Bringing people together over board games has a special magic, helping us form bonds and create memories that last. But not all board games are made equal. Some are better for family groups, some for groups of close friends who know each other well, and others work best with a mix of players. So what are the best board games for different situations and group types?
For the Family
Many of our favourites on this list are suitable for the whole family, with rules that can be tweaked to suit younger kids. For example, Dinosaur Escape is one of the best board games for young kids and can be played as early as age 2-3. It has a great educational value, too: teaching kids about colors and counting, while they try to rescue three dinosaurs from the volcano before it erupts!
For Friends
If you want to break the ice with new friends or acquaintances, a good party board game is often the way to go. Fortunately, there are plenty to choose from, including the classic Monopoly (although it’s a bit unbalanced and can take hours to play) and Codenames, which is quick, simple, and easy for everyone to understand.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, we suggest checking out Ticket to Ride or Catan. These German-style games are extremely well balanced and provide a surprising amount of strategic depth. Plus, they usually have running times of 45 minutes to an hour and a half, making them ideal for a busy group of friends. Or check out Root, which features a charming aesthetic by Mouse Guard designer Kyle Ferrin and has player pieces in the shape of animals with expressive eyes that really bring them to life.