25 Best Board Games For Adults Who Have A Competitive Streak
Who says you have to be a kid to enjoy board games?
getty Put down the phone and step away from the Hulu and Netflix originals! Try something new with your friends and family with a fun game night to share, away from the technology and the other distractions currently happening in the world.
It can be kind of hard to decide on the best board games that are a great fit for you and your interests. That's why we have compiled a list of the best board games for adults, all separated by category, so you'll know which one is the right fit for you.
So, which will you start playing?
Memory
1. Ticket To Ride
Kick your creative thinking up a notch with this fun memory game. You'll soar through different cities (and countries with various expansion packs) all night long. But remember what your route is!
(Target, $44.99)
2. The Chameleon
The purpose of this game is to use deduction and cunning to throw other players off your scent by shouting out a word similar to the "secret word." The catch? The chameleon is the only one who doesn't know the word, but must convince others they do.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
3. Monopoly
Ah, one of the classics. Break out one of the best board games of all time and challenge yourself to remember to collect all of the properties before the end of the game.
(Target, $19.99)
4. Guess Who?
We all know how to play Guess Who? by naming features of the person our opponent is trying to guess. But have you ever swapped out the photos for people you actually know? Replace the old cards with friends and family to make the guessing a little more fun and personal.
(Target, $12.69)
Murder/Mystery
5. Escape the Room
The thriller will force you to keep your cool while solving hidden puzzles before the clock runs out. You and your team will have 60 minutes to solve the crime or the murderer will make his next move.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
6. Betrayal at House on the Hill
Made for three to six players, this game features a variety of suspenseful scenarios that change every time you play. Players will explore a haunted house and one player will "betray" the others and take the sides of the ghost. The point of the game is to explore the haunted house and defeat the ghost and the other enemies.
(Target, $29.49)
7. Murder at the Grand Gatsby
Set during the prohibition, this game lets you host your own murder mystery party. This game is fun for something different because it can be downloaded straight onto your computer or as a PDF. Hey, who says board games can't be on the computer?
(My Mystery Party, $41.95)
Medical/Educational
8. Medical Monopoly
Each player will represent a hospital who must race to fill the beds with patients. The game is set up like an actual medical monopoly and is great for those going through nursing school, or for those who just want to test their knowledge to see if they have what it takes!
(Medical Monopoly, $40)
9. Operation
Another classic that will take you down memory lane. Try and make Cavity Sam feel better before the timer runs out, or you lose! Even better, have you ever tried to play this game after a couple of sips of wine? We're willing to be your surgery hand isn't so steady after all.
(Target, $13.49)
10. Cranium
Players team up to finish all four categories on the board: Creative Cat, Data Head, Star Performer, and Word Worm. See if you're still got what it takes to spell words backward or draw with your eyes closed.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
11. Latice
A game all about strategy that helps develop logic, cognitive, and spatial thinking skills. The object of the game is to play all of your tiles and play your tiles before any of your opponents have the chance to.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
12. Doctor Wars Hospital Card Game
While this game is great for nurses or medical professionals, it's fun for everyone. And though it doesn't come with a board, this card game involves players scoring points by "treating" and "curing" patients.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
Party Games
13. Pandemic
You and your friends can help treat diseases all over the world, spread the knowledge, and prevent other diseases from spreading. Take a shot to see if you have what it takes to save the world.
(Target, $35.99)
14. Settlers of Catan
If you like Yu Gi Oh, this game has that kind of feel to it. After sailing near and far, you'll discover the world of Catan. The game is perfect for up to four players and brings out your inner explorer. Where will you go?
(Target, $44.99)
15. One Night Ultimate Werewolf
If you're looking for a fast-paced game and a little intensity, look no further. With each round lasting no more than 10 minutes, you're in for a treat. The objective of the game is to determine who among you is the werewolf, so lookout.
(Target, $24.99)
16. Don't Step In It
Don't even try to say you can't see yourself playing this game after too many shots of tequila. Roll out that mat, blindfold you or your friends, and simply try not to step in dog poop. Players can even add or remove poop along the mat to sabotage other players.
(Target, $11.29)
Politics
17. Anti-Monopoly
Straight from the headlines of CNN to this board game. This twists the innocent game of Monopoly makes everything way more real. While the rules are the same as the regular game, the stakes are a lot higher when you have a lot on the table.
(Bed Bath & Beyond, $22.99)
18. Masques
Mingle with those attending the masquerade ball and manipulate them all evening long. The point of the game is to gather the attention of the Venice's elite guild master, AKA the most political family in all of the land.
(Walmart, $33.05)
19. Diplomacy
Set in a pre-world time, each player will represent a "Great Power of Europe." The point of the game is to form alliances, negotiate deals, and write orders while preparing battles. In order to win the game, you must gain control of all the supply centers.
(Walmart, $25.69)
Other Fun Games
20. Puerto Rico
You must perform the role of the cards including, mayor, trader, settler, and prospector to compete using your special skills to win the game. Offers a variety of entertainment around the world without even leaving your living room.
(Walmart, $27.88)
21. Risk
A game that gives you armies, with 40 Infantry, 12 Cavalry, and 8 Artillery each. Try and conquer all of your enemies territories before they can get yours! If you're up for an intense battle with your friends then grab the dice and take your turn.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
22. LIFE
Ah, the game we all know and love. But have you played it with the new and improved online banking? Take board games up a notch and don't pull out your old calculators to calculate your retirement. Who needs those things anyway?
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
23. Pay Day
Wouldn't it be awesome if payday came more than just every other week? This game was launched back in 1975 and still harbors so much fun for those wishing they just had more cash to spend. The object of the game is to build up as many loans as possible and have the most money at the end of the game.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
24. Agricola
A family-oriented game that allows you to build your family, crops, and stock. The point of the game is to always keep your family fed and your stock healthy and alive. The game is made out of all wood and has a very rustic feel to it, unlike any other board game you'll ever play.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
25. 7 Wonders
This game is a winner in its category with dozens of international gaming awards, and can be played in groups of three to seven. The cards in the game can have different effects on your opponents such as resources or military benefits. Players must all put their cards down at the same time for an epic battle bound to last all evening long.
(Target, $44.99)
Shelby Slaughter's lifestyle writing has been featured on Martha Stewart, HelloGiggles, Byrdie, and more. She has a zest for storytelling and sharing news with the world.
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