The best games where you have to build a territory 🌏 2024

Looking for a game where you have to build a territory 🌏? Then we have just the thing: the list of the best territory building games games 2024.

What are territory building games?

Territory building games require players to build and/or accumulate control over a specific territory. Territory control and territory containment mechanisms are often used in these games. Territories are not necessarily delineated at the beginning of the game, but instead become enclosed by larger territories as the game progresses.

Examples of games with territory building elements

One of the best examples of games where you have to build a territory is Carcassonne. But also abstract games like Blokus where you have to mark out your territory with Tetris-like bricks (so called polyominoes) belong to the territory building games.

List of the best games 2024 where you have to build a territory 🌏

This list was last updated on November 6, 2024. We compared 1243 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition

    All details for the board game The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition and similar games

    The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition revitalizes Stefan Feld's classic strategy game for 1-4 players, where participants embody aristocrats managing their princedoms. This special edition, a collaboration between Ravensburger and Awaken Realms, elevates the game with a full art redesign, premium materials, and enhanced components, offering a luxurious playing experience as players build their settlements, castles, and engage in trade.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy: Special Edition
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 70 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  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.

    ⭐️ 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. Carcassonne Big Box 6

    All details for the board game Carcassonne Big Box 6 and similar games

    Carcassonne Big Box 6 is a comprehensive edition of the beloved tile-laying game Carcassonne, combining the base game with its two major expansions and several mini-expansions into one grand package. Players build the landscape of a medieval fortress city one tile at a time, placing their followers on roads, cities, cloisters, and fields to gather points. This edition not only includes the core game that has captivated millions worldwide but also enriches the experience with expansions that introduce new tiles, mechanics, and strategies.

    More details for Carcassonne Big Box 6
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 35 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Carcassonne Big Box 6

    • YouTube Review for the game "Carcassonne Big Box 6" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  4. Dorfromantik: The Board Game

    All details for the board game Dorfromantik: The Board Game and similar games

    Dorfromantik: The Board Game transitions the charming and strategic essence of the beloved video game into a tactile family board game experience. Designed by Michael Palm and Lukas Zach, this game invites up to six players to collaboratively construct a picturesque landscape using hexagonal tiles. Players aim to satisfy community demands while strategically extending rivers and tracks, and optimizing points through clever area enclosure with flags.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2023

    More details for Dorfromantik: The Board Game
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  5. Cartographers

    All details for the board game Cartographers and similar games

    Cartographers: A Roll Player Tale transports players to a realm where they take on the roles of mapmakers, tasked by Queen Gimnax to chart the northern territories for the Kingdom of Nalos. This game combines elements of strategy and creativity, challenging players to create the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing maps.

    Nominated for 10 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2020

    More details for Cartographers
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  6. Carcassonne: 20th Anniversary Edition

    All details for the board game Carcassonne: 20th Anniversary Edition and similar games

    Carcassonne: 20th Anniversary Edition celebrates two decades since the beloved tile-placement game Carcassonne won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award. This special edition not only commemorates the game's lasting appeal but also enhances the classic experience with new and exclusive content. Players continue to draw and place tiles depicting the picturesque landscapes of southern France, aiming to strategically deploy their meeples—be it as knights, robbers, monks, or farmers—to score points by completing cities, roads, cloisters, and fields.

    More details for Carcassonne: 20th Anniversary Edition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 35 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. The Castles of Burgundy

    All details for the board game The Castles of Burgundy and similar games

    The Castles of Burgundy is a strategy board game set in the Burgundy region of High Medieval France, where players assume the roles of aristocrats controlling small princedoms. The game combines tile placement and dice rolling mechanics to offer a rich and strategic experience.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 70 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  8. Carcassonne

    All details for the board game Carcassonne and similar games

    Carcassonne is a renowned tile-placement game set in the picturesque landscape of Southern France. This game is beloved for its simplicity, depth, and the beautiful mosaic players create on the table.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 5.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2001

    More details for Carcassonne
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Carcassonne

    • YouTube Review for the game "Carcassonne" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  9. Akropolis

    All details for the board game Akropolis and similar games

    Akropolis is a strategic board game set in ancient Greece, where players take on the roles of skilled architects competing to build the most prestigious city. The game focuses on urban planning, resource management, and tactical tile placement.

