The best games from Vlaada Chvátil 🇨🇿👨 2026

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 2026.

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 29 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 29 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 designers 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 designer out of a total of 708 designers in our database.

More information about Chvátil

More information about Chvátil can be found on:

List of best games by Vlaada Chvátil 2026

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 2026:

This list was last updated on June 13, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. Codenames

    Codenames

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–8 15 min 10+ Immediately playable
    + 2 € above the best price
    17 € at Amazon*
  2. Codenames: Duet

    Codenames: Duet

    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!

    All details & rating
    2 15–30 min 11+ Immediately playable
    + 3 € above the best price
    22 € at Amazon*
    Video reviews 1
  3. Codenames: Pictures

    Codenames: Pictures

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–8 15 min 10+ Immediately playable
    + 1 € above the best price
    20 € at Amazon*
    Video reviews 1
  4. Pictomania

    Pictomania

    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.

    All details & rating
    3–6 25 min 9+ Easy to learn
    + 17 € above the best price
    30 € at Amazon*
  5. Codenames: Disney – Family Edition

    Codenames: Disney – Family Edition

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–8 15 min 8+ Immediately playable
  6. Galaxy Trucker

    Galaxy Trucker

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

    All details & rating
    2–4 60 min 10+ Easy to learn
    + 58 € above the best price
    90 € at Amazon*
  7. Codenames: Deep Undercover

    Codenames: Deep Undercover

    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.

    All details & rating
    4–8 15 min 18+ Immediately playable
    Video reviews 1
  8. Galaxy Trucker

    Galaxy Trucker

    Second Edition

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–4 20–30 min 8+ Easy to learn
    + 5 € above the best price
    37 € at Amazon*
  9. Codenames: Marvel

    Codenames: Marvel

    Codenames: Marvel combines the popular social word game Codenames with characters and locations from the Marvel Universe, including Spider-Man, the Guardians of the Galaxy, the Avengers, and Doctor Strange. Two teams, S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra, compete to identify all their agents hidden in a 5x5 grid, while avoiding neutral words and an assassin that can instantly lose the game. A spymaster gives one-word clues to help teammates guess the right agents while steering clear of the opposing team's agents.

    All details & rating
    2–8 15 min 8+ Immediately playable
  10. Sneaks & Snitches

    Sneaks & Snitches

    Players take on the role of the boss of cunning thieves, seeking prestige rather than money. They must strategically choose which type of items to pursue and predict their rivals' moves. With elements of information theft and competition, it's essential to outsmart opponents while sending a team to unexpected locations for the ultimate recognition in the criminal world.

    All details & rating
    2–5 20 min 9+ Immediately playable
  11. Codenames: Harry Potter

    Codenames: Harry Potter

    Codenames: Harry Potter features gameplay from Codenames Duet, where players work together to uncover all the correct cards before time runs out or a dark wizard like Lord Voldemort is summoned. The cards players must guess have a word or phrase on one side and an image on the other.

    All details & rating
    2 15 min 11+ Easy to learn
  12. That's a Question!

    That's a Question!

    The party game features a format where players challenge others with questions and vote on their expected responses. Each player has a sheet with hexagonal cards containing words or phrases in three color-coded blocks. Players pose a question to someone with a token, select two cards from their hand, and add the appropriately colored sections to the question. After everyone votes, the tokens are revealed, and players move forward based on correct guesses, aiming to have the most points after a set number of rounds.

    All details & rating
    3–6 30 min 15+ Immediately playable
  13. Space Alert

    Space Alert

    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.

    All details & rating
    1–5 30 min 12+ Medium complexity
  14. Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition

    Mage Knight: Ultimate Edition

    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.

    All details & rating
    1–5 150 min 14+ For experts
  15. Travel Blog

    Travel Blog

    Some people love to travel, while others enjoy reading about it. Imagine an online magazine that brings these individuals together, inviting players to join the ranks of travel bloggers.

    All details & rating
    2–6 25 min 8+ Easy to learn
  16. Bunny Bunny Moose Moose

    Bunny Bunny Moose Moose

    Players take on the roles of rabbits and moose while a hunter strolls through the forest. They must try to look like animals that the hunter won't shoot at. By wearing makeshift rabbit ears or moose antlers, both players and spectators enjoy the lively competition.

    All details & rating
    3–6 20 min 9+ Easy to learn
  17. Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends

    Tash-Kalar: Arena of Legends

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–4 30 min 13+ Medium complexity
    + 118 € above the best price
    153 € at Amazon*
    Video reviews 1
  18. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

    Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–4 120 min 14+ For connoisseurs
    8 € below the next retailer
    48 € at Amazon*
  19. Dungeon Lords

    Dungeon Lords

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–4 90 min 12+ For connoisseurs
    + 11 € above the best price
    38 € at Amazon*
  20. Dungeon Petz

    Dungeon Petz

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–4 90 min 13+ For connoisseurs
    2 € below the next retailer
    36 € at Amazon*
  21. Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

    Through the Ages: A Story of Civilization

    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.

    All details & rating
    2–4 120 min 12+ For connoisseurs
    28 % cheaper than at other retailers
    40 € at Amazon*
  22. Graenaland

    Graenaland

    In 982, a Viking Jarl named Erik the Red sailed from the west coast of Iceland and discovered a new land he called Grænaland. Players take on the role of one of the Jarls leading their clans to settle this new territory, negotiating resource distribution without fighting, as conflicts are resolved through voting. Dwellings do not produce resources; instead, the terrain tiles do, creating unique player interactions and encouraging cooperation over competition. Trust among players becomes crucial as they balance efficiency with fairness while managing their positions and resources.

    All details & rating
    3–5 90 min 12+ Medium complexity
  23. Star Trek: Frontiers

    Star Trek: Frontiers

    A controversial region of space, accessible through a well-known wormhole, has attracted the attention of powerful factions across the galaxy. Both the Federation and the Klingon Empire, which are entering a delicate alliance, have recently established outposts in the area, but reports of serious troubles have prompted them to investigate immediately.

    All details & rating
    1–4 60–240 min 14+ For connoisseurs

Frequently asked questions

Which game ranks first on this list?

Codenames (Spiel des Jahres 2016 winner) currently tops our list. The ranking is derived from player community ratings and is recalculated continuously.

How many players do the games on this list support?

Most games on this list support 2 to 5 players. The exact player count is listed with each game.

What age are these games suitable for?

Publisher age recommendations on this list start at 8 years. Each game carries its own age rating.

How long does a game take?

A typical game takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.

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