Something I didn’t expect to say as an adult is that sometimes, believe it or not, work can be fun and games. In worker placement tabletop games, they literally can be. In this form of gameplay, you take your team through different tasks of adventures as you build toward end goals. There are many different worlds you can choose to embark on, or themes to try, depending on the game you choose. This list has some of my latest favorites, including both newer and older worker placement games.
TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board Games to Play Now
### Viticulture
0See it at Amazon
### Yokohama
0See it at Amazon
### Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store
### Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at Amazon
### Darwin’s Journey
0See it at Amazon
### Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store
### The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games
### Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games
### Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at Amazon
### Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at AmazonIf you don't need no stinkin' blurbs, you can see all the games in this article in the handy side-scrolling catalog above. If you do want to read about the games, however, just keep on reading.
Viticulture
### Viticulture
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, offers a delightful journey to Tuscany. Here, players take their family's inheritance to build successful wineries. The game involves building a vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. You'll need to use your workers wisely during the season to succeed. Players progress over multiple years, aging wine to fulfill orders. Gather your friends and raise a glass to Viticulture, available in its original competitive version or as a cooperative game with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).
Yokohama
### Yokohama
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsYokohama immerses players in the bustling port city of Yokohama, Japan. Here, you'll manage a team of workers to build your business empire. Strategically gather resources, develop technologies, and complete orders to achieve optimal success. While the game is moderately complex, turns flow smoothly once you're familiar with the mechanics. It's best played with three players, according to Board Game Geek.
Unconscious Mind
### Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a heavy Euro game that delves into psychology and grief, featuring stunning artwork. The gameplay is complex, offering layered strategies in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further depth, making the game more challenging, while pieces like the fireworks and gramophone lighter offer a softer experience. Be prepared for a longer setup and playtime than suggested on the box; this game is a commitment.
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
### Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers combines dice and worker placement in a fun and rewarding way. The game connects worker actions to dice rolls, adding an element of chance that enhances decision-making. While it may seem intimidating at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, the satisfaction of mastering its mechanics is well worth it. With tight resources and multiple key decisions, it offers excellent replayability.
Darwin’s Journey
### Darwin’s Journey
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsDarwin’s Journey lets you step into the shoes of a scientific explorer, racing across islands to discover nature and science for a museum. The game is easy to navigate and highly repeatable, making it a hit among both seasoned and casual players. While it's accessible online, a physical copy is highly recommended for the full experience.
Fromage
### Fromage
0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsFromage is a delightful game about making and selling award-winning cheeses in France. It's perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, will have your taste buds craving more.
The Gallerist
### The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsThe Gallerist lets you run an art gallery, discovering artists, displaying their work, and attracting discerning patrons. Be warned, this game is not for beginners, ranking at a 4.24 out of 5 for complexity on Board Game Geek. Like the real art world, it's challenging but rewarding.
Septima
### Septima
0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's art is truly extraordinary, appealing to fans of gothic themes. This accessible game focuses on building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch trials. Despite the trials of losing allied witches, the game is enjoyable and comes with an expansion that adds shapeshifting and more beautiful artwork.
Rock Hard: 1977
### Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsRock Hard: 1977, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, lets you unleash your inner rockstar. With stunning components and an amp-shaped player board, you'll rock your way to stardom. This fan favorite from Gen Con includes heavy themes, so be prepared for some intense content.
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
### Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsAge of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to design your books and race other players to publish and sell your comics. The pulpy art is a highlight, but you don't need to be a comic fan to enjoy the game. It's easy to learn and best with three players, though solo play is also an option.
