The best games where the starting player is determined randomly 2026

Looking for a really good game where the starting player is determined randomly? Then we have just the thing for you: The list with the best "Starting order: random" games 2026.

What are "Starting order: random" games?

Representatives of play pieces or players are randomized, and one is drawn at a time. That player or play piece takes its turn, then a new random draw is made.

By the way, "turn order: random" means "turn order: random".

Examples of games where the starting player is randomized:

A good example of a turn order: random game is The Pillars of the Earth.

List of Games with different Turn Order Mechanisms

There are many more, creative Turn Order Mechanisms than the Random based one. You can find a list at the bottom of this page.

List of best games with random start order 2026

This list was last updated on June 16, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. 1775: Rebellion

    1775: Rebellion

    1775: Rebellion is an award-winning board game that immerses players in the tumultuous times of the American Revolution, part of the Birth of America series. It offers a blend of strategic planning, historical warfare, and alliance management, appealing to both history enthusiasts and strategy gamers alike.

    All details & rating
    2–4 60–120 min 10+ Easy to learn
  2. The Pillars of the Earth

    The Pillars of the Earth

    The Pillars of the Earth, inspired by Ken Follett's bestselling novel, is a strategy board game set in the early 13th century, centered around the construction of a grand cathedral in England. This game, part of the Kosmos line of literature-based games, challenges players to contribute to the cathedral's construction while vying for victory points.

    All details & rating
    2–4 90–120 min 12+ Medium complexity
    + 22 € above the best price
    35 € at Amazon*
  3. Cosmic Frog - World Eaters from Dimension Zero

    Cosmic Frog - World Eaters from Dimension Zero

    Players control massive, immortal frog-like creatures that gather terrain from the remnants of a shattered world called Aeth. They collect land to fill their vast gullets and then return to an interdimensional vault to store it, all while competing to prove themselves as the greatest gatherers by maximizing their treasures' value. Throughout the game, players can choose to harvest at their own pace or engage with others to steal land directly, but they must adapt their strategies to the chaotic nature of the ethereal realm and unexpected disruptions.

    All details & rating
    2–6 45–90 min 13+ Medium complexity
  4. Cataclysm: A Second World War

    Cataclysm: A Second World War

    The 1930s is a time of recovery from the Great War and the subsequent Great Depression. A second world war could erupt at any moment. Players lead nations and must devise diplomatic strategies and build military strength to either prevent or engage in conflict.

    All details & rating
    2–5 90–600 min 14+ For connoisseurs
  5. Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Rulebook

    Judge Dredd Miniatures Game: Rulebook

    Players take control of a small team of Judges or criminals, battling for justice or survival in the chaotic streets of Mega-City One. The game includes all the necessary rules, weapon guidelines, and character profiles to create your own patrols and criminal gangs. It also features rules for building combat, vehicle use, and the evolution of your faction through connected games.

    All details & rating
    2–8 60–240 min 12+ Medium complexity

Frequently asked questions

Which game ranks first on this list?

1775: Rebellion currently tops our list. The ranking is derived from player community ratings and is recalculated continuously.

How many players do the games on this list support?

Most games on this list support 2 to 5 players. The exact player count is listed with each game.

What age are these games suitable for?

Publisher age recommendations on this list start at 10 years. Each game carries its own age rating.

How long does a game take?

A typical game takes about 60 to 120 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.

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