Best Board games of 2020 have been a popular pastime for generations, providing families and friends with an opportunity to bond over the friendly competition.
Deciding which games to add to your collection can be difficult with so many options. In 2020, the board game industry saw exciting releases, from strategy to party games.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best board games of 2020, highlighting their unique features and gameplay.
One of the most popular games of 2020 was “Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion,” a cooperative dungeon-crawler game that offers players a challenging and immersive experience.
Another standout game was “The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine,” a card game requiring players to work together to achieve a common goal.
Furthermore, “Calico,” a game about quilting and cats, offered a more relaxed gameplay experience, while “Wavelength” challenged players’ ability to communicate effectively.
Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or just getting started, there’s a game on this list that will pique your interest.
So grab your family or friends, set up the game board, and prepare for hours of fun and entertainment.
Let’s look at some of the best board games of 2020.
1. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
This cooperative dungeon-crawler game is a streamlined version of the popular Gloomhaven game, designed to be more accessible to new players.
Also, players take on the roles of adventurers exploring a mysterious world, battling monsters, and uncovering secrets as they progress through a series of scenarios.
The game offers an immersive experience with its intricate storyline, challenging gameplay, and impressive artwork.
Players must work together to strategize their moves and use their unique abilities to overcome obstacles and complete objectives.
Furthermore, with over 20 scenarios to play through and a modular board that changes with each playthrough, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion offers endless replayability and excitement.
2. The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
This award-winning card game is a cooperative trick-taking game in which players must work together to complete a space mission.
The game offers a unique twist on traditional card games, with each round presenting a different objective that players must achieve by playing their cards strategically.
The game’s difficulty increases as players progress through the 50 increasingly challenging missions, making it satisfying for players of all skill levels.
Also, the Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine is perfect for a casual game night or a more intense gaming session with its simple rules, quick gameplay, and engaging missions. This game is one of the best board games of 2020.
3. Calico
This charming game combines the relaxing hobby of quilting with the love of cats.
Players take on the role of quilters trying to create the coziest and most adorable quilt possible by strategically placing tiles and buttons on their quilt boards.
The game offers a simple yet challenging gameplay experience that is perfect for players of all ages.
With its beautiful artwork and cute cat theme, Calico is a delightful addition to any board game collection. This is one of the best board games of 2020.
4. Wavelength
This party game challenges players to communicate effectively with their teammates to guess the correct answer on a sliding scale.
The game features a central board with a dial that can be adjusted to different difficulty levels, and players take turns giving clues that will help their teammates guess where the answer lies on the scale.
Furthermore, the game’s open-ended nature creates a creative and challenging gameplay experience, and its fast-paced gameplay makes it perfect for a fun party game night. Wavelength is a great choice for a fun and engaging game with friends and family.
5. Dune: Imperium
This strategy game, based on the classic science fiction novel, Dune, challenges players to compete for control over the planet of Arrakis.
Players must balance their military strength, political influence, and economic power to gain the favor of the powerful factions of the Dune universe.
The game features a unique deck-building mechanic, where players must carefully choose which cards to add to their decks to give them an edge.
Also, Dune: Imperium is a must-have for any strategy game fan with its complex gameplay, immersive theme, and stunning artwork. This game is one of the best board games of 2020.
6. The Search for Planet X
This deduction game challenges players to discover the location of the elusive Planet X by gathering information and piecing together clues.
Players take turns collecting data by observing different parts of the galaxy, then must use deductive reasoning to narrow down the location of Planet X.
Furthermore, The game features a unique app that serves as a companion to the game, providing players with clues and hints as they play.
With its challenging gameplay and engaging theme, The Search for Planet X is a great choice for players who enjoy deduction games. This game is one of the best board games of 2020.
7. Forgotten Waters
This narrative-driven pirate adventure game puts players in the shoes of a crew of pirates as they navigate the high seas and encounter all manner of dangers and treasures.
Players must work together to complete objectives and make decisions that will affect the outcome of their adventure.
The game features an immersive story, engaging gameplay, and impressive production values, with a gorgeous game board and high-quality components.
With its blend of storytelling and strategic decision-making, Forgotten Waters is a standout game that is sure to entertain. This game is one of the best board games of 2020.
8. Parks
This serene game takes players through the U.S. National Parks, where they must collect resources and complete objectives to earn points.
The game features stunning artwork that captures the natural beauty of the parks, and its gameplay is relaxing and engaging.
Players must make strategic decisions about which paths to take and which resources to gather, all while enjoying the scenic views of the parks.
Also, with its tranquil theme and satisfying gameplay, Parks is a perfect choice for a laid-back game night.
9. Mariposa
This beautiful game from the designer of Wingspan takes players on a journey as they guide monarch butterflies on their migration across North America.
Players must balance their decisions between collecting nectar, breeding new generations of butterflies, and exploring new habitats.
Furthermore, the game features a unique “seasons” mechanic that adds a sense of urgency to players’ decisions as they move through the different stages of the game.
With its gorgeous artwork, engaging gameplay, and educational theme, Mariposas is a standout game that is both fun and informative. This game is one of the best board games of 2020.
10. Fort
This whimsical game challenges players to build the best backyard fort possible by gathering resources, recruiting friends, and playing cards strategically.
The game features a unique deck-building mechanic, where players must collect cards to add to their deck, each offering different abilities and actions.
With its charming artwork, playful theme, and engaging gameplay, Fort is a great choice for players of all ages.
11. The Castles of Tuscany
This strategic tile-laying game challenges players to build the most prosperous estates in medieval Tuscany.
Players must use their resources wisely to acquire land, construct buildings, and trade goods to earn points.
The game features simple yet deep gameplay that offers players a satisfying challenge. With its beautiful artwork and engaging theme.
Also, the Castles of Tuscany is a great choice for strategy game fans. The Castle is one of the best board games of 2020.
12. Nova Luna
This abstract tile-laying game challenges players to complete tasks by placing tiles on their boards.
Players must strategically place tiles to connect different objectives and earn points.
The game offers a unique twist on tile-laying games with its fast-paced gameplay and challenging decisions.
With its colorful artwork and engaging gameplay, Nova Luna is a great choice for players who enjoy abstract strategy games.
13. Oceans
This aquatic-themed strategy game challenges players to create the most thriving ecosystem possible by adding different species of marine life to their tableau.
Players must balance their choices between predators and prey and use their special abilities to outsmart their opponents.
The game features a unique card-drafting mechanic, where players must carefully choose which cards to add to their tableau each turn.
With its stunning artwork and immersive theme, Oceans is a standout game that is both beautiful and challenging. This is one of the best board games of 2020.
14. Pendulum
This innovative board game challenges players to manage their time wisely as they compete to become the most powerful ruler in the land.
Players must balance their actions and decisions against the ticking clock, all while gathering resources and building their empires.
The game features a unique real-time mechanic, where players must use a sand timer to determine when they can take their actions.
Also, with its complex gameplay and strategic depth, Pendulum is a standout game that offers a unique and engaging experience.
15. Taverns of Tiefenthal
This deck-building game challenges players to run the most successful tavern in the land.
Players must gather resources, hire staff, and expand their establishments to attract new customers and earn more money.
The game features a unique dice-rolling mechanic, where players must use their dice strategically to activate different abilities and actions.
Also, with its engaging theme and challenging gameplay. Taverns of Tiefenthal is a great choice for players who enjoy strategy and resource-management games. This is one of the best board games of 2020.
16. Forgotten Waters
This cooperative adventure game takes players on a swashbuckling journey as they navigate the high seas, battle pirates, and search for treasure.
Players must work together to overcome obstacles and complete quests, all while facing the unpredictable nature of the open ocean.
The game features a unique app-based system, where players can interact with a digital companion that guides them through the game and adds to the immersive experience.
With its exciting theme and immersive gameplay, Forgotten Waters is a standout game that is fun and challenging. This game is one of the best board games of 2020.
17. Viscounts of the West Kingdom
This strategic game challenges players to become the most influential noble in the land by building their reputation, gathering resources, and completing quests.
Players must carefully manage their actions and resources to outsmart their opponents and gain an edge in the game.
The game features a unique worker-placement mechanic, where players must place their workers strategically to activate different actions and abilities.
Also, with its intricate gameplay and engaging theme, Viscounts of the West Kingdom is a great choice for players who enjoy strategy and resource-management games.
18. Beyond the Sun
This sci-fi-themed game challenges players to explore the galaxy, colonize planets, and advance their civilization.
Players must manage their resources and technologies wisely to gain an advantage over their opponents and achieve their objectives.
The game features a unique tech-tree mechanic, where players must research different technologies to unlock new abilities and actions.
With its immersive theme and complex gameplay, Beyond the Sun is a standout game that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. This board game is one of the best board games of 2020.
19. Paleo
This cooperative survival game challenges players in a prehistoric world where danger lurks around every corner.
Players must gather resources, craft tools, and fend off predators to survive and thrive.
The game features a unique deck-management mechanic, where players must manage their deck of cards to activate different abilities and actions.
Furthermore, With its immersive theme and challenging gameplay, Paleo is a great choice for players who enjoy cooperative games and survival themes.
20. Marvel Champions: The Card Game
This cooperative living card game challenges players to take on the role of their favorite Marvel heroes as they battle against villains and their minions.
Players must use their decks of cards strategically to activate different abilities and powers, all while working together to defeat their opponents.
The game features a wide variety of heroes and villains to choose from and numerous expansions that add new content to the game.
With its immersive theme and engaging gameplay, Marvel Champions is a standout game that is fun and challenging. This is one of the best board games of 2020.
21. Renature
Have you ever heard of the little game Azul? You know, one of the most popular board games in recent years? Renature deserves to succeed Azul, not just because their fathers are the same (designer Michael Kiesling).
Consider that Renature and Azul have attractive games with large pieces.
Furthermore, Both games present a plate of agonizing choices with a hearty dollop of ruthless nastiness on top, followed by elegant rules.
The only MORE is Renature. More sophisticated, agonizing, and significantly nastier.
22. Tapestry
This civilization-building game challenges players to create the most successful and advanced civilization in history.
Players must gather resources, expand their territories, and advance their technologies to gain an edge over their opponents and achieve victory.
The game features a unique civilization board mechanic, where players must manage their civilization’s progress and achievements throughout the game.
With its intricate gameplay and engaging theme, Tapestry is a great choice for players who enjoy strategy and civilization-building games.
23. Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North
This strategic game challenges players to build their empires and dominate the land.
Players must gather resources, construct buildings, and expand their territories to gain an advantage over their opponents and achieve victory.
The game features a unique faction-based system, where each player has their own set of cards and abilities that reflect their faction’s strengths and weaknesses.
Also, with its engaging theme and challenging gameplay, Imperial Settlers: Empires of the North is a great choice for players who enjoy strategy and empire-building games. Imperial Settles is one of the best board games of 2020.
24. Iwari
Iwari is like a breath of fresh air. Of course, it helps that this gorgeous production is a joy to look at and touch.
However, a lot of games today are capable of exceeding that standard. Iwari stands out from the crowd thanks to its easy-going gameplay and incredibly clever rules.
The game can easily remember these 3-2-1 rules off-hand: To place two pieces in one territory, play up to three cards, then replenish your hand to a maximum of three. Boom. All there is to it is that.
Each card’s color is the only feature that matters in terms of functionality. Play with colors and continue to draw.
25. The Isle of Cats
This cat-themed game challenges players to rescue and adopt as many cats as possible while exploring an uncharted island and completing objectives.
Players must gather resources, construct boats, and rescue cats from the island while carefully managing their actions and decisions.
The game features a unique tile-laying mechanic, where players must place cat tiles on their boats to gain points and bonuses.
With its charming theme and engaging gameplay, The Isle of Cats is a standout game that is both fun and challenging.
26. Durian
Suppose you need to get more familiar with Oink Games. In that case, they are a very endearing Japanese game developer known for their tiny, rectangular boxes packed with chic accessories that produce quick, easy, and (usually) interesting games.
The reviews on Shut Up and Sit Down are excellent, and they even rank the games in order of “Worst,” “Average,” and “Best.”
A Fake Artist Goes to New York, Insider, and Startups are the three Oink Games titles that made their top tier.
I can attest that all three books have been hits at our table and favorites in our library. Durian is one of the best board games of 2020.
27. Chronicles of Crime
This cooperative crime-solving game challenges players to solve a series of interconnected mysteries, all while exploring different locations and gathering clues.
Players must use their deduction skills and logic to solve puzzles and unravel the story, all while working together to achieve their objectives.
The game features a unique app-based system where players can scan different cards and objects to receive clues and information.
Also, with its immersive theme and engaging gameplay, Chronicles of Crime is a standout game that offers a unique and satisfying experience. This is one of the best board games of 2020.
28. It’s a Wonderful World
This strategic game challenges players to build the most prosperous and advanced civilization possible while managing their resources and making strategic decisions.
Players must gather resources, construct buildings, and advance their technologies to gain an advantage over their opponents and achieve victory.
The game features a unique drafting mechanic, where players must carefully choose and manage their cards to build their civilization.
With its engaging theme and challenging gameplay, It’s a Wonderful World is a great choice for players who enjoy strategy and civilization-building games.
29. Nemesis
This thematic game challenges players to survive and escape from a dangerous spaceship infested with aliens.
Players must explore different locations, gather resources, and fight against the aliens to achieve their objectives and escape alive.
The game features a unique hidden traitor mechanic, where one or more players may secretly work against the group’s goals.
With its immersive theme and challenging gameplay, Nemesis is a standout game that offers a thrilling and suspenseful experience. This is one of the best board games of 2020.
30. Pandemic Legacy: Season 0
This cooperative game is the latest entry in the popular Pandemic Legacy series, which challenges players to save the world from deadly diseases.
Season 0 is set in the Cold War era, where players must investigate and prevent a dangerous bioweapon from being released.
The game features a unique legacy system, where each playthrough affects the game’s storyline and future playthroughs.
With its engaging theme and challenging gameplay, Pandemic Legacy: Season 0 is a standout game that offers a thrilling and immersive experience.
Overall, 2020 was a fantastic year for board games, with diverse titles offering something for everyone.
These sixteen games represent some of the best and most innovative titles of the year and will provide hours of entertainment for players of all skill levels and interests.
Whether you’re a fan of strategy games, deduction games, cooperative games, or anything in between, there’s a game on this list that will become a new favorite.
