The best games released in 2005๐Ÿ“† 2024

Looking for a really good game from the year 2005? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 2005.

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 2005:

This list was last updated on November 30, 2024. We compared 201 board games for this list and selected the top 10. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. 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
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!Check for best price now atAmazon*

    Video reviews for Ticket to Ride: Europe

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ticket to Ride: Europe" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Incan Gold

    All details for the board game Incan Gold and similar games

    The board game known as Diamant or Incan Gold unfolds as an exhilarating press-your-luck experience, offering players a quick and enjoyable journey into mine shafts and jungle paths. As participants flip cards from a deck, the gems discovered are evenly distributed, creating a shared bounty. However, the decision to venture deeper comes with the risk of encountering hazards like scorpions, snakes, poison gas, explosions, and rockfalls.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2005

    More details for Incan Gold
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  3. Wits & Wagers

    All details for the board game Wits & Wagers and similar games

    Wits & Wagers is a unique and engaging party game that combines elements of trivia with betting and strategy. It stands out from traditional trivia games by allowing players to win not only by knowing the answers but also by smartly wagering on the guesses of others.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Wits & Wagers
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Animal Upon Animal

    All details for the board game Animal Upon Animal and similar games

    Animal Upon Animal (original title: Tier auf Tier) is a delightful and family-friendly stacking game that challenges players to carefully balance wooden animal figures to create an ever-growing pyramid. The game is designed for all ages, showcasing both fun and skill in a simple yet engaging format.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2005

    More details for Animal Upon Animal
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 4+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Tsuro

    All details for the board game Tsuro and similar games

    Tsuro offers a blend of simplicity and elegance in a game that revolves around laying tiles and guiding your token along an evolving path. This game, known for its brief playtime and broad player range, challenges you to outlast others in a journey across the board, navigating an increasingly crowded space filled with potential pitfalls and unintended directions set by others.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deal: 31% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Tsuro
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!Check for best price now atAmazon*
  6. Duplik

    All details for the board game Duplik and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2010

    More details for Duplik
    • 3 - 10 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Pickomino

    All details for the board game Pickomino and similar games

    Pickomino is a lively, dice-based game by renowned designer Reiner Knizia, suitable for players aged 8 and up. It involves a mix of luck and strategy, centered around chickens trying to acquire fried worms.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2005

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deal: 18% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Pickomino
    • 2 - 7 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!Check for best price now atAmazon*
  8. Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation

    All details for the board game Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation and similar games

    Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation Deluxe Edition is a celebrated two-player board game designed by Reiner Knizia. Set in the rich world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, this game allows players to immerse themselves in the epic struggle between the forces of Sauron and the Free Peoples. Renowned for its blend of strategy, bluffing, and adventure, this deluxe edition elevates the experience with enhanced components and new gameplay elements.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Lord of the Rings: The Confrontation
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Sleeping Queens

    All details for the board game Sleeping Queens and similar games

    In Sleeping Queens, a whimsical and strategic card game, players embark on a mission to awaken sleeping queens using a mix of strategy, quick thinking, and luck. The game features the Pancake Queen, the Ladybug Queen, and ten other queen cards, all under a magical sleeping spell. The goal is to wake these queens from their slumber and earn points.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deal: 7% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Sleeping Queens
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!Check for best price now atAmazon*
  10. Nacht der Magier

    All details for the board game Nacht der Magier and similar games

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 5.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2006

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2006

    More details for Nacht der Magier
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 10 - 20 Minutes
    • 5+ 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: