By: Blaze Aldrich | May 15, 2025

(Montecillo, 2013)

11 Best Board Games for Adults in 2025

Wow! Are you finding yourself searching for, "Board Game for Adults" again? Don't worry, I didn't include those same old board games you've been playing such as Carcassonne, Codenames, or 7 Wonders. Lets get out of our comfort zone and play little heavier games that will immerse you into the theme of the board game. But not only that, they make for very entertaining and exciting board game nights with friends. These board games are not listed in any particular order & the complexity of the games range from Easy to Heavy. FYI I did leave a classic game on this list, but only one. Its the only one I will allow you to play. Jk of course, sorta...

1. Nemesis

Genre: Sci-Fi, Survival Horror, Semi-Cooperative

Complexity: Medium Heavy

(Jorjorian, 2019)

Why It’s Great: Nemesis drops you into a cinematic, Alien inspired nightmare aboard a dilapidated spaceship. Players work together (or betray each other) to survive encroaching aliens, complete personal objectives, and escape. With stunning miniatures, tense mechanics, and high replayability, it’s a heart pounding experience for 1-5 players. Perfect for adults who love suspense and tough decisions.

2. Brass: Birmingham (Ranked #1 Board Game of All-Time)

Genre: Economic, Strategy

Complexity: Medium Heavy

(Sintsov, 2021)

Why It’s Great: A masterpiece of strategic depth, Brass: Birmingham immerses 2-4 players in the Industrial Revolution. Build industries, manage resources, and outsmart opponents in a beautifully designed game of coal, iron, and beer. Its tight mechanics and historical flavor make it a favorite for those who crave complex, rewarding gameplay.

3. Viticulture

Genre: Worker Placement, Economic

Complexity: Medium

(Pesti, 2013)

Why It’s Great: Dream of owning a vineyard? Viticulture lets 1-6 players cultivate grapes, produce wine, and fulfill orders in Tuscany. Its worker placement mechanics are accessible yet deep, with the Essential Edition adding extra polish. Adults will love the relaxing theme paired with strategic planning, best enjoyed with a glass of wine!

4. Heat: Pedal to the Metal

Genre: Racing, Hand Management

Complexity: Easy Medium

(Godot, 2023)

Why It’s Great: Heat: Pedal to the Metal brings the thrill of 1960s motorsport to 1-6 players. Manage your hand of cards to speed through corners, but beware of overheating your engine! Fast paced and intuitive, it’s a blast for casual gamers and racing fans alike, with modular tracks ensuring every race feels fresh.

5. Slay the Spire: The Board Game

Genre: Deck-Building, Cooperative

Complexity: Medium

(Dworetsky, 2022)

Why It’s Great: Based on the hit video game, Slay the Spire: The Board Game translates deck building brilliance to the tabletop for 1-4 players. Battle monsters, collect cards, and synergize with teammates to conquer the Spire. Its addictive gameplay and roguelike replayability make it a standout for adults who love tactical challenges.

6. Lost Ruins of Arnak

Genre: Deck-Building, Worker Placement

Complexity: Medium

(Debisschop, 2020)

Why It’s Great: Blend adventure and strategy in Lost Ruins of Arnak, where 1-4 players explore a mysterious island. Combining deck building with worker placement, you’ll uncover artifacts, battle guardians, and manage resources. Its Indiana Jones vibe and balanced mechanics appeal to adults seeking both theme and depth.

7. Hegemony

Genre: Political, Economic, Asymmetric

Complexity: Heavy

(Timotheou, 2021)

Why It’s Great: Hegemony is a bold 2-4 player simulation of a nation’s political and economic systems. Play as the Working Class, Capitalist Class, Middle Class, or State, each with unique goals and mechanics. Its intricate, asymmetric gameplay is perfect for adults who enjoy deep strategy and real world themes.

8. Catan

Genre: Resource Management, Negotiation

Complexity: Easy

(Walsh, 2006)

Why It’s Great: A timeless classic, Catan (formerly Settlers of Catan) has hooked 3-4 players for decades. Trade resources, build settlements, and race to 10 points on a modular board. Its blend of luck, strategy, and player interaction makes it a gateway game that adults still adore for lively game nights.

9. Gloomhaven

Genre: Cooperative, Campaign, Tactical

Complexity: Medium Heavy

(Carlisle, 2017)

Why It’s Great: Gloomhaven is a behemoth of cooperative storytelling for 1-4 players. Lead mercenaries through a sprawling fantasy campaign, making choices that shape the world. With tactical combat, character progression, and endless content, it’s ideal for adults ready to commit to an epic, RPG like experience.

10. Bus

Genre: Route-Building, Worker Placement

Complexity: Medium

(Hashitani, 2015)

Why It’s Great: A lesser-known gem, Bus challenges 3-5 players to build transit routes in a growing city. Its minimalist design hides cutthroat strategy, as you compete to transport passengers while managing limited actions. Adult gamers will appreciate its elegant mechanics and retro charm.

11. Castles of Burgundy

Genre: Tile Placement, Strategy

Complexity: Medium

(Kunes, 2023)

Why It’s Great: Castles of Burgundy is a 2-4 player classic where you build your medieval estate using dice driven actions. Place tiles, trade goods, and plan carefully to maximize points. Its deep yet approachable gameplay and high replayability make it a staple for adults who love thoughtful strategy.

Bonus. Star Wars: Battle of Hoth (Coming Soon)

Genre: Miniatures, Tactical, Wargame

Complexity: NA

Why It’s Great: Star Wars: Battle of Hoth board game recreates the iconic Empire Strikes Back battle for 2 players using the Commands & Colors system. Choose command cards to activate units, move, and attack across 17 scenarios. Add leader cards for support from six iconic Star Wars characters or dive into multi-scenario campaigns where outcomes shape future battles. Its heroic, fast paced miniature battles thrill adults and Star Wars fans alike. This board game will be released sometime around October.

Why These Games Shine for Adults

These 11 board games cater to a range of tastes, horror, racing, economics, and more, while offering the complexity and engagement adults crave. From the cooperative depth of Gloomhaven to the competitive edge of Brass: Birmingham, each game delivers unique mechanics and immersive themes. Whether you’re hosting a casual game night or diving into a strategic marathon, this list has you covered.

Pro Tip: Many of these games are available at local game stores or online retailers. Check for expansions (like Catan: Seafarers or Viticulture: Tuscany) to add even more variety!

Which game are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments, and happy gaming!