The best action drafting board, card & dice games 2024

Looking for a good game that involves fighting over actions? Then we have just the thing: our top list of the best action drafting games 2024.

What are action drafting games?

Action drafting literally means "action drafting" or "action selection." In the board game world, this means that players choose from an assortment of actions in a common pool. The available actions are limited in quantity. Once a player has selected an action, he and usually everyone else may not select it again.

Differentiation from other game categories

A very related game category is "open draw"/ "drafting" (e.g. card-drawing (Wingspan), Dice (That's pretty clever), tokens (Azul)). This is more general and not limited to actions - which is why we created a separate category for it: drafting-games.

List of the best action drafting games 2024

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 209 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. 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
    👍 Good price!14€ atAmazon.de*
  2. Citadels

    All details for the board game Citadels and similar games

    Citadels is a dynamic game where players step into various roles, embodying characters they've hired to aid them in amassing wealth and constructing grand buildings. The game unfolds with a quest for dominance, culminating when a player successfully erects their eighth building. Let's delve into the key features of this intriguing game:

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2000

    More details for Citadels
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  3. San Juan

    All details for the board game San Juan and similar games

    San Juan is a captivating card game that is inspired by the highly acclaimed board game, Puerto Rico. It is a game of strategy and resource management, set against the backdrop of the historic city of San Juan.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for San Juan
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for San Juan

    • YouTube Review for the game "San Juan" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "San Juan" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  4. Grand Austria Hotel

    All details for the board game Grand Austria Hotel and similar games

    Step into the bustling Viennese modern age, where prestigious cafés vie for customers in the midst of inspiring artists, influential politicians, and global tourists. In Grand Austria Hotel, your task is to elevate your modest café into a world-renowned hotel. Hire a dedicated staff, cater to your guests' desires, and secure the favor of the emperor to transform your establishment into the illustrious Grand Austria Hotel.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for Grand Austria Hotel
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Grand Austria Hotel

    • YouTube Review for the game "Grand Austria Hotel" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. Puerto Rico

    All details for the board game Puerto Rico and similar games

    Puerto Rico is a strategy game where players become colonial governors in Puerto Rico, aiming to earn victory points through trade and construction.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 8.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2002

    More details for Puerto Rico
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 150 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  6. El Grande

    All details for the board game El Grande and similar games

    El Grande is a classic strategy board game set in medieval Spain, where players, as powerful lords or "Grandes," vie for control over various regions in a declining kingdom. The game is known for its blend of tactical depth and strategic planning.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1996

    More details for El Grande
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  7. The White Castle

    All details for the board game The White Castle and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for The White Castle
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 80 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    👍 Good price!33€ atAmazon.de*
  8. Tokaido Duo

    All details for the board game Tokaido Duo and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Tokaido Duo
    • 2 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Dice Hospital

    All details for the board game Dice Hospital and similar games

    Dice Hospital is a worker placement board game where players manage a hospital and treat patients represented by dice. The lower the dice value, the more critical the patient's condition. Players aim to efficiently treat and discharge patients, increasing their hospital's reputation.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Dice Hospital
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Dice Hospital

    • YouTube Review for the game "Dice Hospital" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  10. War of the Ring: Second Edition

    All details for the board game War of the Ring: Second Edition and similar games

    Immerse yourself in the epic struggle for Middle Earth in War of the Ring: Second Edition, a riveting board game that pits the Free Peoples against the formidable Shadow Armies. As the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance, players embark on a quest for victory through military conquest or the perilous journey of the Ringbearer.

    More details for War of the Ring: Second Edition
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 150 - 180 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for War of the Ring: Second Edition

    • YouTube Review for the game "War of the Ring: Second Edition" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "War of the Ring: Second Edition" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition

    All details for the board game Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition and similar games

    Embark on an epic journey of galactic conquest in Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition. As a leader of one of seventeen unique factions, you'll navigate the vastness of space, striving for dominance through military might, political maneuvering, and economic prowess. The game unfolds around Mecatol Rex, the central planet, where the throne of the galaxy awaits the faction that can skillfully navigate the challenges of a dynamic and strategically constructed universe.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 240 - 480 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
    👍 Good price!118€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition

    • YouTube Review for the game "Twilight Imperium: Fourth Edition" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  12. Rising Sun

    All details for the board game Rising Sun and similar games

    In the mystical realm of legendary feudal Japan, the forgotten Kami have arisen from the underworld, dissatisfied with the ruling Shōgun. As spring heralds the Great New Year, the sacred clans gather to embark on a quest to reclaim the lands of Nippon, restoring honor and spirituality. Honorable Shōgun, you lead one of these clans, navigating a delicate balance of diplomacy, alliances, and war in the pursuit of victory. Will you uphold the ancient promise with strength, virtue, and spirit in the board game Rising Sun?

