The best games presented at the Spiel 2019 game fair in Essen, Germany 2025
Are you looking for a good new game? We have compared all the games presented at the game fair "Spiel 2019" in Essen and listed the top100.
Game fair in the German city of Essen
The International Spieltage SPIEL, often called the Essen Game Fair or Essen 2019 after the city where it is held, is an annual four-day board game fair that is also open to the public. The Spiel19 game fair was held in 2019 from October 24 to 27 (Thursday to the following Sunday) on the grounds of Messe Essen in Essen, Germany. Many new games are released at the fair every year, especially (but not exclusively) European-style board games.
SPIEL'19 - the biggest game fair in the world
The first time the fair was held was in 1983 at the Volkshochschule Essen. With 1,200 exhibitors from 53 nations, nearly 1,500 new launches and 209,000 visitors, Spiel'19 was once again the world's largest trade fair for board games in 2019.
Buy board games on site, even from small publishers.
At SPIEL, board games are offered that are hard to find in retail stores - many international and small exhibitors present their products at Spiel'19. While the prices for buying the games at the fair are usually not much lower than in retail stores, the games are usually available earlier than in regular board game stores, come with promotional materials (usually extra cards or game pieces with a few more game mechanics, but also T-shirts and similar goodies), and it's an opportunity for passionate board gamers to meet and chat with game designers, illustrators, and famous game critics.
More info about game fair "Spiel" is available at official game website.
Did we forget a game that was featured at Spiel'19?
If we forgot a game that was featured at Spiel 2019? What were your highlights of Spiel19 that aren't on our list? Then write to us at tibi+brettspiele@cephea.de.
Spiel-Messe Essen from other years
The Essen Game Fair has been held since 1983, we have listed for you both across all game years and listed separately by year at the bottom of the page.
If you are looking for the best new games in general, we have another list for you: The Best New Games 2025.
List with the top100 new releases of Spiel'19:
Codenames: Duet
Embark on a collaborative journey of espionage in Codenames Duet, where the familiar elements of Codenames persist โ 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
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine is a cooperative trick-taking game that takes players on an adventurous space journey, filled with challenges and strategic gameplay.
Nominated for 26 awards and won 13.
โญ๏ธ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020
More details for The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine- 2 - 5 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Smart10
Smart10 is a quiz game where players quickly take their turns. Each question has ten possible answers, and everyone must respond. Players earn answer markers for correct answers, but they risk losing them if they hesitate. It works well in teams, adding to the excitement of decision-making.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.
More details for Smart10- 2 - 8 Players
- 20 - 120 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Point Salad
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
Trails of Tucana
In Trails of Tucana, players embark on an adventure to connect the mystical island's villages and landmarks through an intricate network of trails. This flip-and-write game, designed by the creators of Avenue and Doodle City, offers a unique challenge with each playthrough thanks to randomized village setups. Players draw trails on their maps, aiming to link together sights and harbors for points, while navigating the island's diverse terrains. Strategic planning and adaptability are key, as the terrain card distribution influences potential pathways and scoring opportunities.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.
๐ฅ Deal: 19% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!
More details for Trails of Tucana- 1 - 8 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated
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
Pictures
Players simultaneously attempt to replicate an image using one of five different materials: building blocks, sticks and stones, picture cards, colored dice, or a rope. Afterward, each player guesses which of the 16 displayed images was copied. The game concludes after five rounds, with each player having used every material once. It is also language-independent.
Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.
โญ๏ธ Spiel des Jahres 2020
More details for Pictures- 3 - 5 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Pictures
Project L
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
Hanamikoji
Hanamikoji is a strategic card game set in the historical context of Geisha culture in Japan. The game immerses players in the role of patrons who are competing to gain the favor of seven renowned Geishas by collecting items related to their art and performances.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Hanamikoji- 2 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Hanamikoji
Cartographers
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.
โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020
More details for Cartographers- 1 - 100 Players
- 30 - 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Cthulhu: Death May Die
Cthulhu: Death May Die is an intense, cooperative board game set in the 1920s, drawing inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's universe. Players take on the roles of daring investigators, embarking on a perilous mission to confront and eliminate Elder Gods.
Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.
More details for Cthulhu: Death May Die- 1 - 5 Players
- 90 - 120 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Draftosaurus
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
Lands of Galzyr
Lands of Galzyr is an adventure game set in an open and persistent world where players' actions have consequences in both current and future sessions. Players take on the roles of cunning adventurers, navigating the lands, completing quests, and striving for fame and prestige. Each game continues from where the last left off, thanks to a clever save and load mechanism, allowing for seamless play even with different players in between sessions.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Lands of Galzyr- 1 - 4 Players
- 60 - 150 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Cahoots
Cahoots is a cooperative card game where players work together to meet a series of challenging goals. Each player must strategically contribute to four communal piles by matching either the color or the number of the cards. Communication about the contents of one's hand is not allowed, adding a layer of challenge as players must intuitively cooperate to meet the objectives.
Nominated for 1 award and won 1.
More details for Cahoots- 1 - 4 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Cahoots
The Castles of Burgundy
More details for The Castles of BurgundyThe Castles of Burgundy is a strategy board game set in the Burgundy region of High Medieval France, where players assume the roles of aristocrats controlling small princedoms. The game combines tile placement and dice rolling mechanics to offer a rich and strategic experience.
- 1 - 4 Players
- 70 - 120 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Medium difficulty
PARKS
PARKS is a visually stunning board game that celebrates the beauty and splendor of U.S. National Parks. With artwork from Fifty-Nine Parks, this game offers players a unique blend of strategy and adventure as they embark on a journey through nature.
Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.
More details for PARKS- 1 - 5 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Planet Unknown
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 10 awards and won 3.
โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023
More details for Planet Unknown- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 - 80 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Azul: Summer Pavilion
Azul: Summer Pavilion takes players back to Portugal to embark on an artistic challenge of crafting a summer pavilion, a task assigned by King Manuel I. As master artisans, players must use their skills to construct the pavilion using the finest materials while efficiently managing their resources.
Nominated for 7 awards and won 3.
More details for Azul: Summer Pavilion- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 45 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Azul: Summer Pavilion
Mandala
Mandala is an intriguing two-player game that combines strategy and contemplation. Players compete to collect valuable cards by building mandalas, but the true value of these cards only becomes clear as the game progresses. It's a delicate balance of strategy and adaptation, set against the backdrop of a symbolic ritual.
Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.
More details for Mandala- 2 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Mandala
Undaunted: Normandy
Undaunted: Normandy is a deck-building war game that immerses players in the pivotal battles of Normandy following the D-Day landings during World War II. It offers a unique blend of strategy, historical warfare, and deck management.
Nominated for 10 awards and won 1.
More details for Undaunted: Normandy- 2 Players
- 45 - 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Undaunted: Normandy
Similo
Similo is a cooperative deduction game where players work together to guess a secret character from a set of twelve displayed in the middle of the table. Each version of Similo - such as Fables, History, or Myths - comes with a deck of thirty beautifully illustrated cards by Naรฏade, featuring characters that share a common theme.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Similo- 2 - 8 Players
- 10 - 15 Minutes
- 7+ years old
- Immediately playable
Watergate
Watergate thrusts players into the historical tug-of-war between the Nixon Administration and a determined journalist from the Washington Post. This game recreates the infamous political scandal, requiring strategic card play and keen decision-making.
Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.
More details for Watergate- 2 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Watergate
Ticket to Ride: London
Ticket to Ride: London brings the classic gameplay of the Ticket to Ride series to the vibrant city of London in the 1970s. This edition offers a fast-paced, streamlined experience on a condensed map of London, allowing players to complete a game in just about 15 minutes.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Ticket to Ride: London- 2 - 4 Players
- 10 - 15 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Ticket to Ride: London
KLASK 4
More details for KLASK 4KLASK 4 offers the same gameplay found in KLASK but within a round playing field featuring four goals. This version allows four players to compete simultaneously.
- 4 Players
- 10 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
The Fox in the Forest
The Fox in the Forest is a captivating two-player trick-taking card game that brings a unique twist to a classic genre with its enchanting fairy tale theme and strategic gameplay.
Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.
More details for The Fox in the Forest- 2 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Sprawlopolis
Sprawlopolis is an engaging cooperative city-building game where 1-4 players join forces to transform a tiny town into a bustling metropolis. The game is known for its compact design, using only 18 cards, and a dynamic scoring system that ensures a unique experience every time you play.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Sprawlopolis- 1 - 4 Players
- 15 - 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
It's a Wonderful World
It's a Wonderful World is a strategic card drafting and engine-building game, where players take on the role of leaders of expanding empires. The game is designed for 1 to 5 players and offers a compelling blend of careful planning and resource management.
Nominated for 14 awards and won 5.
More details for It's a Wonderful World- 1 - 5 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
CuBirds
CuBirds is a charming and strategic card game where players help disorganized birds regroup into their flocks to return home. Featuring a unique gameplay mechanism and a delightful bird theme, this game requires players to cleverly manage their hand of bird cards and make tactical decisions on gathering and scoring bird flocks.
Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.
More details for CuBirds- 2 - 5 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Ticket to Ride Map Collection 7: Japan & Italy
More details for Ticket to Ride Map Collection 7: Japan & ItalyThe card collection features a double-sided game board with Japan on one side and Italy on the other. In Japan, players can use routes for the Bullet Train network, allowing all players to utilize these routes for destination tickets. In Italy, the board is divided into regions, and players earn bonus points for connecting multiple regions, with some regions counting as two. New ferry connections are introduced, where gray routes require players to cover wave symbols using specific cards. Players need components from the base game or the Europe edition to play this expansion.
- 2 - 5 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Unlock!: Timeless Adventures
More details for Unlock!: Timeless AdventuresUnlock! Timeless Adventures offers a trio of captivating "escape room" scenarios packed into one tabletop game. This cooperative card game draws players into immersive adventures requiring teamwork, puzzle-solving, and quick thinking, all facilitated through a blend of physical cards and a digital companion app.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Clank! Expeditions: Temple of the Ape Lords
More details for Clank! Expeditions: Temple of the Ape LordsAn insatiable thirst for plunder drives adventurers into a series of game boards for deck-building adventures. This expedition takes players deep into the jungle, rumored to be where the legendary Temple of the Ape Lords resides. Valuable relics await, as well as an immortal mechanical guardian left behind by the Ape Lords. Navigating the temple's mechanized corridors may prove more challenging than anticipated!
- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Easy to learn
Hansa Teutonica: Big Box
More details for Hansa Teutonica: Big BoxHansa Teutonica: Big Box is an expansive edition of the acclaimed strategy game "Hansa Teutonica," renowned for its deep strategic gameplay and interactive mechanics. This edition not only includes the base game but also all its expansions, offering an enriched experience of the historical Hanseatic League trading theme.
- 3 - 5 Players
- 45 - 90 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Medium difficulty
The King's Dilemma
The King's Dilemma presents a captivating blend of narrative storytelling and strategy, set in the fictional Kingdom of Ankist. As players, you step into the roles of leaders of various noble houses, each with your own agendas and influence, making critical decisions that shape the fate of the kingdom.
Nominated for 7 awards.
โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020
More details for The King's Dilemma- 3 - 5 Players
- 45 - 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for The King's Dilemma
Mini-Mutabo
More details for Mini-MutaboA standalone expansion adds 100 new cards to Mutabo, creating 90,000 new "stories." Players will need to provide their own pens and paper as the box does not include these items.
- 3 - 6 Players
- 25 - 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Modern Art
Engage in the captivating world of art commerce with Modern Art. As both buyer and seller, players navigate the vibrant art market, aiming to turn their transactions into lucrative endeavors. Five unique artists have contributed a plethora of paintings, and it's your task to strategically auction them for maximum profit. Each turn, players auction a painting from their hand, gaining wealth if others purchase it or incurring costs if they buy it themselves. The key lies in shrewd decision-making.
Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.
More details for Modern Art- 3 - 5 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Nova Luna
Nova Luna is an abstract tile-laying strategy game that focuses on careful planning and decision-making. Players are tasked with fulfilling objectives by placing tiles strategically, creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience.
Nominated for 4 awards.
โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2020
More details for Nova Luna- 1 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Nova Luna
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle is a cooperative deck-building game set in the beloved world of Harry Potter. Players join forces as Hogwarts students to protect the castle from dark forces.
Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.
More details for Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 11+ years old
- Easy to learn
Hellapagos: They're No Longer Alone
More details for Hellapagos: They're No Longer AloneHellapagos: They're No Longer Alone is an expansion that introduces new features, including 20 character cards with unique abilities. These characters provide additional distinctions among players and can shift the balance in their favor. Additionally, there are 30 event cards depicting another tribe on the island and 20 extra shipwreck cards, some of which are completely new to the game. Players can choose to incorporate any single new component or all three at their discretion.
- 3 - 12 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Clank! Expeditions: Gold and Silk
Players embark on a quest for treasure in a series of boards designed for deck-building adventures. The first expedition takes place in a deserted mine, once abandoned due to monster infestations, yet still filled with gold for the brave. Even greater riches await in the fabled lair of the Spider Queen, whose very existence may just be a myth to frighten adventurers away. This expansion requires the base game to play.
๐ฅ Deal: 7% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!
More details for Clank! Expeditions: Gold and Silk- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Clank! Expeditions: Gold and Silk
Champions of Midgard: Valhalla
Champions of Midgard: Valhalla enhances the base game, Champions of Midgard, by introducing new elements that celebrate the valor of warriors who fall in battle. This expansion shifts the perspective on loss in combat, transforming it into a strategic element that benefits players in their quest for glory.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Champions of Midgard: Valhalla- 2 - 4 Players
- 60 - 120 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Viva Topo!
Players guide their mice from the starting point to various goals, with farther goals offering more cheese as points. A cat chases the mice, removing them from the game if caught. Movement is determined by a die, with the added twist that rolls of "1" also move the cat, creating a risk-reward balance as players try to outpace the feline and gather cheese.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.
โญ๏ธ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2003
โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2003
More details for Viva Topo!- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 4+ years old
- Immediately playable
TEAM3 GREEN
Three monkeys have started a construction company, and the building plans are coming in fast! They must collaborate to complete their plans before time runs out.
Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.
More details for TEAM3 GREEN- 3 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Immediately playable
Detective: City of Angels
More details for Detective: City of AngelsSet in the dark and violent world of 1940s Los Angeles, this game is filled with mystery, deception, and investigations for 1-5 players. Most players assume the roles of LAPD murder detectives, eager for fame and willing to do whatever it takes to solve a case, including intimidating suspects and hiring informants. One player, however, takes on the role of The Chisel, whose goal is to thwart the detectives with bluffing and manipulation.
- 1 - 5 Players
- 30 - 150 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Awkward Guests: The Walton Case
Awkward Guests: The Walton Case, also known as Incรณmodos Invitados, is a uniquely engaging deduction board game boasting infinite replayability. The game revolves around solving the murder of Mr. Walton, with varied scenarios ensuring no two games are the same.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Awkward Guests: The Walton Case- 1 - 8 Players
- 45 - 75 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Tiny Towns
Tiny Towns is a charming and strategic board game where players take on the role of mayors building their own tiny towns in a forest. The game challenges players to manage resources wisely and plan their towns carefully to maximize prosperity.
Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.
More details for Tiny Towns- 1 - 6 Players
- 45 - 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Oriflamme
Oriflamme immerses players in the cutthroat world of medieval politics. After the king's death, players, as leaders of influential families, vie for the throne using strategy and deceit.
Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.
More details for Oriflamme- 3 - 5 Players
- 15 - 30 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
War Chest: Nobility
More details for War Chest: NobilityThe old general returned to the kingdom on the eve of the heir's tenth birthday, bringing with him something that looked like a book. Inside, they discovered not pages but coins, letters, and wax seals for their game. New influential units can be added to the player's forces, allowing them to use royal proclamations to gain an advantage in this tactical warfare experience.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for War Chest: Nobility
Champions of Midgard: The Dark Mountains
More details for Champions of Midgard: The Dark MountainsChampions of Midgard: The Dark Mountains expansion brings new adventures and challenges to the acclaimed Champions of Midgard board game, transporting players to the treacherous terrain of the dark mountains. This expansion broadens the game's universe with the introduction of the Bergrisar, fearsome mountain giants, and the Archer Clans of the North, offering new dynamics and strategic options.
- 2 - 5 Players
- 60 - 90 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples
Players have reached the legendary city of gold and begun to explore it. They can play this game as a standalone or in combination with the 2017 title. What will they find there?
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for The Quest for El Dorado: The Golden Temples
Assembly
More details for AssemblyAssembly is a fast-paced cooperative or solo puzzle card game that fits in your pocket. Players manipulate room modules around a ship using command cards to construct it according to a blueprint and escape. Each game presents different challenges due to variable setups and optional malfunction mechanics, requiring players to adapt their strategies.
- 1 - 4 Players
- 10 - 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Palm Island
Palm Island is a uniquely portable and versatile card game that can be played in almost any setting, with no table required. It's designed to be accessible and engaging whether you are sitting, standing, or on the move. The game's innovative mechanics allow players to use just 17 cards to manage resources, upgrade buildings, and shape their island through 8 rounds of play.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Palm Island- 1 - 2 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Palm Island
Ninja Academy
More details for Ninja AcademyAs a Ninja apprentice, it's time to prove your skills through challenging and exciting tests. Players engage in collective challenges and duels in a series of randomly drawn tests. Whether challenging the whole group or going head-to-head, the objective is clear: be the best in your trial!
- 3 - 5 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Calavera
More details for CalaveraCalavera is a dice game where players aim to score as many crosses on their block as possible, as more crosses mean more points. However, if players become too greedy, their precious points may melt away. The player with the best dice result who places the crosses correctly will emerge victorious.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Calavera
Tuki
In Inuit culture, "tukilik" refers to objects that carry messages, commonly found in northern landscapes. Players construct an Inukshuk using their limited stones and snow blocks based on the rolled dice face, requiring creativity to build effectively with the three-dimensional pieces. The game offers two difficulty levels to balance play between novices and experts, encouraging both speed and precision.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Tuki- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 45 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Tuki
Campy Creatures
More details for Campy CreaturesPlayers take on the role of crazy scientists needing precious mortals for experiments. Instead of getting their hands dirty, they rely on their army of shabby creatures to carry out their orders. Capture the most valuable mortals over three nights to win, but be warnedโmortals won't go down without a fight.
- 2 - 5 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Conspiracy: Abyss Universe
Conspiracy: Abyss Universe is an intriguing card game that delves into the rich and vibrant world of Abyss. Players find themselves crafting a strategic reverse pyramid from a deck composed of cards across five colors, ranging in value from 0 to 6. The game's core revolves around drafting cards, with a clever twist on traditional mechanics. Each turn presents the opportunity to draw cards from the deck, select one to add to your pyramid, and strategically position the rest, fostering a dynamic play environment that challenges players to think ahead and adapt their strategies on the fly.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Conspiracy: Abyss Universe- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Everdell: Bellfaire
More details for Everdell: BellfaireEverdell: Bellfaire is an expansion to the enchanting world of Everdell, celebrating a century of prosperity and peace with the grandest event yet, the Bellfaire. This expansion enriches the base game by introducing new elements that add depth and variety, accommodating more players and introducing new ways to compete and cooperate in building your woodland city. With Bellfaire, the game opens up to larger groups and offers players unique abilities, making the world of Everdell even more vibrant and competitive.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 40 - 120 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Zombie Dice Horde Edition
More details for Zombie Dice Horde EditionPlayers take on the role of zombies, competing to collect the most brains while dodging shotgun blasts. Each turn, they roll three custom dice, aiming to gather brain symbols for points while avoiding accumulating too many shotgun blasts, which can end their turn. The game lasts 10 to 20 minutes and includes the base game along with two expansions and accessories for tracking scores.
- 2 - 8 Players
- 10 - 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Qwixx On Board
More details for Qwixx On BoardPlayers use rules identical to Qwixx but with the addition of a game board. They move their pawns forward, occupy spaces, tactically cross out numbers, avoid mistakes, and strive to complete the game point by point.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Roll Player: Monsters & Minions
Roll Player: Monsters & Minions is an expansion to the game Roll Player, where players not only strive to create the ultimate fantasy characters but also prepare for a climactic battle against a terrifying beast terrorizing the kingdom. This expansion adds a new dimension to the game, combining character creation with the gathering of information and preparation for a final showdown against the monster.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Roll Player: Monsters & Minions- 1 - 5 Players
- 60 - 120 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Bรคrenpark: The Bad News Bears
More details for Bรคrenpark: The Bad News BearsThe expansion introduces three separate modules that can be used individually or with the base game. One module features new gates that can mix with the existing ones, while another allows players to add Grizzly bears, requiring an extra park section to accommodate them. The third module includes single-rail tiles that start at ten points but lose value as they are added, and players must strategically place pillars to support them.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 45 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Bรคrenpark: The Bad News Bears
Everdell: Spirecrest
Everdell: Spirecrest is a captivating expansion for the beloved board game Everdell, taking players on an adventurous journey beyond the familiar territories of Everdell Valley into the untamed and mystical lands of Spirecrest. This expansion enriches the enchanting world of Everdell with new mechanics and features that challenge players to adapt their strategies and explore the vastness of a world filled with wonders and perils.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Everdell: Spirecrest- 1 - 4 Players
- 40 - 100 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Medium difficulty
The Mind Extreme
More details for The Mind ExtremePlayers try to play cards from their hand in ascending order without consulting each other. The Mind Extreme features two decks numbered 1 to 50 and requires players to manage two piles: one in ascending order and the other in descending order. Additionally, some levels are played blindly, adding to the challenge.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for The Mind Extreme
Slide Quest
Villains have taken over our beautiful kingdom in Slide Quest, causing total chaos! Players must quickly work together to guide a brave rolling knight through this turbulent adventure filled with twists and traps.
Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.
More details for Slide Quest- 1 - 4 Players
- 15 - 45 Minutes
- 7+ years old
- Immediately playable
Paris: La Citรฉ de la Lumiรจre
Paris: La Citรฉ de la Lumiรจre is a two-player board game designed by Josรฉ Antonio Abascal, beautifully illustrated by Oriol Hernรกndez. 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 Citรฉ de la Lumiรจre" or the City of Light.
Nominated for 3 awards.
More details for Paris: La Citรฉ de la Lumiรจre- 2 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Wonderland's War
Wonderland's War is an imaginative and strategic board game set in a war-torn Wonderland. Players take on the roles of iconic characters like Alice, the Mad Hatter, and the Red Queen, each leading their faction to vie for control in a beautifully chaotic Wonderland.
Nominated for 10 awards and won 1.
More details for Wonderland's War- 2 - 5 Players
- 45 - 125 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Letter Jam
Letter Jam is a cooperative word game for 2-6 players, focusing on teamwork to create words from visible letters. The catch? You can't see your own letter card โ it's only visible to others.
Nominated for 9 awards.
More details for Letter Jam- 2 - 6 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Letter Jam
Soviet Kitchen Unleashed
More details for Soviet Kitchen UnleashedThe Second World War is coming to an end in the Soviet Union. Players work as a team of field cooks, using scarce ingredients to create meals from whatever is found at the front, even if it looks inedible. The goal is to mix colors to match orders while avoiding toxic ingredients that could harm guests.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 25 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Immediately playable
Nemesis
Nemesis is a semi-cooperative, survival horror board game set in a sci-fi universe, offering an intense and immersive experience as players navigate a spacecraft infested with hostile alien organisms.
Nominated for 8 awards and won 3.
More details for Nemesis- 1 - 5 Players
- 90 - 180 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Go Slow!
More details for Go Slow!Players select a snail to train and care for, aiming to win the title of the world's slowest champion. This enjoyable board game features impressive 3D elements and wooden snail figures, suitable for children aged 4 and up. It uses a paradoxical logic that allows even the youngest players to achieve great results, promoting creative thinking and the popular tactic of slowing down to speed up.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 15 - 20 Minutes
- 4+ years old
- Immediately playable
Clank! In! Space!: Apocalypse!
More details for Clank! In! Space!: Apocalypse!The deck-building adventure continues with the "Apocalypse!" expansion. Resistance groups fight against Lord Eradikus while he plots a wicked plan to eliminate them. Players must thwart his efforts, reap heroic rewards, and aim to save the galaxyโor escape with treasure as the apocalypse unfolds. This expansion requires the base game to play.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 45 - 90 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Clank! In! Space!: Apocalypse!
Century: A New World
Century: A New World is the captivating final chapter in the acclaimed "Century" series by Emerson Matsuuchi. This installment transports players to the rich and uncharted territories of the Americas during the 16th century, offering a unique blend of strategy, exploration, and resource management.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Century: A New World- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 45 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
TEAM3 PINK
More details for TEAM3 PINKPlayers form teams of three, each taking on the role of one of the three monkeys: the one who cannot talk, the one who cannot see, and the one in the middle. The silent monkey sees the blueprint of the structure but can only communicate with gestures, while the middle monkey interprets these gestures for the seeing monkey, who is responsible for building the structure with their eyes closed. There are two sets available, PINK and GREEN, each with its own blueprints and a mini-expansion called DIMENSION TENSION.
- 3 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Immediately playable
Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy
Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy is an enhanced version of the original Eclipse game, first released in 2011. It's a grand strategy game set in the depths of space, where players lead their own interstellar civilizations to explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate.
Nominated for 2 awards and won 2.
More details for Eclipse: Second Dawn for the Galaxy- 2 - 6 Players
- 60 - 200 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Hard to learn
Dizzle: Levels 5-8
More details for Dizzle: Levels 5-8Dizzle: Level 5-8 includes exactly what it promises: 4 new levels for the base game. Players can expand their gameplay with these additional challenges.
- 1 - 4 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Zoo Run
More details for Zoo RunPlayers create animals by combining cards to help them escape in cooperative mode or to win the race of the year in competitive mode. The game features specific mechanics where players match three animal tails on the left with three heads on the right, including a llama, panda, turtle, elephant, or lynx. The objective is to find the best combination of these cards to complete the most animals with matching heads and tails.
- 1 - 5 Players
- 10 - 20 Minutes
- 4+ years old
- Immediately playable
Little Town
Little Town is a charming and strategic board game where players take on the roles of architects with the goal of developing their own little town over four rounds. Through careful placement of workers on the game board, players gather essential resources, construct buildings, and earn victory points. The game challenges players to make the most out of their workers each round, strategically planning to gather resources, and cleverly positioning themselves in relation to buildings for optimal gain.
Nominated for 4 awards.
More details for Little Town- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Coffee Roaster
More details for Coffee RoasterCoffee Roaster is a unique solitaire pool-building game that immerses players in the art of coffee roasting. Through careful management of a variety of coffee beans, players aim to perfect the roast level of each bean type to achieve the highest quality of coffee. The game challenges players to balance the roasting process, managing not just the desired roast level but also the uniformity of the roast across all beans, while avoiding the pitfalls of smoke and burnt tokens that can spoil the batch.
- 1 Players
- 10 - 30 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Chop! Chop!
More details for Chop! Chop!Players take on the role of mice and one player plays as the cat in this semi-cooperative strategy game. Mice must collect ten pieces of cheese while avoiding being caught by the cat. Players roll dice, move their pieces, and perform actions based on the tiles they land on during their turn.
- 2 - 5 Players
- 6+ years old
- Immediately playable
Babylonia
More details for BabyloniaThe Neo-Babylonian Empire, especially under Nebuchadnezzar II, marked a time of revival for Southern Mesopotamia. Players aim to lead their clan to prosperity during this period of peace and imperial power by strategically placing noble, priest, and craftsman tiles on the board to optimize relationships with cities. Proper placement can also grant special powers from certain rulers, while wisely utilizing farmers in fertile areas will enhance crop value. The player with the most points from these actions wins.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
The Grimm Forest
The Grimm Forest is a strategic and imaginative board game where players enter the world of the legendary Three Little Pigs and other famous Fairy Tale characters. In this game, family members of the Three Little Pigs compete in an epic house-building competition, with various Fairy Tale characters making appearances and impacting the game in different ways.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for The Grimm Forest- 2 - 4 Players
- 45 - 60 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Easy to learn
Patchwork Doodle
Players have their own 9x9 grid to fill in this roll-and-write version of Patchwork. They draw unique polyomino cards and place them on their sheets after rolling dice to determine which cards to use each round. Special actions allow players to manipulate their grid and manage their resources, while unfilled squares result in a point loss, encouraging players to pack tightly.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Patchwork Doodle- 1 - 6 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Patchwork Doodle
What's Missing?
More details for What's Missing?Players create drawings based on cards featuring simple line art, sorted by difficulty. Each round, a player hides a card and attempts to depict its content on transparent paper for others to guess. Cleverness trumps artistic skill, as hints can be given based on the card's content.
- 3 - 6 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 7+ years old
- Immediately playable
Obscurio
Obscurio is a captivating blend of cooperative gameplay and deception, set against the backdrop of a magical library filled with illusions and a malevolent Sorcerer. Players work together to escape, guided by the Grimoire, which provides visual clues. The twist? Among the players, a traitor seeks to sabotage the escape. As players interpret the images and navigate through traps, they must discern truth from deception, making communication and trust pivotal to their survival.
Nominated for 3 awards.
๐ฅ Deal: 17% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!
More details for Obscurio- 2 - 8 Players
- 40 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Miyabi
Create an elegant, graceful, and refined Japanese garden. Careful planning and attentive observation are essential for maintenance. Skillfully place stones, shrubs, trees, ponds, and pagodas on multiple levels to become the best garden designer of the season. Test your skills with one of the five included expansions!
Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.
More details for Miyabi- 2 - 4 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Miyabi
The Crusoe Crew
More details for The Crusoe CrewPlayers embody characters in an immersive story where their decisions shape their progress. Each character has a sheet that tracks possessions, special abilities, coins, and victory points. The gameplay involves following comic panels filled with clues, puzzles, and traps, while making choices on where to go and what to do. Unlike other graphic novel adventure games, this one is designed for 1-4 players, with each player using their own book representing a character with unique skills. Collaborate with others to navigate islands full of adventures and brainteasers.
- 1 - 4 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 7+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for The Crusoe Crew
Dwellings of Eldervale
Players control unique factions in an epic worker placement game set in a magical world filled with elemental monsters, dragons, wizards, and warriors vying for dominance over eight elemental realms. The game combines worker placement, area control, engine building, and unique worker units, allowing players to place workers, regroup, and activate adventure cards while exploring powerful action spaces. Ultimately, players with the greatest elemental dominance will rule Eldervale.
Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.
More details for Dwellings of Eldervale- 1 - 5 Players
- 60 - 150 Minutes
- 14+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Glen More II: Chronicles
Glen More II: Chronicles is a sequel to the original Glen More game, offering a richly expanded gameplay experience. It transports players into the roles of leaders of Scottish clans from the early medieval ages to the 19th century.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Glen More II: Chronicles- 2 - 4 Players
- 90 - 120 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Medium difficulty
10 Days in Europe
Explore Europe in this exciting travel game where finding the right path is key to success. Players strategically exchange cards to create a continuous route through land, water, or air. The first to meet the travel requirements with all ten game pieces wins.
Nominated for 3 awards.
โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2003
More details for 10 Days in Europe- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for 10 Days in Europe
Hedgehog Roll
Under the dense canopy of trees, a hedgehog rushes back to its cozy home, but a fox is on the prowl for its next meal. Players roll the cuddly hedgehog across the forest floor to collect apples, leaves, and mushrooms to help advance on the path. The game offers both a competitive mode for head-to-head play and a cooperative mode to team up against the clever fox, with advanced rules for adult players seeking a challenge.
Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.
โญ๏ธ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2020
More details for Hedgehog Roll- 1 - 4 Players
- 20 - 25 Minutes
- 4+ years old
- Immediately playable
Atlantis Rising (Second Edition)
Atlantis Rising (Second Edition) is a beautifully reimagined version of the beloved cooperative worker placement game where players unite to save the mythical island of Atlantis from inevitable doom. As leaders of Atlantis, players collaborate to gather resources, manage the workforce, and construct a cosmic gate capable of saving the Atlantean populace from the rising tides. The game challenges players with a blend of strategic planning, resource management, and a pressing urgency to complete the gate before the island succumbs to the ocean.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Atlantis Rising (Second Edition)- 1 - 7 Players
- 60 - 120 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Dragonrealm
More details for DragonrealmPack your luck socks and get ready for an adventure in Dragonland! Sneak into the witch's cabin, search the ogres' treehouse, or storm the dragon's cave while adding adventurers at various locations to gain the biggest treasure. Beware of goblins that might snatch the treasure before you do. The player with the most treasures at the end wins.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Dragonrealm
Storytailors
Once upon a time, Wilfried and Marie discovered a magical book of stories. They could visit different tales and befriend amusing animal characters. Players decide who will take on each role, allowing characters to transform from a brave knight into a clumsy ninja, keeping beloved stories ever entertaining. Use your wit and imagination to shape the narratives and equip them with the right characters!
Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.
โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021
More details for Storytailors- 2 - 6 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 5+ years old
- Immediately playable
Bravo!
Noch mal so gut! is a dice game that adds new rules and options to its popular predecessor. Players can choose a seventh die, which offers unique elements like a bomb that crosses four spaces, a heart that provides bonuses for completed columns, and two stars that allow for crossing two spaces. Additionally, both rows and columns are scored, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Bravo!- 1 - 6 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Bravo!
Dale of Merchants Collection
More details for Dale of Merchants CollectionPlayers take on the role of merchants in a standalone game that includes numerous content tailored for fans of the series. The collection features a large box for storing all the materials from both the original game and its sequel, along with exciting new additions like unique animal decks and character cards. These character cards provide players with powerful abilities that greatly influence gameplay, adding depth and variety to the experience.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 - 60 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Video reviews for Dale of Merchants Collection
Decktective: Bloody-Red Roses
More details for Decktective: Bloody-Red RosesThe sound of a carriage disrupts the silence surrounding the Tudor mansion. Duke Edward York makes a grim discovery: Count Ferdinand Tudor lies lifeless beside a bush of bloody roses. Players gather clues like a broken pocket watch and an astrology manual to piece together the mystery, determining whether it is an accident or a brutal crime.
- 1 - 6 Players
- 60 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Immediately playable
Namiji
Players take on the role of a fisherman in historical Japan, navigating the southern regions of the archipelago near the famous Tokaido Road. To win, a successful day at sea is essential, which includes observing sea creatures, fishing with nets or lines, and collecting crustaceans.
๐ฅ Deal: 23% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!
More details for Namiji- 2 - 5 Players
- 30 - 45 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Talisman (Revised 4th Edition): The Reaper Expansion
More details for Talisman (Revised 4th Edition): The Reaper ExpansionTalisman (Revised 4th Edition): The Reaper Expansion brings a chilling new dimension to the race for the Crown of Command in the classic adventure board game Talisman. As players venture through the land, they must now contend with the ominous presence of Death himself. This expansion introduces a host of new elements that intensify gameplay and strategy, ensuring that encounters with the Grim Reaper will keep players on the edge of their seats.
- 2 - 6 Players
- 90 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Easy to learn
Riftforce
The Rifts have transformed our world, tearing apart villages and giving rise to Riftforce. Players master living elementals and form guilds to compete for power and guard access to the Rifts. Choose your guilds, combine their strengths, and engage in battle to gather Riftforce and ascend to a higher state of power.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Riftforce- 2 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
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