Board games have been around for centuries and continue to be a popular pastime for people of all ages.
In 2013, the board game industry saw the release of many exciting and innovative games that captured the attention of both casual and serious gamers.
From cooperative games to strategy games, there was something for everyone. One of the most notable board games of 2013 was Eldritch Horror, which took the bronze on the list of the best board games of 2013.
This cooperative game of terror and adventure invited players to take on the roles of globetrotting investigators working to solve mysteries, gather clues, and protect the world from an Ancient One.
Alongside Eldritch Horror, many other fantastic games released in 2013 deserve recognition.
Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or a newcomer to the hobby, exploring the best board games of 2013 is an excellent way to discover new games and enjoy some classic favorites.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular board games released in 2013 and what made them stand out.
So, let’s dive into the world of board games and see what 2013 has to offer!
Top Board Games of 2013
2013 was a great year for board games, with many exciting and innovative titles released. Here are some of the top board games of 2013.
1. Pathfinder Adventure Card Game
The Pathfinder Adventure Card Game is a cooperative game by Lone Shark Games.
It was released in 2013 and quickly became a hit with board game enthusiasts.
The game is designed for 1 to 6 players and is set in the world of Golarion, the same as the popular Pathfinder Roleplaying Game.
The game is expandable, with the first set containing nearly 500 cards. The Rise of the Runelords – Base Set supports 1 to 4 players, but a 110-card Character Add-On Deck expands the possible number of players to 5 or 6 and adds more character options for any number of players.
The game features a unique leveling system where players improve and customize their character deck by acquiring new items, allies, weapons, and more as they explore and overcome challenges.
The game has received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay and engaging storyline.
It won the 2013 Board Game of the Year award from GeekDad and has been praised for its replayability and depth.
The game also has several expansions available that add even more depth and strategy to the game.
2. Forbidden Desert
Forbidden Desert is a cooperative board game designed by Matt Leacock and published by Gamewright Games.
As a sequel to Forbidden Island, the game has a similar theme and gameplay mechanics but with a unique twist.
In the game, players take on the roles of brave adventurers who must survive the scorching heat and blustering sand to recover a legendary flying machine buried under an ancient desert city.
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players and has a playing time of 45 minutes.
The game’s goal is to coordinate with your teammates and use every available resource to survive the relentless sandstorm and recover the flying machine.
The game includes playing instructions and can be played by gamers of all skill levels.
Here are some of the features of Forbidden Desert:
- Thirst for Survival: Players must keep track of their water levels and make sure they don’t run out of water, or they will perish in the desert.
- Randomized Board: The game board is different every time you play, making each game a unique experience.
- Unique Roles: Each player has a unique role with special abilities that can help the team survive.
- Multiple Difficulty Levels: The game can be played at different difficulty levels, making it challenging for experienced gamers and accessible for new players.
- High Replayability: The game is highly replayable, with different strategies and outcomes each time you play.
3. Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends
Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends is a board game designed by Vlaada Chvátil and released in 2013.
It is a game of magical combat, where players summon powerful beings and claim a rotating set of goals.
The game can be played by 2-4 players, either in teams or individually.
Here are some key features of the game:
- Gameplay: The game is played on a board where players place their units in 2D shapes to summon powerful beings. Each player has a set of cards representing different creatures and spells; they need to play them strategically to defeat their opponents. Scoring points win the game by achieving different goals, such as summoning a specific set of creatures or eliminating all of the opponent’s units.
- Complexity: Tash-Kalar has a complexity rating of 2.84 out of 5 on BoardGameGeek, which means it is not a very complex game. However, it still requires some strategic thinking and planning to play effectively.
- Playing Time: The game can be played in 30-60 minutes, which makes it a good option for a quick game night with friends.
- Age Range: The game is recommended for players aged 13 and above, although some players as young as 12 may be able to play it.
- Expansion: The game has an expansion called Nethervoid, which adds a new player deck and a trans-dimensional portal through which players can draw energy. This expansion adds more variety to the game and makes it more challenging.
If you are a fan of strategy games and are looking for a new game to play, Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends is worth checking out. Its unique gameplay mechanics and fast-paced action make it a fun and engaging game for both casual and experienced players.
4. Freedom: The Underground Railroad
Freedom: The Underground Railroad is a cooperative board game designed by Brian Mayer and published by Academy Games in 2013.
The game is set during the early 1800s through the Civil War.
