The best games with square grid ◻️ 2024

Looking for a game that plays in a square grid ◻️? Then we have just the thing: The 30 best "square grid" games.

What are square grid games?

The game pieces, pieces or parts of the board are placed on a playing field mosaicked with square squares. This is used for laying pieces of the board against each other and/or placing or moving pieces. Probably the best known game with such a board is Chess, but newer games like Blokus Duo or The Isle of Cats also rely on such boards.

Distinction from hexagonal grid and movement of game pieces in the grid

To ensure a more precise distinction we have created two more categories. It should be noted that movement of game pieces and the arrangement of the game board itself should be distinguished:

List of the best games 2024 that use a square grid ◻️

This list was last updated on October 8, 2024. We compared 1163 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. 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
  3. Outfoxed!

    All details for the board game Outfoxed! and similar games

    Outfoxed! invites you into a whimsical detective chase after Mrs. Plumpert's missing prized pot pie. It's a cooperative game where players work together to gather clues, eliminate suspects, and catch the cunning fox before it escapes. The game introduces a unique evidence scanner mechanism that adds a fun twist to deducing the thief among a lineup of potential foxes.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Outfoxed!
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Onitama

    All details for the board game Onitama and similar games

    Immerse yourself in the world of Onitama, a dynamic two-player abstract game offering perfect information and a randomized starting setup on a 5x5 board. Both participants begin the game with five pawns each, strategically placing the main pawn at the board's center.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for Onitama
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. Santorini

    All details for the board game Santorini and similar games

    Santorini is a beautifully re-imagined strategy game that combines abstract elements with accessible gameplay, suitable for a wide range of players.

    Nominated for 7 awards.

    More details for Santorini
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. Targi

    All details for the board game Targi and similar games

    Targi is a strategic board game set against the backdrop of the Tuareg culture in the desert. Players assume the roles of leaders of Tuareg tribes, engaging in trade and seeking to expand their families and influence.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Targi
    • 2 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Targi

    • YouTube Review for the game "Targi" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  10. boop.

    All details for the board game boop. and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for boop.
    • 2 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  11. 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
  12. The Downfall of Pompeii

    All details for the board game The Downfall of Pompeii and similar games

    The Downfall of Pompeii is a thematic and tactical board game that transports players to the ancient city of Pompeii, just before and during its catastrophic destruction by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The game combines strategic planning with an element of luck, as players attempt to save as many of their pieces as possible from the disaster.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for The Downfall of Pompeii
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. La Boca

    All details for the board game La Boca and similar games

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    More details for La Boca
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  14. SHŌBU

    All details for the board game SHŌBU and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for SHŌBU
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala

    All details for the board game Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala and similar games

    Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala is a strategy board game set in the mystical land of Naqala. Designed by Bruno Cathala, it puts a unique spin on the traditional German-style worker placement games.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 5.

    More details for Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 80 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala

    • YouTube Review for the game "Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Five Tribes: The Djinns of Naqala" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  16. 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
  17. Burgle Bros.

    All details for the board game Burgle Bros. and similar games

    Burgle Bros. is a cooperative heist game where 1 to 4 players team up as a crew of burglars attempting to pull off a daring robbery in a highly secure, multi-level building.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Burgle Bros.
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Qwirkle

    All details for the board game Qwirkle and similar games

    The abstract game of Qwirkle unfolds with 108 wooden blocks, each featuring six different shapes in six distinct colors. Unlike traditional board games, there is no designated board; players utilize any available flat surface.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2011

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2011

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2011

    More details for Qwirkle
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  19. 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
  20. Forbidden Desert

    All details for the board game Forbidden Desert and similar games

    Forbidden Desert is a cooperative adventure game where players work together to recover a legendary flying machine from the ruins of an ancient desert city, while surviving extreme environmental challenges.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 4.

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

    Video reviews for Forbidden Desert

    • YouTube Review for the game "Forbidden Desert" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  21. Arcadia Quest

    All details for the board game Arcadia Quest and similar games

    Arcadia Quest is an engaging, campaign-based board game where players lead guilds of heroes on a quest to overthrow a vampire lord and take back the city of Arcadia. It's a competitive yet cooperative game, filled with strategic battles against both other players and game-controlled monsters.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Arcadia Quest
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  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. Quadropolis

    All details for the board game Quadropolis and similar games

    Quadropolis is a competitive city-building game where players strategically construct their own metropolises while vying for various urban structures like shops, parks, and public services. The game is characterized by its unique architect placement mechanic and the strategic allocation of resources.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for Quadropolis
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Quadropolis

    • YouTube Review for the game "Quadropolis" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Quadropolis" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  24. Descent: Legends of the Dark

    All details for the board game Descent: Legends of the Dark and similar games

    In Descent: Legends of the Dark, players dive deep into the troubled realm of Terrinoth, facing off against demonic barbarians, undead servants, and other dark forces threatening the land. This co-operative dungeon-crawling board game, enriched by an integrated free companion app, invites players to embark on the "Blood and Flame" campaign, spanning sixteen quests that weave a rich narrative full of danger and discovery. With its innovative use of 3D terrain and a host of hero and monster miniatures, the game promises an immersive adventure as players build their legends through strategic combat, exploration, and skillful management of their characters' abilities.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    🔥 Deal: 24% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Descent: Legends of the Dark
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 120 - 180 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  25. Arcadia Quest: Inferno

    All details for the board game Arcadia Quest: Inferno and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  26. Flash Point: Fire Rescue

    All details for the board game Flash Point: Fire Rescue and similar games

    Flash Point: Fire Rescue immerses players in the high-stakes role of firefighters, tasked with rescuing victims from a blazing building. This cooperative board game challenges players to strategize, take risks, and work as a unified team to avert disaster.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for Flash Point: Fire Rescue
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Flash Point: Fire Rescue

    • YouTube Review for the game "Flash Point: Fire Rescue" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  27. Forbidden Island

    All details for the board game Forbidden Island and similar games

    Forbidden Island is a visually captivating cooperative board game that sets itself apart from traditional competitive games. In this thrilling adventure, players must join forces and collaborate to achieve victory instead of competing against each other. The goal is clear: work together as a team to secure a win.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 5.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2011

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

    Video reviews for Forbidden Island

    • YouTube Review for the game "Forbidden Island" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  28. HeroQuest

    All details for the board game HeroQuest and similar games

    HeroQuest is a classic adventure board game that blends elements of dungeon crawling and role-playing. One player takes on the role of the game master, unveiling the dungeon piece by piece, while up to four other players assume the roles of different characters (wizard, elf, dwarf, or barbarian) embarking on various quests.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    🔥 Deal: 14% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for HeroQuest
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. 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
  30. 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

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