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    More details for Rising Sun
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  13. Yspahan

    All details for the board game Yspahan and similar games

    Yspahan is a strategic board game set in 1598, during the period when Yspahan became the capital of the Persian empire. Players take on the roles of merchants in this flourishing city, aiming to maximize their gains through shrewd trading and development. The game stands out for its unique combination of dice-driven actions and multiple paths to victory.

    Nominated for 8 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2007

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2007

    More details for Yspahan
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Orichalcum

    All details for the board game Orichalcum and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Coimbra

    All details for the board game Coimbra and similar games

    Coimbra is a historically themed board game set in the vibrant era of the 15th and 16th centuries in Portugal. It combines strategic planning, resource management, and an innovative dice mechanism, making it a compelling choice for gamers who enjoy a blend of history and strategy.

    Nominated for 9 awards.

    More details for Coimbra
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  16. Keystone: North America

    All details for the board game Keystone: North America and similar games

    🔥 Deal: 36% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Keystone: North America
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!15€ atAmazon.de*
  17. Tiletum

    All details for the board game Tiletum and similar games

    Tiletum transports players back to the splendor of the Renaissance, a period marked by the flourishing of trade and the arts across Europe. In this game, players embody wealthy merchants traversing from Flanders to Venice, engaging in commerce, constructing cathedrals, and currying favor with noble families to establish themselves as preeminent figures of the era.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Tiletum
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 100 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  18. Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write

    All details for the board game Joan of Arc: Orléans Draw & Write and similar games
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  19. Tiny Epic Kingdoms

    All details for the board game Tiny Epic Kingdoms and similar games

    In Tiny Epic Kingdoms, players are plunged into a world of fantasy and strategy where they lead their tiny kingdoms towards greatness amidst fierce competition.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Tiny Epic Kingdoms
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  20. New Frontiers

    All details for the board game New Frontiers and similar games

    New Frontiers is a standalone strategy game that expands the Race for the Galaxy universe into new realms of empire building and exploration. Players vie to construct the most powerful galactic empire by strategically selecting actions that benefit all, but with a special advantage to the chooser.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for New Frontiers
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 - 75 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  21. In the Year of the Dragon

    All details for the board game In the Year of the Dragon and similar games

    In the Year of the Dragon is a strategic board game designed by Stefan Feld, set in ancient China around the year 1000. The game is known for its challenging gameplay that combines resource management, strategic planning, and crisis management.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for In the Year of the Dragon
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 75 - 100 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    🔥 Great price!15€ atAmazon.de*
  22. In the Year of the Dragon: 10th Anniversary

    All details for the board game In the Year of the Dragon: 10th Anniversary and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 75 - 100 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  23. Puerto Rico

    All details for the board game Puerto Rico and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 70 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  24. Yukon Airways

    All details for the board game Yukon Airways and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  25. Riverboat

    All details for the board game Riverboat and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Riverboat
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  26. Yamataï

    All details for the board game Yamataï and similar games

    Yamataï is a beautifully designed strategy board game where 2-4 players engage in building majestic structures in the mythical land of Yamatai. The game is a blend of strategic planning, resource management, and tactical ship placement. Players compete to construct palaces, torii, and various buildings, aiming to create the most impressive architectural feats.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Yamataï
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 80 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  27. Gentes

    All details for the board game Gentes and similar games

    Gentes is a compelling civilization-themed board game that introduces players to an innovative timing mechanism, challenging them to strategically develop their ancient people. Set in the Mediterranean, players aim to expand their influence by constructing monuments and founding or colonizing new cities. The game spans six rounds, broken into three eras, where players manage their actions through a unique time track system on their personal player mats. This system, coupled with a variety of available actions, requires players to carefully plan their moves and manage resources to maximize their civilization's growth and achieve victory.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    More details for Gentes
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Gentes

    • YouTube Review for the game "Gentes" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  28. Wild: Serengeti

    All details for the board game Wild: Serengeti and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  29. Alchemists

    All details for the board game Alchemists and similar games

    In the enchanting world of Alchemists, two to four aspiring alchemists engage in a spirited competition to unearth the secrets of their mystical art. Points, the coveted currency of success, can be acquired through various means, but the pinnacle lies in the publication of accurate theories—a challenge that adds a layer of complexity to the pursuit.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Alchemists
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn
    👍 Good price!45€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Alchemists

    • YouTube Review for the game "Alchemists" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  30. Bamboo

    All details for the board game Bamboo and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 110 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

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: