The Top 15 Best Board Games of 2025 So Far: A Stellar Year for Tabletop Gaming
- blaze aldrich
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
By: Blaze Aldrich | September 9th, 2025
(P. Wojtasiak, 2023)
The Top 15 Best Board Games of 2025 So Far: A Stellar Year for Tabletop Gaming
2025 has been a phenomenal year for board games, delivering a mix of innovative originals, franchise-driven epics, and refreshed classics that have captivated players worldwide. If you can afford buying all these amazing games, I'd suggest you do. However if you cant afford all these board games, I still suggest you buy them all. Just FYI, I am not a financial advisor... clearly! All these board games are either selling like hot cakes and being played a ton. This games are listed from less hyped to the most hyped during their release.
15. Saltfjord
Publisher: Aporta Games
(Ottavia and Cesar, 2024)
Why It’s Hot: Emerging as a fresh release, Saltfjord is generating buzz for its potential as a unique addition to 2025’s lineup. While still building momentum, its intriguing theme or mechanics promise to captivate early adopters and fuel growing excitement.
Gameplay Highlights: If you love dice drafting and building settlements, this game is for you!
Why You’ll Love It: A potential hidden gem for early adopters seeking something fresh.
14. Pergola
Publisher: Rebel Studio
(Rebel Studio, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This cozy, nature-themed strategy game enchants with its accessible mechanics and gorgeous visuals. Its family-friendly design has made it a rising star, with growing sales among players seeking a relaxing yet strategic experience.
Gameplay Highlights: Point-heavy decisions in a nature-inspired setting, perfect for casual play.
Why You’ll Love It: A relaxing, visually stunning game for family game nights.
13. Santorini 2nd Edition
Publisher: Roxley Games
(Tae, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This refreshed abstract strategy game enhances the original with updated art and refined rules. Its quick, chess-like gameplay offers endless tactical fun, earning it a dedicated following among strategy enthusiasts and consistent sales.
Gameplay Highlights: Build towers and move workers in a chess-like battle of positioning.
Why You’ll Love It: A fast, elegant game for fans of abstract strategy.
12. Quacks All In Edition
Publisher: Schmidt Spiele
(Dan N, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This vibrant re-release of The Quacks of Quedlinburg bundles expansions and new content, refreshing the push-your-luck classic. Its chaotic, family-friendly gameplay and dynamic rules keep it a game-night staple, with strong sales across all ages.
Gameplay Highlights: Draw chips to brew potions, balancing risk and reward with dynamic rules.
Why You’ll Love It: A fun, accessible game for all ages and group sizes.
11. Azul Duel
Publisher: Next Move Games
(W. Debisschop, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This two-player reimagining of Azul delivers a fresh, competitive twist on the tile-laying classic. Its tactile gameplay and portable design have made it a hit for casual and strategic gamers alike, with steady sales reflecting its universal appeal.
Gameplay Highlights: Draft tiles to create high-scoring patterns in a tense, head-to-head format.
Why You’ll Love It: A streamlined, competitive twist on a modern classic.
10. Everdell Duo
Publisher: Starling Games
(A. Joncich, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This charming two-player spin-off of Everdell distills the beloved city-building game into a delightful competitive or cooperative experience. Its stunning artwork and streamlined mechanics make it a favorite for couples and Everdell fans, with strong sales on platforms like Elevated Board Games.
Gameplay Highlights: Worker placement and tableau-building with new mechanics like beacon spots.
Why You’ll Love It: A charming, quick Everdell experience for two players.
9. Shackleton Base
Publisher: Pandasaurus
(Pauline L, 2024)
Why It’s Hot: Inspired by explorer Ernest Shackleton, this cooperative adventure invites players to build a lunar base and thrive in extreme conditions. Its immersive theme and rewarding teamwork mechanics have made it a beloved choice, with sales soaring among cooperative game fans.
Gameplay Highlights: Resource management and survival mechanics in a lunar cooperative setting.
Why You’ll Love It: A thematic, challenging adventure for teamwork enthusiasts.
8. The Anarchy
Publisher: Renegade Game Studios
(I. Ushakov, 2024)
Why It’s Hot: Set in England’s 12th-century civil war, this historical gem blends cooperative and competitive gameplay, offering a fresh take on strategy gaming. Its unique theme and engaging mechanics have won over history buffs and strategists, driving strong sales and growing excitement.
Gameplay Highlights: Navigate alliances and conflicts while managing resources in a historical setting.
Why You’ll Love It: A compelling choice for players seeking innovative historical strategy.
7. The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era
Publisher: Chip Game Theory
(M. Sorbet, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: Set in the Elder Scrolls universe, this adventure game offers immersive tile-laying exploration and deep storytelling. Its rich narrative and engaging mechanics have won over RPG fans, with steady sales reflecting its appeal to fantasy enthusiasts.
Gameplay Highlights: Explore a modular world, complete quests, and uncover secrets for 1-4 players.
Why You’ll Love It: A rich, immersive experience for Elder Scrolls fans and adventure gamers.
6. Vantage
Publisher: Stonemaier Games
(Azarro, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This cooperative, roguelike adventure from Stonemaier Games invites players to explore an uncharted planet with flexible missions and rich storytelling. Its innovative open-world design and cooperative focus have sparked excitement, making it a must-play for Stonemaier fans.
Gameplay Highlights: Open-world exploration with cooperative mechanics for 1-6 players.
Why You’ll Love It: A unique, narrative-driven adventure for cooperative gamers.
5. Galactic Cruise
Publisher: Gamefound
(TK. King, 2024)
Why It’s Hot: A crowdfunding triumph, this strategic masterpiece has players vying to become CEO of a space tourism empire through clever worker placement and engine building. Its fresh sci-fi theme and deep yet approachable mechanics have captivated strategy gamers, fueling impressive sales.
Gameplay Highlights: Build ships, manage resources, and outmaneuver rivals in a sci-fi corporate race.
Why You’ll Love It: A meaty Eurogame with a unique theme for strategy enthusiasts.
4. Star Wars: Battle of Hoth
Publisher: Days of Wonder
(B. Aldrich, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: Launching August 29, 2025, this Commands & Colors-based wargame recreates the iconic Empire Strikes Back battle with stunning miniatures and 17 engaging scenarios. Its blend of accessible tactics and Star Wars flair has fans buzzing with excitement, driving stellar pre-order numbers.
Gameplay Highlights: Two-player tactical battles with command cards, controlling Rebels or Imperials across a hex-grid battlefield.
Why You’ll Love It: A fast-paced, cinematic wargame for Star Wars fans and strategy gamers.
3. Nemesis: Retaliation
Publisher: Awaken Realms
(B. Aldrich, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This sci-fi horror gem elevates the Nemesis series with heart-pounding semi-cooperative gameplay. Players work together to escape an alien-infested ship, with the ever-present thrill of betrayal adding excitement. Its top-notch production and immersive theme make it a fan favorite with soaring sales.
Gameplay Highlights: Semi-cooperative survival with resource management and hidden agendas.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for thrill-seekers who love tension and treachery.
2. Hot Streak
Publisher: CMYK
(Masato, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: This fast-paced filler game brings chaotic fun as players bet on quirky mascot races through clever card drafting. Its lighthearted energy and quick playtime have made it a crowd-pleaser, with growing sales among casual gamers.
Gameplay Highlights: Draft cards to influence races, with unpredictable, laugh-filled outcomes.
Why You’ll Love It: A hilarious, quick game for casual game nights.
1. Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship
Publisher: Z-Man Games
(Ronny T, 2025)
Why It’s Hot: Crafted by Matt Leacock, this cooperative masterpiece immerses players in the heart of Middle-earth as Fellowship members protecting the One Ring. Its gripping narrative, modular boards, and unique character abilities have ignited massive pre-order enthusiasm, making it a standout hit. The game’s accessibility and deep strategy create an unforgettable adventure.
Gameplay Highlights: Cooperative gameplay, modular boards, and character-driven mechanics for 1-5 players.
Why You’ll Love It: A gripping, replayable Tolkien adventure perfect for cooperative fans.
Why 2025 Is a Golden Year for Board Games
With epic adventures like Lord of the Rings: Fate of the Fellowship, tactical brilliance in Star Wars: Battle of Hoth, and innovative strategy in Galactic Cruise, 2025’s lineup is bursting with creativity. The soaring sales and enthusiasm for these games highlight the tabletop industry’s golden age. Which of these games are you eager to play? Share your favorites in the comments, and stay tuned for more tabletop excitement as 2025 continues!
References: Pictures are taken from www.boardgamegeek.com
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