The best games released in 1985📆 2025

Looking for a really good game from the year 1985? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 1985.

More lists from similar periods

A list with the best games from other years can be found at the end of the page.

In addition, we have created several more lists of card & board game awards:

List of the best new games releases in 1985:

This list was last updated on March 19, 2025. We compared 31 board games for this list and selected the top 10. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. You're Bluffing!

    All details for the board game You're Bluffing! and similar games

    You're Bluffing! is a classic game of bidding and bluffing where players engage in the lively auction of farm animals, striving to complete sets for points. The game operates on a simple yet engaging mechanic where each animal type is represented by four cards, and players aim to collect complete sets through auctions and trades.

    More details for You're Bluffing!
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  2. Shadows in the Forest

    All details for the board game Shadows in the Forest and similar games

    Deep in an ancient dark forest, only your lantern can guide you. Massive trees cast threatening shadows while you hear faint rustling in the distance, making your heart race. One player maneuvers the LED lantern to hunt for Shadowlings, mysterious creatures that avoid the light, while the others move their shadow wolves strategically to stay hidden.

    More details for Shadows in the Forest
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. DungeonQuest

    All details for the board game DungeonQuest and similar games

    DungeonQuest is a thrilling adventure board game that challenges players to explore the treacherous ruins of Castle Dragonfire, with the ultimate goal of reaching the treasure chamber at the dungeon's heart and escaping alive with as much loot as possible. Known for its high risk and high reward gameplay, the game is a race against time, as players must navigate the dungeon and secure their riches before the game ends, or face certain death within its walls.

    More details for DungeonQuest
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for DungeonQuest

    • YouTube Review for the game "DungeonQuest" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  4. Lost Valley of the Dinosaurs

    All details for the board game Lost Valley of the Dinosaurs and similar games

    An ancient map revealing a lost valley has been discovered. It indicates that the valley was once home to a wild tribe that amassed great wealth and used fierce dinosaurs for protection. Now, with no humans in the valley and the hidden treasure still there amid dormant threats, multiple expeditions are racing to uncover its secrets before a slumbering volcano erupts.

    More details for Lost Valley of the Dinosaurs
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Wildlife Adventure

    All details for the board game Wildlife Adventure and similar games

    Players lead expeditions around the world to find endangered animal species. They can extend their expeditions on their turn, and travel vouchers allow them to take additional moves, place obstacles, or change their missions. The game ends when a player has located all of their animals.

    More details for Wildlife Adventure
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Pictionary

    All details for the board game Pictionary and similar games

    Pictionary is a classic and popular party game that blends drawing with guessing. It's a team-based activity that provides a lot of fun and laughter, suitable for players of all ages and skill levels.

    More details for Pictionary
    • 3 - 16 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Ausbrecher AG

    All details for the board game Ausbrecher AG and similar games

    Seven criminals escape from the prison island of Monte Ganovo and must reach four waiting boats. The first boat is a sinking wreck, while the fourth is a modern speedboat, forcing the criminals to navigate the path in reverse order. Players make predictions on the order of escapees and use colored dice to move them towards the boats, earning points based on the accuracy of their predictions.

    More details for Ausbrecher AG
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  8. Code 777

    All details for the board game Code 777 and similar games

    Players combine elements of logical deduction and Indian poker in a unique game. Each player holds three game pieces with different colors and numbers but cannot see their own pieces. By asking questions about their opponents' pieces, players try to deduce what they have and can guess their own, but mistakes mean starting over with new pieces.

    More details for Code 777
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Tales of the Arabian Nights

    All details for the board game Tales of the Arabian Nights and similar games

    Players assume the roles of characters living in the world of 1001 Nights, exploring the board and embarking on various adventures. These adventures are structured like a paragraph system, where a player to your left reads what happens to you and reveals your choices, leading to different outcomes. Characters evolve by gaining skills and statuses that affect gameplay, aiming to become wealthy and return to Baghdad. Other variations include a quest mode focused on task fulfillment and a trading game that simulates caravan progress using tokens. The German edition was released in 2000 with an updated storybook and additional adventures.

    More details for Tales of the Arabian Nights
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 180 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Snail's Pace Race

    All details for the board game Snail's Pace Race and similar games

    In this very simple children's game, all six snails are always in play, regardless of the number of players. Each player bets on which two snails will enter the game first and which will be last. Players take turns rolling two colored dice and move the corresponding snails forward one space if their color shows, or two spaces if their color appears twice.

    More details for Snail's Pace Race
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 3+ years old
    • Immediately playable

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

We're positive that you'll find it in one of our other lists! To make the search easier for you, we split our website into different categories. The following board game categories will help you find the right list: