The best games in which you can cover a grid or area 2024

Looking for a really good game where you can fill in a grid or area? Then we have just the thing for you: The list with the best grid filling games 2024.

What are grid-filling games?

A family of mechanisms in which players cover a grid or fill a space with a variety of shapes.

Sometimes referred to as the "Tetris mechanism," this challenges players to use shapes efficiently. It can be either the primary point of the game, as in Ubongo or Blokus - or as a secondary mechanism that forces players to plan and constrain their options, as in The Princes of Florence or Cartographers.

Grid Coverage is sometimes also called "grid filling".

List of the best grid-filling games 2024

This list was last updated on October 8, 2024. We compared 227 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Patchwork

    All details for the board game Patchwork and similar games

    Patchwork is a two-player game where you compete to create the most beautiful and high-scoring patchwork quilt on your personal 9x9 game board.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Patchwork
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Patchwork

    • YouTube Review for the game "Patchwork" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Patchwork" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Silver & Gold

    All details for the board game Silver & Gold and similar games

    Silver & Gold is a board game that offers players the thrill of discovering distant islands filled with golden treasures.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Silver & Gold
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. 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
  4. My City

    All details for the board game My City and similar games

    My City is a groundbreaking competitive legacy game where players develop their own city across multiple epochs. This game uniquely blends city-building with the evolving challenges and narratives of a legacy format.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for My City
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for My City

    • YouTube Review for the game "My City" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. The Castles of Burgundy

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

    The Castles of Burgundy is a strategy board game set in the Burgundy region of High Medieval France, where players assume the roles of aristocrats controlling small princedoms. The game combines tile placement and dice rolling mechanics to offer a rich and strategic experience.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 70 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  6. Sagrada

    All details for the board game Sagrada and similar games

    Sagrada is a visually striking board game where players draft dice to create beautiful stained glass windows, combining strategy and aesthetics.

    Nominated for 12 awards.

    More details for Sagrada
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Bärenpark

    All details for the board game Bärenpark and similar games

    Bärenpark is a charming and strategic board game that invites players to delve into the world of bear parks. Your task is to construct a visually appealing and efficiently designed bear park.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 4.

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

    Video reviews for Bärenpark

    • YouTube Review for the game "Bärenpark" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Bärenpark" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Planet Unknown

    All details for the board game Planet Unknown and similar games

    Planet Unknown is a competitive and strategic game for 1-6 players set in a future where Earth's resources are depleted. Players are tasked with developing the most efficient and habitable planet among a series of newfound worlds. Using polyomino-shaped tiles, each representing vital infrastructure, players work to efficiently cover their planets and build an effective support system for life.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023

    More details for Planet Unknown
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 60 - 80 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Encore!

    All details for the board game Encore! and similar games

    Encore! (originally published as Noch mal!) is a dice-based board game that challenges players with strategic choices and a touch of luck. In this game, players use dice to determine the colors and the number of spaces they can mark off on their playing sheets.

    More details for Encore!
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Encore!

    • YouTube Review for the game "Encore!" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  10. Cartographers Heroes

    All details for the board game Cartographers Heroes and similar games

    Cartographers Heroes embarks players on a new voyage through the storied Western Lands, enhancing the acclaimed formula of its predecessor with fresh challenges and dynamic elements. As royal cartographers, players are tasked with mapping these perilous territories, their efforts now intertwined with the valorous acts of heroes who stand against the encroaching Dragul forces. This sequel not only retains the beloved core mechanics of drawing and mapping but enriches the experience with innovative map sheets, scoring cards, and explore cards, all while introducing ambush cards that bring unique abilities into play.

    More details for Cartographers Heroes
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  11. The Castles of Burgundy

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

    The Castles of Burgundy is set in the medieval Burgundy region of France, where players assume the roles of aristocrats seeking to expand their princedoms. The game revolves around building settlements, constructing castles, engaging in river trade, mining for silver, and utilizing travelers' knowledge.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for The Castles of Burgundy

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Castles of Burgundy" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. The Isle of Cats

    All details for the board game The Isle of Cats and similar games

    Embark on a delightful rescue mission in The Isle of Cats, a captivating competitive board game designed for 1-4 players (expandable to 6 with expansions). This medium-weight game combines card-drafting, polyomino cat-placement, and resource management, offering an engaging and strategic gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for The Isle of Cats
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for The Isle of Cats

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Isle of Cats" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. Calico

    All details for the board game Calico and similar games

    Calico is a delightful, tile-laying board game that combines the art of quilt-making with the charm of cats. It's designed to offer a relaxing yet engaging puzzling experience for players.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Calico
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Tiny Towns

    All details for the board game Tiny Towns and similar games

    Tiny Towns is a charming and strategic board game where players take on the role of mayors building their own tiny towns in a forest. The game challenges players to manage resources wisely and plan their towns carefully to maximize prosperity.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Tiny Towns
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Ark Nova

    All details for the board game Ark Nova and similar games

    Ark Nova is a strategic board game where players take on the role of zoo planners, aiming to build and manage the most successful modern zoo.

    Nominated for 24 awards and won 12.

    🔥 Deal: 8% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Ark Nova
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 150 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  16. My City: Roll & Build

    All details for the board game My City: Roll & Build and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Bunny Kingdom

    All details for the board game Bunny Kingdom and similar games

    Bunny Kingdom is a charming and strategic board game where players lead clans of rabbits to establish their dominance over a vast kingdom. The game combines elements of drafting, resource management, and area control to create a dynamic and engaging experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Bunny Kingdom
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Bunny Kingdom

    • YouTube Review for the game "Bunny Kingdom" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Bunny Kingdom" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Bunny Kingdom" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  18. Second Chance

    All details for the board game Second Chance and similar games

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Second Chance
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 10 - 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Second Chance

    • YouTube Review for the game "Second Chance" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Second Chance" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. Qawale

    All details for the board game Qawale and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Qawale
    • 2 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  20. Blokus

    All details for the board game Blokus and similar games

    Blokus is an abstract strategy game known for its simple rules and deep strategic gameplay. It features colorful Tetris-shaped pieces that players aim to place on the board.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 4.

    More details for Blokus
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. In the Footsteps of Darwin

    All details for the board game In the Footsteps of Darwin and similar games

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2024

    More details for In the Footsteps of Darwin
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  22. Paris: La Cité de la Lumière

    All details for the board game Paris: La Cité de la Lumière and similar games

    Paris: La Cité de la Lumière is a two-player board game designed by José Antonio Abascal, beautifully illustrated by Oriol Hernández. Set in the enchanting city of Paris during the 1889 "Exposition Universelle," the game captures the era when electricity began illuminating the city, leading to its nickname "La Cité de la Lumière" or the City of Light.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Paris: La Cité de la Lumière
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. Ubongo

    All details for the board game Ubongo and similar games

    Ubongo is a fast-paced, puzzle-solving board game where players race against time and each other to complete individual puzzles and collect precious gems.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 6.

    ⭐️ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2005

    More details for Ubongo
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  24. New York Zoo

    All details for the board game New York Zoo and similar games

    New York Zoo invites players into a world where they can unleash their creativity while managing a unique animal park. Designed by the acclaimed Uwe Rosenberg, this game combines the joy of puzzling with the challenges of animal breeding. As a player, you'll embark on a journey to construct captivating animal enclosures, introduce diverse animal species, and nurture their offspring. Your choices are simple: strategically fit new enclosure tiles into your zoo or acquire new animals to enrich your exhibits. Timing is key, as you aim to maximize animal breedings and create a thriving and harmonious zoo.

    More details for New York Zoo
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Art Society

    All details for the board game Art Society and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  26. Evergreen

    All details for the board game Evergreen and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 2.

    More details for Evergreen
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  27. Fit to Print

    All details for the board game Fit to Print and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Fit to Print
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. Nimalia

    All details for the board game Nimalia and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 25 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Blokus Duo

    All details for the board game Blokus Duo and similar games

    Blokus Duo, also known as Travel Blokus, is a two-player version of the popular abstract strategy game Blokus. It offers a compact and travel-friendly design, perfect for on-the-go gaming sessions.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Blokus Duo
    • 2 Players
    • 10 - 20 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. Cottage Garden

    All details for the board game Cottage Garden and similar games

    Cottage Garden is a charming and strategic board game where players delve into the art of gardening. Designed by Uwe Rosenberg, renowned for his skill in creating engaging board games, Cottage Garden invites players to carefully plan and cultivate their own garden beds with a variety of flowers. The game combines elements of tile placement and point accumulation, set against the serene backdrop of garden landscapes.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Cottage Garden
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Cottage Garden

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cottage Garden" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English

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