The best games released in 2020๐Ÿ“† 2026

Looking for a really good game from the year 2020? Then we have just the thing for you: our recommendation list with the best board games that were newly released in 2020.

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 2020

This list was last updated on June 6, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. MicroMacro: Crime City

    • Game of the Year+10Game of the Year
    • CooperativeCooperative
    • DeductionDeduction
    • Family GameFamily Game
    • Solo ModeSolo Mode
    • Crime & MysteryCrime & Mystery
    +56 more

    MicroMacro: Crime City is a unique detective game that immerses players into a detailed and expansive cityscape to solve intriguing crimes. The game centers around a large, detailed map of a city where various crimes have occurred. Players become detectives tasked with unraveling these mysteries using the clues scattered across the city.

    Nominated for 22 awards and won 11.

    โญ๏ธ Spiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for MicroMacro: Crime City
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 15 - 45 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 12+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  2. Top Ten

    Top Ten is a lively party game that challenges players to creatively rank responses based on humorous or bizarre scenarios. Each playerโ€™s task is to align their answer with a secret number they are assigned, ranging from worst (1) to best (10), according to the theme provided by the round's chief. The game combines elements of comedy, strategy, and social deduction as players try to guess and assign the correct rankings to each other's answers.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for Top Ten
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 4 - 9 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 14+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  3. Unmatched: Cobble & Fog

    Unmatched: Cobble & Fog is a captivating expansion to the Unmatched system, featuring a quartet of iconic characters drawn from literary lore, each with their unique playstyle and abilities. This expansion introduces the Invisible Man, Sherlock Holmes with Dr. Watson, Dracula along with the sisters, and the duo of Jekyll & Hyde, all brought to life in a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    ๐Ÿ’ฐ 7% cheaper on Amazon than at other retailers

    More details for Unmatched: Cobble & Fog
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 20 - 40 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 9+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  4. The year 2020 brought exciting card games to players. These games capture the card gaming highlights from this notable year.

    The Best Card Games of the Year 2020 in Comparison โ†’
  5. Project L

    Project L is a dynamic and visually appealing board game that combines tile-matching with engine-building elements. It's designed to challenge players with its strategic depth, encapsulated within an elegant and simple design. The game features unique triple-layer 3D puzzles and attractive acrylic pieces, making it not only a test of intellect but also a delight to play.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Project L
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 20 - 40 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  6. King of Tokyo: Dark Edition

    King of Tokyo: Dark Edition is a limited collector's edition of the popular game King of Tokyo. Set in an alternative, darker version of Tokyo, this edition brings a new level of intensity to the battle for control of the city.

    More details for King of Tokyo: Dark Edition
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 6 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  7. Zombie Teenz Evolution

    Zombies are attacking the entire city! Collaborate with your friends to embark on an expedition and drive away the overwhelming hordes. Collect the four ingredients and brew the antidote that will save the world!

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Zombie Teenz Evolution
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 20 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Zombie Teenz Evolution

    • YouTube Review for the game "Zombie Teenz Evolution" by The Dice Tower
      Video
    • YouTube Review for the game "Zombie Teenz Evolution" by Meeple University
      Video
    • YouTube Review for the game "Zombie Teenz Evolution" by Scorpion Masquรฉ
      Video
  8. Spicy

    Spicy is a vibrant bluffing card game that captures the fiery competition among three big cats who, tired of their constant battling for supremacy, decide to engage in a spicy hot eating contest. This setup serves as a backdrop for a game filled with deceit, strategy, and quick thinking, designed for 2-6 players. The game's core mechanic revolves around players announcing their card plays without revealing them, allowing for a high degree of bluffing as cards are played face down.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for Spicy
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 6 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 15 - 20 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  9. Dragomino (Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021 winner)

    The big moment has arrived. You have been appointed as a "Dragon Trainer" with the chance to encounter dragons on a mysterious island. Compete with other trainers to discover the most baby dragons while searching for dragon eggs.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 5.

