The best games released in 2012๐Ÿ“† 2024

Looking for a really good game from the year 2012? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 2012.

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 2012:

This list was last updated on November 30, 2024. We compared 353 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Love Letter

    All details for the board game Love Letter and similar games

    In Love Letter, you must compete with other suitors to deliver a romantic letter to Princess Annette, who has secluded herself in the palace.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 7.

    More details for Love Letter
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Love Letter

    • YouTube Review for the game "Love Letter" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  2. Las Vegas

    All details for the board game Las Vegas and similar games

    Las Vegas is a lively, dice-based game that combines luck, strategy, and the joy of thwarting your opponents. Developed by Stefan Brรผck at alea, it's designed to be an easy and interactive game, full of schadenfreude moments.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Las Vegas
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Las Vegas

    • YouTube Review for the game "Las Vegas" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. The Resistance: Avalon

    All details for the board game The Resistance: Avalon and similar games

    The Resistance: Avalon is a standalone game set in the legendary world of King Arthur, combining the mechanics of secret identities and deduction found in The Resistance with a thematic backdrop of Arthurian legend and the struggle between good and evil.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for The Resistance: Avalon
    • 5 - 10 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  4. Cockroach Poker Royal

    All details for the board game Cockroach Poker Royal and similar games

    Cockroach Poker Royal (Kakerlakenpoker Royal) elevates the art of bluffing to a royally entertaining level. This game, a twist on the original Kakerlakenpoker, swaps the traditional poker deck for one festooned with critters like cockroaches, rats, and stink bugs, emphasizing bluffing over traditional poker hands.

    More details for Cockroach Poker Royal
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Cockroach Poker Royal

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cockroach Poker Royal" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  5. Strike

    All details for the board game Strike and similar games

    Strike is a thrilling dice game that combines luck, skill, and a bit of daring. Players toss dice into an arena (the game box itself, cleverly designed to keep the action contained) with the aim of matching dice numbers to keep playing and ultimately be the last one standing with dice in hand.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2012

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

    Video reviews for Strike

    • YouTube Review for the game "Strike" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  6. Qwixx

    All details for the board game Qwixx and similar games

    Qwixx is a fast-paced and engaging dice game that involves all players actively, regardless of whose turn it is. It combines simple mechanics with a need for strategic decision-making, making it a fun and interactive game for all involved.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2013

    More details for Qwixx
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Coup

    All details for the board game Coup and similar games

    Coup is a strategic bluffing game set in an Italian city-state. Players, as heads of rival families, seek to outmaneuver and eliminate others to be the last one standing. Influence is key, represented by face-down character cards, each offering unique powers.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Coup
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Coup

    • YouTube Review for the game "Coup" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  8. Lords of Waterdeep

    All details for the board game Lords of Waterdeep and similar games

    Lords of Waterdeep immerses players in the vibrant and politically charged city of Waterdeep, the Crown Jewel of the Forgotten Realms. In this strategic board game designed for 2-5 players, you assume the identity of one of the enigmatic Lords of Waterdeep, the city's clandestine rulers. As a Lord, you'll navigate a web of intrigue and compete with other powerful figures to exert control over this remarkable city. Let's explore the game's key features:

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    More details for Lords of Waterdeep
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Escape: The Curse of the Temple

    All details for the board game Escape: The Curse of the Temple and similar games

    Escape: The Curse of the Temple is a cooperative, real-time board game that offers an exhilarating and unique gaming experience. The game's theme centers around players working together to escape a cursed temple before it collapses.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 1.

    More details for Escape: The Curse of the Temple
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Escape: The Curse of the Temple

    • YouTube Review for the game "Escape: The Curse of the Temple" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  10. Wits & Wagers Party

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

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Wits & Wagers Party
    • 4 - 18 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  11. Targi

    All details for the board game Targi and similar games

    Targi is a strategic board game set against the backdrop of the Tuareg culture in the desert. Players assume the roles of leaders of Tuareg tribes, engaging in trade and seeking to expand their families and influence.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Targi
    • 2 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Targi

    • YouTube Review for the game "Targi" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. Riff Raff

    All details for the board game Riff Raff and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Riff Raff
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!Check for best price now atAmazon*
  13. Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game

    All details for the board game Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game and similar games

    Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game immerses players in the iconic universe of Star Wars, offering a tactical ship-to-ship combat experience. In this game, players assume control of detailed miniatures representing the powerful Rebel X-wings and the agile Imperial TIE fighters, engaging in thrilling dogfights that are a hallmark of the Star Wars saga. The game is not just about controlling ships but also involves strategic planning and execution of maneuvers, making it an engaging experience for fans of tactical combat and the Star Wars universe.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 5.

    More details for Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game
    • 2 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game

    • YouTube Review for the game "Star Wars: X-Wing Miniatures Game" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  14. Carcassonne: Winter Edition

    All details for the board game Carcassonne: Winter Edition and similar games

    Carcassonne: Winter Edition wraps the classic tile-placement game in a picturesque blanket of snow, offering a seasonal twist on the beloved mechanics of Carcassonne. This edition captures the essence of winter with beautifully illustrated tiles that transform the familiar French countryside into a serene snowy landscape. Players continue to strategically place tiles and deploy their meeples as knights, farmers, and highwaymen, endeavoring to dominate this frosty version of the medieval terrain.

    More details for Carcassonne: Winter Edition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game

    All details for the board game Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game and similar games

    Embark on an epic journey through the Marvel Comics universe with Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game. Assemble your team to combat infamous mastermind villains such as Magneto, Loki, Dr. Doom, and Red Skull. Customize the game by selecting hero decks from iconic characters like Spider-Man, Hulk, Wolverine, and more. The dynamic gameplay evolves as players recruit powerful hero cards, enhancing their decks to face the ever-growing threats.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Tokaido

    All details for the board game Tokaido and similar games

    Tokaido is a beautifully designed board game where players embark on a journey across the "East sea road", one of Japan's most scenic routes. The essence of the game lies in experiencing the journey itself, with players encountering various events and collecting diverse items along the way.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Tokaido
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Tokaido

    • YouTube Review for the game "Tokaido" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  17. Morels

    All details for the board game Morels and similar games

    Morels takes players on a serene yet strategic journey through old-growth woods, where collecting and cooking mushrooms is the key to success. This two-player card game cleverly combines the charm of foraging with tactical decision-making, making every trip into the forest an engaging and thoughtful experience.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Morels
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  18. Ghost Blitz 2

    All details for the board game Ghost Blitz 2 and similar games

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 3.

    โญ๏ธ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Ghost Blitz 2
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!Check for best price now atAmazon*
  19. Pluckin' Pairs

    All details for the board game Pluckin' Pairs and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Pluckin' Pairs
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 50 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  20. Butterfly Garden

    All details for the board game Butterfly Garden and similar games

    Indigo is a captivating tile-laying game that combines strategy with a touch of competition, as players maneuver to guide precious gemstones to their goals. This game, reminiscent of classics like Metro, Tsuro, and Linie 1, challenges players to construct pathways on a shared board, where the twist lies in moving gems towards objectives for points, rather than simply building the longest route.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Butterfly Garden
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. Cardline: Animals

    All details for the board game Cardline: Animals and similar games

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Cardline: Animals
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  22. Wings of Glory: WW1 Rules and Accessories Pack

    All details for the board game Wings of Glory: WW1 Rules and Accessories Pack and similar games
    • 2 - 99 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. The Enchanted Tower

    All details for the board game The Enchanted Tower and similar games

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 3.

    โญ๏ธ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    More details for The Enchanted Tower
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small

    All details for the board game Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small and similar games

    Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small offers a specialized, two-player experience derived from the popular Agricola game, focusing exclusively on the aspect of animal husbandry.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Machi Koro

    All details for the board game Machi Koro and similar games

    Machi Koro is a light and fast-paced city-building board game, where players take on the role of mayor of a small town, striving to develop it into a thriving city.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2015

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deal: 9% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Machi Koro
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!Check for best price now atAmazon*

    Video reviews for Machi Koro

    • YouTube Review for the game "Machi Koro" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  26. Wรผrfel Bohnanza

    All details for the board game Wรผrfel Bohnanza and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Okiya

    All details for the board game Okiya and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Okiya
    • 2 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  28. Zug um Zug: Deutschland

    All details for the board game Zug um Zug: Deutschland and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Lucky Numbers

    All details for the board game Lucky Numbers and similar games

    In Lucky Numbers, your challenge is to be the first to fill your grid with tiles, but there's a twist โ€“ you never know which tiles you'll have to work with! Each player receives a set of tiles numbered 1-20, which are shuffled face down. Players then strategically place these tiles in a 4x4 grid, adhering to specific rules to ensure success.

    More details for Lucky Numbers
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  30. Piraten Kapern

    All details for the board game Piraten Kapern and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ 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: