The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it’s time to start (or, finish) your holiday gift shopping. If you’ve got someone interested in board games on your list this year, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up plenty of the most popular board games available for your perusal below.
Board games have seen an incredible resurgence, largely in part to so many people spending more time indoors over the past few years. And, with just about every genre available including cooperative, strategy, family, party, horror, and more, there’s surely a board game that will satisfy those on your shopping list this year. Check out our recommendations for the best board games to pick up this holiday season.
Must-Have Board Games Gifts for 2022
If you’re looking for the most popular board games that are sure to be on many shopping lists this year, we’ve got you covered below.
Dire Wolf
Dune: Imperium
Dune: Imperium is the first new board game based on the classic novels in more than 40 years! The strategic game blends deck-building with worker placement as you try to outwit your opponents and take control in Frank Hebert’s iconic universe.
Cephalofair Games
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Based on the massively popular Gloomhaven board game, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion serves as a prequel that can be played as an expansion to the main game, or as a standalone dungeon-crawling experience that up to four players can brave together.
Portal Games
Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island
This cooperative board game allows up to four players to work together to survive on a deserted island. You’ll need to build shelter and survive against danger as you work to complete various scenarios in this immersive storytelling experience.
Best Board Games For Adults Gifts
Adult board games are designed for those looking for a deeper, more strategic experience.
Stonemaier Games
Wingspan
Wingspan is a card-based engine builder that requires you to attract and collect the most exotic birds, while scoring better than your opponents. It features over 170 unique birds to collect with beautiful card art.
Best Board Games For Families Gifts
These board games are great for the entire family and offer a great entry point for younger audiences to get into the hobby.
Days of Wonder
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a competitive strategy game that requires you to build railroad tracks across the continental U.S. to connect various cities, while competing against your fellow railroad tycoons.
Best Party Board Games Gifts
Party board games are great options for groups of people and often include social deduction themes or quick rounds of fun.
Czech Games
Codenames
Codenames is a social deduction word game for 2-8 players that requires teams to work together to identify their secret agents before the other team can identify all of theirs using one-word clues.
Best Horror Board Games Gift
Horror board games offer equal parts mystery and thrill, and are a great choice for those looking for a slightly spooky experience.
Fantasy Flight Games
Unfathomable
In this strategic horror game, you’ll need to cooperate with your teammates to get the S.S. Atlantica safely to its destination, all while dealing with a hidden traitor in your midst trying to sabotage the journey.
Best Cooperative Board Games Gifts
Cooperative board games require you to work with your teammates, rather than against, to achieve your goals.
Z-Man Games
Pandemic
In Pandemic, you’ll need to work together with your teammates to cure a global disease before it spreads too quickly. Take on different unique roles to curb outbreaks and save humanity.
Best Board Games Gifts Under $50
While many of the items on this page are under $50, these are some of the best options that can appeal to a wide audience.
Cephalofair Games
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion
Based on the massively popular Gloomhaven board game, Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion serves as a prequel that can be played as an expansion to the main game, or as a standalone dungeon-crawling experience that up to four players can brave together.
For even more holiday gift ideas, check out our roundup of all the best Marvel gifts, or check out the rest of our relevant gift guides below.
Matthew Adler is a Commerce, Features, Guides, News, Previews, and Reviews writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @MatthewAdler and watch him stream on Twitch.