It allows players to assume the roles of important historical abolitionist characters attempting to help slaves move from the Southern States to freedom in Canada while avoiding the slave catchers dedicated to taking away their freedom.
The game has drawn positive attention for its approach and handling of slavery.
It is an engaging and educational game that teaches players about a pivotal time in American history.
Players become familiar with the important historical figures, political agendas, and crucial events that unfolded to change American history and bring freedom to enslaved people.
Here are some key features of the game:
- Players: 1-4
- Playing Time: 60-120 minutes
- Age: 13+
- Community Age: 12+
- Weight: 2.90 / 5 ‘Complexity’ Rating
The game is a challenging cooperative game that pits players against the institution of slavery during a difficult time in American history.
It is an excellent game for those who enjoy strategy games and want to learn more about the history of slavery in America.
5. Euphoria
Euphoria is a worker-placement board game designed by Alan Stone and Jamey Stegmaier.
Stonemaier Games published the game in 2013, and it has since gained a loyal following.
In Euphoria, players are tasked with changing a dystopian society from the inside out.
The game mechanics of Euphoria are unique in that dice are used as workers.
Each die represents a worker’s knowledge, which impacts player interaction and enables various bonuses.
The number on each die represents a worker’s awareness that he’s in a dystopia.
As players increase their workers’ knowledge, they gain more power and can influence the game’s outcome.
One of the most interesting aspects of Euphoria is the background story.
The game’s theme is not a dystopia borne of apocalyptic nightmares but rather a society that has become complacent due to abundant resources.
The game’s designers have done an excellent job of creating a unique and believable world.
Overall, Euphoria is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a worker-placement game with a unique twist.
The game’s mechanics are easy to learn but offer enough depth to keep players engaged for hours.
If you’re a fan of board games with a dystopian theme, Euphoria is worth checking out.
6. Amerigo
Amerigo is a board game published in 2013 by Queen Games.
It is a strategy game that involves discovering new lands, building settlements, and uncovering goods and treasures.
The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a playing time of 90 minutes.
Here are some key features of the game:
- Players help Amerigo Vespucci on his journey to discover new land.
- The game board comprises nine, twelve, or sixteen tiles, depending on the number of players.
- Players sail their ships through the landscape created for this game, landing on islands to plan and build settlements.
- Players secure trading routes to ensure the safe transport of goods.
- Players earn victory points by building settlements and collecting resources.
Amerigo is a complex game that requires strategic thinking and planning. It is rated as having a complexity rating of 2.99 out of 5 by BoardGameGeek.
The game has received positive reviews and has a rating of 6K on BoardGameGeek.
Amerigo was designed by Stefan Feld and illustrated by Harald Lieske and Claus Stephan. Queen Games published the game, along with one other publisher.
7. Rampage
Rampage, also known as Terror in Meeple City, is a 2013 board game designed by Antoine Bauza and Ludovic Maublanc.
The game is a dexterity game involving players taking on the roles of monsters destroying a city.
The game is played on a two-piece board with a puzzle centerpiece and features a variety of components, including monster pawns, paw tokens, player screens, teeth tokens, and meeples.
The game’s goal is for players to destroy as many buildings as possible while avoiding the military and each other.
Players take turns flicking their monsters around the board, knocking over buildings, and eating meeples.
The game is won by the player who has caused the most destruction by the end of the game.
Rampage was nominated for several awards in 2013, including Best Board Game Components and Best Party Game.
The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, engaging theme, and high-quality components.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting game that will test your agility and strategic thinking skills, then Rampage is worth checking out.
With its unique gameplay mechanics and high-quality components, it’s no wonder that Rampage has become a favorite among board game enthusiasts.
8. Viticulture
Viticulture is a worker placement board game published by Stonemaier Games in 2013. Jamey Stegmaier and Alan Stone design the game.
The game’s concept is to build an Italian vineyard and become a successful winemaker.
Viticulture has received praise for its engagement and strategy, and it is typically best played with 3-4 players.
The game can be played by 2-6 players and takes around 90 minutes to complete.
The age recommendation for Viticulture is 13+. The game has a complexity rating of 2.93/5 on BoardGameGeek.
In Viticulture, players will plant vines, harvest grapes, age wines, and fill merchant orders to create the greatest winery in Italy.
The game includes a board, cards, tokens, and player mats. The board represents the vineyard, and players will place their workers in different spaces on the board to take different actions.
Some of the actions that players can take in Viticulture include:
- Planting vines
- Harvesting grapes
- Making wine
- Filling wine orders
Players must balance their actions to have enough resources to complete their wine orders.
Viticulture also includes a visitor card deck, which can provide players with additional actions or bonuses.
If you enjoy strategy and worker placement games, Viticulture is worth checking out.
The game has received numerous awards and nominations, including the 2013 Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game Award.
9. Sails of Glory
Sails of Glory is a tactical ship-to-ship miniature game inspired by the best-selling Wings of Glory system.
It was designed by Andrea Angiolino and Andrea Mainini and published by Ares Games and Devir in 2013.
The game recreates naval combat in the Age of Sails (1650-1815) and uses miniatures, cards, and board game mechanisms to create an immersive experience for players.
The game features assembled and painted ship models that are pre-painted and ready to play.
Each ship has unique characteristics, and players must use strategy and skill to maneuver their ships and defeat their opponents.
The game can be played with 2-4 players and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
The Sails of Glory starter set includes everything players need to get started, including four ship models, a game mat, a rulebook, and accessories.
The game has received positive reviews for its attention to detail, immersive gameplay, and high-quality components.
If you’re a fan of naval combat games, Sails of Glory is worth checking out.
Its detailed miniatures, engaging gameplay, and historical accuracy make it a great addition to any board game collection.
10. Firefly
Firefly: The Game is a high-end thematic tabletop board game from Gale Force Nine (GF9) set in the Firefly Universe.
The game was designed by Aaron Dill, John Kovaleski, and Sean Sweigart, with artwork by Charles Woods.
Firefly: The Game was released in 2013 and quickly gained popularity among board game enthusiasts.
The game is a pick-up and deliver a mechanic game for 1-4 players that play in about 2-3 hours.
Firefly plays best with 3-4 players. Players take on the role of a captain of a Firefly-class spaceship and aim to complete jobs and get paid while avoiding the Alliance, Reavers, and other hazards in the ‘Verse.
The game includes a game board, cards, tokens, and miniatures.
The game board represents the ‘Verse, and players use their ships to move around and complete jobs.
The cards represent various events, jobs, and characters from the Firefly universe. The tokens keep track of money, fuel, cargo, and other resources.
The miniatures represent the players’ ships and other characters from the Firefly universe.
Overall, Firefly: The Game is a fun and engaging board game that captures the essence of the Firefly universe.
It is a must-play for fans of the TV show and movie and board game enthusiasts looking for a challenging and immersive experience.
Some key features of Firefly: The Game include:
- Pick-up and delivery mechanic
- Thematic gameplay
- 1-4 player game
- 2-3 hour playtime
- Game board, cards, tokens, and miniatures
- Multiple expansions available
11. Francis Drake
Francis Drake is a board game released in 2013 by Kayal Games, Eagle-Gryphon Games, and Ystari Games.
The game is designed by Peter Hawes and can be played by 3-5 players.
The game aims to race to see who can set sail and reach the Spanish Main first.
The players take on the roles of swashbuckling captains who are looking to plunder the riches of the Aztec and Inca Empires.
The game is played over several rounds, each representing a week.
During each round, players perform actions such as recruiting crew members, buying supplies, and setting sail.
The game also features a central board that is a repository for abundant game supplies and tokens, including crew, guns, trade goods, and treasure.
Francis Drake is a highly strategic game that requires players to carefully manage their resources and make strategic decisions to outmaneuver their opponents.
The game is known for its high level of replayability, as each game is different depending on the decisions made by the players.
12. Legacy: The Testament of Duke de Crecy
Legacy: The Testament of Duke de Crecy is a board game released in 2013.
The game is set in 18th-century France, and players are tasked with building the most powerful and influential family tree.
The game combines worker placement and engine-building mechanics to create a unique and engaging experience.
In Legacy, players take on the roles of wealthy French families and compete to have the most prestigious family tree.
Players must strategically marry off their family members, acquire titles and properties, and have children to continue their legacy.
The game is won by having the most points at the end, which are earned through various actions and achievements.
Legacy has received positive reviews from board game enthusiasts and has been nominated for several awards, including the Golden Geek Best Thematic Board Game and the Roku Game of the Year.
The game is known for its intricate gameplay and beautiful artwork.
Here are some key features of Legacy: The Testament of Duke de Crecy:
- A worker placement and engine-building mechanics
- 18th century France setting
- Competitive gameplay
- Strategic marriage and family management
- Points-based victory system
- Nominated for multiple awards
- Beautiful artwork
Legacy: The Testament of Duke de Crecy is worth checking out if you’re a fan of strategy board games with intricate gameplay and a unique theme.
13. Space Cadets: Dice Duel
Space Cadets: Dice Duel is a board game released in 2013. It is a team vs. team, real-time, dice-rolling game of starship combat.
The game is designed for 4-8 players and has a playing time of 30 minutes. The game is suitable for players aged 12 and above.
The players are divided into two teams, each playing their ship’s crew. The game aims to destroy the other team’s ship in real-time. The game is played in rounds, each with three phases.
The first phase is planning, where each team performs actions for the round.
The second phase is the action phase, where the teams execute their plans in real-time.
The third phase is the resolution phase, where the results of the actions are resolved.
The game has received positive reviews from critics and players alike.
The game has a rating of 6.8 on BoardGameGeek and has been ranked overall 1,689 and thematic 386.
The game has also won several awards, including the Dice Tower Seal of Excellence and the Golden Geek Best Party Game award.
Some of the features of the game include:
- Real-time gameplay
- Dice-rolling mechanics
- Team vs. team combat
- Quick-paced gameplay
- Easy to learn rules
Space Cadets: Dice Duel is worth checking out if you’re a sci-fi and board games fan.
With its real-time mechanics and team vs. team combat, it offers a unique and exciting gaming experience.
14. Patchistory
Patchistory is a strategy board game that was released in 2013.
The game is designed for 2-4 players and takes approximately 120 minutes.
Players use cards that symbolize historical heroes and wonders to wisely patch their way through history using military, economy, politics, and diplomacy.
The game has received positive reviews for its unique theme and gameplay mechanics.
Patchistory was nominated for the Golden Geek Award for Best Strategy Board Game in 2013.
Here are some key features of Patchistory:
- The game is designed for 2-4 players
- It takes approximately 120 minutes to play
- Players use cards that symbolize historical heroes and wonders to patch their way through history
- The game uses military, economic, political, and diplomacy mechanics.
- Patchistory was nominated for the Golden Geek Award for Best Strategy Board Game in 2013
Patchistory is great for board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategy games with unique themes and mechanics.
Its use of historical heroes and wonders adds an educational element to the game, making it fun and informative.
15. Glass Road
Glass Road is a board game that was released in 2013.
It was designed by Uwe Rosenberg, known for creating popular games such as Agricola and Caverna: The Cave Farmers.
The game is set in medieval Bavaria and celebrates the region’s glass-making tradition.
Players take on the glass-maker’s roles and compete to build the most successful trade empire.
The game is played over four building periods; each player has the same set of 15 specialists.
The goal is to outwit and outplay your opponents by gathering resources, hiring specialists, and building structures.
The game is designed for 1-4 players and lasts 75-90 minutes.
Here are some key features of Glass Road:
- Resource management: Players must carefully manage their resources to build their trade empire. They must gather materials such as wood, clay, and sand and use them to build structures and hire specialists.
- Specialists: Each player has a set of 15 specialists that they can use throughout the game. These specialists have unique abilities to help players gain an advantage over their opponents.
- Building structures: Players must build structures such as glassworks, mines, and quarries to produce goods and gain points.
- Trade: Players can trade goods with each other to gain an advantage. They can also sell their goods for money, which can be used to hire specialists and build structures.
Glass Road is a complex and challenging game that requires careful planning and strategy.
It has received positive reviews from board game enthusiasts and is considered one of Uwe Rosenberg’s best games.
Glass Road is worth checking out if you enjoy resource management and strategy games.
16. Nations
Nations is a historical board game that was released in 2013. Designed for 1-5 players, the game takes 40 minutes per player.
In this game, players control the fate of nations from their humble beginnings in prehistoric times until the start of World War I.
The nations must compete against each other and balance immediate needs, long-term growth, threats, and opportunities.
The game has become popular among board game enthusiasts due to its intense gameplay and the level of strategy required to win.
It has also received positive reviews from critics, who have praised its historical accuracy and attention to detail.
Some of the key features of Nations include:
- Players can choose from 14 nations, each with unique strengths and weaknesses.
- The game includes over 200 cards that represent various historical events and developments.
- Players must manage resources such as food, money, and manpower to build their nations and compete against others.
- The game includes a variety of victory conditions, including military conquest, cultural dominance, and economic prosperity.
Nations is worth checking out if you are a historical strategy game fan. Its engaging gameplay and attention to historical detail make it a standout title among board games released in 2013.
