If you're new to board games, the first piece of advice I can give is: find the type of game you enjoy. There are fast-paced competitive games, relaxed cooperative ones, epic story-driven adventures, strategic deck-building games, and many more. That’s the beauty of the board game hobby—there truly is something for everyone, even if that’s not always obvious to newcomers.
The goal of this article is to help anyone curious about getting into board games find a great starting point. I’ll focus on games that are accessible and easy to find in most stores.
Honorable Mention: The Century Series
Before diving into specific categories, I want to highlight the Century series. Each game in this series is basically an introduction to a different game mechanic that’s common in the board game world, making it a fantastic entry point for new players building a collection. Most people recommend Century: Spice Road, but I personally suggest checking out Century: Golem Edition—it's essentially the same game but with a more whimsical and engaging theme.
Competitive Games
Dice Throne
Dice Throne is one of my go-to games when I have friends over who aren’t super into board games. It’s incredibly easy to teach—think “battle Yahtzee,” and odds are, everyone knows how to play Yahtzee. There are tons of characters with different abilities, great themes, and plenty of expansions to explore.
Trekking the World (Trekking Series)
If you’re ready for a slightly bigger board state, try Trekking the World or any title from the Trekking series. The setup might look intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite approachable. These games aren’t heavy on direct player interaction, but they do introduce strategic planning as you race your opponents to complete objectives. It’s a great first step into competitive play with light combo-building elements.
Skyrise
Auction-style games are a classic part of the competitive board gaming landscape—think Monopoly. Skyrise is one of my favorites in this genre, and one of my favorites from last year. It works beautifully at 2–4 players, which isn’t always the case with auction mechanics since auction games are generally catered to 3+ groups. Plus, if you’re into stunning game components, the collector’s edition is absolutely worth the splurge.
Sudoku
Sudoku may not come in a box like traditional board games, but it has earned its place as one of the most competitive puzzle games around. With simple rules and infinite variations, it’s approachable for newcomers yet endlessly challenging for seasoned players. The best part is its flexibility, you can enjoy it solo for some quiet focus, or race friends to see who can complete the puzzle first. Its blend of logic, strategy, and pattern recognition makes Sudoku a timeless choice that fits seamlessly alongside modern tabletop titles. You can also easily play the game online on sites like Sudoku Bliss.
Cooperative Games
Horrified Series
Cooperative games can feel overwhelming at first, especially when they come with complex rules and massive boards. That’s why I recommend starting with the Horrified series by Ravensburger. It’s easy to set up, and the gameplay is straightforward while still teaching you how to strategize with your teammates.
I recommend Horrified: Universal Monsters, but feel free to choose the version that speaks to you. Each edition offers a fun, puzzle-like experience where you work together to defeat different monsters—some harder than others, but all manageable for beginners.
The Crew Series
The Crew is a fantastic two-for-one: it introduces cooperative gameplay and trick-taking mechanics. It features a compact play area and limited communication rules, which makes teamwork even more crucial. It’s an excellent test to see how your group functions together and whether you’d enjoy more complex co-op or trick-taking games in the future.
Deck-Building Games (Kind Of)
Now, deck-building games can be a bit intimidating for new players and it’s definitely not where I recommend starting. They’re often heavier and can turn off casual gamers. However, there are games that feel like deck-builders without fully diving into the genre. That’s where my recommendation comes in.
Doomlings
While not a traditional deck-building game, Doomlings has a similar vibe. You build a trait pile and manage your hand in a way that feels strategic and evolving, like many deck-builders. It’s quick to learn, and playtime can vary depending on your group’s familiarity with games.
One thing to note: Doomlings, to me, isn’t ideal as a two-player experience—it tends to move too quickly. If you're looking for something more balanced for two players, consider trying Mycelia instead (an actual deck-builder).
Whether you’re competitive or cooperative, strategic or casual, there’s a board game out there for you. Hopefully, this list gives you a few great places to start—and maybe even your next favorite game.
