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best board games of 2024

Best board games of 2024, and the mechanics behind them

Join us as we explore the Best board games of 2024, and the mechanics behind them. These are the board games that defined our year. Each game showcases how different mechanics come together to create compelling experiences. By understanding these mechanics, you’ll discover why these games have earned their place among our year’s best.

Written By: Mordi Levi

Updated: 4 months ago

Liked By 99 Users

10.

Skyrise

Game Description:
Create a masterpiece in the sky with Skyrise. As one of humanity’s greatest visionaries, you’ll design breathtaking structures and vie for recognition as the most brilliant artisan of a floating city.
Why we loved it: The combination of beautiful design and thoughtful decision-making made this one stand out. Watching the city grow with every new structure is a delight, and the theme is utterly enchanting.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
In Skyrise, the auction and bidding mechanics pair beautifully with area influence and the modular board to create a game of tough decisions and rising stakes. Bidding for prime locations is both strategic and nerve-wracking, as each choice shapes the city’s development. The modular board keeps the layout fresh, making every game feel different. The combination of mechanics and the stunning sky-city theme make it a standout experience that’s as competitive as it is beautiful.
Game on BGG

9.

Andromeda's Edge

Game Description:
Settle the edge of the galaxy in Andromeda’s Edge. Build space stations, colonize planets, and lead your faction to greatness in a dazzling, uncharted frontier filled with cosmic wonders and challenges.
Why we loved it: The sense of exploration and discovery was exhilarating. Every game feels like carving out your own little piece of the universe, and the sci-fi setting is beautifully realized.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
Andromeda’s Edge shines with its use of worker placement, hand management, and area influence. Every choice—whether placing a worker to gather resources, managing your cards for optimal moves, or expanding your influence on the board—feels impactful. The modular setup of planets and stations keeps the game fresh, and the mechanics tie perfectly to the theme of building a civilization on the edge of the galaxy. It’s a mix of strategy and exploration that’s hard to resist.
Game on BGG

8.

Dune Imperium: Uprising

Game Description:
Return to the sands of Arrakis in Dune Imperium: Uprising, where political intrigue, desert warfare, and bold alliances shape the fate of the Imperium. Master new tools and powers as you battle for control of the universe.
Why we loved it: The epic scale and dramatic choices kept us coming back for more. Whether you’re riding sandworms or outwitting opponents, every session feels like a sci-fi blockbuster.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
The mix of worker placement, deck building, and variable player powers in Dune Imperium: Uprising creates a rich tapestry of strategic options. Deploying workers to key locations shapes the board, while building your deck allows for evolving strategies. The variable player powers make each game feel unique, as you explore different paths to victory. The mechanics perfectly capture the balance of political intrigue and desert warfare that defines the Dune universe.
Game on BGG

7.

Unconscious Mind

Game Description:
Journey into the dreamlike world of psychoanalysis in Unconscious Mind. As early pioneers in Vienna, you’ll interpret dreams, explore the mysteries of the subconscious, and uncover breakthroughs that change lives.
Why we loved it: The game is a beautiful blend of thematic depth and intellectual challenge. Plus, the dreamy, historical atmosphere made it a pleasure to immerse ourselves in every time.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
In Unconscious Mind, worker placement, open drafting, and set collection blend seamlessly into a thematic journey through psychoanalysis. Placing workers to unlock powerful actions, drafting cards to expand your abilities, and collecting sets of dream symbols all come together to create a cerebral and deeply satisfying game. The cascading effects of your choices feel rewarding, and the thematic depth makes every action feel purposeful and engaging.
Game on BGG

6.

Arcs

Game Description:
Launch into a chaotic galactic power struggle in Arcs. Whether through diplomacy, daring battles, or resourceful scheming, you’ll strive to outmaneuver your rivals and secure dominance across the stars.
Why we loved it: The unpredictable twists and turns kept us hooked, and the mix of strategy and narrative makes every playthrough feel like a new story. It’s sci-fi strategy at its best.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
Arcs is one of our best board games of 2024 mainly because it uniquely combines trick-taking, push-your-luck, and area influence into a sci-fi strategy game that feels dynamic and unpredictable. The trick-taking mechanic is used in clever ways, like resolving battles and earning resources, while the push-your-luck element adds tension as you decide whether to risk more for greater rewards. Layering these with area influence means every action impacts the galactic struggle for dominance. It’s a game of dramatic turns, where careful planning and bold gambles keep things exciting.
Game on BGG

5.

Let's Go! To Japan

Game Description:
Plan the vacation of your dreams in Let’s Go! To Japan! Explore iconic destinations, from bustling Tokyo streets to tranquil Kyoto temples, while arranging the perfect itinerary packed with unforgettable activities.
Why we loved it: The game captures the excitement of travel and planning, with charming illustrations and a theme that feels both relaxing and rewarding. It’s a joy for gamers and travel enthusiasts alike.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
The mechanics of closed drafting and set collection in Let’s Go! To Japan make it a delightful game of planning and optimization. Drafting activity cards in secret adds a layer of mystery and strategy, as you try to create the best vacation itinerary while keeping an eye on your opponents’ plans. Collecting sets of similar activities or experiences, like all Tokyo landmarks, feels incredibly rewarding when everything clicks. The combination of mechanics and theme makes it a charming and unique experience.
Game on BGG

4.

Slay The Spire

Game Description:
Take on the challenge of climbing the Spire in this cooperative adventure inspired by the hit video game. Together, you’ll face strange foes, collect powerful relics, and build decks that can take on anything the Spire throws at you.
Why we loved it: The teamwork required is engaging and fun, and every game feels like a fresh puzzle to solve. Fans of the original will love how faithfully the experience translates to the table.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
In Slay the Spire, the cooperative nature of the game brings a unique layer of teamwork to its deck-building and hand management mechanics. Each player carefully crafts their deck over the course of the game, choosing cards that synergize not just with their strategy, but also with the team’s needs. Deciding when and how to play cards in each encounter is a thrilling puzzle. The ever-changing challenges of the Spire, combined with the cooperative play, make it a fresh and rewarding experience every time.
Game on BGG

3.

The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth

Game Description:
Relive the epic struggle for Middle-earth in this two-player battle of wits. One side leads the Fellowship on their quest to destroy the One Ring, while the other commands Sauron’s dark forces, determined to plunge the world into shadow.
Why we loved it: The tension between the two players is palpable, and every move feels significant. It’s a compact but deeply thematic way to experience the world of Tolkien.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
This game’s mechanics of tableau building, open drafting, and set collection work perfectly with the epic struggle between the forces of good and evil. Drafting cards to build your side’s strengths—whether it’s the Fellowship or Sauron’s forces—creates tough decisions as you balance your strategy against your opponent’s. Collecting key sets of characters or artifacts adds another layer of tension. The mechanics integrate so smoothly with the theme that every move feels like a chapter in Tolkien’s saga. That’s the reason this game is one of our Best board games of 2024.
Game on BGG

2.

Wyrmspan

Game Description:
Step into the enchanting world of Wyrmspan, where you’ll excavate a hidden cavern and build a haven for majestic dragons. Each dragon you entice to your sanctuary adds new life and power to your growing lair.
Why we loved it: Who wouldn’t want to build a sanctuary for dragons? The theme is beautifully executed, and watching your cavern fill with shimmering, fiery creatures is endlessly rewarding.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
Wyrmspan brilliantly mixes tableau building, engine building, and open drafting to create a game that feels both strategic and magical. As you excavate and expand your dragon sanctuary, you’ll draft dragons and abilities that combine to form powerful chains of effects. Building your tableau is incredibly rewarding as your engine grows stronger, giving you more options each turn. The thematic tie to dragons is the cherry on top—it’s impossible not to feel a spark of joy as your sanctuary fills with majestic creatures. For us, it takes everything amazing in Wingspan (except dice rolling for resources) - and elevates it.
Game on BGG

1.

Harmonies

Game Description:
Our best board game of 2024 is Harmonies! In Harmonies, you’ll design stunning landscapes filled with vibrant colors and create welcoming habitats for animals to thrive. With every token you place, your ecosystem grows more alive and interconnected.
Why we loved it: There’s something uniquely satisfying about watching your landscapes transform into flourishing habitats. The balance between creativity and strategy keeps every game fresh, and the visuals are simply gorgeous.

 

Main Mechanics:

 

Mechanics Deep-Dive:
In Harmonies, the combination of open drafting, pattern building, and tile placement creates a game that feels both strategic and full of creativity. Players draft colorful tiles from a shared pool and arrange them to form vibrant landscapes that attract animals. The challenge lies in balancing your personal goals with denying your opponents the pieces they need. It’s immensely satisfying to watch your board grow into a harmonious masterpiece of trees, mountains and rivers - and the interplay of these mechanics ensures every decision feels meaningful. For us, Harmonies has that sweet balance of beautiful design, mechanics that are easy to learn but add complexity - and a positive game experience that makes us want to play it more and more.
Game on BGG

Final Toughts

This concludes our list of the best board games of 2024!

One thing is for sure: no “best board game” list is ever the same or definitive in any way. Everyone’s got their own favorites, and honestly, that’s what makes board gaming so awesome. This list is just about the games that what we loved in 2024. But what really gets us excited—are the mechanics.

They’re the secret sauce, the engine under the hood, the thing that makes a game tick and keeps you coming back for “just one more round.” We chose these games because they didn’t just entertain us—they blew us away with how their mechanics brought everything together, with the theme, gameplay and all other ingredients.

But hey, these are just our picks! And who knows what surprises 2025 will bring—we just can’t wait to find out!

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