opponents. The game blends strategy and a little luck, making each playthrough unique.
Accommodating 2 to 5 players, a game lasts about 30-60 minutes, making it an excellent option for short game nights or as a warm-up for longer titles.
Why You Should Buy: Easy to learn, quick play, and high replayability.
Cons: Players may need to face downtime during others’ turns.
- FAST-PACED STRATEGY: Race to build your train routes across iconic American cities in this award-winning board game.
- COMPETITIVE FUN: Challenge friends and family in a 2-5 player game, where every move counts.
- COLLECT TRAIN CARDS: Strategically gather train cards to claim routes and earn points.
- TICKET TO SUCCESS: Plan your routes wisely with ticket cards for bonus points.
- ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: Enjoy hours of entertainment with this classic board game.
3. Codenames
Codenames is the ultimate party game for adults, challenging players’ word associations and deduction skills. Teams compete to identify agents based on one-word clues and a growing grid of words. This game thrives on teamwork, making it an engaging social experience.
Suitable for 4-8 players, and playable in approximately 15-30 minutes, Codenames is perfect for casual gatherings or as a filler game between more extensive options.
Why You Should Buy: Highly interactive, quick setup, and diverse variations available.
Cons: Requires at least four players for optimal enjoyment.
- Work together to contact all of your agents before the other team
- A perfect party game experience for game nights
- 2-8+ player (in two teams)
- 15 minutes playtime
- Ages 10 and up
4. Betrayal at House on the Hill
This horror-themed board game combines cooperative exploration with betrayal, creating tension-filled gameplay. Players explore a haunted house, uncovering its secrets until one player inevitably betrays the group. This game is a mix of horror storytelling and strategy, suitable for adults seeking thrilling gameplay.
For 3-6 players and lasting roughly 60-90 minutes, this game is perfect for a themed game night or a Halloween party.
Why You Should Buy: Unique narratives in each session, replayability through various scenarios.
Cons: Can lead to frustration if the betrayal is not enjoyable for everyone.
- EXCITING THIRD EDITION: This edition of the Betrayal at the House on the Hill game is rich with horror-based content, gaming elements, and characters not seen in previous versions
- HAUNTED HOUSE TRAITOR GAME: Players must work together to survive the nightmare…but beware . The house turns one player against the others in this cooperative strategy game
- GREAT FOR NEW PLAYERS: This 3rd Edition of the game features artwork, rule books, trackers, and cards that will help new players navigate the game and jump right in
- MODULAR BOARD PIECES: The Betrayal at House on the Hill tabletop game features 50 blood-curdling scenarios. Each trip to the house promises fresh horrors and a new story is created every time you play
- MINIATURES BOARD GAME: The game includes 6 finely detailed character figures, each with a removable colored disc, and features 12 diverse characters not seen in previous editions
5. Pandemic
In Pandemic, players must work together to stop the spread of diseases threatening the globe. It challenges groups to strategize collectively and utilize their unique character abilities to combat outbreaks effectively. This cooperative game encourages teamwork and problem-solving, catering well to those who prefer working together rather than against each other.
Designed for 2-4 players and lasting about 45 minutes, it’s an excellent fit for partnership game nights.
Why You Should Buy: Strong team-building experience and tactical choices.
Cons: Can feel overwhelming with high-stakes pressure in later turns.
- STRATEGY GAME: Players must work together playing to their characters' strengths as they plan their strategy of eradicating the diseases before they overwhelm the world with ever-increasing outbreaks. A truly cooperative game where you win or lose together.
- COOPERATIVE BOARD GAME: Only through teamwork will you keep the world safe from outbreaks and epidemics. Your team must work together and plan carefully to stem the tide of infection while working toward finding the cures.
- WORK TOGETHER AND SAVE HUMANITY: Four diseases threaten the world, and your elite team of specialists must find a cure for each of them before it’s too late. Everyone must work together applying their unique character skills to benefit the team—and the world.
- GIFT FOR ADULTS AND TEENS: Pandemic is the perfect Christmas or birthday gift for anyone who loves a bit of problem solving. A perfect way to bring together friends and family, be sure to check out our full line of Pandemic games.
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This easy to learn family and adult board game can be played with 2 to 4 players. The average playtime is 45 minutes.
6. Cards Against Humanity
No adult game night is complete without Cards Against Humanity, a witty and sometimes outrageous party game. Players fill in the blanks of statements with humorous prompts, resulting in absurd combinations that lead to lots of laughs. Its frankness in addressing taboo topics makes it particularly appealing to adult audiences.
Requires 4-20 players and lasts about 30-90 minutes, making it perfect for large gatherings or casual evenings with friends.
Why You Should Buy: Guaranteed laughter and an irreverent break from traditional games.
Cons: Content can be offensive or inappropriate for some players.
- A party game for horrible people.
- Comes with 500 white cards and 100 black cards for eternal replayability.
- Includes a booklet of sensible game rules and preposterous alternate rules.
- This is the main game. Buy this first.
- America’s #1 gerbil coffin.
7. Azul
Azul is a beautifully designed tile-laying game that balances strategy with a visual appeal. Players take turns selecting colored tiles to build their mosaic while trying to avoid excess penalties. The blend of aesthetics and strategic planning makes it appealing for both casual and dedicated board gamers.
For 2-4 players and lasting about 30-45 minutes, this game works well for shorter gaming sessions while still providing a rewarding experience.
Why You Should Buy: Visually stunning and strategic without overwhelming rules.
Cons: Can be less interactive than some other titles, as players focus on their boards.
- AWARD-WINNING STRATEGY GAME: Azul is an award-winning board game that challenges players to create stunning tile mosaics while making strategic decisions and competing for high scores.
- BEAUTIFUL TILE ARTWORK: Featuring beautifully crafted, colorful tiles, Azul immerses players in the art of mosaic design, inspired by the traditional Portuguese azulejos.
- EASY TO LEARN, CHALLENGING TO MASTER: With simple rules and deep strategic choices, Azul is accessible to new players yet offers satisfying complexity for experienced gamers.
- PERFECT FOR FAMILY GAME NIGHT: Designed for 2-4 players, Azul is a fun, engaging game for family and friends, bringing together kids, teens, and adults for memorable game nights.
- REPLAYABLE & ENGAGING: Each game of Azul provides a unique experience with endless possibilities, making it highly replayable and perfect for repeated enjoyment.
8. Dixit
Dixit is a storytelling card game that stimulates creativity and imagination. Players use beautifully illustrated cards to convey a story or theme, while others guess which card belongs to the storyteller. This artistic gameplay makes it especially appealing among adults looking for a unique and engaging experience.
Works for 3-6 players and lasts approximately 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for diverse gatherings.
Why You Should Buy: Encourages creativity and provides a fun outlet for storytelling.
Cons: Depending on the group, it may not appeal to those who prefer traditional game mechanics.
- ENHANCED STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE: Dive into the world of Dixit, where each player becomes a storyteller, using creativity to give clues that match beautifully illustrated cards. A captivating game for family and friends that sparks imagination.
- UP TO 8 PLAYERS WITH IMPROVED COMPONENTS: Enjoy the Dixit New Edition with up to 8 players for the ultimate game experience. Featuring modernized voting materials with ambidextrous dials, making gameplay smoother and more inclusive.
- NEW SCORING BOARD AND CARD PLACEMENT: This edition introduces a new board for easy scoring and card placement, along with a scoring aid to keep track of points effortlessly. Engage in competitive fun while keeping the game organized.
- STORAGE SOLUTION FOR EXPANSIONS: Comes with a new cardboard tray designed to neatly store the base game and up to 2 expansions. Keep your Dixit collection organized and ready for every game night.
- UNLIMITED REPLAYABILITY WITH VIBRANT ARTWORK: Each game of Dixit unfolds uniquely thanks to the endless combinations of clues and cards. The vibrant, imaginative artwork ensures that no two games are the same, offering countless hours of entertainment.
9. 7 Wonders
7 Wonders offers a unique twist on drafting games, bridging ancient civilization-building with strategy. Players build their civilizations through a series of rounds, focusing on resource management, military power, and cultural advancements. This title is highly strategic and rewards thoughtful planning.
Accommodating 3-7 players, a session of 7 Wonders typically takes 30 minutes, making it flexible for various gaming situations.
Why You Should Buy: High replayability and a unique card-drafting mechanic.
Cons: Can be challenging for newcomers due to strategic depth.
- STRATEGY GAME: You are a leader of one of the seven greatest cities of the Ancient World. Gather resources, develop commercial routes and affirm your military supremacy. Build your city and erect an architectural wonder which will transcend future times.
- BUILD YOUR CIVILIZATION: Players draft cards over multiple rounds, carefully building towards long-term goals. Keep an eye on your neighbors’ progress since they share similar ambitions. Will your wonder transcend the millennia to come?
- HOW TO WIN THIS GAME: Each player compares their military strength with one of their neighboring cities. After the third age, players score the points given by their cards and their military conflicts. The player with the most points wins!
- FAST & FUN GAME FOR FAMILIES: Average 30 minutes of gameplay with 3-7 players. The perfect gift to add to family game night with kids aged 10 and up!
- REPLAY FOR NEW FUN GAMEPLAY: 7 Wonders offers quick gameplays which keep players engaged. Looking for new adventures? Try our 3 Expansions New Editions: Cities, Leaders and Armada (Note: All Expansions require 7 Wonders Base Game to play).
10. Scythe
Scythe combines resource management and area control in a stunning steampunk setting. Players build their factions, upgrade their mechs, and expand their territories while interacting with others. The game prides itself on deep strategic choices and high player engagement.
Best for 1-7 players, with gameplay extending over 90-120 minutes, it appeals to serious board gamers looking for a lengthy, immersive experience.
Why You Should Buy: Rich strategic gameplay with a beautifully crafted world.
Cons: A steep learning curve for new players.
- EXPLORE: It is a time of unrest in 1920s Europa. The ashes from the first great war still darken the snow. The capitalistic city-state known simply as “The Factory”, which fueled the war with heavily armored mechs, has closed its doors, drawing the attention of several nearby countries.
- ALTERNATE HISTORY: Scythe is an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s period in Eastern Europe. It is a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears, innovation and valor.
- VARIABILITY: With five different factions and five different player boards, players can mix and match to enhance replayability. Asymmetric powers keep the game fresh every time!
- QUICK TURNS: Scythe uses a streamlined action-selection mechanism (no rounds or phases) to keep gameplay moving at a brisk pace and reduce downtime between turns. 1-5 Players, 115 mins, Ages 14+
- LOW LUCK AND RANDOMNESS: Scythe gives players almost complete control over their fate. Other than each player’s individual hidden objective card, the only elements of luck are “encounter” cards that players will draw as they interact with the citizens of newly explored lands.
Final Thoughts
From competitive strategy games to collaborative adventures and humorous party games, the best grown up board games listed above cater to diverse preferences in 2024. Understanding your group’s interests will help you choose the best fit for your next gaming session, ensuring memorable evenings filled with laughter and camaraderie. Explore these options on Amazon, and dive into the wonderful world of adult board gaming!