If you like board games and you like maps, you’ve almost certainly played Risk and have likely also played such classics as Diplomacy and Settlers of Catan before.
While these are all great games, they don’t even begin to scratch the surface of what’s out there. There’s a whole world of map based strategy board games you’ve been missing out on, until now.
Below we’ve listed 27 of the best, based mostly off rankings from boardgamegeek.com, which is pretty much the ultimate source for board game information.
Unless you’re the world’s biggest boardgame geek (and hats off to you if you are) then we guarantee that there will be at least a few that you’ve never played before.
1. Brass: Birmingham
Description: Brass: Birmingham is an economic strategy game sequel to Martin Wallace’ 2007 masterpiece, Brass. Birmingham tells the story of competing entrepreneurs in Birmingham during the industrial revolution, between the years of 1770-1870.
As in its predecessor, you must develop, build, and establish your industries and network, in an effort to exploit low or high market demands.
Each round, players take turns according to the turn order track, receiving two actions to perform any of the following actions (found in the original game):
1) Build – Pay required resources and place an industry tile.
2) Network – Add a rail / canal link, expanding your network.
3) Develop – Increase the VP value of an industry.
4) Sell – Sell your cotton, manufactured goods and pottery.
5) Loan – Take a £30 loan and reduce your income.
Brass: Birmingham also features a new sixth action:
6) Scout – Discard three cards and take a wild location and wild industry card. (This action replaces Double Action Build in original Brass.)
The game is played over two halves: the canal era (years 1770-1830) and the rail era (years 1830-1870). To win the game, score the most VPs. VPs are counted at the end of each half for the canals, rails and established (flipped) industry tiles.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.396
Buy: Buy Brass: Birmingham On Amazon Here
2. Ark Nova
Description: In Ark Nova, you will plan and design a modern, scientifically managed zoo. With the ultimate goal of owning the most successful zoological establishment, you will build enclosures, accommodate animals, and support conservation projects all over the world.
Specialists and unique buildings will help you in achieving this goal. At the heart of Ark Nova are 255 cards featuring animals, specialists, unique enclosures, and conservation projects, each with a particular ability.
Use them to increase the appeal and scientific reputation of your zoo and to collect conservation points. Each player has a set of action cards, which you will use and upgrade to carry out your plans. Each player has a set of five action cards to manage their gameplay, and the power of an action is determined by the slot the card currently occupies.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.355
Buy: Ark Nova On Amazon Here
3. War of The Ring 2nd Edition
Description: The War Of The Ring Is A Grand Strategy Board Game That Allows Its Players To Immerse Themselves In The World Of J.R.R. Tolkien’S The Lord Of The Rings And Experience Its Epic Action, Dramatic Conflict, And Memorable Characters.
As The Free Peoples Player, You Command The Proud Hosts Of The Most Important Kingdoms Of The Third Age. From The Horse-Lords Of Rohan To The Soldiers Of Gondor And The Elven Lords Of Rivendell, You Lead The Defense Of The Last Free Realms Of Middle-Earth.
Face The Evil Minions Of Sauron On The Field Of Battle In A Desperate Attempt To Delay Their Onslaught, While You Lead The Fellowship Of The Ring In The Quest For Mount Doom.
As The Shadow Player You Lead The Hordes Of The Dark Lord And His Most Powerful Minions As They Try To Bring Darkness To Middle-Earth. Legions Of Orcs, Trolls, Wolfriders And The Dreadful Ringwraiths Await Your Command.
Hunt The Ring-Bearer And Bring The Precious Ring To His Master Or Crush Your Enemies With Your Unstoppable Armies. This Is Your Chance To Forge The Destiny Of An Age
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.197
Buy: War of The Ring 2nd Edition On Amazon Here
4. Terraforming Mars
Description: Terraforming Mars is a widely acclaimed strategy board game where players take control of competing corporations tasked with transforming the Red Planet into a habitable world.
Each corporation begins with unique strengths that shape early decisions, and as the game progresses players invest in hundreds of project cards that modify production, create new infrastructures, or directly impact the global parameters of Mars.
Temperature, oxygen, and ocean coverage must all rise for the planet to become livable, and each improvement advances the shared goal while rewarding the players who contributed most effectively.
At its core, Terraforming Mars is a deep engine building experience. Project cards can enhance resource generation, unlock long term scoring opportunities, or introduce powerful effects that shift the state of the board.
Players must decide when to develop production, when to pursue immediate points, and when to secure key positions for greenery or city tiles.
Competition remains tight as players vie for milestones and awards, place tiles strategically, and balance short term income with long term planning. Terraforming Mars has become a modern classic due to its replayability, modular design, and compatibility with expansions.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.189
Buy: Terraforming Mars On Amazon Here
5. Star Wars: Rebellion
Description: Dive into the legendary conflict of the Star Wars galaxy with the Star Wars: Rebellion board game.
Designed for two to four players, this game offers an unparalleled opportunity to control the fate of the Galactic Empire or the fledgling Rebel Alliance.
With more than 150 plastic miniatures and two game boards that represent thirty-two of the galaxy’s most significant systems, the scope of your strategic warfare is as vast as the Star Wars universe itself. Star Wars: Rebellion is not just a game of military might and galactic conquest.
It’s an intensely personal and cinematic journey that relies on the strategic planning and individual heroics of iconic characters from the Star Wars saga. Whether you’re orchestrating the galaxy’s downfall as Grand Moff Tarkin or leading the rebel charge as Leia Organa, the success of your mission hinges on critical decisions and daring missions.
The game’s unique mechanic of plotting turns secretly adds a layer of suspense and strategy, allowing players to reveal their plans in dramatic fashion as the narrative unfolds. Whether you’re attempting to bring down the Empire’s infrastructure with the Rebels or searching for their hidden base as the Imperial forces, every decision can tip the balance of power.
Embrace the role of the Rebel Alliance, conducting daring strikes against Imperial strongholds, or spread the might of the Empire across the galaxy, employing bounty hunters to crush the rebellion. With immersive gameplay, strategic depth, and cinematic moments, Star Wars: Rebellion offers an epic adventure that faithfully captures the spirit and excitement of the Star Wars universe.
Step into the commander’s role and decide the fate of the galaxy.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.167
Buy: Star Wars: Rebellion On Amazon Here
6. Spirit Island
Discerption: Powerful spirits have existed on this isolated Island for time immemorial.
They are both part of the natural world and – at the same time – something beyond nature. Native Islanders, known as the dahan, have learned how to co-exist with the spirits, but with a healthy dose of fear and reverence.
However, now, the Island has been “discovered” by invaders from a far-off land.
These would-be colonists are taking over the land and upsetting the natural balance, destroying the presence of spirits as they go. As spirits, you must grow in power and work together to drive the invaders from your Island… before it’s too late!
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.142
Buy: Spirit Island On Amazon Here
7. Gaia Project
Description: Epic Space Exploration: Gaia Project by Capstone Games is an advanced strategy board game that immerses players in space colonization, terraforming, and building powerful space factions. Perfect for 1-5 players, this sci-fi game offers hours of fun and strategic decision-making.
Engaging Strategy Gameplay: This high-replay value board game challenges players to control unique factions, terraform planets, research technologies, and establish federations. With complex strategy mechanics, Gaia Project is ideal for adult gamers who love deep, tactical decision-making.
Family-Friendly Strategy: Although designed for adults, Gaia Project is great for family board game nights. Players can enjoy the excitement of building their own space colony, expanding their territory, and competing in space exploration to dominate the galaxy. A must-have for any strategy enthusiast.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.089
Buy: Gaia Project On Amazon Here
8. Twilight Struggle
Description: Twilight Struggle is a two-player game simulating the forty-five year dance of intrigue, prestige, and occasional flares of warfare between the Soviet Union and the United States.
The entire world is the stage on which these two titans fight to make the world safe for their own ideologies and ways of life.
The game begins amidst the ruins of Europe as the two new “superpowers” scramble over the wreckage of the Second World War, and ends in 1989, when only the United States remained standing.
It is a quick-playing, low-complexity game. The game map is a world map of the period, whereon players move units and exert influence in attempts to gain allies and control for their superpower.
As with other card-driven games, decision-making is a challenge; how to best use one’s cards and units given consistently limited resources?
Twilight Struggle’s Event cards add detail and flavor to the game.
They cover a vast array of historical happenings, from the Arab- Israeli conflicts of 1948 and 1967, to Vietnam and the U.S. peace movement, to the Cuban Missile Crisis and other such incidents that brought the world to the brink of nuclear annihilation.
Subsystems capture the prestige-laden Space Race as well as nuclear tensions, with the possibility of game-ending nuclear war.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.042
Buy: Twilight Struggle On Amazon Here
9. The Castles of Burgundy
Description: Step into the Renaissance era with the Ravensburger Castles of Burgundy Board Game.
As the hundred years’ War has ended, conditions are ripe for the princes of the Loire Valley to bring their estates to prosperity. This top-selling game, designed by Stefan Feld, offers an engaging and strategic experience. Players add settlements and castles, trade along the river, operate silver mines, farm livestock, and more.
Each decision you make can either propel your realm to glory or lead to your downfall. The game includes numerous components, from six-sided tiles to worker tiles, bonus tiles, victory tiles, and more, all designed to enrich the gameplay.
Suitable for 2-4 players and recommended for ages 12 years and up, this game is a perfect choice for a family game night or a gathering with friends. Expect 30-90 minutes of immersive gameplay that encourages strategic thinking and planning. Embrace the opportunity to rule your realm with the Ravensburger Castles of Burgundy Board Game.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.029
Buy: The Castles of Burgundy On Amazon Here
10. Great Western Trail
Description: Epic adventures await you on the Great Western Trail.
19th century America never looked so breath taking.
Great Western Trail Second Edition marks the return of Alexander Pfister’s epic strategy masterpiece with new cool features and new components for an even greater journey.
Buy the most valuable cows to deliver the best cattle to Kansas City’s train station. From there, bring them to New York to earn money and points to become the best rancher. Hire cowboys, builders and engineers to get closer to your goal: – find cows which increase your cattle – value construct buildings to get more actions – ride your train to reach the farthest cities.
With an abundance of strategies, plan all your actions wisely and make the most out of every decision to find the trail to victory.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.977
Buy: Great Western Trail On Amazon Here
11. The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth
Description: A dark rumour rises from Mordor.
The Eye turns to Middle-earth.
The hour has come.
The Fellowship is reunited. The Heroes prepare for battle.
In Duel for Middle-earth, you’ll have to choose sides. Play as the Fellowship of the Ring, prevent the Enemy from gaining ground and destroy the One Ring.
Or play as Sauron and send your Nazgûls after Sam and Frodo, spreading your hordes over enemy cities.
The fate of Middle-earth is in your hands!
A game is played in 3 successive chapters.
On your turn, play a card or a High Place to increase your skills, swell your treasury, expand your presence in Middle-earth, rally Races to your cause, or help you progress in the Quest for the Ring.
Win the game immediately by fulfilling one of the following 3 conditions: win the Quest for the Ring, seal an alliance with 6 Races or dominate Middle-earth.
Celebrated by fans and critics alike, Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth is the proud Winner of the Best Two-Player Game in the BoardGameGeek 18th Annual Gaming Awards—a testament to its outstanding design, replayability, and immersive theme. Perfect for game nights, collectors, and Lord of the Rings enthusiasts, this award-winning game belongs in every board gamer’s collection.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.966
Buy: The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth On Amazon Here
12. Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
Description: Eclipse – 2nd Dawn for the Galaxy is a new release of 2020 and it replaces the classic 2011 version of the game.
Eclipse places you in control of a vast interstellar civilization.
Explore new star systems, research technologies, and build spaceships with which to wage war.
There are many potential paths to victory, so you need to plan your strategy according to the strengths and weaknesses of your species, while paying attention to the other civilizations’ endeavors.
Eclipse is a “4X” game where players will command a human or alien species that explores, expands, exploits, and exterminates their way to victory.
Over 8 rounds, each player will select actions to achieve their goals, carefully managing resources, engaging in epic battles with one another and the Ancients that lie in wait.
Only one will guide the galaxy toward the second dawn. This new edition features new components and thoughtfully revised content, incorporating material from former expansions to create the best possible updated version of the game.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.962
Buy: Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy On Amazon Here
13. Brass: Lancashire
Description: AWARD-WINNING DESIGN: The critically acclaimed Martin Wallace original masterpiece and Winner of multiple Game of the Year Awards and a BoardGameGeek Hall of Fame Inductee.
BALANCED RULESET: The rules in Brass: Lancashire are deceptively straightforward and have been tweaked and balanced, creating an interesting gameplay dynamic that is simple to understand and teach.
THEMATIC, DEEP GAMEPLAY: The original masterpiece was first published in 2008 and is widely regarded as one of the deepest, most replayable economic games ever designed.
IMPROVED PLAYER EXPERIENCE: Brass: Lancashire includes improved 2 & 3-player rules that are more consistent with the 4-player experience.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.958
Buy: Brass: Lancashire On Amazon Here
14. Scythe
Description: Scythe is an engine-building game set in an alternate-history 1920s period.
It is a time of farming and war, broken hearts and rusted gears.
Each player represents a character from one of five factions who are attempting to earn their fortune and vie for dominance in the land around the mysterious Factory. Players conquer territory, gain villagers and resources, build structures, and activate monstrous mechs.
Explore: It is a time of unrest in 1920s Europa. The ashes from the first great war still darken the snow. The capitalistic city-state known simply as “The Factory”, which fueled the war with heavily armored mechs, has closed its doors, drawing the attention of several nearby countries.
High Replayability and Variability: With five different factions and five different player boards, players can mix and match to enhance replayability. Asymmetric powers keep the game fresh every time!
Quick Turns: Scythe uses a streamlined action-selection mechanism (no rounds or phases) to keep gameplay moving at a brisk pace and reduce downtime between turns. This area majority strategy game for 1-5 players has a 115 minute playing time with only a 5 minute setup time. Great game for couples, solo gamers, 2 players, family, and friends.
Low Luck and Randomness: Scythe gives players almost complete control over their fate. Other than each player’s individual hidden objective card, the only elements of luck are “encounter” cards that players will draw as they interact with the citizens of newly explored lands.
Beautifully Designed and Illustrated: Designed by Jamey Stegmaier (Viticulture). Richly developed alternate reality with interesting and beautiful 1920+ artwork done by Jakub Rozalski (Iron Harvest).
Cold War Tension: The tension comes more from the threat of combat than the combat itself. Combat hurts both parties but can also benefit both parties. Popularity is lost when you are the attacker in Scythe or forcing a worker to move off of their land, but popularity is gained when making decisions that would gain popularity in a story.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.949
Buy: Scythe On Amazon Here
15. Concordia
Description: Concordia is a masterclass in peaceful economic strategy set during the height of the Roman Empire, approximately 2,000 years ago.
With peace at the borders, harmony within provinces, uniform law, and a common currency, the empire’s economy thrives.
Your role: guide one of Rome’s mighty dynasties as you expand throughout the empire’s remote realms.
Core Gameplay Elements: Send colonists to develop new territories and establish your economic influence.
Build and manage trade networks connecting cities across the Mediterranean.
Appease the ancient gods through strategic offerings to secure their favor.
Compete against two to five opponents in a game of pure strategic skill.
Play time averages 90 minutes per session with ages 13 and up.
What Sets Concordia Apart: Unlike typical strategy board games that rely on dice rolls or card luck, Concordia demands genuine strategic thinking.
Watch your rivals closely to determine their goals and objectives, then outpace them through superior planning and resource allocation.
This Euro-style design rewards forward-thinking players who can anticipate competition and adapt their economic strategies accordingly.
Perfect for board game enthusiasts seeking intellectual challenge, meaningful social connection, and long-term replay value. Concordia builds communities of strategic thinkers while delivering the elegant game design that serious collectors appreciate.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.926
Buy: Concordia On Amazon Here
16. Root: A Game of Woodland Might and Right
Description: Root is a game of adventure and war where 2 to 4 players battle for control of a vast wilderness.
The nefarious Marquise de Cat has seized the great woodland, intent on harvesting its riches.
Under her rule, the many creatures of the forest have banded together. This Alliance will seek to strengthen its resources and subvert the rule of Cats.
In this effort, the Alliance may enlist the help of the wandering Vagabonds who are able to move through the more dangerous woodland paths. Though some may sympathize with the Alliance’s hopes and dreams, these wanderers are old enough to remember the great birds of prey who once controlled the woods.
Meanwhile, at the edge of the region, the proud, squabbling Eyrie have found a new commander who they hope will lead their faction to resume their ancient birthright.
The stage is set for a contest that will decide the fate of the great woodland. It is up to the players to decide which group will ultimately take root.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.881
Buy: Root On Amazon Here
17. Terra Mystica
Description: Terra Mystica Big Box delivers intricate strategic gameplay where players master unique faction powers, plan land development, expand territory, and carefully balance multiple resources, creating a deeply engaging, immersive, and highly replayable Euro-style board game experience for strategy enthusiasts.
In this peaceful strategy game, you’ll decide the destiny of your faction.
Choose between witches, darklings, dragon masters, and 17 other factions.
Terraform the world to your ideas and construct a large number of buildings. Upgrade them and gain various resources as regular income.
Build your stronghold to activate your faction’s special ability. Build temples and gain influence in the four cults of fire, earth, water, and air!
Use the unique ability of your faction. Terra Mystica offers a great depth of play without being unnecessarily complicated. The numerous factions and different round scorings make for high re-playability.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.862
Buy: Terra Mystica On Amazon Here
18. Orléans
Description: During the medieval goings-on around Orléans, you must assemble a following of farmers, merchants, knights, monks, etc. to gain supremacy through trade, construction and science in medieval France.
In the city of Orléans and the area of the Loire, you can take trade trips to other cities to acquire coveted goods and build trading posts.
You need followers and their abilities to expand your dominance by putting them to work as traders, builders, and scientists. Knights expand your scope of action and secure your mercantile expeditions
Craftsmen build trading stations and tools to facilitate work.
Scholars make progress in science, and last but not least it cannot hurt to get active in monasteries since with monks on your side you are much less likely to fall prey to fate.
In Orléans, you will always want to take more actions than possible, and there are many paths to victory. The challenge is to combine all elements as best as possible with regard to your strategy.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.859
Buy: Orléans On Amazon Here
19. Barrage
Description: Barrage is a deep and highly competitive board game for players who love intense decision-making and long-term planning.
Set in a dystopian 1930s Alpine region, this heavy economic board game puts you in charge of an international power company racing to harness rivers and dominate hydroelectric production. Designed for fans of euro board games and strategy board games for adults, Barrage delivers a tense, low-luck experience where every action matters.
At its core, Barrage combines tight worker placement, resource management, and engine building.
Players compete over a shared and constantly contested resource: water.
You will build dams to intercept water, increase their capacity, store it in reservoirs, and carefully channel it through tunnels to your powerhouses. Timing is everything—water used by one player is no longer available to others, creating constant interaction, blocking, and tactical tension.
Over five rounds, you must manage limited machinery, credits, and engineers to fulfil power contracts, unlock income, and optimize your production network.
Strategic planning is rewarded, but adaptability is essential as opponents disrupt your plans and seize key opportunities. The game features asymmetric companies, unique CEOs, variable setup conditions, scoring objectives, and bonuses, ensuring immense replayability and no two games ever feel the same.
Barrage is a one of complex board games for adults plays excellently across player counts, including as a challenging 1 player game and solo game, and offers a razor-sharp experience as a 2 player game, while fully shining at higher player counts.
Its blend of elegant systems and interaction places it among the most respected fancy board games for experienced players seeking depth and mastery.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.837
Buy: Barrage On Amazon Here
20. Mage Knight
Description: Created by the Renowned Game Designer, Vlaada Chvatil, Mage Knight is a game of Epic Exploration and Conquest that mixes character development, intrigue, and the clashing of swords to create a truly unique gaming experience.
Enter the mysterious world of the Atlantean Empire as 1 of 4 Heroes (or villians) in this expansive world that allows players to conquer lands, steer the wheels of history and give birth to legends in this exciting all in one board game.
Choose to play competitively or cooperatively with other players as you roam the countryside affecting your own reputation by being either the benevolent leader or brutal tyrant. Accumulate Fame and experience that translate into more powerful Spells and abilities, then use your power to influence units to join your ranks.
Will you play the Hero and gain favor among the people or will you destroy monasteries to steal Legendary artifacts hidden within?
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.837
Buy: Mage Knight On Amazon Here
21. Pax Pamir (2nd Edition)
Description: Pax Pamir transports you into the court of an Afghan warlord navigating the politics and power of Central Asia in the 19th century.
Play court cards to place pieces and take actions. Initiate battles. Build infrastructure. Tax players. Hold your opponents actions hostage.
Includes Beautiful Resin Pieces and Cloth Map
Experience this lavish production with resin blocks, a printed cloth map, screen-printed wooden tokens and 150+ cards with period art work that simulate this tumultuous historical period.
Experience the radicalizing solo opponent Wakhan which presents a tricky, tactical puzzle for a rich single player experience.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.768
Buy: Pax Pamir On Amazon Here
22. Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West
Description: Get ready for the ultimate train adventure in Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West.
This remarkable board game takes you on a legendary journey through 12 exciting games, where you’ll step into the shoes of a railway company owner in North America.
Your goal is to build an empire, amass wealth, and create a railway legacy that will be remembered for generations. While completing tickets remains your primary objective, Legends of the West adds a thrilling twist. You’ll need to develop new skills to conquer unexpected events and outsmart resourceful rivals.
Game by game, route by route, you’ll accumulate earnings and open frontier boxes that hold the key to unlocking new rules, exciting content, and countless surprises. This campaign is a journey you won’t want to miss.
Designed by the masterminds of board gaming, Rob Daviau, Matt Leacock, and Alan R. Moon, Ticket to Ride Legacy offers the perfect blend of accessibility and immersion.
You can quickly learn the game, but it unfolds into a rich and narrative-driven experience that will captivate both newcomers and seasoned fans.
After completing the Legacy campaign, you’ll be left with a unique and personal Ticket to Ride game that boasts new board maps and gameplay, providing endless entertainment.
It’s a game that you can treasure forever, offering a fresh take on a classic favorite. Discover the world’s best-selling train game in a scenario-driven adventure where gameplay and story meld over the course of 12 games. Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West is the ultimate train adventure that transports you to a bygone era of railway exploration and strategy.
Are you ready to embark on this legendary journey?
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.757
Buy: Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West On Amazon Here
23. Pandemic Legacy: Season 0
Description: 1962. The height of the Cold War.
In the third and final instalment of the Pandemic Legacy trilogy, players take on the roles of medical specialists turned CIA agents to investigate and prevent the development of a deadly Soviet bioweapon.
Travel the world using carefully constructed aliases, seeking out the enemy and uncovering their secrets. As you complete missions over the course of 12 months, every success, failure, and decision will determine the course of history.
Can you save humanity from this dangerous new biothreat?
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.739
Buy: Pandemic Legacy: Season 0 On Amazon Here
24. Pandemic Legacy: Season 2
Description: Gather your gear and prepare to venture into the unknown!
in Pandemic legacy: season 2, the world has been ravaged by a Virulent plague and humanity very survival hangs in the balance.
It is up to you to get the last remaining cities the supplies they need while unraveling the mysteries of the plague. Your efforts during this time will carry you past the edge of the known world.
Each step you take leaves its mark on the world, affecting future games and bringing you closer to dark secrets that could change the course of history. No matter what happens, though, the world is counting on you. You are humanity’s last chance.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.690
Buy: Pandemic Legacy: Season 2 On Amazon Here
25. Power Grid
Description: Experience Strategic Mastery in the Ultimate Power Grid Board GamePower Grid Recharged delivers all the economic strategy and competitive depth of the beloved classic, now enhanced with refinements that elevate gameplay to new heights.
Build your energy empire by managing resources, acquiring power plants, and constructing distribution networks across the board.
How will you generate electricity? Choose your path:
Burn coal or oil with traditional methods
Embrace garbage incineration for unique advantages
Pursue nuclear power by acquiring uranium
Go ecological with renewable independence
Success requires vigilant opponent observation, careful money management, and thoughtful network expansion. Outmaneuver competitors in the resource auction, secure the most attractive power plants, and build the largest network you can power.
The player who constructs the biggest network and successfully powers it emerges victorious.
Perfect for Strategic Gamers: With 90+ minutes of engaging gameplay, complex decision-making, and endless tactical variation, Power Grid Recharged brings your gaming group together for memorable nights of intellectual challenge and competitive strategy. Compatible with all previous expansions to enhance your tabletop collection.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.683
Buy: Power Grid On Amazon Here
26. Great Western Trail: New Zealand
Description: Kia ora, and welcome to Great Western Trail New Zealand!
Heading out on the trail for one last time! You are now a runholder traveling the vast fields of New Zealand. T
his game will engage long-term fans and charm new ones with distinct mechanisms that blend perfectly. An epic conclusion to a great trilogy to include in your collection!
Well-respected and talented designer Alexander Pfister did it again! Familiar gameplay in a new landscape with many strategies to explore creates a unique and engaging experience.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.662
Buy: Great Western Trail: New Zealand On Amazon Here
27. Maracaibo
Description: The Caribbean in the 17th century: you are Seafarers and adventurers, trying to increase your reputation with various nations, establish strong alliances, and obtain wealth and fame.
Only if you manage to successfully implement your plans, victory shall be yours!
This can be achieved through different strategies, upgrading your ship to a mighty vessel, engaging in combat, working as a privateer, building a network of assistants, setting off on expeditions, fulfilling quests, and much more.
Immerse yourself in a colorful world full of adventures and opportunities.
Climb aboard and set sail for maracaibo! A unique story mode: you can optionally play maracaibo as a campaign, experiencing an exciting story as you go. In the process, several surprises change how the game plays out! Find out what your Destiny holds for you!
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.637
Buy: Great Western Trail: New Zealand On Amazon Here
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- 6 Best Game of Thrones Board Games & Expansions Reviewed & Ranked
- 10 Pandemic Board Game Versions & Expansions Ranked Best To Worst
- 11 Fun Star Wars Board Games You Need To Play
- 14 Best Ticket To Ride Board Game Versions & Expansions
- 21 Unique Monopoly Board Game Versions You Can Buy Online
- 9 Game Of Life Board Game Versions You Haven’t Tried
Have we missed your favourite? Let us know what games you would add to the list, by leaving a comment below:
Mark P says
This list is very much a beginner’s list. The most stunning (good) boardgames with (good) maps include Festung Budapest (for Advanced Squad Leader), Streets of Stalingrad, The Killing Ground, Ardennes ’44, War Between the States (2000s edition, not 1970s edition), and so on. You’ve got to go to hardcore board wargaming for the best maps.
Barry says
You sir, have no taste.
Kurt Weihs says
I’m going to have to disagree. I have been a wargamer since the mid 70’s and have to disagree. I love wargaming, but to write off any of these games simply because they aren’t wargames is absurd. I also don’t see a need to go hardcore to find good maps. Aesthetically, I typically find just the opposite to be true. The ASL maps and counters have never left the 70’s and while they are good at conveying the information you need to play the game they are not what anyone would mistake for graphically stunning. This pretty much goes for the other games you mention as well. If you are looking for beautiful wargames I am surprised you left out Sekigahara or the La Battaille series by Clash of Arms.
Tcaalaw says
You need to see the full-scale Festung Budapest map if you don’t think ASL maps can be “graphically stunning.”
Dirk Manly says
The list is titled “Best map-based games” not “Most-visually stunning map-based games.”
Honestly, there’s more to game design than creating eye-candy for the tiny-minded folk.
Tlirik says
Being an Advanced Squad Leader gamer I have to say I do consider some of the maps to be art, ASL is not necessarily a “best” map based game. Yes, it’s one of the craziest games I’ve played with respect to detail. In that respect I might call it the “ultimate” map based game. But again, that doesn’t make it the best. Best often appeals to many, and ASL is just too laser focused to be of interest (or in the capability) of many gamers.
I would hazard to say that Combat Commander, in the same vein as ASL and on this list, is in fact a better game. It’s easier to play, less expensive, more accessible, yet capture almost everything ASL does while doing it in 20 pages or rules instead of 200.
I’m not bashing ASL. It’s an incredible system, but the system it uses to simulate tactical WWII warfare is analogous to using a nuclear weapon to dig a hole to plant a shrub in your yard.
That being said, I’ve always had a soft spot for Roborally, but it didn’t make this list. =)
Scott Moore says
Terra Mystica and Paths of Glory are certainly not beginner’s games by any definition of the word beginner. It is also obvious to anyone who reads through it that this is a list of best games that happen to have maps and not a list of best maps featured in games.
QuesoKing31 says
Yes yes yes, those are all good, but the single best, most complex, difficult, strategy-based, largest, and longest map-based board game is indisputably Axis & Allies 1940 Europe & Pacific combined to make Axis and Allies GLOBAL!
Jason says
I can’t believe Letters from White Chapel isn’t on this list. It should definitely be in the top 10 IMHO.
Mikołaj Witkowski says
Probably because it is not a strategy game.
Scott Moore says
Sigh, why can’t people read…? This is a list of best games based on the bgg rankings. Letters from White Chapel is at the number 135 position, so would make it among the top 100 map-based board games but not the top 28.
bayonetbrant says
Anything with art from Mark Mahaffey
http://www.west2productions.com/Mapology/_NEW/index.htm
Scott Moore says
Well, not anything…He has certainly contributed his artwork to many fine games, but not all of them are among the best. Kingdom of Heaven was a disappointment – I’ll stick to Crusader Rex for my fix of that particular historical theme. That designer’s follow up, Richard III – another game featuring a very nice Mahaffey map – was also below par.
Anye Freer says
It may be a “beginners list” if you are looking from a wargaming-only perspective, since many of these are not wargames but many of these games are by no means beginners games (Twilight Struggle, Paths of Glory, Age of Steam are not games anyone with a lick of sense would use to introduce someone to gaming.) I think it’s an excellent cross-section of gaming with a few lightweight, a number of middleweight, and a few pretty meaty games spanning Eurogame, Ameritrash, and CDG genres. These maps are generally attractive and interesting and will appeal to a wider audience than the most hardcore wargames would.
AV Dad says
I take issue with your warmongering description, but do agree that some very nice game maps have been left off.
Martin Sharman says
Anye, I never claimed to have more than a lick of sense, but I have used Twilight Struggle to introduce quite a few people to modern boardgames. Admittedly not as the first game – Power Grid took pole position – or their second – the original Brass got that place. But the third.
It matters who the newcomer is. In this case they were all MSc or PhD candidates or post-doc researchers and I felt they could easily deal with the game concepts in TS – the play is really not that complex, despite the game’s strategic depth. The group is still going 3 years later and TS is among the best-liked games, even if it doesn’t get to the table often.
Paths of Glory, not so much. Great game, but so many if… then… that I still haven’t found anyone I feel would hold still long enough for me to teach the game.
jhoratio76 says
This is an excellent list and better than about 99% of the “here are some new boardgames you haven’t tried” type article. Great variety and all of these are truly great and/or influential games. No need for hardcore wargames to access great maps.
Ray says
I don’t think this was a best map list (Command and Colors Ancients is a
blank map for instance!) although i too thought it was before
rereading, but a best games that have maps list. That said I would love
to see a best maps on boardgames list (and agree about Festung
Budapest)
Simon Skov Hansen says
A bunch of good games on here! I can’t help but think that the game with the most spectacular map has to be High Frontier, a game about industrializing and colonizing our solar system. You can check out the map here: http://i.imgur.com/hZ58bEA.png
Tcaalaw says
Yes, “The High Frontier” map. particularly with the interstellar expansion on it is such a work of art that I’ve been serious tempted to buy an extra copy of the map just to hang it as a work of art.
AV Dad says
That is a wonderful map! How’s the game?
Ulrich says
First time I saw the High Frontier map, for a few minutes I thought somebody was pulling my leg, until I slowly came to realize this is an actual game and not a joke of how gaming looks to non-gamers.
normal person says
Hard agree. High Frontier is a beautiful map, but it also bakes a ton of real physics into the route layout in a way that makes it actually a useful tool for rationalizing about our solar system.
There are a million map-based games where the use of maps isn’t remarkable. Like, Roads & Boats and Catan are both great, important games, but neither is doing more with the map than the other really. I don’t need Roads & Boats on this list.
The only competition for me is Indonesia – the game is beautiful and it is because it’s on a beautiful map.
Mikołaj Witkowski says
Why War of the Ring first edition? Second is better and doesn’t lose anything compared to the first.
richard scales says
definitely a mixed bag in terms of ease of access. How about Thurn und Taxis?
Scott Moore says
Thurn und Taxis isn’t even in the top 200 games on bgg. It is a nice enough light game to enjoy with people who don’t often play board games, but it isn’t going to feature on many top 20 lists.
Risk is the best says
ok, so risk without a shadow of a doubt dosent make the cut well my friends i am not returning to this site for information
Scott Moore says
Risk certainly doesn’t make the cut! It is listed at number 10,674 on boardgamegeek – this means that, according to tens of thousands of boardgaming afficionados, there are over 10,000 better board games out there. If you like the game then by all means play it, but don’t delude yourself that it is in any way a good, or even a mediocre, game by any criteria.
ZINC says
i think Risk should be on here. the tens of thousands of board-gaming aficionados most likely have nowhere to be anytime soon and are not looking for a nice, simple game that isn’t difficult to learn. Risk is that type of game. Also if you haven’t noticed you got your information from a site called ‘boardgameGEEK’. that’s not going to appeal to the majority. Try finding the sales of board games then come back to me.
Scott Moore says
In case you haven’t noticed, the name of list is “the 28 BEST Map Based Strategy Board Games You’ve Probably NEVER played”. Risk fails on both counts – it is not among the best, and most people have already played it.
“the tens of thousands of board-gaming aficionados most likely have nowhere to be anytime soon” This is nonsense. Risk is not a short game – far from it. There are many better and shorter games than Risk. How about this for sales: Ticket to Ride has sold more than 3 million copies, Carcassonne has sold more than 7 million and Catan has sold more than 22 million copies (including expansions). And you think that they don’t appeal to the majority?!?
Natalie says
Mr. Moore,
Excuse me, I realize responding late but I just saw this while shopping for a friend.
If one really wants to play strategic games, I would recommend Chess, Go, or if you want map based Kriegspiel.
With Kriegspiel, you be sure to have your measuring tape and calculator/computer handy. Also the board set can take depending on your degree of accuracy desired a few hours to a few weeks. Also do you have the, I am guessing, $1,000.00 – $2,000.00 per army for doing the campaigns/battles? Stuff is made of plastic now, back when I used to play, in the 1970’s, an army was hand painted and made of lead, tin, or pewter and an army cost over $5,000.00.
Risk is a simple game. It is easy to play and fun. It does not take war gaming geeks to play it. It just takes a few people sitting around a table.
I doubt whether you have either the patience or mental focus to play Kreigspiele though.
Dirk Manly says
Risk is a boring game.
Stephen C. says
“Maria,” a 3 player wargame, has a rich and complex map. And while it’s not all that complex, the gameboard for “1775: Rebellion” is still very nice to look at. And of course there is the “18xx” series with its wide array of maps (half the series, anyway – games like 1853 are more focused on track building, but games like 1830 are about stock investment and manipulation).
Still, I guess I can’t complain too much about these picks, though, as many games from my collection ended up on this list!
BoardGameKing says
Nice list!
imisstito says
I loved one I played in the 80s I think called London Taxis. It was actually fun!
Bruno Faidutti says
It looks like my last comment was lost somewhere…. So, here it is again.
Here is my short essay abiut the use of maps from a boardgame designer point of view, with lots of examples. It doesn’t focus on what games are good or bad, but on which types of map are used and why. It could deserve some updating with new examples – the maps of Pandemic or Thunderbirds, for example, are extremely interesting.
http://faidutti.com/blog/?p=1385
(Scroll down for the english text)
Scott Moore says
Yes, I suppose that it might make the top 28.
Matt Watkins says
Hey thanks. This list was just what I was looking for. I’ve been realizing that while I really like reading the rulebooks of worker placement or other ‘multiplayer solitaire’ games, I find playing them somewhat less compelling. Still fun, but not as meaty as I usually want. But I really do like strategic, elegant games that put me in conflict with other players for control of a map. My top 3 enjoyable games right now are Terra Mystica, Brass and Twilight Struggle, so to see those right at the top of this list lets me know I’m in the right place.
Kevin Smith says
This would be a great place to pose this question someone else posed to me:
Hello, sir! I am trying to relocate 2 tabletop RPG’s I played years ago in Spectra. One was set in medieval Britain and involved alliances, surfs, and sheep as the primary resource. The other was set in feudal Japan and relied on the gathering and trade of rice to supply armies for combat. I realize these are terribly vague descriptions, but do you have any idea what they might be?
Any ideas?
Howard Lee says
before there’s this game board “Power Play” – its a big foldable gameboard with a lot of mini planes/ships/tanks and it has a hex lines and a monopoly-style on its side. sadly, I couldn’t find it in the web.
derekfd says
I would put Diplomacy at the top of the list but I’m at least glad to see it up there. My one complaint is the glaring omission of Supremacy. I’d happily kick about 25 of the games on this list off to make room
Xincontri says
I love this tutorial and will surely follow your blog! Great job!
Pellucid says
No “History of the World?”
Ogagabillions Toosweet Onowigh says
cool
Carlos Soto says
Well; I must be a real board game geek ’cause I recognize all but one of the games on this list, own 13 of them and have played 16.
I probably would add Imperial 2030, Nippon, Shogun, Lewis & Clark, Panamax, Blood Rage and Scythe to this list. Also, it would be better tho have War of the Ring 2nd edition instead of the 1st.
Honorable mention: Through the Ages (whichever version)… just joking 😀
Bev says
I didn’t recognize any of these board games, but I am looking for two that I remember playing as a child and that my own children enjoyed. One is called “The Glory Hole”, and it is about a gold mine set in the Old Wild West of early American settlers, (or maybe it was Australia?). It wasn’t a board game that I bought…I think it was taken from a magazine or something, because I recall it being more like a large sheet of heavy paper which folded in half rather than a board, and there may have even been holes where staples had been down the center. We used buttons and shells as moving pieces. The other is called “Number Land” and can you guess what that one is about? This one featured something about the “Seven Seas”, sailboats, chickens (yeah…that’s what my son said) and such. We would appreciate any leads regarding these two games.
Print My Game says
Nice list of board game!
David Harms says
This isn’t a board game per say, but my students found it very engaging in the class room: HistorySimulation.com They have gamed: Imperialism, The American Civil War, WWI, WWII and The Cold War.
David says
very good thanks
Reza says
So God
Kathryn says
Urgent help, please! I bought my nephew the Brilliant Maps book last year. He loves it (I struck lucky as it was a spontaneous purchase at a train station bookshop). It’s his 18th birthday soon (hence the urgent!) and I want to get him something he’ll love just as much. Looking at the Brilliant Maps website I see there is no sequel to the book but there are lots of games… He is super bright, has loads of opinions, is into politics and debating and is hoping to take a degree in War Studies. He has Asperger’s – saying this in case some of you game board fans will know whether this will make a difference in any choice. He lives with mum, dad and sister (15). I expect his dad will be his first choice game companion. (Pandemic made me chuckle because of the current situation…) Any advice very gratefully received! Thank you so much! Kathryn
Brilliant Maps says
I’m personally a big fan of Twilight Struggle, Diplomacy, Pandemic, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, and the ever classic risk.
Paul the Go Player says
I’m not certain what counts as map-based? What about Kingdom Builder? Or Survive! (now that’s an interestingly different game)? Or even Mississippi Queen? Terra and Catan are both great games in my opinion. Pandemic and TTR are not really to my taste. Not sure about Diplomacy as I never finished a game of it! Carcassonne of course is fun but to me it feels pretty much like a thinly disguised abstract game rather than being strongly themed (although of course the artwork is very nice).
Someone says
I personally think world in flames (collectors edition) deserves a place up there. It is the largest purchase able boardgame with an awesome map and is considered the best ww2 grand strategy boardgame.
carl says
There was a game I played in the late 60’s early 70’s. I can’t remember the name. It was a multiplayer game. In some ways it was like Risk, but more sophisticated. The board showed all the countries of the earth, BUT it was imaginary countries & continents. Each player started out with a section of the world — which was divided up into several regions. Each region was denoted with various resources. As a player, each turn you were given X amount of capital and of course all of the resources under your domain. With this you could build ground troops, air craft and ships. If your domain was at war, then your capital increased — maybe doubled (can’t remember). So it is advantageous to be at war. Of course, you wanted to attack and obtain those regions of your opponents which contained the most resources (strengthening you and weakening them). I post this because I can’t remember the name of the game and was wondering if anyone else has. Thanks!
John says
I thought that Civilization and the computer game all derived from an older version of civilization from a publisher like Avalon Hill and fantasy flight version is a simpler and more visually appealing game. Kind of like x-wing is based on an old boardgame star fighter I think. Star Fighter had lots of color used in it and looks great for its time.
John says
Great list. Have you ever heard of Claim The Realm?
David says
My favorite mainstream multi-player game.
Rail Baron
Avalon Hill’s Advanced Civilization
History of the World
Avalon Hill’s Britannia (Classic)
Diplomacy (Classic)
Cosmic Encounter (Classic)
Akash Chopra says
This selection feels pretty entry-level. If you really want to see breathtaking (and functionally excellent) boardgame maps, you need to dive into the deep end of wargaming. Look at titles like The Greatest Day series, Bitter Woods Deluxe Edition, Case Blue, or even titles from the Operational Combat Series. These games don’t just look incredible—they serve serious tactical depth. Mainstream stuff can’t really compete with the artistry and detail you find in hardcore wargame maps.