Board gaming has never been more exciting, thanks to the diverse range of new options available today. Whether you're into family board games, strategy games, or any other genre, there's something for everyone. Yet, the excellence of modern games doesn't diminish the charm of classic titles. These timeless games have remained popular among both newcomers and seasoned players for good reason.
TL;DR: The Best Classic Board Games
### Azul Board Game
1See it at Amazon
### Pandemic
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### Ticket to Ride
0See it at Amazon
### Catan
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### Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
0See it at Amazon
### Can't Stop
0See it at Amazon
### Acquire 60th Anniversary Edition
0See it at Amazon
### Diplomacy
0See it at Amazon
### Yahtzee
0See it at Amazon
### Scrabble
0See it at Amazon
### Othello
0See it at Amazon
### Crokinole
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### Liar's Dice
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### Chess - Magnetic Set
0See it at Amazon
### Playing Cards
0See it at Amazon
### Go - Magnetic Board Game Set
0See it at AmazonModern board games owe much of their design to trends that started in the mid-1990s. Exploring games from before this period can uncover true gems that have stood the test of time. Here are some of the best classic board games, listed in reverse chronological order.
Azul (2017)
### Azul Board Game
1See it at AmazonDespite its recent release in 2017 and belonging to the challenging abstract genre, Azul quickly became a modern classic. Its vibrant, chunky tiles are visually appealing and the gameplay is straightforward: take matching tiles from pools and arrange them on your board to score points for completed rows, columns, and sets. The simplicity belies a depth and strategic interaction that will astonish you after just one play. For a deeper dive, check out our comprehensive review of Azul or explore its various expansions.
Pandemic (2008)
### Pandemic
0See it at AmazonPandemic is a cornerstone of cooperative gaming, a genre it helped popularize. The game challenges players to work together to save the world from outbreaks, using clever mechanics and accessible rules. Players must race against time to find cures before diseases spread uncontrollably. Alongside the base game, numerous expansions and spin-offs offer additional challenges and experiences.
Ticket to Ride (2004)
### Ticket to Ride
0See it at AmazonDesigned by Alan R. Moon, Ticket to Ride is an accessible game based on the familiar set collection mechanics of Rummy. Players collect colored cards to claim train routes on the board, connecting cities to fulfill ticket cards for bonus points. The competitive nature of route-blocking adds excitement and tension, making it a staple in the world of train-themed board games. Explore the various versions and expansions available to enhance your experience.
Settlers of Catan (1996)
### Catan
0See it at AmazonNow simply known as Catan, this game revolutionized board gaming with its unique blend of dice mechanics, trading, and strategic planning. Its introduction in English sparked the modern gaming scene, and it remains a compelling mix of luck and strategy. Playing Catan is a nostalgic journey that highlights its historical significance and enduring appeal.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective (1981)
### Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective
0See it at AmazonThis innovative game blends elements of board gaming, detective work, and choose-your-own-adventure storytelling. Players explore Victorian London to solve mysteries, striving to outdo Sherlock Holmes himself. The atmospheric narratives and engaging puzzles make it a standout title, with numerous expansion packs available for continued sleuthing.
Can't Stop (1980)
### Can't Stop
0See it at AmazonSid Sackson's Can't Stop is a thrilling race to the top of columns on the board, each corresponding to different dice rolls. Players must decide whether to continue rolling for more progress or end their turn safely. This balance of luck and strategy makes it an exhilarating game, also available in an excellent mobile version.
Acquire (1964)
### Acquire 60th Anniversary Edition
0See it at AmazonAnother masterpiece by Sid Sackson, Acquire is a pioneering game about building, merging, and investing in companies. Players strategically place tiles to form and expand businesses, buying shares to profit from their growth. Its blend of spatial and economic challenges remains fresh and engaging. For a detailed look, check out our review of the Acquire: 60th Anniversary Edition.
Diplomacy (1959)
### Diplomacy
0See it at AmazonDiplomacy has a reputation for testing friendships with its strategic depth and inevitable betrayals. Set in 19th Century Europe, players must form alliances to conquer the continent, but only one can win. The game's simultaneous movement mechanic adds a layer of suspense, as players reveal their orders at the same time, revealing who has kept their promises and who has not.
Yahtzee (1956)
### Yahtzee
0See it at AmazonYahtzee is a classic roll-and-write game that's more strategic than it seems. Players roll dice to fill a scorecard, requiring both luck and skill to avoid blank entries and maximize points. Fast, fun, and family-friendly, it's a timeless game that's easy to pick up and play.
Scrabble (1948)
### Scrabble
0See it at AmazonScrabble combines vocabulary and spatial strategy, challenging players to create words from random letters. While turns can be slow with more players, the game's depth and familiarity make it a beloved classic. It's easy to find opponents and enjoy the game on your phone between turns.
Othello / Reversi (1883)
### Othello
0See it at AmazonOthello, often mistaken for an ancient game, is a strategic battle where players place disks to flip their opponent's pieces. The game's sudden shifts and deep strategy make it a compelling two-player abstract game, despite its relatively recent origins.
Crokinole (1876)
### Crokinole
0See it at AmazonHailing from Canada, Crokinole is a dexterity game that's both challenging and rewarding. Players flick disks to score points on a beautifully crafted board, using strategy to navigate around pegs and other disks. Its unique blend of skill and tactics makes it a standout in the world of board games.
Perudo / Liar's Dice (1800)
### Liar's Dice
0See it at AmazonKnown by various names, Liar's Dice is a game of bluffing and statistics. Players bid on the combined dice rolls hidden under cups, challenging each other's bids or calling bluffs. The tension and excitement of this game make it a classic favorite.
Chess (16th Century)
### Chess - Magnetic Set
0See it at AmazonChess, with origins tracing back to 600 AD, evolved from the Indian game Chaturanga. Its global popularity and strategic depth have made it a timeless classic. With countless chess sets available, it's a must-have for any board game collection.
Playing Cards (~900 AD)
### Playing Cards
0See it at AmazonOriginating in China, playing cards offer endless gaming possibilities. From poker and bridge to lesser-known games like Jass and Scopa, a standard deck can provide a lifetime of entertainment. Modern designers continue to create new games using these versatile cards.
Go (~2200 BC)
### Go - Magnetic Board Game Set
0See it at AmazonGo, a game of profound strategic depth, originated in China and is hugely popular in East Asia. Players place stones to capture territory and opponents' stones, with the game's simplicity masking its immense complexity. It's a game that can be played for a lifetime, challenging even the best AI systems.
What makes a board game a “classic”?
The term "classic" is subjective, but generally, it's defined by sales, influence, and brand recognition. Games like Ticket to Ride, with over 10 million copies sold, have crossed into classic territory due to their widespread popularity and accessibility. Influence can be seen in games like Acquire, which introduced innovative mechanics that influenced future designs, despite its niche appeal. Brand familiarity is crucial, with games like chess and Diplomacy being instantly recognizable and culturally significant, even if they're not always widely played.
