The best games from Vlaada Chvátil 🇨🇿👨 2024

Looking for a really good game from game designer Vlaada Chvátil 👨? Then we have just the thing: the list with the best Vlaada Chvátil games 2024.

Who is Vlaada Chvátil anyway?

Vlaada Chvátil has been designing dice, card & board games since 1997. The game designer hails from Jihlava, Kraj Vysočina, Tschechien🇨🇿, was born in 1971 and currently lives in Brünn/Brno, Jihomoravský kraj, Tschechien🇨🇿. He is also known as Vladimír Chvátil.

Chvátil's first game "Arena: Morituri te salutant" he developed in 1997 at the age of 26 - so he has been designing games for over 27 years. Famous Chvátil games are for example Codenames, Galaxy Trucker & Mage Knight Board Game.

In 2019, Chvátil was inducted into the Origins Award Hall of Fame.

First studied computer science & computer game developer.

Chvátil moved to Brno/Brno in his youth and also studied computer science there. His final thesis was about "Tactical and strategic computer games". Afterwards he first worked as a developer and project manager at a computer game company.

Second game only 5 years later

Chvátil's first game "Arena: Morituri te salutant" he developed in 1997 at the age of 26 - so he has been designing games for over 27 years. His second game "Prophecy" followed only five years later in 2002. The breakthrough came with Galaxy Trucker in 2007, which, among many other awards, also landed on the Recommended Game of the Year 2008 list.

The most famous Chvátil games are Codenames, Galaxy Trucker & Mage Knight - The Board Game.

Founding of own publishing house for Czech & Slovak authors

Then, in the period of late 2006 early 2007, together with other authors from the region (Petr Murmak, Filip Murmak and Ladislav Smejkal) he founded the publishing house Czech Games Edition (CGE). The first two titles were Galaxy Trucker by Vlaada Chvátil and League of Six by Vladimír Suchý. Since the beginning, the publishing house has focused on publishing games by Czech and Slovak authors.

Rule explanation always spiced with humor

Chvátil is known for its unique style of instructions. You have to like this style, you love it or you hate it. The rules are often divided into several "learning scenarios", chapters of which introduce more rules.... until the full game is explained. The instructions are often punctuated with a lot of humor.

How good are "Vlaada Chvátil" games?

There are 13 games by Vlaada Chvátil in our Top1000 games list, making Chvátil the #10 best game author out of a total of 708 authors in our database.

More information about Chvátil

More information about Chvátil can be found on:

List of best games by Vlaada Chvátil 2024

In this list we have listed the best board games that Vlaada Chvátil either designed himself - or was involved in designing.

Unfortunately, not all of Vlaada Chvátil's games are currently available. In the following list you can find all dice, board & card games by Vlaada Chvátil that you can buy 2024:

This list was last updated on November 20, 2024. We compared 30 board games for this list and selected the top 25. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Codenames

    All details for the board game Codenames and similar games

    Codenames is a captivating and popular party game that involves clever wordplay and deduction. Two teams compete, each led by a spymaster who knows the secret identities of 25 agents, represented by cards bearing single-word codenames like "disease," "Germany," or even "carrot." The objective is for each team to be the first to correctly identify all their agents based on clues given by their spymaster, while avoiding the dangerous assassin.

    Nominated for 27 awards and won 15.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2016

    More details for Codenames
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Codenames: Duet

    All details for the board game Codenames: Duet and similar games

    Embark on a collaborative journey of espionage in Codenames Duet, where the familiar elements of Codenames persist – providing one-word clues to unveil your agents among those on the table. This time, however, you and your teammate work together to uncover all your agents, adding a thrilling cooperative dimension to the challenge. The mystery of not knowing your agents from the outset adds an intriguing layer to the mission, raising questions that even Congressional investigators might ponder later!

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    More details for Codenames: Duet
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 11+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Duet

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Duet" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. Codenames: Pictures

    All details for the board game Codenames: Pictures and similar games

    Uncover the mystery behind peculiar symbols on the map in Codenames: Pictures, where these enigmatic codes signify locations where spies connect with secret agents. In this clandestine world, two rival spymasters possess knowledge of the agents in each location, communicating coded messages to guide their field operatives to discreet meetings. Operatives must navigate these visual puzzles with utmost precision, as a decoding misstep might lead to an unfortunate encounter with an enemy agent – or worse, an encounter with the deadly assassin! The race is on for both teams to contact all their agents, but only one can emerge victorious.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.

    More details for Codenames: Pictures
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Pictures

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Pictures" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  4. Pictomania

    All details for the board game Pictomania and similar games

    Pictomania turns the conventional drawing game on its head by combining drawing and guessing into simultaneous, frenetic action. This game, perfect for those who pride themselves on either their quick sketching or sharp guessing skills, ensures a level playing field and promises high energy from start to finish. Over five rounds, players are challenged to draw a word or phrase indicated by randomly assigned cards while also guessing what their opponents are drawing to earn points. Missteps can lead to becoming the round's "black sheep," affecting scores negatively, making each stroke and guess a calculated risk.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Pictomania
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. Galaxy Trucker

    All details for the board game Galaxy Trucker and similar games

    Galaxy Trucker is a fast-paced, tile-laying board game that combines space adventure with ship construction and navigation challenges.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.

    More details for Galaxy Trucker
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Codenames: Disney – Family Edition

    All details for the board game Codenames: Disney – Family Edition and similar games

    Codenames: Disney – Family Edition brings the magic of Disney to the popular social word game Codenames, offering a delightful twist that Disney and Pixar fans of all ages will adore. This edition blends the strategic and cooperative elements of the original game with the enchanting worlds and characters of Disney and Pixar, making it an ideal choice for family game nights and gatherings of Disney enthusiasts.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Codenames: Disney – Family Edition
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Galaxy Trucker (Second Edition)

    All details for the board game Galaxy Trucker (Second Edition) and similar games

    Galaxy Trucker (Second Edition) is a lively, family-friendly game where players race against time to build spaceships from scavenged parts and then navigate them through perilous space adventures. The game combines real-time strategy, tile placement, and a bit of chaos as players grab components from a shared pool to construct their vessels before launching into space for a series of hazardous journeys.

    More details for Galaxy Trucker (Second Edition)
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  8. Codenames: Deep Undercover

    All details for the board game Codenames: Deep Undercover and similar games

    Codenames: Deep Undercover is a standalone or combinable expansion to the hit game Codenames, introducing an adult twist to the classic word association gameplay. In this version, players still split into two teams, with each team's spymaster knowing the identities of their secret agents, represented by codenames on the table. The goal remains to contact all your agents first through clever one-word clues that can link multiple codenames, while avoiding the deadly assassin and the opposing team's agents. This game adds an edgier set of words and phrases, making it suited for a more mature audience.

    More details for Codenames: Deep Undercover
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 18+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Deep Undercover

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Deep Undercover" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  9. Codenames: Marvel

    All details for the board game Codenames: Marvel and similar games
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Marvel

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Marvel" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  10. Space Alert

    All details for the board game Space Alert and similar games

    Space Alert is a thrilling cooperative game where players become crew members of a spaceship navigating dangerous parts of the galaxy. Unique for its real-time gameplay, each mission in Space Alert is a frantic race against time, lasting precisely 10 minutes. The game stands out for its use of a soundtrack that not only enhances the thematic experience but also functions as a timer for the game.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2009

    More details for Space Alert
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  11. Codenames: Harry Potter

    All details for the board game Codenames: Harry Potter and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 11+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  12. Sneaks & Snitches

    All details for the board game Sneaks & Snitches and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  13. That's a Question!

    All details for the board game That's a Question! and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 15+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  14. Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition

    All details for the board game Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition and similar games

    Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition is an expansive and immersive board game that blends elements of role-playing games (RPGs), deck-building, and traditional board games. This edition is a comprehensive package that includes the base game of Mage Knight along with several expansions, offering an enriched and complete experience for players as they delve into the Mage Knight universe.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 150 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Very hard to learn
  15. Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends

    All details for the board game Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends and similar games

    Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends is a captivating game of magical strategy and tactics, where two to four players assume the roles of summoners in an epic arena battle. Each summoner, either working alone or in teams, demonstrates their mastery of magic by deploying minions to create complex patterns, summoning powerful beings, and outmaneuvering their opponents.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends

    • YouTube Review for the game "Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  16. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

    All details for the board game Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization and similar games

    Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization is a revised edition of the classic civilization-building game Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization. This edition features several updates and changes, particularly to the game's military system and card dynamics across three ages.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

    • YouTube Review for the game "Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  17. Travel Blog

    All details for the board game Travel Blog and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Bunny Bunny Moose Moose

    All details for the board game Bunny Bunny Moose Moose and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  19. Mage Knight Board Game

    All details for the board game Mage Knight Board Game and similar games

    Mage Knight Board Game is a complex and richly thematic game that combines elements of role-playing, deck-building, and traditional board gaming set in the Mage Knight universe. It offers various modes of play, including competitive, cooperative, and solo.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for Mage Knight Board Game
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 240 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  20. Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

    All details for the board game Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization and similar games

    Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization is a complex and engaging civilization-building board game. Players guide their civilizations through different ages, focusing on resource management, technology development, leadership, military strength, and building wonders.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

    • YouTube Review for the game "Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  21. Dungeon Petz

    All details for the board game Dungeon Petz and similar games

    Dungeon Petz immerses you in a unique blend of strategy and whimsy, where you lead an imp family in the curious business of breeding and selling magical petz to Dungeon Lords. This game is a delightful mix of unpredictable pet behavior and strategic planning.

    Nominated for 7 awards.

    More details for Dungeon Petz
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  22. Dungeon Lords

    All details for the board game Dungeon Lords and similar games

    Dungeon Lords puts players in the shoes of evil dungeon lords competing to build the most formidable and efficient dungeon. This game is about strategic management, where you construct a dungeon, hire monsters, set traps, and thwart the noble heroes intent on your downfall.

    Nominated for 8 awards.

    More details for Dungeon Lords
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  23. Dungeon Lords: Happy Anniversary

    All details for the board game Dungeon Lords: Happy Anniversary and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  24. Graenaland

    All details for the board game Graenaland and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Graenaland
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  25. Star Trek: Frontiers

    All details for the board game Star Trek: Frontiers and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 240 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn

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