The best games released in 2016๐Ÿ“† 2024

Looking for a really good game from the year 2016? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 2016.

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 2016:

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 521 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Sushi Go Party!

    All details for the board game Sushi Go Party! and similar games

    Sushi Go Party! is an expanded version of the popular card game Sushi Go!, offering more variety and accommodating more players for a larger, more dynamic game experience.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for Sushi Go Party!
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  2. Kingdomino

    All details for the board game Kingdomino and similar games

    Embark on a noble quest to expand your kingdom in Kingdomino. As a lord, your mission is to explore vast lands filled with wheat fields, serene lakes, and towering mountains. Competing with fellow lords, you must identify the choicest plots to claim as your own.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 7.

    โญ๏ธ Spiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for Kingdomino
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Kingdomino

    • YouTube Review for the game "Kingdomino" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. Junk Art

    All details for the board game Junk Art and similar games

    In Junk Art, creativity knows no bounds as players transform a pile of junk into stunning works of art. With more than ten engaging game modes and over sixty vibrant wooden or plastic components, this game invites you to explore your artistic talents like never before.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Junk Art
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Love Letter: Premium Edition

    All details for the board game Love Letter: Premium Edition and similar games

    Love Letter: Premium Edition is an enhanced version of the beloved game Love Letter, offering both physical and gameplay upgrades to the original. This edition brings a new level of sophistication and enjoyment to the game, making it suitable for larger groups and adding variety to the gameplay.

    More details for Love Letter: Premium Edition
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Love Letter: Premium Edition

    • YouTube Review for the game "Love Letter: Premium Edition" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  5. Codenames: Pictures

    All details for the board game Codenames: Pictures and similar games

    Uncover the mystery behind peculiar symbols on the map in Codenames: Pictures, where these enigmatic codes signify locations where spies connect with secret agents. In this clandestine world, two rival spymasters possess knowledge of the agents in each location, communicating coded messages to guide their field operatives to discreet meetings. Operatives must navigate these visual puzzles with utmost precision, as a decoding misstep might lead to an unfortunate encounter with an enemy agent โ€“ or worse, an encounter with the deadly assassin! The race is on for both teams to contact all their agents, but only one can emerge victorious.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.

    More details for Codenames: Pictures
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!20โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Codenames: Pictures

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Pictures" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  6. Flamme Rouge

    All details for the board game Flamme Rouge and similar games

    Flamme Rouge presents an exhilarating bicycle racing experience where strategy, timing, and tactical decisions are paramount to success. This fast-paced game captures the intensity of a real bike race, offering players a blend of excitement and strategic gameplay.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for Flamme Rouge
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Flamme Rouge

    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Flamme Rouge" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  7. Secret Hitler

    All details for the board game Secret Hitler and similar games

    Secret Hitler is a compelling board game set in the tumultuous political landscape of 1930s Germany. This game of deception and deduction requires players to conceal their identities while working towards opposite goals, depending on whether they are liberals or fascists.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Secret Hitler
    • 5 - 10 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  8. Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure

    All details for the board game Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure and similar games

    Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure is an exciting board game where players become daring thieves, sneaking into a dragon's lair to steal artifacts while avoiding making noise to prevent waking the dragon.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Santorini

    All details for the board game Santorini and similar games

    Santorini is a beautifully re-imagined strategy game that combines abstract elements with accessible gameplay, suitable for a wide range of players.

    Nominated for 7 awards.

    More details for Santorini
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Hero Realms

    All details for the board game Hero Realms and similar games

    Hero Realms is a captivating, fantasy-themed deck-building game that builds on the mechanics of the highly acclaimed Star Realms. It offers a versatile gaming experience suitable for different player formats and styles.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    More details for Hero Realms
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  11. Insider

    All details for the board game Insider and similar games

    Insider is a unique board game that offers a fresh and engaging experience for players. With its distinctive gameplay and innovative mechanics, it stands out in the world of board games.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Insider
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Insider

    • YouTube Review for the game "Insider" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Insider" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  12. Tempel des Schreckens

    All details for the board game Tempel des Schreckens and similar games
    • 3 - 10 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Tempel des Schreckens

    • YouTube Review for the game "Tempel des Schreckens" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. ICECOOL

    All details for the board game ICECOOL and similar games

    ICECOOL is an energetic and playful flicking game set in a penguin school, where players assume the roles of rascally penguins trying to snatch fish and the vigilant Hall Monitor trying to maintain order.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 6.

    โญ๏ธ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for ICECOOL
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for ICECOOL

    • YouTube Review for the game "ICECOOL" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  14. Archaeology: The New Expedition

    All details for the board game Archaeology: The New Expedition and similar games

    Archaeology: The New Expedition revitalizes the classic thrill of discovery with a fresh twist on the original Archaeology: The Card Game. As an intrepid archaeologist in the Egyptian desert, your quest is to unearth fragments of ancient artifacts and assemble complete treasures, from torn parchments to shattered pots. Brave the risks of sandstorms and thieves to excavate valuable relics, then astutely trade your finds at the marketplace or exhibit them at the museum for profit.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Archaeology: The New Expedition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  15. Krazy Wordz: Nicht 100% jugendfrei

    All details for the board game Krazy Wordz: Nicht 100% jugendfrei and similar games
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 16+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!70โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Krazy Wordz: Nicht 100% jugendfrei

    • YouTube Review for the game "Krazy Wordz: Nicht 100% jugendfrei" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  16. Encore!

    All details for the board game Encore! and similar games

    Encore! (originally published as Noch mal!) is a dice-based board game that challenges players with strategic choices and a touch of luck. In this game, players use dice to determine the colors and the number of spaces they can mark off on their playing sheets.

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

    More details for Encore!
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!9โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Encore!

    • YouTube Review for the game "Encore!" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  17. When I Dream

    All details for the board game When I Dream and similar games

    When I Dream is a whimsical and imaginative board game that delves into the world of dreams, blending elements of storytelling, deduction, and teamwork in a playful setting.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for When I Dream
    • 4 - 10 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for When I Dream

    • YouTube Review for the game "When I Dream" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  18. Terraforming Mars

    All details for the board game Terraforming Mars and similar games

    Terraforming Mars is a strategic board game set in the 2400s, where players, representing giant corporations, embark on the colossal task of terraforming Mars. Sponsored by the World Government on Earth, each corporation competes to contribute most effectively to raising the planet's temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage to make Mars habitable. While players work together in the terraforming process, they also compete for victory points awarded for their contributions to terraforming, advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system, and other notable achievements.

    Nominated for 27 awards and won 14.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2017

    More details for Terraforming Mars
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Terraforming Mars

    • YouTube Review for the game "Terraforming Mars" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  19. Mansions of Madness: Second Edition

    All details for the board game Mansions of Madness: Second Edition and similar games

    Mansions of Madness: Second Edition is a cooperative, app-enhanced board game that combines elements of horror and mystery. It's set in the same universe as Eldritch Horror and Elder Sign, offering an immersive narrative experience.

    Nominated for 9 awards.

    More details for Mansions of Madness: Second Edition
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 120 - 180 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  20. Scrawl

    All details for the board game Scrawl and similar games
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 17+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. Captain Sonar

    All details for the board game Captain Sonar and similar games

    Embark on an adrenaline-pumping undersea adventure with Captain Sonar, a board game that plunges you into the heart of intense submarine warfare. In this gripping scenario, every move and decision can be the difference between victory and defeat. Form a skilled crew aboard a cutting-edge submarine as you strive to locate and eliminate an enemy sub before they do the same to you. The underwater battlefield is unforgiving, and effective communication and coordination are paramount for success.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 3.

    More details for Captain Sonar
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Captain Sonar

    • YouTube Review for the game "Captain Sonar" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Captain Sonar" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  22. Happy Salmon

    All details for the board game Happy Salmon and similar games

    Happy Salmon is a delightfully simple and frenetic card game that promises loads of laughter and fast-paced fun. With no turns and rapid-fire gameplay, it's perfect for parties and family gatherings.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Happy Salmon
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 2 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  23. Tyrants of the Underdark

    All details for the board game Tyrants of the Underdark and similar games

    Tyrants of the Underdark is a strategic board game that combines elements of territory control with deck-building. Set in the iconic Dungeons & Dragons setting of the Underdark, players lead Drow houses vying for power and influence beneath the Sword Coast. The game stands out for its integration of card-driven gameplay with spatial control on the board.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Tyrants of the Underdark
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!89โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  24. Iberia

    All details for the board game Iberia and similar games

    Pandemic: Iberia is a historical variant of the popular Pandemic series, set in the Iberian Peninsula during the year 1848. This version of the game introduces unique roles and challenges as players work together to combat historical diseases like malaria, typhus, yellow fever, and cholera.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Deal: 19% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Iberia
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Great price!50โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Iberia

    • YouTube Review for the game "Iberia" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  25. Valeria: Card Kingdoms

    All details for the board game Valeria: Card Kingdoms and similar games

    Valeria: Card Kingdoms is a tableau-building game set in the fantastical land of Valeria, besieged by monstrous hordes. Players take on the roles of Dukes, tasked with fortifying their kingdoms, recruiting citizens, and fighting off the encroaching enemies.

    More details for Valeria: Card Kingdoms
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  26. Hive Mind

    All details for the board game Hive Mind and similar games
    • 3 - 12 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle

    All details for the board game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle and similar games

    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
    ๐Ÿ‘ Good price!38โ‚ฌ atAmazon.de*
  28. Spyfall 2

    All details for the board game Spyfall 2 and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Spyfall 2
    • 3 - 12 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Spyfall 2

    • YouTube Review for the game "Spyfall 2" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Spyfall 2" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  29. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures

    All details for the board game Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures and similar games

    Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures is a captivating standalone expansion to the renowned detective game Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective. This expansion brings updated graphics and adds ten new cases set in Victorian-era London for players to solve. It includes essential detective tools such as a "London Directory," a map of London, and newspaper archives to aid in the investigation.

    More details for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures
    • 1 - 8 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures

    • YouTube Review for the game "Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  30. Word Slam

    All details for the board game Word Slam and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.

    More details for Word Slam
    • 3 - 99 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Word Slam

    • YouTube Review for the game "Word Slam" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English

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