If you like board games and you like maps, you’ve almost certainly played Risk and have likely also played such classics as Diplomacy and Settlers of Catan before.
While these are all great games, they don’t even begin to scratch the surface of what’s out there. There’s a whole world of map based strategy board games you’ve been missing out on, until now.
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Below we’ve listed 28 of the best, based mostly off rankings from ringrun.com, which is pretty much the ultimate source for board game information.
Unless you’re the world’s biggest boardgame geek (and hats off to you if you are) then we guarantee that there will be at least a few that you’ve never played before.
1. Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle game map
Description: Twilight Struggle is a two-player game simulating the forty-five year dance of intrigue, prestige, and occasional flares of warfare between the Soviet Union and the United States.
The entire world is the stage on which these two titans fight to make the world safe for their own ideologies and ways of life.
The game begins amidst the ruins of Europe as the two new “superpowers” scramble over the wreckage of the Second World War, and ends in 1989, when only the United States remained standing.
It is a quick-playing, low-complexity game. The game map is a world map of the period, whereon players move units and exert influence in attempts to gain allies and control for their superpower.
As with other card-driven games, decision-making is a challenge; how to best use one’s cards and units given consistently limited resources?
Twilight Struggle’s Event cards add detail and flavor to the game.
They cover a vast array of historical happenings, from the Arab- Israeli conflicts of 1948 and 1967, to Vietnam and the U.S. peace movement, to the Cuban Missile Crisis and other such incidents that brought the world to the brink of nuclear annihilation.
Subsystems capture the prestige-laden Space Race as well as nuclear tensions, with the possibility of game-ending nuclear war.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.34/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Twilight Struggle From Amazon
2. Terra Mystica
Terra Mystica game map
Description: Terra Mystica is a strategy game with a simple game principle and very little luck involved: You govern one of 14 factions trying to transform the landscape on the game board in your favor in order to build your structures.
On the one hand, proximity to other players limits your options for further expansion, on the other hand though, it provides some benefits during the game. This conflict is the source of Terra Mystica’s appeal.
The 14 artfully designed factions, each having unique special abilities, as well as the exchangeable bonus cards allow for a large number of possible game plays that constantly keep this game entertaining.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.29/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Terra Mystica From Amazon
3. Mage Knight Board Game
Description: Created by the Renowned Game Designer, Vlaada Chvatil, Mage Knight is a game of Epic Exploration and Conquest that mixes character development, intrigue, and the clashing of swords to create a truly unique gaming experience.
Enter the mysterious world of the Atlantean Empire as 1 of 4 Heroes (or villians) in this expansive world that allows players to conquer lands, steer the wheels of history and give birth to legends in this exciting all in one board game.
Choose to play competitively or cooperatively with other players as you roam the countryside affecting your own reputation by being either the benevolent leader or brutal tyrant. Accumulate Fame and experience that translate into more powerful Spells and abilities, then use your power to influence units to join your ranks.
Will you play the Hero and gain favor among the people or will you destroy monasteries to steal Legendary artifacts hidden within?
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.15/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy The Mage Knight Board Game From Amazon
4. Brass
Brass game map
Description: Welcome to Lancashire, England in the 18th Century. The world is about to change from Medieval to Modern. This change will be called the Industrial Revolution.
Can you take advantage of this transformation?
What’s the best strategy? Build cotton mills? Develop new technologies? Dig canals? Produce coal, or maybe steel?
There is no simple answer and the opportunities that arise will be different in each game you play as you move through the Canal and Railway periods, striving to get the best return you can from your investments – hopefully just in time to snatch the next opportunity from under the noses of your rivals.
Brass is a logistical game where you make money to make more money. However, you also need to make certain the industries you’re creating are sustainable, which makes Brass unique and endlessly fascinating.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.03/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Brass From Amazon
5. Paths of Glory
Paths of Glory game map
Description: Paths of Glory, designed by six-time Charles S. Roberts Award winner, Ted Raicer, allows players to step into the shoes of the monarchs and marshals who triumphed and bungled from 1914 to 1918.
As the Central Powers you must use the advantage of interior lines and the fighting skill of the Imperial German Army to win your rightful “place in the sun.” As the Entente Powers (Allies) you must bring your greater numbers to bear to put an end to German militarism and ensure this is the war “to end all wars.”
Both players will find their generalship and strategic abilities put to the test as Paths of Glory’s innovative game systems let you recreate all the dramatic events of World War I.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.03/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Paths of Glory From Amazon
6. Power Grid
Power Grid game map
Description: The object of the game is to supply the most cities with power. Players must acquire the raw materials, like coal, oil, garbage, or uranium, to power their plants (except for the highly valuable ‘renewable energy’ wind/solar plants), making it a constant struggle to upgrade your plants for maximum efficiency while still retaining enough wealth to quickly expand your network to get the cheapest routes.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 8.00/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Power Grid From Amazon
7. Combat Commander: Europe
Description: Combat Commander is a card-driven board game series covering tactical infantry combat in the European and North African Theaters of World War II.
One player takes the role of the Axis (Germany in this first game; Italy and the Axis Minors in later installments) while another player commands the Allies (Russia and America here; Britain France and the Allied Minors in future expansions). This first game of Combat Commander includes units cards and historical scenarios depicting the American German and Russian forces.
The second game in the series will provide cards counters and historical scenarios for British French and Italian forces. Each game includes 6-12 historical scenarios as well as a roll your own scenario system that provides an almost unending variety of map configurations force structures and combat situations. Replayability value for Combat Commander is very high.
A game of Combat Commander has no strict sequence of play.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.93/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Combat Commander: Europe From Amazon
8. Twilight Imperium (Third Edition)
Description: An age of twilight shall once more spread across the galaxy. A broken empire shall once more be re-forged. Hidden powers from dark space shall come forth to make an ancient claim. War shall rage across space.
Secret treaties, political whispers, and devious plots shall again echo through the halls of the imperial city on Mecatol Rex. TI3 is an epic empire-building game of interstellar conflict, trade, and struggle for power.
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Players take the roles of ancient galactic civilizations, each seeking to seize the imperial throne via warfare, diplomacy, and technological progression. With new oversize geomorphic board tiles, finely detailed plastic miniatures, hundreds of cards, and a massive plurality of options, TI3 will ship in a massive, epic-size box, with more than 200 masterfully sculpted oversize plastic miniatures – the typical TI units (Ground Forces, Cruisers, Dreadnaughts, Carriers, Fighters, PDS, and Space Docks) as well as two new units (the massive War Sun, and the Destroyer).
TI3 contains new oversize board tiles, more than 400 cards, every known civilization of the Twilight Imperium universe, almost every expansion rule and component ever published for TI, a gorgeous graphical overhaul, and an impressive full color rules set.
The TI gameplay has been refined and redone by original designer Christian T. Petersen. The new design features faster gameplay, and involves players in a far more active game experience with much less down-time. In addition, TI3 will include the new Race Cards, as well a dramatic new approach to the structure of the gameplay itself using the new Command system.
Are you ready for another age of Twilight?
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.88/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Twilight Imperium (Third Edition) From Amazon
9. War of the Ring (First Edition)
War of the Ring game map
Description: The War of the Ring board game is a grand strategic simulation of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. While the Fellowship of the Ring advances towards Mordor, the Dark Lord Sauron tries to find the location of the Ring-bearer, and unleashes his armies against the last strongholds of the Free Peoples.
Faithful to the epic flavor of the books, characters and strongholds play a major role in the flow of the game and represent the main focus of the action. A simple and fun, dice-based, resource management mechanism is used to determine the various types of action possible for each player.
Smooth, original mechanics have been devised to handle the hidden movement of the Fellowship and the Hunt for the Ring.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.85/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy War of the Ring (First Edition) From Amazon
10. Concordia
Concordia Game Map
Description: 2,000 years ago, the Roman Empire ruled the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. With peace at the borders, harmony inside the provinces, uniform law and a common currency, the economy thrived and gave rise to mighty Roman dynasties as they expanded throughout the numerous cities.
Guide one of these dynasties and send colonists to the remote realms of the Empire; develop your trade network; and appease the ancient gods for their favor – all to gain the chance to emerge victorious!
CONCORDIA is a peaceful strategy game of economic development in Roman times for 2 to 5 players age 13 and up. Instead of luck of dice or cards, players must rely on their strategic abilities. Be sure to watch your rivals to determine which goals they are pursuing and where you can outpace them!
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.85/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Concordia From Amazon
11. El Grande
Description: Win and you will become El Grande. It is time of awakening. The position of the king is secure, but the high aristocrats, the Grandes, look to expand their influence.
Thus, intrigue fills the country. Their primary weapons are the attendants to the king- the Caballeros. Each Grande has his favorites, recruited from the provinces, which he deploys to accumulate the power he so desires.
Fencing, not with the sword, but with cunning and deceit, the Grandes struggle for power, sending the Caballeros openly into the regions and secretly to the Castillo. Although this strategic game requires subtle strategies, it is easy to learn and comes with an introduction that ensures a fast entrance into the game.
Choose your actions and priorities wisely to become the most powerful Grande and win the game.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.84/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy El Grande From Amazon
12. Commands & Colors: Ancients
Description: Commands and Colors: Ancients allows you to re-fight epic battles of the ancient world. Here the focus is on the two rivals for power in the Western Mediterranean — Carthage and Rome.
Will you as Hannibal triumph over larger Roman armies; or as Scipio Africanus will you beat Hannibal with newer tactics of your own? Units in both armies can only move and fight when ordered. The command playing cards supply those orders providing an element of luck that creates a fog of war and presents players with both challenges and opportunities.
You must maximize your opportunities by playing your command cards judiciously. How well you handle the diverse units their weapons and the terrain will determine victory. Commands and Colors: Ancients contains the battles of Akragas Crimissos River Ticinus River Lake Trasimenus Cannae Dertosa Castulo Baecula Ilipa and Zama.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.83/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Commands & Colors: Ancients From Amazon
13. Hannibal: Rome vs. Carthage
Description: One of the greatest military commanders and tacticians in history descends on the Roman Empire once again. Do you face him as Rome and try to ward the invasion that comes from the North, or do you climb atop your war elephant and show Rome you will take that which they hold most dear: their territory.
Designed with all new artwork from Kurt Miller this is a reprint of the very popular Avalon-Hill version from 1996. The game uses the popular card system, which first appeared in Avalon Hill’s We the People, to recount the Second Punic War from 218 to 203 B.C. Players use strategic-level cards for multiple purposes: moving generals, levying new troops, reinforcing existing armies, gaining political control of the provinces involved in the war, and generating historical events.
When two armies meet on the battlefield, a second set of cards, called Battle Cards, are used to determine the winner. Ultimately both players seek victory by dominating both fronts: military and political.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.83/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Hannibal: Rome vs. Carthage From Amazon
14. A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition)
Game of Thrones game map
Description: King Robert Baratheon is dead, and the lands of Westeros brace for battle. Can you claim the Iron Throne?
Designed for ages 14 and up, A Game of Thrones: The Board Game Second Edition is a classic game of warfare, diplomacy, and intrigue for three to six players. Taking control of the well-known characters from George R.R. Martin’s beloved fantasy series, players must fight for dominance of the realm.
Will you take power through force, coerce your way onto the throne with persuasive speeches, or rally the townsfolk to your side? With opportunities for strategic planning, masterful diplomacy, and clever card play, this game gives you a host of ways to spread your influence over Westeros.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.82/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy A Game of Thrones: The Board Game (Second Edition) From Amazon
15. Runewars
Description: Runewars is an epic board game of conquest, adventure, and fantasy empires for two to four players. Designed by Corey Konieczka, Runewars pits players against each other in a strategic game of battles and area control, where they must gather resources, raise armies, and lay siege to heavily fortified cities.
Runewars takes place in the same popular fantasy universe as the best-selling board games Runebound and Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition, and dozens of fan-favorite heroes and monsters play their part. The wars for the dragon runes are beginning, and only one faction will emerge victorious. What would you do to claim the ultimate power?
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.77/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Runewars From Amazon
16. Tigris & Euphrates
Tigris & Euphrates game map
Description: Tigris Euphrates is an award-winning tile placement game of rival dynasties designed by Reiner Knizia and set in ancient Mesopotamia at the time of the first cities. Two to four players take on the roles of rulers building civilizations competing for land and striving to strike a balance between commerce agriculture housing and religion.
Advance your civilization grow your dynasty and accumulate victory points by strategically placing tiles leaders and even monuments on the board. As civilizations grow wars may erupt over the regions limited land and resources or another ruler may incite rebellion among your people forcing you to fight for your territory.
The ruler who has the greatest amount of victory points in the weakest aspect of their civilization wins.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.76/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Tigris & Euphrates From Amazon
17. Steam
Description: In Steam, you build railroads and deliver goods along an ever-changing network of tracks and stations. You build the tracks, upgrade towns, improve your train, and grab the right goods to make the longest, most profitable deliveries.
Score your deliveries and add to your income or victory points, balancing your need to invest against your quest to win the game. Steam contains a beautiful, double-sided game board. The map on each side depicts terrain, towns, and cities at the start of the railway age. The map of the northeastern USA and neighboring Canada is ideal for 3 or 4 players.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.74/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Steam From Amazon
18. Age of Steam
Description: Age of Steam – The Best Railroad Game of All-Time. Age of Steam 2009: The classic and original version is now back in print and looks better than ever. This new edition supports 36 expansions which have been created over the past 6 years for this game-testimony to its amazing popularity.
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BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.73/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Age of Steam From Amazon
19. Railways of the World
Description: Rewrite the annals of history and engrave your name alongside the world’s greatest railroad barons. Build your railroad empire across the Rails of the World and find out if you have the metal and the mettle to outwit and outmaneuver your opponents.
Welcome to Railways of the World, the base game in Eagle Games’ expandable railroad system. Included inside are all of the components necessary to support and supplement the expansion games in the series, such as Railways of England and Wales and Railways of Europe. You will need most or all of the components in this box to play these expansions.
This is an updated version of Railroad Tycoon.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.72/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Railways of the World From Amazon
20. Pandemic
Pandemic Game Map
Description: Four diseases have broken out in the world and it is up to a team of specialists in various fields to find cures for these diseases before mankind is wiped out.
Players must work together playing to their characters’ strengths and planning their strategy of eradication before the diseases overwhelm the world with ever-increasing outbreaks. For example the Operation Specialist can build research stations which are needed to find cures for the diseases.
The Scientist needs only 4 cards of a particular disease to cure it instead of the normal 5. But the diseases are out breaking fast and time is running out: the team must try to stem the tide of infection in diseased areas while also towards cures.
A truly cooperative game where you all win or you all lose.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.66/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Pandemic From Amazon
21. Imperial
Description: Internationally operating investors aim for the highest political influence in Europe. By giving credits they gain influence over the six imperial nations Great Britain, Germany, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Italy and France. These nations desperately need money to build up their economy and to buy troops and fleets.
With their growing power in Europe, they collect more taxes and pay their rising interests to their investors. Because the six imperial nations are under changing influence of different investors, strategic alliances and conflicts arise between them. Sometimes this leads even to war.
The players represent internationally operating investors who stay in the background. The turns in the game are executed by the six imperial nations, not by the investors themselves, who only impose their financial influence onto various nations.
Only the investor who gets the best return on his investments, who gains influence over the most powerful imperial nations, and who can influence the European diplomacy to his benefit, may win the game. Imperial is a challenging strategy game without any luck of cards or dice.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.66/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Imperial From Amazon
22. Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery
Description: It is the late 15th century and a new age is dawning. While searching for a new trade route to India, explorers have discovered a new land.
The first reports tell of strange creatures, exotic people, and fabulous wealth. Captains and adventurers flock to these new lands in search of gold. They are quickly followed by colonists, soldiers, merchants, and missionaries all seeking wealth of one kind or another.
Colonies begin to spring up, and soon competition among the great nations of Europe begins. Take the role of one of Europe’s colonial powers and stake your claim in the New World. As the leader of your nation, there are many paths that lead to victory: It is an Age of Discovery…it is an Age of Empires!
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.62/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery From Amazon
23. Ticket to Ride: Europe
Description: Get ready for a new train adventure as you travel across Europe with Ticket to Ride – Europe, the new edition of the worldwide hit from Days of Wonder.
From Edinburgh to Constantinople and from Lisbon to Moscow, the game will take you on a ride to the great cities of turn-of-the-century Europe. More than just a new map, Ticket to Ride – Europe features brand new gameplay elements including Tunnels, Ferries and Train Stations. Plus, we’ve upgraded you to First-Class accommodations with larger cards, new Train Station game pieces, and a lavishly illustrated gameboard. Like the original, the game remains elegantly simple, can be learned in three minutes, and appeals to both families and experienced gamers.
Ticket to Ride – Europe is a complete, new game and does not require the original version. It is for 2 to 5 players, and it takes 30-60 minutes to play.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.59/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Ticket to Ride: Europe From Amazon
24. Sid Meier’s Civilization: The Board Game
Description: Build an empire to stand the test of time. Sid Meier’s Civilization: The Board Game gives you complete control of an entire civilization.
Players take on the roles of famous historical leaders, each in charge of a unique civilization with their own abilities. Explore a module game board and follow one of four paths to victory as you work your way through the ages.
Based on the acclaimed Civilization video game franchise designed by Sid Meier, Civilization: The Board Game similarly puts players in control of a burgeoning empire. Through strategic planning and precise execution, players can mold the civilization of their dreams.
Can you build the most powerful army to dominate your opponents? Or will you focus on advancing your technology to someday travel to the stars? However you choose to lead your civilization, greatness is always within reach.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.58/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Sid Meier’s Civilization: The Board Game From Amazon
25. Carcassonne
Description: The Carcassonne is a clever tile-laying game. The southern French city of Carcassonne is famous for its unique roman and medieval fortifications. The players develop the area around Carcassonne and deploy their followers on the roads, in the cities, in the cloisters, and in the fields.
The skill of the players to develop the area will determine who is victorious. The game is for ages 8 and up and 2 to 5 players.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.44/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Carcassonne From Amazon
26. Settlers of Catan
Description: One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan.
The women and men of your expedition build the first two settlements. Fortunately, the land is rich in natural resources. You build roads and new settlements that eventually become cities. Will you succeed in gaining supremacy on Catan?
Barter trade dominates the scene. Some resources you have in abundance, other resources are scarce. Ore for wool, brick for lumber – you trade according to what is needed for your current building projects. Proceed strategically!
If you found your settlements in the right places and cleverly trade your resources, then the odds will be in your favor. But your opponents are smart too.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.35/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Settlers of Catan From Amazon
27. Diplomacy
Diplomacy Game map
Description: The classic game of negotiation, cunning, and deceit is back. Through negotiations, alliances, and intrigue, expand your empire over pre-World War I Europe. Form alliances and unhatch your traitorous plots as you negotiate and outwit— in a delicate balance of cooperation and competition— to gain dominance of the continent. Your success hinges not on the luck of the dice, but your cunning and cleverness.
BoardGameGeek Rating: 7.09/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Diplomacy From Amazon
28. Axis and Allies 1941
Description: 1941: THE WORLD IS AT WAR! Quick and Convenient: Axis and Allies 1941 is designed to be set up and played more quickly than any previous A&A game. In essence, this is a simplified A&A experience that will introduce players to the A&A mechanics and play style.
Play time runs between 1.5 to 2 hours. Familiar Mechanics: This game utilizes the A&A game mechanics present in A&A 1942 2nd Edition, as designed by Larry Harris (the creator of the original game).
BoardGameGeek Rating: 6.52/10 Buy: Click Here To Buy Axis and Allies 1941 From Amazon
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