When it's time to step away from screens, board games offer a fantastic way to indulge in escapism and keep the fun going. Thankfully, there are numerous board games inspired by popular video games, and we've curated a selection of our top picks. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick party game, these board game adaptations allow you to immerse yourself in beloved gaming worlds without the need for technology.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games
FalloutSlay the SpireBloodborneResident Evil 2Pac-ManTetrisDark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of GiantsCuphead: Fast Rolling Dice GameThe Oregon TrailFallout
### Fallout: The Board Game
1$69.99 save 36%$44.49 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 2-3 hoursWith the buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, now is the perfect moment to dive into the Wasteland right from your kitchen table. You'll start by selecting from various scenarios, each dictating the map's setup. Much like Bethesda's open-world RPGs, players will uncover the map, enhance their skills, battle irradiated foes, engage with different factions, and embark on quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game is highly immersive and detailed, ideal for long-term gaming sessions.
Slay the Spire
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
9See it at Contention GamesPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 45 minutesArguably the video game on this list most deserving of a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital counterpart by having players assume the role of one of the provided heroes and ascend the Spire through Roguelike deck-building. As in the video game, players navigate through various rooms, each with unique challenges: from encounters with regular enemies to elite battles, events, campfires, treasure hunts, merchant visits, and boss fights. The Roguelike nature of Slay the Spire ensures hours of replayability as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items.
You can read our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review for more about this game.
Bloodborne
### Bloodborne: The Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 60-90 minutesIn the Bloodborne board game, players take on the role of a Hunter, battling to quell the sinister forces within Yharnam. As a campaign-style board game, Bloodborne offers endless replayability, with no two sessions feeling the same thanks to its modular map tiles. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this dark adventure tests players' skills and decision-making as they uncover the secret behind the relentless plague and strive to stop it. Immersion is paramount, and the game's highly detailed miniatures ensure a deeply engaging experience.
Resident Evil 2
### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 90-120 minutesThe success of the Resident Evil 2 tabletop adaptation paved the way for Steamforged Games to create similar experiences for the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. However, much like the video games, Resident Evil 2 stands out as its best entry. Faithful to its source material, the game has players cooperating to control either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield as they navigate through hordes of zombies to escape in multiple scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys as you explore, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. You can even use the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to impact your sessions!
PAC-MAN
### Pac-Man: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesFrom Buffalo Games, the arcade classic makes a triumphant return to the tabletop. Playable in both cooperative and competitive modes, the player controlling Pac-Man aims to navigate the maze, gobble up pellets, and collect fruit, while those controlling the ghosts try to avoid or capture Pac-Man. Played on four metal tiles that form the game board, it requires initial assembly and setup, but subsequent games are quick and easy to start. The electronic Pac-Man figure even makes its iconic "waka waka" sound!
Tetris
### Tetris Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAlso from Buffalo Games, Tetris is a competitive head-to-head game where players maneuver, rotate, and drop their tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Similar to the video game, the next piece is displayed as a card, allowing players to strategize accordingly. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. With its quick setup and playtime, this game is perfect for parties and younger players.
Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants
### Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-3Age Range: 14+Play Time: 90-120 minutesOriginally planned as part of the original Dark Souls board game Kickstarter campaign, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure suitable for new players and takes its name from the infamous location known to video game fans. Each player selects a class and gear, then navigates the catacombs, battling skeleton archers and resting at the bonfire. Actions are limited, so strategic choices are crucial. This game remains true to its source material with its challenging combat and RPG elements, highlighted by the level-up system. Tomb of Giants introduces new playable characters and over a hundred new cards, all compatible with existing Dark Souls board game products.
Cuphead: Fast-Rolling Dice Game
### Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
3$59.99 save 22%$46.88 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 30-45 minutesMirroring its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is an exhilarating cooperative game where players aim to defeat all bosses using dice-heavy mechanics. Setup is straightforward, as the boss deck's structure remains constant. The game starts with players choosing one of four characters: Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and progresses through multiple rounds with five phases, where players prepare attacks and confront the boss. Timed rounds add urgency to your dice rolls! Cuphead boasts high replay value, allowing players to improve their scores and upgrade abilities for future runs. See our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more information.
The Oregon Trail
### The Oregon Trail Card Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesDying of dysentery has never been more enjoyable. In this quick-to-setup and play card game, players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to various Calamity cards that spell their doom. The game is challenging and luck-based, with victory achieved by playing fifty trail cards to reach the end. A potential downside is that if a player dies on the first turn (which happens more often than you'd expect), they sit out the entire session until the party either wins or all die. Nevertheless, it's a great recreation of the source material and sure to elicit a few laughs.
