Game nights aren’t what they used to be. Where they were once the dominion of parents forcing quality time on their unassuming kids, today they’re a staple of the grownup hangout. But if you’re getting sick of losing Settlers of Catan (apparently it is possible to win, but this has not been my experience), then you’ll want to check out this roundup of the best board games for adults. They run the gamut from goofy party games to intense strategizing fare to cooperative games where literally everyone wins (or loses). Some of them even make for fun family games that the kids can enjoy without slowly driving the parents mad. If you’re ready to step up your game night, shop and save on the 10 best best board games for adults below.
If competition drives your family to fisticuffs, then a co-op board game like this is the way to go. Work together to stop disease from spreading across the globe and save the world! If you win, everyone wins.
Once the dominion of nerds in the ‘80s, thanks to Stranger Things and podcasts like The Adventure Zone, now everyone wants in on this role-playing game. Games can be as kid-friendly or as rowdy as you want—it all depends on how your DM leads the game!
Possibly one of the best family games on market today, it’s a fun, quick game of wordplay. Think of it a little like verbal charades. It’s a bit of a tough concept to explain, but once you start playing, everything snaps into place.
If you’re a board game purist and want to keep to the classics but you still want to seem hip to the kids then this is the version to get. Just remember that if you win, celebratory dabbing is out, flossing is in.
A deck building game that relies on a relatively simple point system where you fight it out to make your kingdom the best of all. The real best part, though, is that once you learn the rules games can be wrapped up in 30 minutes.
Ever wanted to re-create the fun of the Cold War but without the threat of nuclear holocaust? Now you can! This is for hardcore game enthusiasts only and newbies should be prepared to set aside an entire afternoon to learn it. But if you love a serious challenge, then this is for you.
Another deck-building game, but this one is cooperative instead of competitive. Battle the villains from each of the books as you play through all seven years at Hogwarts as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, or Neville Longbottom.
This game is as simple to play as its name is hilarious! Prevent helpless kitties from going BOOM in this cute and quirky card game that’s great for ages 7 and up.