Best games where you can pre-program movement 2026

Looking for a really good game where you can pre-program movement? Then we have just the right thing for you: The list of the best programmed movement games 2026.

What are programmed movement games?

Programmed movement games require players to plan a sequence of actions or movements in advance before revealing and executing them simultaneously. This creates strategic tension as players must anticipate opponents' moves while committing to their own plans.

In German, "Programmed Movement" is called "Bewegungsabläufe vordefinieren".

Examples of games where you can pre-program movement:

Notable examples include racing games where players secretly select cards to program their vehicle's movement, or robot games where commands are queued before execution, often leading to chaotic and humorous results.

List of the best programmed movement games 2026:

This list was last updated on June 6, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. Heat: Pedal to the Metal

    Heat: Pedal to the Metal is a dynamic and strategic racing board game that simulates the thrill and intricacies of car racing. It offers players a chance to experience the excitement of racing while managing crucial elements like speed, car upgrades, and varying track conditions.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 7.

    More details for Heat: Pedal to the Metal
    • 👥 1 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  2. Flamme Rouge

    Flamme Rouge presents an exhilarating bicycle racing experience where strategy, timing, and tactical decisions are paramount to success. This fast-paced game captures the intensity of a real bike race, offering players a blend of excitement and strategic gameplay.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for Flamme Rouge
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 🧒 8+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Flamme Rouge

    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
  3. Colt Super Express

    Colt Super Express carries the spirit of the original, award-winning Colt Express in a fast-paced, portable format. Players compete to be the last Colt Express driver standing, as only one can remain when the train stops. Each round, players secretly play one of their five action cards to determine their moves, including moving, shooting, and more. At the end of the round, the last train car is removed, taking any players inside with it. If multiple players are left in the final car, the entire train explodes, eliminating them all.

    More details for Colt Super Express
    • 👥 3 - 7 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 🧒 7+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  4. Looking for a really good game where you can predefine movement sequences? Then we have just the thing for you: the list of the best programmed motion games 2026.

    The best games where you program movement sequences →
  5. Colt Express (Spiel des Jahres 2015 winner)

    Colt Express is a fast-paced, action-packed board game set in the Wild West, where players take on the roles of bandits attempting to rob a moving train.

    Nominated for 18 awards and won 8.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2015

    More details for Colt Express (Spiel des Jahres 2015 winner)
    • 👥 2 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 40 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  6. Tag Team

    Tag Team turns the energy of classic arcade fighting games into a smart two-player card game. Each player builds a team of two colorful fighters, then lets their combined deck unfold card by card in automatic rounds. The game is recommended for children, teens, and adults aged 10 and up, making it a lively choice for families who enjoy tactical head-to-head play.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Tag Team
    • 👥 2 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  7. Walk the Plank!

    Players portray the worst pirates in a captain's crew. The captain intends to keep only two members, and to prove their worth, players will fight to shove each other's pirates off the plank while trying to stay alive themselves. In each round, players secretly stack three of their action cards, reveal them alternately, and execute the actions, regardless of any mishaps that occur during planning. The game ends when only two or fewer pirates remain, declaring the owners of those pirates as winners, but beware—sometimes all pirates end up in the drink, leaving only the sharks circling below as victors.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Walk the Plank!
    • 👥 3 - 5 Players
    • ⏱️ 20 Minutes
    • 🧒 6+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  8. I'm Stuck in the Lift

    • Party GameParty Game
    • Bluffing & BettingBluffing & Betting
    • Push Your LuckPush Your Luck
    • Large GroupsLarge Groups
    • Simultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action
    +3 more
    • 👥 3 - 8 Players
    • ⏱️ 10 - 15 Minutes
    • 🧒 14+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  9. Wings of War: Famous Aces

    Wings of War: Famous Aces is an engaging blend of card and board game mechanics that brings to life aerial combat from World War I. In this game, players take control of iconic WWI airplanes, each represented by a card that doubles as a playing piece. The game stands out for its historical accuracy and the variety of planes, each with unique maneuvering and combat capabilities reflected through different decks of movement and combat cards.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Wings of War: Famous Aces
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 20 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  10. Quirky Circuits: Penny & Gizmo's Snow Day!

    Help Penny and Gizmo experience the best snow day ever in this cooperative programming game for the whole family. Work together to program adorable robots and complete tasks before the batteries run out. Players face unique scenarios in a 20-page game book, each one more quirky than the last, while managing limited information about their teammates' moves.

    More details for Quirky Circuits: Penny & Gizmo's Snow Day!
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 7+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  11. Quirky Circuits

    Players contribute to programming an adorable robot friend in a quirky and chaotic environment. No one knows what commands others will input, leading to potential automatic chaos. Collaboration is key to help the little robot complete its tasks before the battery runs out, with 21 increasingly challenging scenarios ensuring hours of engaging fun.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Quirky Circuits
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 7+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  12. Looking for a really good game from game designer Emerson Matsuuchi 👨? Then we have just the thing: the list with the best Emerson Matsuuchi games 2026.

    The best games from Emerson Matsuuchi 🇺🇸👨 →
  13. Dive

    Beyond the last continent, on the remote island of Windbark, diving is an ancient tradition. During a summer solstice ritual, divers compete to retrieve the village's sacred stone, which is thrown from a cliff and leads them deep into the ocean with the help of friendly turtles and manta rays, while avoiding angry sharks. Players use a set of transparent **ocean” cards and air tiles numbered 1-5, strategizing to dive while managing the risk posed by the creatures of the sea.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Dive
    • 👥 1 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 8+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  14. Room 25

    • CooperativeCooperative
    • Hidden TraitorHidden Traitor
    • DeductionDeduction
    • Sci-FiSci-Fi
    • Solo ModeSolo Mode
    • HorrorHorror
    +4 more

    Room 25 is a suspenseful and strategic board game set in a mysterious prison-like facility. Each player is trapped in this labyrinth, where every room has four doors but seemingly no way out. The ultimate goal is to find Room 25, believed to be the escape from this nightmare. However, the twist lies in the fact that not all players may be keen on escaping; some might be guardians of the prison, secretly plotting against the others.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Room 25
    • 👥 1 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 13+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  15. Robo Rally (original 1994 Edition)

    RoboRally is a dynamic and chaotic racing board game where players control robots in a high-stakes race through a hazardous factory. The game combines strategy, quick thinking, and a bit of luck to create an engaging and often humorous experience.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Robo Rally (original 1994 Edition)
    • 👥 2 - 8 Players
    • ⏱️ 45 - 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Robo Rally (original 1994 Edition)

    • YouTube Review for the game "Robo Rally (original 1994 Edition)" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
  16. Snails

    • Family GameFamily Game
    • ExplorationExploration
    • AnimalsAnimals
    • ThematicThematic
    • Modular BoardModular Board
    • Dice GameDice Game
    +3 more
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  17. Wings of War: The Dawn of World War II

    In 1939, the German war machine begins its rampage across Europe, igniting battles that will shape the course of the greatest conflict in human history. The Wings of War WW2 series offers a fast and engaging gameplay experience, allowing players to jump right into action with varied aircraft featuring distinct abilities and firepower. "Dawn of War" serves as the first installment in this series, enabling players to simulate dogfights and bombing missions with classic planes from the early years of the war, accommodating 2 to 6 players.

    More details for Wings of War: The Dawn of World War II
    • 👥 2 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  18. Elfenland (Spiel des Jahres 1998 winner)

    Elfenland is a redesigned version of the original Elfenroads game, set in a mythical elven world. Players, as young elves, embark on a journey across the land to visit as many of the twenty Elfencities as possible. The game is uniquely characterized by its variety of whimsical transportation methods and strategic movement across a network of interconnected cities.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1998

    More details for Elfenland (Spiel des Jahres 1998 winner)
    • 👥 2 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  19. Exceed Fighting System

    Experience fast-paced action reminiscent of head-to-head arcade fighting games right on your tabletop. Players can choose from an ever-expanding list of unique characters, each equipped with their own deck of special and super moves. Match decks against each other in standalone games or across seasons featuring characters from various franchises.

    More details for Exceed Fighting System
    • 👥 2 Players
    • ⏱️ 5 - 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Exceed Fighting System

    • YouTube Review for the game "Exceed Fighting System" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
  20. Space Alert

    Space Alert is a thrilling cooperative game where players become crew members of a spaceship navigating dangerous parts of the galaxy. Unique for its real-time gameplay, each mission in Space Alert is a frantic race against time, lasting precisely 10 minutes. The game stands out for its use of a soundtrack that not only enhances the thematic experience but also functions as a timer for the game.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2009

    More details for Space Alert
    • 👥 1 - 5 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty
  21. Robot Turtles

    Robot Turtles is a board game for children aged 3 to 8. While playing, children unknowingly learn the basics of programming. Each player, known as a "Turtle Master," uses a turtle and a corresponding deck of cards to navigate through a maze of walls to reach a jewel, while adults act as the computer executing their commands.

    More details for Robot Turtles
    • 👥 2 - 5 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 Minutes
    • 🧒 4+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  22. Robo Rally (2023 Edition)

    • Sci-FiSci-Fi
    • MiniaturesMiniatures
    • Large GroupsLarge Groups
    • Modular BoardModular Board
    • Simultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action
    +5 more
    • 👥 2 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  23. BattleCON: War of Indines

    • Golden Geek (nominated)Golden Geek (nominated)
    • CombatCombat
    • Strategy GameStrategy Game
    • Variable PowersVariable Powers
    • Simultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action
    +3 more

    BattleCON is a fast-paced, head-to-head card game for two players, inspired by the mechanics and tactics of 2D fighting games. Players choose characters with unique abilities to engage in tactical battles, utilizing a set of shared base cards while navigating a seven-space game board. With 18 different characters to control, each offering distinct gameplay styles, mastery requires strategy and intuition as players anticipate their opponent's moves.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for BattleCON: War of Indines
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 - 60 Minutes
    • 🧒 9+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty
  24. Robo Rally (2016 Edition)

    Robo Rally is a dynamic and strategic board game where players navigate their robots through a chaotic factory floor, aiming to hit designated checkpoints in sequence amidst a plethora of obstacles and hazards. This high-energy game combines elements of planning, race, and sabotage, making it a thrilling competition of wits and speed.

    More details for Robo Rally (2016 Edition)
    • 👥 2 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 20 - 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  25. VOLT: Robot Battle Arena

    • Family GameFamily Game
    • Sci-FiSci-Fi
    • MiniaturesMiniatures
    • CombatCombat
    • Variable PowersVariable Powers
    • Simultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action
    +4 more

    In 1994, the first national robot competition took place in San Francisco, showcasing remote-controlled creations from competitors across the country. Over the decades, technology advanced, and robot fighting gained immense popularity, attracting major sponsors and turning professional operators into celebrities. In VOLT: Robot Battle Arena, players aim to be the first to score five victory points by controlling their robots on active checkpoints or destroying opponents.

    More details for VOLT: Robot Battle Arena
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 13+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  26. Lords of Xidit

    • FantasyFantasy
    • Area ControlArea Control
    • Strategy GameStrategy Game
    • Simultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action
    +3 more

    Lords of Xidit is a high-stakes strategy game set in the mythical kingdom of Xidit. Players take on the roles of Idrakys, noble heirs tasked with recruiting soldiers, reclaiming cities, and battling the corrupted creatures unleashed by the Black Southern Host.

    More details for Lords of Xidit
    • 👥 3 - 5 Players
    • ⏱️ 90 Minutes
    • 🧒 14+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Lords of Xidit

    • YouTube Review for the game "Lords of Xidit" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video
  27. Tiny Turbo Cars

    • Family GameFamily Game
    • Real-TimeReal-Time
    • RacingRacing
    • PuzzlePuzzle
    • Variable PowersVariable Powers
    +3 more

    Tiny Turbo Cars is a fast-paced racing game for 2 to 4 players, where you program the movements of your toy car in advance using a sliding puzzle as the controller. Players choose their car, create the track, and simultaneously work through their sliding puzzles to determine the sequence of actions for their cars during the round.

    More details for Tiny Turbo Cars
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 🧒 8+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  28. VOLT

    • Sci-FiSci-Fi
    • MiniaturesMiniatures
    • CombatCombat
    • Strategy GameStrategy Game
    • Variable PowersVariable Powers
    • Simultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action
    +4 more

    Welcome to the robot action! Players take on the role of operators controlling fighting robots, challenging each other in an arena filled with excitement. By programming their moves in advance, they aim to outsmart their opponents, gain victory points, and dominate the arena.

    More details for VOLT
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  29. Dominate & Delegate

    • Hidden TraitorHidden Traitor
    • StorytellingStorytelling
    • MilitaryMilitary
    • Solo ModeSolo Mode
    • CampaignCampaign
    +4 more
    • 👥 1 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 🧒 14+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty
  30. Gorynich

    • CooperativeCooperative
    • FantasyFantasy
    • Kids' GameKids' Game
    • Large GroupsLarge Groups
    • Simultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action
    +2 more
    • 👥 3 - 7 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 🧒 8+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  31. The Queen's Gambit: The Board Game

    Imagine chess matches where players are several moves ahead of their opponents. In this game, 2-4 players use their own Gambit piece that moves across the board while planning their moves three steps ahead by laying down cards featuring chess pieces. The game ends when all pieces are captured, and the player with the most collected pieces wins.

    More details for The Queen's Gambit: The Board Game
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  32. TREOS

    • FantasyFantasy
    • Deck-BuildingDeck-Building
    • MedievalMedieval
    • Variable PowersVariable Powers
    • Action PointsAction Points
    +4 more

    💰 29% cheaper on Amazon than at other retailers

    More details for TREOS
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 40 - 80 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  33. Looking for a really good game by the game designer Nikki Valens👩? Then we have just the thing: the list of the best Nikki Valens games 2026.

    The best games by Nikki Valens 🇺🇸👩 →

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