The best games released in 2020๐Ÿ“† 2024

Looking for a really good game from the year 2020? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 2020.

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 2020

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 493 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. MicroMacro: Crime City

    All details for the board game MicroMacro: Crime City and similar games

    MicroMacro: Crime City is a unique detective game that immerses players into a detailed and expansive cityscape to solve intriguing crimes. The game centers around a large, detailed map of a city where various crimes have occurred. Players become detectives tasked with unraveling these mysteries using the clues scattered across the city.

    Nominated for 20 awards and won 11.

    โญ๏ธ Spiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for MicroMacro: Crime City
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Top Ten

    All details for the board game Top Ten and similar games

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for Top Ten
    • 4 - 9 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!17โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  3. 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
  4. King of Tokyo: Dark Edition

    All details for the board game King of Tokyo: Dark Edition and similar games

    King of Tokyo: Dark Edition is a limited collector's edition of the popular game King of Tokyo. Set in an alternative, darker version of Tokyo, this edition brings a new level of intensity to the battle for control of the city.

    More details for King of Tokyo: Dark Edition
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. Project L

    All details for the board game Project L and similar games

    Project L is a dynamic and visually appealing board game that combines tile-matching with engine-building elements. It's designed to challenge players with its strategic depth, encapsulated within an elegant and simple design. The game features unique triple-layer 3D puzzles and attractive acrylic pieces, making it not only a test of intellect but also a delight to play.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Project L
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Marvel United

    All details for the board game Marvel United and similar games

    Marvel United is a cooperative board game where players take on the roles of Marvel superheroes, working together to thwart the plans of a powerful villain, who is controlled by the game mechanics.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for Marvel United
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Dune: Imperium

    All details for the board game Dune: Imperium and similar games

    Dune: Imperium is a strategic deck-building game inspired by the iconic Dune universe, incorporating elements from both the recent film adaptation and the classic novels. Players lead one of the Great Houses in the interstellar political landscape of the Landsraad.

    Nominated for 19 awards and won 7.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for Dune: Imperium
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  8. Zombie Teenz Evolution

    All details for the board game Zombie Teenz Evolution and similar games

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2021

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

    Video reviews for Zombie Teenz Evolution

    • YouTube Review for the game "Zombie Teenz Evolution" by The Dice Tower
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Zombie Teenz Evolution" by Meeple University
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Zombie Teenz Evolution" by Scorpion Masquรฉ
      Video is in English
  9. 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.

    โญ๏ธ 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
  10. The Search for Planet X

    All details for the board game The Search for Planet X and similar games

    The Search for Planet X is a captivating board game that immerses players in the world of astronomy and scientific discovery. Aspiring astronomers use a combination of observation, deduction, and a companion app to unravel the mystery of a hidden planet in our solar system.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for The Search for Planet X
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 75 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  11. Unmatched: Jurassic Park โ€“ InGen vs Raptors

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Jurassic Park โ€“ InGen vs Raptors and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  12. Forgotten Waters

    All details for the board game Forgotten Waters and similar games

    Forgotten Waters is a captivating board game that plunges players into the whimsical and unpredictable world of pirate adventure. Blending storytelling and strategy, this game stands out for its immersive narrative and engaging gameplay.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for Forgotten Waters
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 120 - 240 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. Nidavellir

    All details for the board game Nidavellir and similar games

    Nidavellir is a strategic bidding and set collection game set in a mythical dwarf kingdom. Players take on the roles of Elvalands, noble leaders tasked with assembling a powerful army to defend the kingdom against the dragon Fafnir.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.

    More details for Nidavellir
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Nidavellir

    • YouTube Review for the game "Nidavellir" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  14. Spicy

    All details for the board game Spicy and similar games

    Spicy is a vibrant bluffing card game that captures the fiery competition among three big cats who, tired of their constant battling for supremacy, decide to engage in a spicy hot eating contest. This setup serves as a backdrop for a game filled with deceit, strategy, and quick thinking, designed for 2-6 players. The game's core mechanic revolves around players announcing their card plays without revealing them, allowing for a high degree of bluffing as cards are played face down.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for Spicy
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  15. Dragomino

    All details for the board game Dragomino and similar games

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 5.

    โญ๏ธ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Dragomino
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!20โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  16. Splendor: Marvel

    All details for the board game Splendor: Marvel and similar games

    Splendor: Marvel transforms the classic Splendor game with a Marvel Universe twist. Players race to stop Thanos by assembling a team of heroes and villains, using Infinity Stones to recruit characters and earn Infinity Points.

    More details for Splendor: Marvel
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!29โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  17. 7 Wonders (Second Edition)

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders (Second Edition) and similar games

    7 Wonders (Second Edition) is an acclaimed board game known for its widespread recognition and numerous international awards. This new version rejuvenates the classic 7 Wonders game, maintaining its status as a cornerstone in the world of modern board gaming. The game is celebrated for its elegant drafting mechanics, allowing up to 7 players to participate simultaneously without downtime.

    More details for 7 Wonders (Second Edition)
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!35โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  18. Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game

    All details for the board game Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game

    • YouTube Review for the game "Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. 5-Minute Mystery

    All details for the board game 5-Minute Mystery and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 5 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!22โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  20. 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
  21. Lost Ruins of Arnak

    All details for the board game Lost Ruins of Arnak and similar games

    Lost Ruins of Arnak is an adventurous board game that blends deck-building with worker placement, set on an unexplored island filled with remnants of an ancient civilization.

    Nominated for 29 awards and won 13.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Lost Ruins of Arnak
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  22. Chronicles of Crime: 1400

    All details for the board game Chronicles of Crime: 1400 and similar games

    Chronicles of Crime: 1400 invites players into the heart of medieval Paris, where they embody Abelard Lavel, a knight with a prophetic gift for solving crimes. As a standalone game in the Chronicles of Crime series, it combines familiar investigative gameplay with new elements to create a unique, narrative-driven experience. Players utilize Vision Cards to gain insights into crimes, relying on both futuristic and historical scenes to guide their investigation.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Chronicles of Crime: 1400
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. MonsDRAWsity

    All details for the board game MonsDRAWsity and similar games

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for MonsDRAWsity
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 5 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Mysterium Park

    All details for the board game Mysterium Park and similar games

    Mysterium Park beckons with its mysterious aura, set against the backdrop of a 1950s US fairground with a dark twist. The disappearance of the parkโ€™s director has left behind a haunting presence, prompting a group of psychics to uncover the truth before the carnival disappears. This cooperative game engages players with visions provided by the ghost, requiring interpretation to eliminate suspects and locations, leading to the revelation of the directorโ€™s fate.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Mysterium Park
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  25. Hansa Teutonica: Big Box

    All details for the board game Hansa Teutonica: Big Box and similar games

    Hansa Teutonica: Big Box is an expansive edition of the acclaimed strategy game "Hansa Teutonica," renowned for its deep strategic gameplay and interactive mechanics. This edition not only includes the base game but also all its expansions, offering an enriched experience of the historical Hanseatic League trading theme.

    More details for Hansa Teutonica: Big Box
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!37โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  26. Pandemic Legacy: Season 0

    All details for the board game Pandemic Legacy: Season 0 and similar games

    Pandemic Legacy: Season 0 transports you to 1962, at the height of the Cold War, where a mysterious Soviet bioweapon called "Project MEDUSA" threatens global safety. As newly recruited CIA agents and medical graduates, you and your team are tasked with a critical mission: investigate and halt the development of this deadly pathogen. This game stands alone as a thrilling prequel to the earlier seasons of Pandemic Legacy, immersing players in a tense world of espionage and covert operations.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deal: 6% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Pandemic Legacy: Season 0
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!45โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Pandemic Legacy: Season 0

    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 0" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 0" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 0" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Pandemic Legacy: Season 0" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  27. Under Falling Skies

    All details for the board game Under Falling Skies and similar games

    Under Falling Skies is a solo board game with a focus on strategic defense against an alien invasion. It features a multi-mission campaign where players defend cities from extraterrestrial threats.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 4.

    More details for Under Falling Skies
    • 1 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. Undaunted: North Africa

    All details for the board game Undaunted: North Africa and similar games

    Undaunted: North Africa is an engaging two-player deck-building game that immerses players in the tactical ground combat of World War II's North African Theater. Building on the success of its predecessor, Undaunted: Normandy, this sequel introduces new mechanics and challenges, focusing on the historical skirmishes between Britain's Long Range Desert Group and Italian forces.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 3.

    More details for Undaunted: North Africa
    • 2 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Animal Upon Animal: Christmas Edition

    All details for the board game Animal Upon Animal: Christmas Edition and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  30. L.A.M.A. Party Edition

    All details for the board game L.A.M.A. Party Edition and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

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: