The best games where you can fulfill special tasks/contracts 2024

Looking for a really good game where you can fulfill special tasks/contracts? Then we have just the thing for you: the list of the best special tasks games 2024.

What are Special Tasks games?

In Special Tasks games, players fulfill contracts to earn rewards. These special tasks can be either public (where all players compete to be the first to fulfill them) or private (where only the owning player may fulfill them).

By the way, "special task games" or "contract games" are called "contract games" in English.

Examples of games where you can fulfill special tasks/contracts:

Many Risk versions include hidden contracts/special tasks. Each player draws special task cards at the beginning, which represent the victory condition for him - e.g. to conquer 2 continents, to destroy a certain opponent or to have occupied 24 arbitrary areas.

In the Ticket to Ride Series, for example, it is similar, at the beginning each player draws 2-3 special tasks and then during the game must establish the specified connection between the cities. If he manages to do this, he receives bonus points, if not, the points are deducted.

List of the best special tasks games 2024

This list was last updated on October 8, 2024. We compared 354 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. 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 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Splendor Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  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. Century: Golem Edition

    All details for the board game Century: Golem Edition and similar games

    Century: Golem Edition is an engaging and visually appealing board game that is a re-themed version of Century: Spice Road. Set in the imaginative world of Caravania, this game combines strategic planning and resource management, appealing to players who enjoy tactical decision-making.

    More details for Century: Golem Edition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  4. 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

    Nominated for 4 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
  5. Welcome To...

    All details for the board game Welcome To... and similar games

    Welcome To... is a unique, dice-less roll-and-write game where players take on the role of 1950s American architects, aiming to design and construct the most prosperous suburban neighborhood.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 2.

    More details for Welcome To...
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Welcome To...

    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  6. Splendor

    All details for the board game Splendor and similar games

    Splendor beckons you into the vibrant world of Renaissance merchants, where the pursuit of gem mines, modes of transportation, and opulent shops is the path to acquiring prestigious points. In this strategic game of chip-collecting and card development, your goal is to amass wealth and influence that will make you the most renowned merchant of the era. Perhaps, if fortune smiles upon you, nobility may even grace your endeavors, further enhancing your prestige.

    Nominated for 21 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2014

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

    Video reviews for Splendor

    • YouTube Review for the game "Splendor" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  7. Ticket to Ride: Europe

    All details for the board game Ticket to Ride: Europe and similar games

    Ticket to Ride: Europe invites you to embark on an exhilarating train adventure through the heart of Europe. From the historic streets of Edinburgh to the vibrant city of Constantinople, and from the sunny shores of Lisbon to the grandeur of Moscow, you'll traverse the great cities of turn-of-the-century Europe. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a family looking for a fun challenge, this game, like the original Ticket to Ride, offers an elegantly simple gameplay experience that can be mastered in just five minutes.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Ticket to Ride: Europe
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Ticket to Ride: Europe

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ticket to Ride: Europe" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. 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
  9. Ticket to Ride

    All details for the board game Ticket to Ride and similar games

    Ticket to Ride offers a delightful and accessible gaming experience that can be grasped in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned gamers. Designed by the renowned Alan R. Moon, this board game revolves around a railway adventure across North America.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 11.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2004

    More details for Ticket to Ride
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Ticket to Ride

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ticket to Ride" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  10. PARKS

    All details for the board game PARKS and similar games

    PARKS is a visually stunning board game that celebrates the beauty and splendor of U.S. National Parks. With artwork from Fifty-Nine Parks, this game offers players a unique blend of strategy and adventure as they embark on a journey through nature.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for PARKS
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  11. Century: Spice Road

    All details for the board game Century: Spice Road and similar games

    Century: Spice Road is the first game in a series that delves into the rich and vibrant history of spice trading. Set against the backdrop of the legendary Silk Road, players take on the roles of caravan leaders, journeying across continents to trade spices and achieve fame and glory. This game combines elements of strategy and resource management, making it an engaging experience for players who enjoy economic and trading games.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Century: Spice Road
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Century: Spice Road

    • YouTube Review for the game "Century: Spice Road" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. 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
  13. Canvas

    All details for the board game Canvas and similar games

    Canvas is a creative and visually-driven board game where players take on the roles of painters competing in an art competition. The game combines elements of strategy and puzzle-solving, focused on creating and scoring paintings.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 2.

    More details for Canvas
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Port Royal

    All details for the board game Port Royal and similar games

    Port Royal is a competitive card game that immerses players in the world of Caribbean trade during the era of pirates and merchant ships. It combines elements of risk-taking, resource management, and strategic planning.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Port Royal
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 50 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Port Royal

    • YouTube Review for the game "Port Royal" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  15. Lords of Waterdeep

    All details for the board game Lords of Waterdeep and similar games

    Lords of Waterdeep immerses players in the vibrant and politically charged city of Waterdeep, the Crown Jewel of the Forgotten Realms. In this strategic board game designed for 2-5 players, you assume the identity of one of the enigmatic Lords of Waterdeep, the city's clandestine rulers. As a Lord, you'll navigate a web of intrigue and compete with other powerful figures to exert control over this remarkable city. Let's explore the game's key features:

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    More details for Lords of Waterdeep
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Terraforming Mars

    All details for the board game Terraforming Mars and similar games

    Terraforming Mars is a strategic board game set in the 2400s, where players, representing giant corporations, embark on the colossal task of terraforming Mars. Sponsored by the World Government on Earth, each corporation competes to contribute most effectively to raising the planet's temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage to make Mars habitable. While players work together in the terraforming process, they also compete for victory points awarded for their contributions to terraforming, advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system, and other notable achievements.

    Nominated for 27 awards and won 14.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for Terraforming Mars
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Terraforming Mars

    • YouTube Review for the game "Terraforming Mars" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  17. Everdell

    All details for the board game Everdell and similar games

    Everdell invites players to immerse themselves in the enchanting valley of Everdell, where a thriving civilization of forest critters seeks to expand their territories and establish new cities beneath towering trees, meandering streams, and mossy hollows. As the leader of a group of ambitious critters, you have a busy year ahead, filled with construction, character encounters, and hosting events. Can you ensure that the sun shines brightest on your city before the winter moon rises?

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 7.

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

    More details for Everdell
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 80 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Everdell

    • YouTube Review for the game "Everdell" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  18. 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 30 awards and won 14.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Lost Ruins of Arnak
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  19. Spots

    All details for the board game Spots and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 25 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  20. Faraway

    All details for the board game Faraway and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Faraway
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. Viticulture Essential Edition

    All details for the board game Viticulture Essential Edition and similar games

    Step into the charming, rustic world of Viticulture Essential Edition, where players assume the roles of individuals in picturesque, pre-modern Tuscany. Inherit meager vineyards, a handful of plots, an aged crushpad, a quaint cellar, and three diligent workers. With dreams of making their wineries renowned successes, players embark on an unforgettable journey.

    More details for Viticulture Essential Edition
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  22. Noctiluca

    All details for the board game Noctiluca and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Noctiluca
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  23. Gizmos

    All details for the board game Gizmos and similar games

    Gizmos is a dynamic and inventive board game that challenges players to build the most efficient and powerful machines at a competitive Science Fair. The game is a blend of strategy and resource management, where players vie to earn the most victory points through clever machine construction.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    More details for Gizmos
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 50 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  24. Raiders of the North Sea

    All details for the board game Raiders of the North Sea and similar games

    Raiders of the North Sea is a vibrant board game set during the Viking Age, where players embody Viking warriors vying for the Chieftain's recognition through strategic raiding and resource management.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for Raiders of the North Sea
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 80 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  25. Nova Luna

    All details for the board game Nova Luna and similar games

    Nova Luna is an abstract tile-laying strategy game that focuses on careful planning and decision-making. Players are tasked with fulfilling objectives by placing tiles strategically, creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for Nova Luna
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Nova Luna

    • YouTube Review for the game "Nova Luna" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  26. Orléans

    All details for the board game Orléans and similar games

    Orléans is a strategic board game set in medieval France, where players compete to gain supremacy through trade, construction, and science by assembling a diverse following of characters like farmers, merchants, knights, and monks.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2015

    More details for Orléans
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  27. Istanbul: Big Box

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

    Istanbul: Big Box consolidates the captivating experience of the original Istanbul board game and its expansions into a comprehensive package, inviting players to immerse themselves in the bustling activity of a bazaar. This all-encompassing edition not only streamlines the game collection process but also enhances the gameplay experience with a variety of new options and strategies brought by the expansions Mocha & Baksheesh and Letters & Seals. The addition of the Istanbul: Caravan Leader Mini Expansion further enriches the game, albeit in a more compact form.

    More details for Istanbul: Big Box
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 40 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Istanbul: Big Box

    • YouTube Review for the game "Istanbul: Big Box" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  28. Takenoko

    All details for the board game Takenoko and similar games

    Takenoko is a charming board game set in the Japanese Imperial court, revolving around the care of a giant panda gifted by the Chinese Emperor. Players, as court members, are tasked with managing a bamboo garden for the panda.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 7.

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

    Video reviews for Takenoko

    • YouTube Review for the game "Takenoko" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  29. King of the Dice

    All details for the board game King of the Dice and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  30. Flamecraft

    All details for the board game Flamecraft and similar games

    In Flamecraft, you delve into a whimsical world where artisan dragons, smaller yet magically adept relatives of their larger kin, are the stars. As a Flamekeeper, your role is to communicate with these dragons, finding them the perfect shop to call home and using enchantments to coax them into creating marvelous things. Your success in aiding the dragons and shopkeepers boosts your reputation, with the goal of becoming the Master of Flamecraft.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Flamecraft
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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