The best games released in 2017📆 2026

Embark on a collaborative journey of espionage in Codenames Duet, where the familiar elements of Codenames persist – providing one-word clues to unveil your agents among those on the table. This time, however, you and your teammate work together to uncover all your agents, adding a thrilling cooperative dimension to the challenge. The mystery of not knowing your agents from the outset adds an intriguing layer to the mission, raising questions that even Congressional investigators might ponder later!

Azul is a tile-laying game inspired by Portuguese azulejos: as artisans, players draft colored tiles from suppliers and place them in patterns to decorate the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora, scoring points for clever arrangements.

Smart10 is a quiz game where players quickly take their turns. Each question has ten possible answers, and everyone must respond. Players earn answer markers for correct answers, but they risk losing them if they hesitate. It works well in teams, adding to the excitement of decision-making.

Rhino Hero: Super Battle is a captivating 3D stacking game that sees the return of Rhino Hero, this time joined by fellow super-heroes Giraffe Boy, Big E., and Batguin. Players engage in an exciting challenge of building a wobbly skyscraper while navigating fierce battles among these charismatic characters. The game adds an extra layer of fun with the presence of mischievous spider monkeys that players must contend with during their skyscraper construction and superhero battles.

The Quest for El Dorado is a strategic and adventurous board game that immerses players in the exciting journey of discovering the legendary city of gold, El Dorado. Set in the lush South American jungles, this game combines deck-building and racing elements, challenging players to be both cunning and quick.

Century: Golem Edition is an engaging and visually appealing board game that is a re-themed version of Century: Spice Road. Set in the imaginative world of Caravania, this game combines strategic planning and resource management, appealing to players who enjoy tactical decision-making.

Carcassonne Big Box 6 bundles the beloved tile-laying game with its two major expansions and several mini-expansions. Players build a medieval landscape tile by tile, placing followers on roads, cities, cloisters, and fields to gather points.

Werewords is a fast-paced word-guessing game blended with the intrigue of a hidden role mechanism. In this engaging party game, players work together to guess a secret word, while also navigating the deceit of a werewolf who knows the word but is trying to lead them astray.

Fantasy Realms immerses players in the role of rulers striving to build the most powerful realm. This card game is all about strategic combinations and choices, with every decision shaping the strength and nature of your realm.

5-Minute Dungeon is a fast-paced, cooperative, real-time card game that challenges players to escape a dungeon within a five-minute time limit. The game is characterized by its intense pace and the need for quick thinking and effective teamwork.

Players bring tennis to the dining table, flicking a coin instead of hitting a ball with a racket. The board represents a tennis court, and players aim to land the coin in high-scoring areas while following traditional tennis scoring. The game concludes when a player wins the predefined number of sets.

Players create a sentence using two cards: one for the beginning and one for the end of the sentence. The paper is then passed left, where the next player draws what they see, hides the original sentence, and continues the process. The game ends when the papers are full, and players can vote on the funniest sentences for additional scoring.

Bärenpark is a charming and strategic board game that invites players to delve into the world of bear parks. Your task is to construct a visually appealing and efficiently designed bear park.

Sagrada is a visually striking board game where players draft dice to create beautiful stained glass windows, combining strategy and aesthetics.

Legacy of Dragonholt is an innovative narrative adventure game that transports players to the enchanting Realms of Terrinoth, offering a unique blend of role-playing, adventure, and storytelling without the need for a game master. Designed for one to six players, this game stands out by utilizing the Oracle system to create a rich, interactive story where every decision impacts the unfolding narrative.

Herbaceous is a charming and engaging card game that revolves around the theme of herb collecting. Players compete to gather and store a variety of herbs in the most effective way to score the highest points. The game is known for its simplicity, quick play, and strategic depth, making it a great choice for both casual and seasoned gamers.

Players take turns drawing cards in a cat-themed version of Russian Roulette until someone picks an exploding kitten and loses. The deck includes cards to avoid explosions, force opponents to draw multiple cards, or shuffle the deck. This standalone game accommodates 2 to 10 players and features content from the Exploding Kittens series and its app.

Lovecraft Letter transports you into the eerie world of H.P. Lovecraft in the 1920s. This card game, a unique take on the Love Letter system, blends mystery with an "insanity" mechanic that adds depth and intrigue to the gameplay.

Beneath the crumbling walls of Karak Castle lies a labyrinth filled with treasures and monsters. Six brave adventurers enter, each with a unique trick to claim fortune, but they must outsmart their opponents, defeat monsters, and seize the dragon's gemstone. Players uncover the labyrinth tile by tile, engage in battles, and gather treasures, with the most successful adventurer being crowned the true master of Karak!

Century: Spice Road is the first game in a series that delves into the rich and vibrant history of spice trading. Set against the backdrop of the legendary Silk Road, players take on the roles of caravan leaders, journeying across continents to trade spices and achieve fame and glory. This game combines elements of strategy and resource management, making it an engaging experience for players who enjoy economic and trading games.

NMBR 9 presents a unique puzzle game where numbers take on significance only when they rise above the ground level. The game encompasses twenty cards numbered 0-9, each appearing twice, and eighty tiles numbered 0-9, each composed of squares arranged in different configurations. Players embark on a captivating journey where they draw cards, select number tiles, and strategically build their own tile arrangement. The goal is to maximize points by constructing multi-level structures and showcasing their numerical prowess.

Downforce is a fast-paced and exhilarating board game that captures the intense world of motor racing. Combining elements of card-driven gameplay, bidding, and betting, it offers a thrilling race experience for 2-6 players.

Meeple Circus is a vibrant and engaging dexterity board game where players become circus directors, aiming to create the most spectacular show and wow the audience. It's a game where physical skill meets strategic planning, and each action is a performance in itself.

Cat Lady is a charming and light-hearted card drafting game where players step into the shoes of cat ladies, a distinguished group that counts Marie Antoinette and Ernest Hemingway among its members. The objective is to gather the most delightful collection of items for your cats – from toys and costumes to catnip and food – while ensuring you have enough to keep all your feline friends well-fed and happy.

Startups is a competitive card game where players take on the roles of savvy investors looking to make their fortune by investing in the most promising companies. With a mix of strategy, luck, and keen observation, players must outmaneuver their opponents to become the wealthiest shareholder and dominate the market.

The Fox in the Forest is a captivating two-player trick-taking card game that brings a unique twist to a classic genre with its enchanting fairy tale theme and strategic gameplay.

You are finally a king! All your dreams have come true as you enjoy the view of your wonderful kingdom filled with green meadows, rolling fields, tall mountains, and clear rivers. However, you need citizens to thrive, so you must promote the merits of your kingdom throughout the land while competing against other kings to attract the best inhabitants.

Players need skillfully placed ladders, a good sense of balance, and a touch of imagination. The moon waits eagerly for your arrival, but she is sensitive, and even the smallest mistake can bring her to tears. A mix of skill and luck will help you become the most agile dreamer.

"Face to Face" offers similar gameplay to its predecessor, where players must place their hand cards in ascending and descending stacks. Now, it’s a two-player competition where each player races to discard their cards first. Though aiming for individual victory, players inevitably have to assist their opponent along the way.

Players need the power of memory and a bit of pirate luck to escape Captain Goldfish's island before the lava engulfs them in the game. They reveal locations connected to the last shown spot, but making a wrong connection eliminates them from the round. The last remaining pirate claims a valuable treasure, with each round building on previously gathered information for a chance at victory. Advanced players can utilize special actions triggered by connected locations for an even more exciting experience.