    โญ๏ธ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Dragomino (Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021 winner)
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 15 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 5+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  10. Marvel United

    • Board Game Quest Awards Best Cooperative Game+1Board Game Quest Awards Best Cooperative Game
    • CooperativeCooperative
    • Family GameFamily Game
    • Solo ModeSolo Mode
    • CombatCombat
    • Licensed / IPLicensed / IP
    +7 more

    Marvel United is a cooperative board game where players take on the roles of Marvel superheroes, working together to thwart the plans of a powerful villain, who is controlled by the game mechanics.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for Marvel United
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 40 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 14+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  11. My City

    My City is a groundbreaking competitive legacy game where players develop their own city across multiple epochs. This game uniquely blends city-building with the evolving challenges and narratives of a legacy format.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 4.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for My City
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn

    Video reviews for My City

    • YouTube Review for the game "My City" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
  12. Amazon's Black Friday Week 2021 kicked off on 19 November โ€” the Black Friday deals themselves started on Thursday 25 November, with Cyber Monday following on 29 November. In this list you'll find the best board game deals that were genuinely the cheapest on Amazon during that period. There were bargains with up to 50% off the Geizhals.de price โ€” and plenty of very good board games saw solid discounts around 20%.

    The Best Board Game Deals ๐Ÿ’ฐ during Amazon Black Friday & Cyber Monday Week 2021! โ†’
  13. Splendor: Marvel

    Splendor: Marvel transforms the classic Splendor game with a Marvel Universe twist. Players race to stop Thanos by assembling a team of heroes and villains, using Infinity Stones to recruit characters and earn Infinity Points.

    More details for Splendor: Marvel
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  14. MonsDRAWsity

    Imagine seeing a real alien stomping through your garden. In MonsDRAWsity, one player acts as "the witness" and has twenty seconds to study a bizarre creature before describing it to the "sketch artists." At the end of the round, the witness awards points to the artist who best captured the monster's appearance.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for MonsDRAWsity
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 3 - 8 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 5 - 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  15. Dune: Imperium

    Dune: Imperium is a strategic deck-building game inspired by the iconic Dune universe, incorporating elements from both the recent film adaptation and the classic novels. Players lead one of the Great Houses in the interstellar political landscape of the Landsraad.

    Nominated for 20 awards and won 8.

    โญ๏ธ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2022

    ๐Ÿ’ฐ 5% cheaper on Amazon than at other retailers

    More details for Dune: Imperium
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 60 - 120 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 14+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Medium difficulty
  16. Forgotten Waters

    Forgotten Waters is a captivating board game that plunges players into the whimsical and unpredictable world of pirate adventure. Blending storytelling and strategy, this game stands out for its immersive narrative and engaging gameplay.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for Forgotten Waters
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 3 - 7 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 120 - 240 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 14+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  17. 7 Wonders (2nd Edition) - (Kennerspiel des Jahres 2011 winner)

    7 Wonders (Second Edition) is an acclaimed board game known for its widespread recognition and numerous international awards. This new version rejuvenates the classic 7 Wonders game, maintaining its status as a cornerstone in the world of modern board gaming. The game is celebrated for its elegant drafting mechanics, allowing up to 7 players to participate simultaneously without downtime.

    More details for 7 Wonders (2nd Edition) - (Kennerspiel des Jahres 2011 winner)
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 3 - 7 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  18. 5-Minute Mystery

    Players work together in a high-intensity, deductive puzzle game to identify the culprit hidden among a group of suspects. A criminal has stolen the priceless MacGuffin right before the Museum of Everything was set to unveil it, and it's up to the detectives to solve the case. Search for hidden symbols in various museum rooms, match them on the codex, and unlock clues to reveal the thief, all while racing against the clock.

    More details for 5-Minute Mystery
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 6 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 5 - 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  19. The Search for Planet X

    The Search for Planet X is a captivating board game that immerses players in the world of astronomy and scientific discovery. Aspiring astronomers use a combination of observation, deduction, and a companion app to unravel the mystery of a hidden planet in our solar system.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for The Search for Planet X
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 60 - 75 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 13+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  20. Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game

    Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game brings the epic struggle from the Marvel Universe to the tabletop in a dynamic adaptation of the classic Love Letter mechanics. This version transforms the game into a thrilling one-vs-many experience, pitting one player as the formidable Thanos against a team of heroes aiming to thwart his universe-altering plans.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 6 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 15 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game

    • YouTube Review for the game "Infinity Gauntlet: A Love Letter Game" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
  21. Nidavellir

    Nidavellir is a strategic bidding and set collection game set in a mythical dwarf kingdom. Players take on the roles of Elvalands, noble leaders tasked with assembling a powerful army to defend the kingdom against the dragon Fafnir.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 1.

    More details for Nidavellir
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 5 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 45 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Nidavellir

    • YouTube Review for the game "Nidavellir" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
  22. L.A.M.A. Party Edition

    Players aim to discard their cards as quickly as possible in this game, but they may struggle to play what they want. Each player starts with six cards, drawn from a deck containing Llama cards and numbered cards from 1 to 6. The round continues until a player empties their hand or everyone passes, with players collecting tokens based on the cards they have in front of them.

    More details for L.A.M.A. Party Edition
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 6 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 20 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  23. Mysterium Park

    Mysterium Park beckons with its mysterious aura, set against the backdrop of a 1950s US fairground with a dark twist. The disappearance of the parkโ€™s director has left behind a haunting presence, prompting a group of psychics to uncover the truth before the carnival disappears. This cooperative game engages players with visions provided by the ghost, requiring interpretation to eliminate suspects and locations, leading to the revelation of the directorโ€™s fate.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Mysterium Park
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 6 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 30 - 45 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  24. Herd Mentality

    This is a party game for families, friends, and cattle herders. The goal is simple: think like the herd and write the same answers as your friends. If your answer is part of the majority, you win all the cows. The first player to collect eight cows wins.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.

    More details for Herd Mentality
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 4 - 20 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 20 - 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  25. Chronicles of Crime: 1400

    Chronicles of Crime: 1400 invites players into the heart of medieval Paris, where they embody Abelard Lavel, a knight with a prophetic gift for solving crimes. As a standalone game in the Chronicles of Crime series, it combines familiar investigative gameplay with new elements to create a unique, narrative-driven experience. Players utilize Vision Cards to gain insights into crimes, relying on both futuristic and historical scenes to guide their investigation.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Chronicles of Crime: 1400
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 60 - 90 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 12+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Easy to learn
  26. Colt Super Express

    Colt Super Express carries the spirit of the original, award-winning Colt Express in a fast-paced, portable format. Players compete to be the last Colt Express driver standing, as only one can remain when the train stops. Each round, players secretly play one of their five action cards to determine their moves, including moving, shooting, and more. At the end of the round, the last train car is removed, taking any players inside with it. If multiple players are left in the final car, the entire train explodes, eliminating them all.

    More details for Colt Super Express
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 3 - 7 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 15 - 20 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 7+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  27. Tranquility

    Board the good ship Tranquility and sail towards paradise, but beware of losing track of time in a realm where day turns to night. Players cooperate to fill the sea with numbered island cards and must return the ship home before anyone runs out of cards. The objective is to complete the grid in numerical order while communicating silently. Players take turns, playing cards or discarding them, and must manage their hands carefully to avoid running out of legal moves.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Tranquility
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 5 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 15 - 20 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  28. Imagine Famille

    • DeductionDeduction
    • Party GameParty Game
    • PuzzlePuzzle
    • Team GameTeam Game
    • Large GroupsLarge Groups
    +4 more
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 3 - 8 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 15 - 30 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  29. Animal Upon Animal: Christmas Edition

    A winter edition of Animal Upon Animal involves animals stacking on top of each other to create a Christmas pyramid. Players balance squirrels, snow hares, penguins, and reindeer on stars, Christmas trees, and sleds. The first player to place all their figures safely on the pyramid wins this wobbly stacking game.

    More details for Animal Upon Animal: Christmas Edition
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 20 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 5+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  30. Sherlock: La copia

    • CooperativeCooperative
    • DeductionDeduction
    • Solo ModeSolo Mode
    • Crime & MysteryCrime & Mystery
    • MemoryMemory
    • Large GroupsLarge Groups
    +4 more

    Sotheby's auction house faces a potential forgery case. Your detective team must analyze the clues to uncover who is guilty, how they did it, and why. In each case, players work with 32 clues, revealing one at a time until all are exposed or discarded.

    More details for Sherlock: La copia
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 8 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 60 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 10+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  31. Magic Rabbit

    The magic show is about to begin, but chaos reigns behind the curtain with rabbits hopping everywhere and hats rolling on the floor. Players must work together within a limited time to collect the rabbits and hats in ascending order.

    More details for Magic Rabbit
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 1 - 4 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 3 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  32. Taco Back Goat Cheese Pizza

    • ๐Ÿ‘ฅ 2 - 8 Players
    • โฑ๏ธ 10 Minutes
    • ๐Ÿง’ 8+ years old
    • ๐Ÿงฉ Immediately playable
  33. The Spiel des Jahres jury announced the nominations and the list of recommendations for Spiel des Jahres 2022, Kennerspiel des Jahres 2022 and Kinderspiel des Jahres 2022 on 05/17/2022. Then, on 06/14/2022, the Kinderspiel des Jahres 2022 Award was presented first - and finally, on 07/19/2022, the Spiel des Jahres 2022 and Kennerspiel des Jahres 2022 Award will be awarded.

    Our predictions for the Winners of the Spiel des Jahres๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช 2022 Award โ†’

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