Best 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 Player Board Games

If you want something fun and beneficial for the entire family, board games are the go-to. This popular activity can be entertaining for all ages; children, adults and even for old aged people. Board games are commonly used by several households when it comes to spending time and having fun with their friends and family.

Along with that, many people play board games as a way of mental exercise. Most typical board games involve a lot of strategies and decision-making processes. This helps in cognitive development among children as well as adults.

Whether you are hosting a peaceful gathering at your backyard or an entertaining party, incorporating board games is sure to add more fun among your peers.

Board Games Buying Guide

Here are some of the things you should consider while buying a board game:

The number of players that can play:

When you buy a board game, you must consider the number of players it can accommodate. Some board games can accommodate 2 to 6 players at most, while others can even accommodate up to 10 players each round. You should buy a board game depending upon the number of players you have, or you want to play with.

Length of game time:

The length of the game time is also important to consider while buying a board game. Most board games can last a quick 15-30 minutes or maybe even less. But there are some board games which can even last for hours. The playing time of board games shouldn’t be too long as it can bore you out. It shouldn’t be too short, either. Board games should be long enough to keep the game interesting and short enough so that you don’t get tired of playing it.

The age of the players:

You will find a ton of board games out there, each designed for a different age group. The appropriate age must be taken into consideration for the safety of small children. Some board games have small parts that may pose a choking hazard. Age limit is also important because the rules of certain games can be beyond the understanding of a child. Thus, it is important to choose the right board game based on the age mentioned on the box of the board game.

Ease of set up:

Most of you might think that the ease of set up is not a big thing. However, it is an important thing that you must consider while buying a board game. If setting up a board game takes a lot of time, then it might discourage you from playing the game. It might as well just end up getting stored in your closet since no one would like to set up the game. Board games that are easy to set up will be more favored to play.

Ease of clean up:

Apart from being easy to set up, you should also look for a board game that is easy to clean up. It must have a minimum number of parts and items so that you won’t have to feel lazy to clean up after a quick match. Easy to clean up also means it is easy to store and maintain. When you lose a piece of a board game, it can become quite useless as well.

Types of board games

Now let’s look into some common types of board games that you can get:

Roll and Move:

This type of board games are the most common you will find and also easy to understand. The step of playing this type is very simple – all you have to do is roll the dice and move your piece based on the number that appears on the dice. These games mostly depend on luck and not much on skills and strategies. Examples – Monopoly, Snakes & Ladders, etc.

Deck Building: 

A deck-building game requires a deck of cards. You will find some reusable currency buried in the deck, which allows you to purchase cards with more power. The main objective of this game is to build and optimize your deck to win each hand. Deck-building games are usually fast-paced. The main examples are Above and Below, Dominion, Concordia, etc.

Area Control:

Area Control is a type of board game that allows you to colonize areas on the board. The main objective of this type of game is to control as many areas as you can by using all the sneaky tactics or attacks. 

War of the Rings and El Grande are two of the best example of area control board game.

Secret Identity Games:

Secret identity board games are those games where you try to win the game by deception. The players will try to hide their identity while one of them will try to figure out the main culprit. The main examples of secret identity games are Secret Hitler and Coup.

Puzzle Games:

Puzzle games are some of the most exciting games you will find. They are all about arranging things, pattern recognition, numbers, and combinations. Labyrinth, Torres, and Azul are some puzzle games.

Best 2-Player Board Games

1. 7 Wonders – Duel

The 7 Wonders – Duel is one of the best board games you will find that is specifically designed for two people. In this game, both the players lead a civilization and construct buildings. There are three ages of civilization in this game. 

The age cards in this game represent buildings that allow the players to develop their city and strengthen the army. A player can win by three ways – dominating in a military or scientific field, or getting the most points.

Features:

• Specifically designed for two players
• Build a powerful empire to win
• About 30 minutes of game time
• Suitable for ages 10 and above

Why should you play this game?

The 7 Wonders – Duel is one of the best 2-player game you will ever find. It is a game that is loved by people around the world. You will have an amazing experience as you try to take control of your civilization and bring all kinds of development to it. This game is also very challenging and adds the spirit of competition between you and your friend. The game time is also just right at about 30 minutes. 

2. Thunder in the East 2-Player Board Game

Thunder in the East is another great board game for 2-players or two teams. However, you can also play this alone easily. This board game requires a strategy to win. Thunder in the East allows you to command your troops in a battle between the Soviet Army and the Axis Corps. 

You will get about 8 to 13 turns in each of the six scenarios of the game. And each turn represents 1 to 2 weeks while the hex on the board represents a distance of 30 miles. The sneaky maneuvers, strong defenses, and strategic attacks are the ways to win this game.

Features:

• Designed for two players or two teams
• Game time of about 8-12 hours
• Suitable for ages 14 and above

Why should you play?

Thunder in the East is a great strategy board game that will have you engrossed in it for hours. This game is perfect for all those people who love a good war-game. The classic style of playing will also appeal to a lot of people out there. So if you are looking for a fun board game with long hours of play, then you should definitely get Thunder in the East. 

List of The Best 3-Player Board Games

1. The Nippon Board Game

The Nippon is an amazing board game that can be played by three people. The rules are quite complex, and it might take you some time to learn them. But once you get the hang of this game, you will have a lot of fun playing it. It is a territory control game where you need to manage your resources if you want to win. This is one of those games where you do not rely on luck but your skills.

Features:

• Suitable for ages 12 and above
• Game time of about 1-2 hours
• Can be played by 2 to 4 players

Why should you play the Nippon Board Game?

This game is not for you if you just want something simple and casual. But if you are one of those people that want something challenging and fun at the same time, then you should definitely try this game. It is an excellent game where you have to put a lot of thinking and to win over your opponents. It is meant for those hardcore board game lovers.

2. City of Iron 2E Board Game

City of Iron 2E is another great game that can be played by three people. It is a mix of Deck-building, worker placement, and resource management. You will have a ton of fun once you learn how to play this game. Basically, the players in this game will have to build up their nation using machines, money, and magic. You’ll have to allocate your resources strategically to win the game.

Features

• Simplified auction
• 90 minutes of gameplay
• For ages 13 and up
• A strategy game with cards and area colonization

Why should you buy and play this game?

The City of Iron 2E is a great game for ages 13 and up. It can accommodate three players easily. The game flawlessly brings different elements of board game together to give you the best experience in one board game. This game is fun and competitive, and you should definitely bring one home to play with your friends and family.

The Best 4-Player Board Games

1. Monopoly: Yu-Gi-Oh Edition

The Yu-Gi-Oh edition monopoly is a great option if you are looking for a 4-player board game. It has all the standard monopoly rules, but the difference is that each space in this game is based upon a Yu-Gi-Oh character.

The players will use their token to move around the board and trade on Yu-Gi-Oh monsters. The player with the strongest monsters wins the game. You will have to collect monsters like Exodia, blue eyes dragon, and dark magician to defeat your opponents.

Features

• Seven collectible tokens
• Includes custom shops instead of the traditional house
• Duel arenas instead of hotels
• Recommended for ages 8 and above

Why should you play?

Monopoly: Yu-Gi-Oh is a great game for four and includes several changes and customizations as compared to the traditional Monopoly game. There are special battle modes you can play. It will be the perfect game for you if you are a Yu-Gi-Oh fan. However, this game can be enjoyed by everyone as well and keep you engrossed for hours.

2. Railways of the World

‘Railways of the World’ is a great board game from Eagle Games. The basic concept of this game is to build railroads across the board and deliver goods to earn the points. You will get more points if your railroad is longer. And the more points you have, the more payout you’ll receive to build your network. 

To win the game, you must strategically outmaneuver your opponent and collect the highest point. This game is easy to learn, yet it is extremely fun to play. This game can be played by 2-6 players; however, it is best when four people are playing the game.

Features:

• 2 hours of game time
• Comes with multiple variants of maps and plays
• Designed for 2-6 players
• Suitable for adults and young kids

Why should you buy a game like this?

This train-themed board game may appeal to train enthusiasts. However, it can be enjoyed by anyone who likes a good board game. If you have 3-4 people at home, then you should consider this game as it is one of the best ways to spend your time together. Once you understand the rules and techniques of this game, you will want to play it over and over again.

Best 5-Player Board Games

1. A Game of Thrones Board Game (Second Edition)

From Fantasy Flight Games, A Game of Thrones is one of the best board games you will find, which can accommodate five players perfectly. This board game is based on the fantasy novels by George R.R. Martin. Build your armies and play on a map against your opponents. The map portrays the Westeros accurately, which makes the game really fun. In this game, you can even form an alliance with your friends and play against the other team.

The game requires strategic planning and the formation of an alliance to win. So make every move with proper planning, and the player with the best army wins.

Features:

• Based on the novel – A Game of Thrones
• Six different houses
• Amazing artwork with great details
• Suitable for 3 to 6 players

Why should you play the Game of Thrones Board Game?

A Game of Thrones is a fantastic board game that relies on complex planning and strategies to win. The game is perfect for Game of Thrones fans and will also appeal to all those people who love a complex board game. This game will give you hours of game time once you learn how to play the rules.

2. Winning Solutions

The Winning solution is a puzzle game that is great for five players. Basically, the game starts with a detective and a few suspects. You will have to find out who murdered Mr. Boddy by investigating the weapons, rooms, and the guest. Eliminate the guests and find out the real culprit to win the game.

The game comes with realistic 3D rooms and amazing details. You will also get six weapons and a detective notebook. This game will surely give you hours of playtime, and you’ll want to keep playing it.

Features:

• Wooden cabinet
• 3D view of mansions
• Glass surface playing board with gold foil stamped
• Storage box to keep the pieces

Why should you play it?

The winning solution is one of the favorite games of puzzle game lovers. It features a unique design and a realistic view of the rooms. You will have tons of fun playing this game with your friends and family. The quality is also extremely good, which gives you a luxurious feel.

Top 6-Player Board Games

1. Battlestar Galactica: Pegasus Expansion

One of the best 6-Player board game is the ‘Battlestar Galactica: Pegasus Expansion.’ This game has one of the finest details and superior gameplay with amazing challenges. It comes with eight playable characters that have their own unique sets of abilities and weaknesses. 

This game contains a station from where you attack and give your commands. The Pegasus comes with a New Caprica, which lengthens the game time and makes the game much more challenging. Rest assured, you will have a lot of fun with the challenges in this game.

Features

• New Characters with six different playable characters
• Perfect for six players 
• Crisis Star
• Addition of “New Caprica”

Why should you play the Battlestar Galactica game?

If you enjoy a good colonial game, this is a game that you will definitely love. Battlestar Galactica: Pegasus Expansion provides hours of fun game time. The amazing details also add to the fun by giving you a wonderful experience. The best thing is that you can play this game, six people at a time.

2. Fred Distribution Age of Steam

The Age of Steam is a 6-player board game from Fred Distribution. It is one of the best railroad games you will find. This game is like any other railroad game where you build tracks on the board to obtain points. The type of terrain you build your tracks over determines the cost. You can cut off your opponents’ track with your railroad. This game is very and gives you a great feeling when you make that profit by delivering cubes.

Features:

• Suitable for 3 to 6 years
• 2 hours of fun game time
• Strategy game
• Includes game board, Income Track display, 136 track tiles, 96 cubes, eight-city tiles, dices, player discs, etc

Why should you play the Age of Steam game?

This game is an excellent choice to spend some time with your friends and family. There’s a reason why so many people consider this as the best railroad game. If you are a fan of the game engine, then you should get it without a second thought. It has one of the best designs with systematic gameplay.

Most Awesome 7-Player Board Game

Once Upon a Time 3rd Edition

Once Upon a Time is an award-winning card game that allows you to get creative and collaborate with your friends. This game also has the story-telling element to it. Game’s objective is to win by telling a story using the elements on the cards. The player will try to finish reading the entire card with a plot, and other players will try to interrupt with the intention of becoming the story-teller. The first player who uses all the story cards wins the game.

Features:

• Suitable for up to 7 players
• Family game
• Fast-paced gameplay

Why Should You Play The Once Upon a Time Game?

Once Upon A Time is a great way to bring all the family together and build the bonds. This is a game where you’ll have tons of fun as you try to make up a story or try to interrupt your fellow players. It is one of the best games you’ll find for seven players.

8-Player Board Games

1. Pegasus Spiele, Camel Up Board Game (German Version)

The Pegasus Spiele Camel Up is an entertaining yet one of the simplest board games out there. This fun board game can be played by as many as eight players. It is the ultimate camel race revolving around a pyramid. All you have to do is figure out which camel will end the race first and place your bets on the right one. Of course, the ultimate goal is to bet more and earn even more than the rest of the players. However, what you need to remember is that this game is not all about luck. No matter how simple the game rules are, you do have to do some thinking and have the right timing before placing your bets.

Features:

• Number of players: 2 to 8
• Total Playing Time: about 30 minutes
• Suitable for 8 years and above
• Quick and Simple Board Game 
• Game Type: Race and Bets

Why Should You Play The Pegasus Spiele Game?

This casual board game is the go-to whenever it comes to spending some time with your family and friends. With this game, you do not have to worry about missing out on some members as it is meant for up to eight players. This is a perfect pick for you if you love games on racing with a little bit of luck.

2. North Star Games Wits & Wagers Board Game Party Version

North Star Games has a variety of Wits & Wagers Board Games. The new release of the Wits & Wagers Party Version is another excellent addition to the series. The Wits & Wagers Party Version Board Game is a trivia game. It comes with several simple questions, and each player gets to write down their answers and guesses. Then, all the players are asked to place their bets on the answer they think is the closest to the correct answer. The person with the closest bet wins the round. The number of players for this board game is limitless. 

Features 

• Contents of the Party Version Pack – 105 question cards, six pens, 50 tokens, six boards, and one Elvis-impersonator board.
• Comes with an instruction manual
• Suitable for 8 years and above
• Multiple players
• Game Type: Trivia

Why Should You Buy and Play This Game?

This board game is a perfect pick for any type of occasion. You can play this with your friends as well as your family. Since the number of players is not limited, it is suitable for any large parties and gatherings. Just as the name “Party Version” suggests, this exciting board game is sure to fill all your gatherings with immense laughter and fun.

10-Player Board Games

1. The Game of Scattergories

The Scattergories board game is the absolute favorite of most people. This anniversary edition of Scattergories is typically a throwback edition. It contains the classic ticking timer as well as all the previous content cards. While the gameplay of this classic board game remains easy and simple, the ticking timer is what keeps all the players tippy-toed. This game is designed in such a way that you can play this with any number of players. Also, you can add your own set of rules to make it more fun as you desire.   

Features:

• Recommended age: 12 years and above
• The number of players: Typically 2 to 6. But you can bend some rules and add up to 10 players.
• Content of the packet: 6 folders and answer pads, 18 cards with 144 categories, game timer, multi-sided die, and rolling board
• Comes with an instruction manual

Why should you buy and play the Scattergories board game?

The Scattergories board game is suitable for even the newest players at word board games. People of all ages, from 12 years and above, can find common ground through his board game to have all the fun and laughter. So, with the Scattergories board game, you need not worry about setting up separate activities for your guests and family members. This game is enjoyed by the “oldies” as much as by the young ones. 

2. Saboteur Mother Lode Bonus Pack Card Game

Who doesn’t love the famous Saboteur Card Games! A group of miners trying to dig out maximum gold in a mining tunnel by overcoming broken lanterns, cave-ins, busted pickaxes, etc. This Saboteur Bonus Pack edition includes all the cards and features of the two previous models – Saboteur and Saboteur 2. In addition to that, it also includes a new collectors’ card. This is the ultimate treasure hunt game with all sorts of interesting twists and turns. One cool feature about this game is that it gives you the option to either play in teams or as an individual. 

Features:

• Set Contents: 32 Gold Tokens and 177 cards.
• Suitable for 8 years and above
• Number of players: 2 to 12
• Game Type: Treasure Hunt. Strategy based.

Why should you buy and play Scattergories Game?

If you are ready for some exciting teamwork and strategy-making games, buy the Saboteur card game. It is not just about the fun, but this excellent board game can help players in cognitive development as it also involves some decision-making and strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Multiplayer Board Games

Is playing board games good for you?

Yes. Playing board games is fun as well as beneficial for you. While playing board games, you engage your mind, thereby making it stronger. Playing board games is like an exercise for the mind. 

Why is it important to play board games?

Board games are the classic way of passing your leisure time. However, playing board games can also prove beneficial, depending upon the type of board games you play. All kinds of board games involve some type of thinking and calculations, which enhances your mental abilities. Not only that, but it can also improve confidence and creativity. 

What can you learn from board games?

Board games are popular among children as well as old people. And board games have some benefits in store, for all age groups. Of course, one of the basic things you can learn from playing board games is socializing with people and improves your communication skills. It is also a great way of making new friends. In addition, it can help you work on your logical thinking, attention, patience, and problem-solving techniques.

Why are board games better than video games?

Video games and board games are equal when it comes to entertainment purposes. However, when it comes to having fun as well as being educated on different aspects, board games are your go-to. Also, playing video games continuously can even cause some strains on your eyes because of the visuals. This is not the case for board games.

How do board games help cognitive development?

Cognitive development is all about developing your mental abilities. This includes your abilities in logical thinking, memory power, and also problem-solving and decision-making methods. And playing board games can help you develop all these, no matter what your age is. It stimulates your brain, which leads to cognitive development.

Conclusion

Board games are one of the best ways to have a good time with your friends and family. Almost everyone grew up playing with a board game. They bring good memories and create a strong bond or sometimes maybe even break them when the competition level rises. Nevertheless, board games are an important part of life.