The best games released in 2018📆 2024

Looking for a really good game from the year 2018? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 2018.

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 2018:

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 778 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Just One

    All details for the board game Just One and similar games

    Just One is a cooperative party game that combines elements of mystery and creativity. Players work together to guess as many words as possible, using unique clues provided by their teammates.

    Nominated for 15 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Just One
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!18€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Just One

    • YouTube Review for the game "Just One" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Decrypto

    All details for the board game Decrypto and similar games

    Engage in the riveting team-based challenge of Decrypto, where players strive to correctly interpret coded messages from their teammates while unraveling the intercepted codes of the opposing team.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 7.

    More details for Decrypto
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 15 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Decrypto

    • YouTube Review for the game "Decrypto" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. The Quacks of Quedlinburg

    All details for the board game The Quacks of Quedlinburg and similar games

    Become a cunning charlatan or a quack doctor in the whimsical world of The Quacks of Quedlinburg. In this quirky board game, each player concocts their own secret brew, one ingredient at a time. But beware, for a careless addition could spoil the entire mixture!

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 12.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for The Quacks of Quedlinburg
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for The Quacks of Quedlinburg

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Quacks of Quedlinburg" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  4. Zombie Kidz Evolution

    All details for the board game Zombie Kidz Evolution and similar games

    Zombie Kidz Evolution is a pioneering legacy-style board game designed specifically for children. Building upon the foundation of the 2013 game Zombie Kidz, this version introduces a dynamic and evolving gameplay experience. Set in a school under siege by zombies, young players must navigate through rooms and entryways to fend off the undead and prevent them from overrunning the school. The objective is to lock all four entryways of the school, a task complicated by the absence of the custodian. As players progress and improve their skills, they can undertake missions and earn trophies and stickers, similar to achievements in video games. The game also features envelopes that, when opened, add new elements to the game, including challenges, powers, and heroes, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 5.

    More details for Zombie Kidz Evolution
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 5 - 15 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. Star Realms: Frontiers

    All details for the board game Star Realms: Frontiers and similar games

    Star Realms: Frontiers is a dynamic standalone game within the Star Realms series, offering fast-paced space combat with deckbuilding elements. Designed for 1-4 players, it can be enjoyed on its own or integrated with other Star Realms sets for expanded play.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Star Realms: Frontiers
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Orchard: A 9 card solitaire game

    All details for the board game Orchard: A 9 card solitaire game and similar games
    • 1 Players
    • 5 - 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Detective Club

    All details for the board game Detective Club and similar games

    Detective Club is a social deduction and party game that involves both cooperation and deception. Players are drawn into rounds of intrigue, where one player secretly passes clues to their accomplice to reveal a secret word, while others, acting as detectives, try to unveil the conspiracy. Creativity and persuasion play crucial roles as players discuss and defend their choices to avoid suspicion.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for Detective Club
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Detective Club

    • YouTube Review for the game "Detective Club" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Welcome To...

    All details for the board game Welcome To... and similar games

    Welcome To... is a unique, dice-less roll-and-write game where players take on the role of 1950s American architects, aiming to design and construct the most prosperous suburban neighborhood.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 2.

    More details for Welcome To...
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!20€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Welcome To...

    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Welcome To..." by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  9. That's Pretty Clever!

    All details for the board game That's Pretty Clever! and similar games

    That's Pretty Clever is a strategic dice game where players must make thoughtful choices to optimize their score. The game's title, Ganz schön clever in German, aptly describes the need for cleverness and tactical thinking.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for That's Pretty Clever!
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!10€ atAmazon.de*
  10. Cahoots

    All details for the board game Cahoots and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Cahoots
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!9€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Cahoots

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cahoots" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition

    All details for the board game Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition and similar games

    Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition is a captivating multiplayer puzzle game that combines strategy and luck to create a unique gaming experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  12. ICECOOL2

    All details for the board game ICECOOL2 and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for ICECOOL2

    • YouTube Review for the game "ICECOOL2" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. The Mind

    All details for the board game The Mind and similar games

    The Mind is a unique card game that combines elements of cooperation, intuition, and silent communication. It is as much an experiment in group dynamics as it is a game.

    Nominated for 20 awards and won 9.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for The Mind
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  14. War Chest

    All details for the board game War Chest and similar games

    War Chest is a distinctive bag-building war game that requires players to skillfully manage their army both on and off the battlefield.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for War Chest
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for War Chest

    • YouTube Review for the game "War Chest" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "War Chest" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  15. Menara

    All details for the board game Menara and similar games

    Menara is a cooperative, physical skill-based game where players work together to construct a temple using pillars and uniquely shaped floors. The game challenges players not just with its physical demands but also through its requirement for teamwork and strategic planning. As players build the structure, they must carefully balance the need for precision with the architectural requirements to prevent the temple from becoming unstable. Mistakes have consequences, requiring the addition of new floors and making the challenge even more daunting.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Menara
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 10 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!27€ atAmazon.de*
  16. Belratti

    All details for the board game Belratti and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Belratti
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 45 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Chronicles of Crime

    All details for the board game Chronicles of Crime and similar games

    Embark on a thrilling cooperative adventure with Chronicles of Crime, a unique blend of crime investigation, board game excitement, and a touch of Virtual Reality. Picture yourself at the heart of criminal investigations, where the seamless integration of an app with physical components creates an immersive experience.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 5.

    More details for Chronicles of Crime
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Chronicles of Crime

    • YouTube Review for the game "Chronicles of Crime" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  18. Space Base

    All details for the board game Space Base and similar games

    Space Base is a dynamic and fast-paced dice game that blends strategy and luck, where players take on the roles of Commodores commanding a fleet of ships.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for Space Base
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!36€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Space Base

    • YouTube Review for the game "Space Base" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  19. Ticket to Ride: New York

    All details for the board game Ticket to Ride: New York and similar games

    Ticket to Ride: New York is a fast-paced, compact variation of the beloved Ticket to Ride game series. Set against the backdrop of Manhattan, this version offers a quick and streamlined playing experience, perfect for both fans of the original game and newcomers. With a focus on the bustling streets of New York City, players race to complete taxi routes and reach destinations in a condensed version of the classic gameplay.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Ticket to Ride: New York
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 10 - 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Ticket to Ride: New York

    • YouTube Review for the game "Ticket to Ride: New York" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  20. Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition

    All details for the board game Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition and similar games

    Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition is a dynamic and engaging multiplayer puzzle game where players aim to build the most efficient transportation network. The game revolves around connecting as many exits as possible on individual erasable boards using routes determined by dice rolls. Strategic planning is key, as players must balance the desire to expand their network with the risk of leaving routes incomplete.

    Nominated for 1 award and won 1.

    More details for Railroad Ink: Blazing Red Edition
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. Everdell

    All details for the board game Everdell and similar games

    Everdell invites players to immerse themselves in the enchanting valley of Everdell, where a thriving civilization of forest critters seeks to expand their territories and establish new cities beneath towering trees, meandering streams, and mossy hollows. As the leader of a group of ambitious critters, you have a busy year ahead, filled with construction, character encounters, and hosting events. Can you ensure that the sun shines brightest on your city before the winter moon rises?

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 7.

    More details for Everdell
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 80 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    👍 Good price!51€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Everdell

    • YouTube Review for the game "Everdell" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  22. Sprawlopolis

    All details for the board game Sprawlopolis and similar games

    Sprawlopolis is an engaging cooperative city-building game where 1-4 players join forces to transform a tiny town into a bustling metropolis. The game is known for its compact design, using only 18 cards, and a dynamic scoring system that ensures a unique experience every time you play.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Sprawlopolis
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. Dungeon Mayhem

    All details for the board game Dungeon Mayhem and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!13€ atAmazon.de*
  24. Drop It

    All details for the board game Drop It and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Drop It
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  25. Don't Mess with Cthulhu Deluxe

    All details for the board game Don't Mess with Cthulhu Deluxe and similar games
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 1 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Don't Mess with Cthulhu Deluxe

    • YouTube Review for the game "Don't Mess with Cthulhu Deluxe" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  26. Don't Get Got!

    All details for the board game Don't Get Got! and similar games
    • 2 - 10 Players
    • 30 - 1440 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Don't Get Got!

    • YouTube Review for the game "Don't Get Got!" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  27. Illusion

    All details for the board game Illusion and similar games

    Illusion is a visually stimulating card game that challenges players to question their perception of color. The game's simple rules allow for immediate gameplay, making it accessible and engaging. Players must discern and compare the proportions of colors on different cards, testing their ability to accurately perceive and estimate color quantities. It's a game of visual judgment and quick thinking, asking players who can truly trust their eyes and who has the right perspective to see through the illusions.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Illusion
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  28. CuBirds

    All details for the board game CuBirds and similar games

    CuBirds is a charming and strategic card game where players help disorganized birds regroup into their flocks to return home. Featuring a unique gameplay mechanism and a delightful bird theme, this game requires players to cleverly manage their hand of bird cards and make tactical decisions on gathering and scoring bird flocks.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.

    More details for CuBirds
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  29. PUSH

    All details for the board game PUSH and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!12€ atAmazon.de*
  30. Gizmos

    All details for the board game Gizmos and similar games

    Gizmos is a dynamic and inventive board game that challenges players to build the most efficient and powerful machines at a competitive Science Fair. The game is a blend of strategy and resource management, where players vie to earn the most victory points through clever machine construction.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    More details for Gizmos
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 50 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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: