The best games released in 1986πŸ“† 2025

Looking for a really good game from the year 1986? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 1986.

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 1986:

This list was last updated on March 19, 2025. We compared 37 board games for this list and selected the top 10. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Labyrinth

    All details for the board game Labyrinth and similar games

    Labyrinth, originally known as The aMAZEing Labyrinth, is a dynamic puzzle game that offers a unique combination of strategy and adaptability. It's part of the Labyrinth series of games by Ravensburger, known for their engaging and clever designs.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Labyrinth
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Labyrinth

    • YouTube Review for the game "Labyrinth" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Orchard

    All details for the board game Orchard and similar games

    Obstgarten is a cooperative game for two or more players aged 3 and up. Players must quickly harvest the trees filled with crunchy cherries, juicy apples, sweet pears, and wonderful plums to prevent the greedy raven from stealing the fruit. Everyone collaborates to gather the harvest.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Orchard
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 3+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. Max

    All details for the board game Max and similar games

    Four animals are involved in the game. Players must ensure the safe journey of a bird, a mouse, and a chipmunk to their home in a tree at the end of the board path. The cat, Max, is a constant threat as a natural predator, and players need to work together to bring the three animals to safety.

    More details for Max
    • 1 - 8 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 4+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Fireball Island

    All details for the board game Fireball Island and similar games

    A Tiki idol figure made of plastic is placed in the center of a 3D board, where it can spin freely. Players move their pieces along paths and through caves on the sides of the mountain, aiming to reach the summit, retrieve the giant ruby of the idol, and bring it back to the waiting boat. However, both the idol and volcanic vents on the board regularly spit out "fireball" marbles, which roll down the mountain, either knocking over explorers in their path or causing bridges to collapse.

    More details for Fireball Island
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Fireball Island

    • YouTube Review for the game "Fireball Island" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. Escape from Atlantis

    All details for the board game Escape from Atlantis and similar games

    An island made of 37 hexagonal plastic tiles is slowly sinking into the sea as tiles are removed from the board. Each player controls 12 Atlantean tribespeople who must navigate to safety on surrounding islands before the main island disappears. Players can swim, cling to dolphins, or travel by boat while avoiding sea monsters, krakens, and sharks.

    More details for Escape from Atlantis
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. 6-Tage Rennen

    All details for the board game 6-Tage Rennen and similar games

    Players participate in a bike racing game by playing cards from their hand to move their racers forward. Landing on an unoccupied space ends their turn, while landing on a space occupied by other racers allows them to advance further, with the rewards multiplying based on the number of racers present. The objective is to be the first to cross the finish line.

    More details for 6-Tage Rennen
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Outburst!

    All details for the board game Outburst! and similar games

    Outburst is a game based on lists where two teams take turns guessing as many of the 10 answers related to a topic as possible. Bonus points can be earned by guessing a target answer determined by a dice roll. The first team to reach 60 points wins, and the game's mechanics are similar to the TV show Family Feud.

    More details for Outburst!
    • 2 - 99 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 18+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  8. Polarity

    All details for the board game Polarity and similar games

    Polarity is a two-player game featuring many magnets, so keep it away from credit cards and watches. Each player has a stack of plastic-coated discs, resembling Reversi tokens, with one side black and the other white, representing opposites in magnetic polarity. Players take turns placing discs on the playing field while trying to maintain balance; the game ends when a player has used all their discs, with points scored based on remaining towers and discs on the board.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Polarity
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Polarity

    • YouTube Review for the game "Polarity" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Polarity" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  9. Around the World in 80 Days

    All details for the board game Around the World in 80 Days and similar games

    Players start in London and race around the world, trying to return first. The game uses cards instead of dice to represent different modes of travel. Each player aims to play as many cards as possible in their turn and earns a bonus turn for playing all their cards in a round.

    More details for Around the World in 80 Days
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Around the World in 80 Days

    • YouTube Review for the game "Around the World in 80 Days" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  10. Ikusa

    All details for the board game Ikusa and similar games

    Ikusa, formerly known as Shogun and Samurai Swords, is a game set in the tumultuous feudal era of Japan. It represents the last entry in the original Milton Bradley Gamemaster series and focuses on the chaotic social and military upheaval of medieval Japan. Players take on the roles of faction leaders, vying to unite the land under their rule and earn the title of Shogun, the supreme ruler.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Ikusa
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 240 - 360 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

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