The best "Board Game Quest Awards🇺🇸" winners & nominees 2025

Looking for a good game that won or was nominated for the Board Game Quest Awards? Then we have just the thing for you: A list of the best Board Game Quest Awards winners and games that were on the nomination list.

What is the Board Game Quest Awards?

The "Board Game Quest Awards" is an award for dice, card & board games. The award originates from the 🇺🇸USA, was created in 2013 and is voted for by a panel of judges.

Board Game Quest Awards Categories

The Board Game Quest Awards honor is presented each year in the following categories:

  • Best Card Game
  • Best Cooperative Game
  • Best Family Game
  • Best Game Expansion
  • Best Game from a Small Publisher
  • Best iOS Board Game
  • Best Party Game
  • Best Production Values
  • Best Strategy/Euro Game
  • Best Tactical/Combat Game
  • Best Thematic Game
  • Best Two Player Game
  • Game of the Year
  • Most Innovative Game

More info can be found on the official homepage.

List of Best Board Game Quest Awards Winners & Nominees 2025:

This list was last updated on July 10, 2025. We compared 341 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. SCOUT

    All details for the board game SCOUT and similar games

    SCOUT is an innovative card game that blends elements of hand management and ladder-climbing mechanics. The unique twist in this game is the dual-indexed cards and the restriction on rearranging your hand, creating a challenging and strategic gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for SCOUT
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition

    All details for the board game The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition and similar games

    The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition revitalizes Stefan Feld's classic strategy game for 1-4 players, where participants embody aristocrats managing their princedoms. This special edition, a collaboration between Ravensburger and Awaken Realms, elevates the game with a full art redesign, premium materials, and enhanced components, offering a luxurious playing experience as players build their settlements, castles, and engage in trade.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 70 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  3. The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth

    All details for the board game The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth and similar games

    A dark rumor arises from Mordor, and the time has come for the Fellowship to unite once more. Players can choose to defend the free peoples as the Fellowship of the Ring or pursue Frodo and Sam as Sauron, deploying their hordes at enemy city gates. The fate of Middle-earth rests in your hands as you navigate the three chapters of the game, strengthening your skills and gathering resources to achieve one of the victory conditions.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 1.

    More details for The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth
    • 2 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  4. Codenames

    All details for the board game Codenames and similar games

    Codenames is a captivating and popular party game that involves clever wordplay and deduction. Two teams compete, each led by a spymaster who knows the secret identities of 25 agents, represented by cards bearing single-word codenames like "disease," "Germany," or even "carrot." The objective is for each team to be the first to correctly identify all their agents based on clues given by their spymaster, while avoiding the dangerous assassin.

    Nominated for 27 awards and won 15.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2016

    More details for Codenames
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Sky Team

    All details for the board game Sky Team and similar games

    Players take on the roles of a pilot and a co-pilot in a cooperative game for two. The objective is to work together to land your airplane at various airports around the world. Successful landing requires silently coordinating dice placement in your cockpit to balance the aircraft, control speed, deploy flaps, and even brew coffee to enhance focus. Each airport presents unique challenges, so stay alert for turbulence—it could be a bumpy ride!

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 8.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2024

    More details for Sky Team
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea

    All details for the board game The Crew: Mission Deep Sea and similar games

    The Crew: Mission Deep Sea is a cooperative trick-taking card game that embarks players on an underwater expedition to discover the lost continent of Mu. Building on the foundations of its predecessor, The Crew, this game combines the familiar mechanics of trick-taking with unique cooperative elements and a compelling thematic narrative.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.

    More details for The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Azul

    All details for the board game Azul and similar games

    Azul invites you to step into the captivating world of Portuguese artistry and craftsmanship. This board game draws inspiration from the introduction of azulejos, originally white and blue ceramic tiles, by the Moors. The tiles found a new home in Portugal when King Manuel I, during a visit to the Alhambra palace in Southern Spain, was enchanted by the exquisite Moorish decorative tiles adorning its interior. Filled with awe and inspiration, the king promptly ordered the embellishment of his own palace in Portugal with similar decorative tiles. As a skilled tile-laying artist, you are tasked with the prestigious mission of adorning the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora.

    Nominated for 30 awards and won 19.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for Azul
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Azul

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  8. Harmonies

    All details for the board game Harmonies and similar games

    Players build landscapes by placing colored tiles to create habitats for their animals. To score the most points and win, they must cleverly integrate these habitats into their landscapes and attract as many animals as possible.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for Harmonies
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. 7 Wonders Duel

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders Duel and similar games

    7 Wonders Duel takes the essence of the classic 7 Wonders and refines it for an intense two-player experience. It retains the thematic elements of building a civilization through acquiring various types of cards, but it introduces unique mechanics suited for a duel.

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 9.

    More details for 7 Wonders Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for 7 Wonders Duel

    • YouTube Review for the game "7 Wonders Duel" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  10. Sushi Go Party!

    All details for the board game Sushi Go Party! and similar games

    Sushi Go Party! is an expanded version of the popular card game Sushi Go!, offering more variety and accommodating more players for a larger, more dynamic game experience.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sushi Go Party!
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  11. Kingdomino

    All details for the board game Kingdomino and similar games

    Embark on a noble quest to expand your kingdom in Kingdomino. As a lord, your mission is to explore vast lands filled with wheat fields, serene lakes, and towering mountains. Competing with fellow lords, you must identify the choicest plots to claim as your own.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 7.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for Kingdomino
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Kingdomino

    • YouTube Review for the game "Kingdomino" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. Codenames: Duet

    All details for the board game Codenames: Duet and similar games

    Embark on a collaborative journey of espionage in Codenames Duet, where the familiar elements of Codenames persist – providing one-word clues to unveil your agents among those on the table. This time, however, you and your teammate work together to uncover all your agents, adding a thrilling cooperative dimension to the challenge. The mystery of not knowing your agents from the outset adds an intriguing layer to the mission, raising questions that even Congressional investigators might ponder later!

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    More details for Codenames: Duet
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 11+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Duet

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Duet" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. Wavelength

    All details for the board game Wavelength and similar games

    Wavelength is a unique and engaging social guessing game that requires players to tap into their ability to communicate and interpret conceptual clues. This game stands out for its emphasis on understanding and interpreting the perspectives of others, making it an ideal choice for groups looking for a fun and thought-provoking experience.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 5.

    More details for Wavelength
    • 2 - 12 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Wavelength

    • YouTube Review for the game "Wavelength" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  14. Pandemic Legacy: Season 1

    All details for the board game Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 and similar games

    Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 offers an extraordinary gaming experience as a cooperative campaign game, immersing players in an overarching story-arc that unfolds over 12-24 gripping sessions. The duration depends on your group's performance and the fate of the world. Here's an overview of this thrilling journey:

    Nominated for 21 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2016

    More details for Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Pandemic Legacy: Season 1

    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 1" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 1" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 1" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 1" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  15. Quacks

    All details for the board game Quacks and similar games

    Become a cunning charlatan or a quack doctor in the whimsical world of The Quacks of Quedlinburg. In this quirky board game, each player concocts their own secret brew, one ingredient at a time. But beware, for a careless addition could spoil the entire mixture!

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for Quacks
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Quacks

    • YouTube Review for the game "Quacks" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  16. Junk Art

    All details for the board game Junk Art and similar games

    In Junk Art, creativity knows no bounds as players transform a pile of junk into stunning works of art. With more than ten engaging game modes and over sixty vibrant wooden or plastic components, this game invites you to explore your artistic talents like never before.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Junk Art
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Heat: Pedal to the Metal

    All details for the board game Heat: Pedal to the Metal and similar games

    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
  18. Sea Salt & Paper

    All details for the board game Sea Salt & Paper and similar games

    Sea Salt & Paper is a set collection card game that combines strategic decision-making with the excitement of timing your moves just right. Similar to Rummy in gameplay, it involves collecting sets of cards to score points, while also navigating the timing of when to end the round for optimal advantage.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    More details for Sea Salt & Paper
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  19. Splendor Duel

    All details for the board game Splendor Duel and similar games

    Splendor Duel is an intriguing two-player game that builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, Splendor, enhancing it with new layers of strategy and competitiveness. Designed specifically for two players, this standalone game maintains the core elements of Splendor while introducing novel twists and mechanics, making it more dynamic and interactive.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 3.

    More details for Splendor Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  20. Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West

    All details for the board game Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West and similar games

    Players embark on twelve journeys through North America as 19th-century pioneers. Starting on the East Coast, they face challenges while aiming to complete ticket objectives and develop new skills to overcome unexpected events and rivals. As the campaign progresses, players unlock new rules and content, creating a uniquely tailored experience that evolves with their choices, resulting in a game that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2024

    More details for Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  21. Flip 7

    All details for the board game Flip 7 and similar games

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2025

    More details for Flip 7
    • 3 - 18 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  22. Point Salad

    All details for the board game Point Salad and similar games

    Point Salad is a dynamic and engaging card drafting game that is suitable for players of all ages. It stands out for its simplicity and the vast array of scoring strategies it offers.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 3.

    More details for Point Salad
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Point Salad

    • YouTube Review for the game "Point Salad" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Point Salad" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  23. Unmatched: Cobble & Fog

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Cobble & Fog and similar games

    Unmatched: Cobble & Fog is a captivating expansion to the Unmatched system, featuring a quartet of iconic characters drawn from literary lore, each with their unique playstyle and abilities. This expansion introduces the Invisible Man, Sherlock Holmes with Dr. Watson, Dracula along with the sisters, and the duo of Jekyll & Hyde, all brought to life in a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Unmatched: Cobble & Fog
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  24. Rhino Hero: Super Battle

    All details for the board game Rhino Hero: Super Battle and similar games

    Rhino Hero: Super Battle is a captivating 3D stacking game that sees the return of Rhino Hero, this time joined by fellow super-heroes Giraffe Boy, Big E., and Batguin. Players engage in an exciting challenge of building a wobbly skyscraper while navigating fierce battles among these charismatic characters. The game adds an extra layer of fun with the presence of mischievous spider monkeys that players must contend with during their skyscraper construction and superhero battles.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 3.

    More details for Rhino Hero: Super Battle
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 10 - 20 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Rhino Hero: Super Battle

    • YouTube Review for the game "Rhino Hero: Super Battle" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  25. The Quest for El Dorado

    All details for the board game The Quest for El Dorado and similar games

    The Quest for El Dorado is a strategic and adventurous board game that immerses players in the exciting journey of discovering the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. Set in the lush South American jungles, this game combines deck-building and racing elements, challenging players to be both cunning and quick.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 6.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for The Quest for El Dorado
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for The Quest for El Dorado

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Quest for El Dorado" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  26. Sushi Go!

    All details for the board game Sushi Go! and similar games

    Sushi Go! is a dynamic, fast-paced card game set in a sushi restaurant. Players aim to grab the best sushi combinations as they come around. It's all about strategy, from picking the perfect sushi rolls to collecting sashimi sets. Boost your scores with wasabi-flavored nigiri, and don't forget to load up on pudding by the end!

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sushi Go!
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Cartographers

    All details for the board game Cartographers and similar games

    Cartographers: A Roll Player Tale transports players to a realm where they take on the roles of mapmakers, tasked by Queen Gimnax to chart the northern territories for the Kingdom of Nalos. This game combines elements of strategy and creativity, challenging players to create the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing maps.

    Nominated for 10 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for Cartographers
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. Cthulhu: Death May Die

    All details for the board game Cthulhu: Death May Die and similar games

    Cthulhu: Death May Die is an intense, cooperative board game set in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's universe. Players take on the roles of daring investigators, embarking on a perilous mission to confront and eliminate Elder Gods.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    🔥 Deal: 9% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Cthulhu: Death May Die
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Bomb Busters

    All details for the board game Bomb Busters and similar games

    Nominated for 7 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2025

    More details for Bomb Busters
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. Wingspan

    All details for the board game Wingspan and similar games

    Wingspan is a captivating, competitive board game from Stonemaier Games, masterfully designed by Elizabeth Hargrave. It's a medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building game that stands out with its unique theme and stunning artwork, featuring over 170 bird illustrations by artists Beth Sobel, Natalia Rojas, and Ana Maria Martinez.

    Nominated for 27 awards and won 16.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Wingspan
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 40 - 70 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Wingspan

    • YouTube Review for the game "Wingspan" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

We're positive that you'll find it in one of our other lists! To make the search easier for you, we split our website into different categories. The following board game categories will help you find the right list: