The best games released in 1974πŸ“† 2025

Looking for a really good game from the year 1974? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 1974.

More lists from similar periods

A list with the best games from other years can be found at the end of the page.

In addition, we have created several more lists of card & board game awards:

List of the best new games releases in 1974:

This list was last updated on March 19, 2025. We compared 18 board games for this list and selected the top 5. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. MahΓ©

    All details for the board game MahΓ© and similar games

    Players aim to win from a limited set of prize cards by navigating a circular track, typically consisting of 21 spaces. A player rolls 1-3 dice each turn to determine movement, but must keep the total rolled at or below 7 to advance. Landing on another player's piece requires them to carry it, influencing how many dice must be rolled, while the top piece owner determines the stakes, leading to potential removals from the board. The player collecting the most valuable prize cards at the end wins.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for MahΓ©
    • 2 - 7 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Pathfinder

    All details for the board game Pathfinder and similar games

    Players set up hidden game boards resembling labyrinths with small rectangular walls instead of ships. During the game, they take turns calling out moves in the opponent's labyrinth until they hit a wall, using a double board to track their discoveries. The game includes a clever plastic case that closes for easy storage and transport.

    More details for Pathfinder
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. Ninety-Nine

    All details for the board game Ninety-Nine and similar games

    Players engage in a trick-taking card game for three people, sacrificing cards from their hands to bid on the number of tricks they will complete. A standard deck is used, which is reduced in each suit from 6 to Ace, along with a wild card. Players earn points for each trick won and can declare their bids for bonus points at the start of the game.

    More details for Ninety-Nine
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  4. NapolΓ©on: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815

    All details for the board game NapolΓ©on: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815 and similar games

    On June 18, 1815, one of the decisive battles in military history took place in Belgium, about 30 kilometers southeast of Brussels. Napoleon, having returned from exile on the island of Elba, swiftly formed an army to defeat the scattered British and Prussian forces preparing to invade France. Wellington's solid defense and timely Prussian reinforcements led to a significant victory for the allies at the Battle of Waterloo, putting an end to Napoleon's military ambitions.

    More details for NapolΓ©on: The Waterloo Campaign, 1815
    • 2 - 3 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. King Oil

    All details for the board game King Oil and similar games

    The game features a plastic board whose size changes based on three random disks, allowing for 1,728 different game layouts. Players buy properties, drill for oil, and connect properties with pipelines to collect royalties, all while trying to become the richest player. Event cards add complexity, and clever mechanics accelerate bankruptcy, keeping overall playtime reasonable. The last player remaining after the others go bankrupt wins.

    More details for King Oil
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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: