Top 11 Board Games for $20 or Less
- blaze aldrich
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
By Blaze Aldrich | May 28, 2025
Top 11 Board Games for $20 or Less
Are you on a limited budget or just want another excuse to buy more board games? Don't worry I got you! I have created an amazing board game list that will provide you with a ton of board game fun that wont break the bank. Well unless you buy all the games on this list, which than you might have a problem. Or not, depending on how you look at it. These games are listed from cheapest to most expensive.
1. Sea, Salt & Paper ($15)
(Rolleman, 2024)
Players: 2–4 | Playtime: 20–30 minutes | Type: Card Game, Set Collection
This charming, origami inspired card game is a hidden gem. Players collect sets of sea themed cards (crabs, boats, mermaids) to score points, with clever combos and special effects adding depth. Its compact size and quick play make it perfect for travel or casual nights. The art is delightful, and the strategic choices keep everyone engaged.
Why It’s Great: Simple rules, surprising depth, and portable for on-the-go fun.
2. Exit: The Game (Various Titles, $15–$20)
(OConnor, 2021)
Players: 1–4 | Playtime: 60–90 minutes | Type: Cooperative, Puzzle, Escape Room
Exit: The Game brings escape room thrills to your table. Each standalone title (like The Abandoned Cabin or The Catacombs of Horror) tasks players with solving puzzles to “escape.” It’s a one-time play (unless reset), but the immersive experience is worth it. Affordable and intense, it’s ideal for puzzle lovers.
Why It’s Great: Brain teasing cooperative fun that feels like a real escape room.
3. The Mind ($15)
(Weinstein, 2018)
Players: 2–4 | Playtime: 15–20 minutes | Type: Cooperative, Card Game
The Mind is a unique, almost telepathic card game where players must play numbered cards (1–100) in ascending order, without speaking. It sounds simple, but the silent coordination creates hilarious and tense moments. It’s a quick, addictive game that sparks laughter and connection.
Why It’s Great: Innovative, cooperative, and perfect for breaking the ice.
4. Mouse, Cheese, Cat, Cucumber ($15)
(Johnston, 2020)
Players: 2–4 | Playtime: 15–20 minutes | Type: Card Game, Trick-Taking
In Mouse, Cheese, Cat, Cucumber, each character has a unique goal: mouse seeks cheese, cat chases mouse, cheese wants peace, cucumber traps all. Players shape the maze, but secret roles drive strategy. Place a room to shift the maze and characters, aiming to outsmart rivals. Four modes: multiplayer, two solo, and a puzzle to complete the maze.
Why It’s Great: Easy to learn, delightfully chaotic, and great for all ages.
5. The Fox in the Forest Duet ($18)
Players: 2 | Playtime: 30 minutes | Type: Card Game, Trick-Taking
In The Fox in the Forest Duet, two players cooperate to collect 22 gems in three rounds using a 30 card deck. Win tricks to move a tracker along a path, collecting gems when landing nearby. Special cards adjust movement or swap cards. Each round, add gems, shorten the path, and reshuffle. Win by collecting all gems; lose if time or path runs out.
Why It’s Great: Deep strategy in a small package, ideal for two player fans.
6. Lost Cities ($20)
(Dolek, 2020)
Players: 2 | Playtime: 30 minutes | Type: Card Game, Set Collection
This classic two player card game has you embarking on expeditions by playing cards in ascending order across five colored suits. Risk and reward drive every decision, push too far, and you’ll lose points. Its elegant design and quick setup make it a staple for couples or head-to-head gamers.
Why It’s Great: Tense, strategic, and endlessly replayable for two.
7. Targi ($20)
(Danzer, 2012)
Players: 2 | Playtime: 45–60 minutes | Type: Strategy, Worker Placement
Targi is a brilliant two player game where you place workers on a grid to collect resources, trade goods, and build your tribe. Its modular board and card driven actions create a rich, tactical experience. Despite its depth, it’s accessible and fits in a small box.
Why It’s Great: Complex strategy that’s still approachable and portable.
8. Codenames ($20)
Players: 2–8+ | Playtime: 15–30 minutes | Type: Party, Word Game
A modern classic, Codenames pits two teams against each other to uncover their secret agents using one word clues. It’s easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and scales well for small or large groups. Perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Why It’s Great: Hilarious, inclusive, and sparks creative thinking.
9. Skull ($20)
(Hajny, 2014)
Players: 3–6 | Playtime: 15–45 minutes | Type: Bluffing, Party
Skull is a pure bluffing game where players place coasters (roses or skulls) and bid on how many they can flip without revealing a skull. Its simple rules hide a thrilling psychological battle. The vibrant art and quick rounds make it a party favorite.
Why It’s Great: High stakes bluffing that’s easy to teach and endlessly fun.
10. Just One ($20)
Players: 3–7 | Playtime: 20 minutes | Type: Cooperative, Party, Word Game
In this cooperative party game, players give one word clues to help a teammate guess a word but identical clues cancel out. It’s fast, funny, and brings out everyone’s creativity. Just One is a fantastic icebreaker for any group.
Why It’s Great: Simple, inclusive, and guarantees laughs.
11. Tea for 2 ($20)
(Olejniczak, 2020)
Players: 2 | Playtime: 30 minutes | Type: Card Game, Deck-Building
A whimsical Alice in Wonderland themed deck builder, Tea for 2 has players competing to create the best tea party. The unique “flip” mechanic (like War) adds luck, while card combos bring strategy. Its gorgeous art and compact size make it a charming two player gem.
Why It’s Great: Fun, accessible deck-building with a delightful theme.
Bonus. That's Pretty Clever ($25)
Players: 1-4 | Playtime: 20 minutes | Type: Dice Rolling
I know, I know this is a little more than $20, but sometimes you can find it a bit cheaper than $25 such as on Elevated Board Games. That was a small self promotion there. If you love rolling dice and a bit of strategy, That's Pretty Clever is your game! You roll dice to create combinations to collect special abilities and improve your score as the game goes along. Great for all ages.
Why It's Great: Roll a ton of dice, family friendly, and easy to learn
Why Choose Budget Board Games?
These games prove you don’t need to spend a fortune for quality entertainment. Priced at $20 or less, they offer diverse experiences, cooperative puzzles, strategic duels, bluffing battles, and party laughs. Most are portable, easy to learn, and replayable, making them ideal for students, families, or anyone building a game collection on a budget.
Tips for Buying: Check local game stores or sites like Elevated Board Games for deals. Prices may vary slightly, but all these games are widely available under $20 as of 2025.
What’s Your Favorite? Have you played any of these, or is there another budget game you love? Share your thoughts, and let’s keep the board game conversation going! Happy gaming!
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