The best games in which you have to draft 2024

Looking for a game that doesn't rely purely on chance? Then we have just the thing: The 30 best games in which you have to draw. These are so called "drafting" games.

What are drafting games?

Drafting is a means of distributing cards (Wingspan), dice (That's Pretty Clever), tokens (Azul), or other game elements to players through an orderly selection process.

A typical implementation is that each player receives the same number of cards, for example. The players then choose one card to keep. They pass the rest to their left, for example. This continues until all cards are taken. 7 Wonders uses this kind of/drafting.

Alternative ways to draft game elements

One alternative is to deal cards to only one player. This player then takes a card and passes it on until all players have cards. This is, of course, heavily biased towards the first player and needs to be supported thematically and in a balanced way. Without Fear and Nobility/Citadels has this type of drafting.

Open drafting

Another type is "open drafting", where players are shown all options - and each player takes turns choosing. This is similar to action selection/action drafting or worker placement.

List of Best Drafting Games 2024

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 7115 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Monikers

    All details for the board game Monikers and similar games

    Monikers is a lively and entertaining party game inspired by the classic public domain game Celebrities. It is designed for players who enjoy guessing games and offers a fun challenge through a series of rounds where the methods of clue-giving evolve and become more restrictive.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Monikers
    • 4 - 16 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 17+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Monikers

    • YouTube Review for the game "Monikers" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  2. Cascadia

    All details for the board game Cascadia and similar games

    Cascadia is a tile-laying and token-drafting board game that features the rich habitats and diverse wildlife of the Pacific Northwest. It combines strategic tile placement with wildlife conservation themes.

    Nominated for 24 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for Cascadia
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  3. Azul

    All details for the board game Azul and similar games

    Azul invites you to step into the captivating world of Portuguese artistry and craftsmanship. This board game draws inspiration from the introduction of azulejos, originally white and blue ceramic tiles, by the Moors. The tiles found a new home in Portugal when King Manuel I, during a visit to the Alhambra palace in Southern Spain, was enchanted by the exquisite Moorish decorative tiles adorning its interior. Filled with awe and inspiration, the king promptly ordered the embellishment of his own palace in Portugal with similar decorative tiles. As a skilled tile-laying artist, you are tasked with the prestigious mission of adorning the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora.

    Nominated for 30 awards and won 19.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for Azul
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Azul

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  4. Monikers: Serious Nonsense

    All details for the board game Monikers: Serious Nonsense and similar games
    • 4 - 20 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 18+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Sushi Go Party!

    All details for the board game Sushi Go Party! and similar games

    Sushi Go Party! is an expanded version of the popular card game Sushi Go!, offering more variety and accommodating more players for a larger, more dynamic game experience.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sushi Go Party!
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  6. Kingdomino

    All details for the board game Kingdomino and similar games

    Embark on a noble quest to expand your kingdom in Kingdomino. As a lord, your mission is to explore vast lands filled with wheat fields, serene lakes, and towering mountains. Competing with fellow lords, you must identify the choicest plots to claim as your own.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 7.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for Kingdomino
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Kingdomino

    • YouTube Review for the game "Kingdomino" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  7. 7 Wonders Duel

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders Duel and similar games

    7 Wonders Duel takes the essence of the classic 7 Wonders and refines it for an intense two-player experience. It retains the thematic elements of building a civilization through acquiring various types of cards, but it introduces unique mechanics suited for a duel.

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 9.

    More details for 7 Wonders Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!22€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for 7 Wonders Duel

    • YouTube Review for the game "7 Wonders Duel" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  8. 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
    🔥 Great price!16€ atAmazon.de*

    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
  9. Jaipur

    All details for the board game Jaipur and similar games

    In the bustling city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, you find yourself in a fierce competition as one of the two most powerful traders. However, being a prominent trader isn't enough; the ultimate goal is to earn two coveted "seals of excellence" to secure an invitation to the Maharaja's prestigious court. To outshine your direct competitor, you'll need to demonstrate superior trading skills by buying, exchanging, and selling goods at advantageous prices, all while carefully managing your valuable camel herds.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 4.

    More details for Jaipur
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  10. The Quacks of Quedlinburg

    All details for the board game The Quacks of Quedlinburg and similar games

    Become a cunning charlatan or a quack doctor in the whimsical world of The Quacks of Quedlinburg. In this quirky board game, each player concocts their own secret brew, one ingredient at a time. But beware, for a careless addition could spoil the entire mixture!

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for The Quacks of Quedlinburg
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for The Quacks of Quedlinburg

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Quacks of Quedlinburg" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  11. Point Salad

    All details for the board game Point Salad and similar games

    Point Salad is a dynamic and engaging card drafting game that is suitable for players of all ages. It stands out for its simplicity and the vast array of scoring strategies it offers.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 3.

    More details for Point Salad
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Point Salad

    • YouTube Review for the game "Point Salad" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Point Salad" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. 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 10 awards and won 3.

    More details for Splendor Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!22€ atAmazon.de*
  13. Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated

    All details for the board game Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated and similar games

    Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated is an innovative extension of the deck-building game Clank!, incorporating legacy-style elements. Players get the opportunity to establish and grow their own franchise of Acquisitions Incorporated, leading a team of intrepid adventurers on a quest for treasure and corporate fame. The game evolves uniquely across multiple play sessions, creating a personalized adventure campaign.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  14. 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
  15. Sea Salt & Paper

    All details for the board game Sea Salt & Paper and similar games

    Sea Salt & Paper is a set collection card game that combines strategic decision-making with the excitement of timing your moves just right. Similar to Rummy in gameplay, it involves collecting sets of cards to score points, while also navigating the timing of when to end the round for optimal advantage.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sea Salt & Paper
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    🔥 Great price!11€ atAmazon.de*
  16. Star Realms: Frontiers

    All details for the board game Star Realms: Frontiers and similar games

    Star Realms: Frontiers is a dynamic standalone game within the Star Realms series, offering fast-paced space combat with deckbuilding elements. Designed for 1-4 players, it can be enjoyed on its own or integrated with other Star Realms sets for expanded play.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Star Realms: Frontiers
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  17. Ohanami

    All details for the board game Ohanami and similar games

    Ohanami is a serene and strategic card drafting game that seamlessly blends simplicity with deep strategic choices. Over three rounds, players cultivate their gardens by selecting cards and building sequences in a quest for the most points.

    More details for Ohanami
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  18. The Quest for El Dorado

    All details for the board game The Quest for El Dorado and similar games

    The Quest for El Dorado is a strategic and adventurous board game that immerses players in the exciting journey of discovering the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. Set in the lush South American jungles, this game combines deck-building and racing elements, challenging players to be both cunning and quick.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 6.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for The Quest for El Dorado
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!26€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for The Quest for El Dorado

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Quest for El Dorado" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. Wingspan

    All details for the board game Wingspan and similar games

    Wingspan is a captivating, competitive board game from Stonemaier Games, masterfully designed by Elizabeth Hargrave. It's a medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building game that stands out with its unique theme and stunning artwork, featuring over 170 bird illustrations by artists Beth Sobel, Natalia Rojas, and Ana Maria Martinez.

    Nominated for 26 awards and won 16.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Wingspan
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 40 - 70 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!44€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Wingspan

    • YouTube Review for the game "Wingspan" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  20. Star Realms: Colony Wars

    All details for the board game Star Realms: Colony Wars and similar games

    Colony Wars is an engaging standalone deckbuilding game in the Star Realms series, offering both an individual gaming experience for two players and an expansion to the original Star Realms for up to four players.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Star Realms: Colony Wars
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. King of Tokyo: Dark Edition

    All details for the board game King of Tokyo: Dark Edition and similar games

    King of Tokyo: Dark Edition is a limited collector's edition of the popular game King of Tokyo. Set in an alternative, darker version of Tokyo, this edition brings a new level of intensity to the battle for control of the city.

    More details for King of Tokyo: Dark Edition
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  22. Project L

    All details for the board game Project L and similar games

    Project L is a dynamic and visually appealing board game that combines tile-matching with engine-building elements. It's designed to challenge players with its strategic depth, encapsulated within an elegant and simple design. The game features unique triple-layer 3D puzzles and attractive acrylic pieces, making it not only a test of intellect but also a delight to play.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Project L
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. Sushi Go!

    All details for the board game Sushi Go! and similar games

    Sushi Go! is a dynamic, fast-paced card game set in a sushi restaurant. Players aim to grab the best sushi combinations as they come around. It's all about strategy, from picking the perfect sushi rolls to collecting sashimi sets. Boost your scores with wasabi-flavored nigiri, and don't forget to load up on pudding by the end!

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sushi Go!
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!10€ atAmazon.de*
  24. Draftosaurus

    All details for the board game Draftosaurus and similar games

    Draftosaurus is a charming and quick drafting game where players aim to build the most attractive dinosaur park. The game stands out for its use of dino meeples and unique placement restrictions, making it an engaging experience for all ages.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Draftosaurus
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Draftosaurus

    • YouTube Review for the game "Draftosaurus" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  25. Star Realms

    All details for the board game Star Realms and similar games

    Star Realms is a fast-paced, deck-building card game set in the vastness of space. Designed by renowned game creators, it combines the excitement of deck-building with the strategic depth of combat trading card games.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    More details for Star Realms
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  26. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game

    All details for the board game Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game and similar games

    Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game brings the epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance to your tabletop. This two-player game captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, offering a dynamic and strategic experience where players build their decks and battle to destroy each other's bases.

    More details for Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  27. 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
  28. 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
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Ticket to Ride: Europe

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ticket to Ride: Europe" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  29. Fantasy Realms

    All details for the board game Fantasy Realms and similar games

    Fantasy Realms immerses players in the role of rulers striving to build the most powerful realm. This card game is all about strategic combinations and choices, with every decision shaping the strength and nature of your realm.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Fantasy Realms
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!15€ atAmazon.de*
  30. Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure

    All details for the board game Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure and similar games

    Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure is an exciting board game where players become daring thieves, sneaking into a dragon's lair to steal artifacts while avoiding making noise to prevent waking the dragon.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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