Takeaways:
- The best board games to enhance your holiday gatherings may range from large strategy games that take hours to short party games that are over in minutes.
- Flipside Gaming offers recommendations for all types of board gamers with themed games from your favorite franchises.
- Our list includes big games, small games, roleplaying games, and family games that are perfect for kids.
Best Board Games
Is game night an essential part of your holiday tradition? Then it’s time for a roundup of the best board games to play this holiday season! Whether you’re looking for a simple game that can accommodate a crowd or a strategy-heavy session just for four, Flipside Gaming has the recommendations you need for every type of gamer.
Even better, you can use this list as inspiration for board game gifts that will surprise anyone on your list. Dive in to find new favorites at Flipside Gaming today!
1. Big Games
These are the games that feature pretty intensive systems and strategies. They may have a long setup and definitely require extra focus.
War of the Ring: 2nd Edition
If you love a fantasy-themed gaming session, the best board game for you will be this Lord of the Rings-based adventure. As a strategy board game, you can expect to immerse yourself in the dramatic conflict for the One Ring of Power, battling against the most memorable characters of Middle-Earth.
- Players: 2-4
- Age: 14+
- Game Time: 1.5 - 3 hours
Dune: War for Arrakis
A sci-fi adventure based on one of the most popular movie franchises of the last few years, Dune: War for Arrakis is another strategy game with a battlefield-style adventure. Use the miniatures to control the various factions that are trying to control Arrakis. This is one of the best board games for adults, with expansions like Desert War and The Spacing Guild offering additional ways to play.
- Players: 2-4
- Age: 14+
- Game Time: 120 minutes
Heat: Pedal to the Metal
One of the simpler games on the list of large board games, Heat offers you the chance to race to the finish line. This is one of the best family board games due to its versatility. You can play a quick 30-minute session, or play the "Championship System" to extend gameplay for the whole night. You can even play a solo version using automated drivers!
- Players: 2-4
- Age: 8+
- Game Time: 30 minutes to 5 hours
2. Little Games
Looking for the best board games for a short session? These are some of our favorites at Flipside Gaming.
The Two Towers: Trick Taking Game
Another fantasy favorite, we return to the Lord of the Rings universe in a standalone expansion to the Fellowship of the Ring card game. You’ll play through 17 chapters of this trick-taking game, cooperating with all the other players at the table to succeed!
Most importantly, this box is the perfect size to stick into a Christmas stocking, so it’s definitely a must on our list of board games for Christmas Gifts!
- Players: 1-4
- Age: 10+
- Game Time: 20 minutes
Champions!
One of the best board games for parties because it’s fun for both children and adults, this dueling board game features all your favorite characters. As eight characters face off each round, you place your bets on who you think the champion will be. Is Frankenstein going to end up on top? Maybe Beyoncé will take the throne! Just be aware that luck can sway the outcome for your champions.
- Players: 2-6
- Age: 10+
- Game Time: 45-60 minutes
3. Role-Playing
If you think the best board games involve roleplay, we have the top selections for you! Check out these options as board game gifts today.
Stranger Things: Welcome to the Hellfire Club
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things or Dungeons and Dragons, you know that the best board game nights can include a great D&D adventure. This expansion takes you into the Stranger Things universe as you explore one of four adventures! You’ll need one Dungeon Master to lead your group, while all the spells, tokens, and monsters are already included. Grab a character sheet and jump right in!
- Players: 3-5
- Age: 10+
- Game Time: 2-4 hours
4. Family Games
The holidays are traditionally a time when people of all ages get together to celebrate. If you’re looking for the best board games for families with a variety of age groups, these are our recommendations.
Bomb Busters
Whether this is a board game gift or something you want to add to your permanent game shelf, you’ll need to cooperate with every player to diffuse the escalating bomb challenges. While this series only has 66 missions, it’s endlessly replayable because every situation is different.
- Players: 2-6
- Age: 10+
- Game Time: 30 minutes
Sea Salt & Paper
Using the cards in your hand, you’ll need to get the most points among all the players. It’s up to you when the hand ends. Do you give it one more round to maximize your points and risk others gaining the upper hand, or do you pull the plug with what you’ve got and hope it’s the best?
- Players: 2-4
- Age: 8+
- Game Time: 30-45 minutes
Find the Best Board Games at Flipside Gaming
Flipside Gaming is a massive online resource for all things gaming. Find board game gifts, storage essentials, and pre-orders for the newest trading card games. Stuff those stockings with Pokémon cards, LEGO® Toys, and so much more with a little help from Santa!