    Nominated for 19 awards and won 10.

    More details for Akropolis
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Planet Unknown

    All details for the board game Planet Unknown and similar games

    Planet Unknown is a competitive and strategic game for 1-6 players set in a future where Earth's resources are depleted. Players are tasked with developing the most efficient and habitable planet among a series of newfound worlds. Using polyomino-shaped tiles, each representing vital infrastructure, players work to efficiently cover their planets and build an effective support system for life.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023

    More details for Planet Unknown
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 60 - 80 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  11. Dragomino

    All details for the board game Dragomino and similar games

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 5.

    ⭐️ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2021

    🔥 Deal: 5% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Dragomino
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 5+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  12. Cartographers Heroes

    All details for the board game Cartographers Heroes and similar games

    Cartographers Heroes embarks players on a new voyage through the storied Western Lands, enhancing the acclaimed formula of its predecessor with fresh challenges and dynamic elements. As royal cartographers, players are tasked with mapping these perilous territories, their efforts now intertwined with the valorous acts of heroes who stand against the encroaching Dragul forces. This sequel not only retains the beloved core mechanics of drawing and mapping but enriches the experience with innovative map sheets, scoring cards, and explore cards, all while introducing ambush cards that bring unique abilities into play.

    More details for Cartographers Heroes
    • 1 - 100 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. The Castles of Burgundy

    All details for the board game The Castles of Burgundy and similar games

    The Castles of Burgundy is set in the medieval Burgundy region of France, where players assume the roles of aristocrats seeking to expand their princedoms. The game revolves around building settlements, constructing castles, engaging in river trade, mining for silver, and utilizing travelers' knowledge.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    More details for The Castles of Burgundy
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for The Castles of Burgundy

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Castles of Burgundy" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  14. 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.

    ⭐️ 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
  15. 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
  16. Dorfromantik: Sakura

    All details for the board game Dorfromantik: Sakura and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 30 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Takenoko

    All details for the board game Takenoko and similar games

    Takenoko is a charming board game set in the Japanese Imperial court, revolving around the care of a giant panda gifted by the Chinese Emperor. Players, as court members, are tasked with managing a bamboo garden for the panda.

    Nominated for 17 awards and won 7.

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

    Video reviews for Takenoko

    • YouTube Review for the game "Takenoko" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  18. Carcassonne: Winter Edition

    All details for the board game Carcassonne: Winter Edition and similar games

    Carcassonne: Winter Edition wraps the classic tile-placement game in a picturesque blanket of snow, offering a seasonal twist on the beloved mechanics of Carcassonne. This edition captures the essence of winter with beautifully illustrated tiles that transform the familiar French countryside into a serene snowy landscape. Players continue to strategically place tiles and deploy their meeples as knights, farmers, and highwaymen, endeavoring to dominate this frosty version of the medieval terrain.

    More details for Carcassonne: Winter Edition
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  19. Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King

    All details for the board game Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King and similar games

    Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King is a strategic tile-laying board game set in the stunning landscape of Isle of Skye. In this game, 2 to 5 players take on the roles of chieftains from different clans, each aspiring to expand their territories and build their kingdoms to gain the most points.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 5.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2016

    More details for Isle of Skye: From Chieftain to King
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 50 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  20. Agropolis

    All details for the board game Agropolis and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    🔥 Deal: 44% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Agropolis
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. Kingdomino Origins

    All details for the board game Kingdomino Origins and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    🔥 Deal: 9% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Kingdomino Origins
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  22. Cacao

    All details for the board game Cacao and similar games

    Cacao is a tile-placement game set in the vibrant and lush world of cacao cultivation. Players take on the roles of tribe chiefs, leading their people to prosperity by strategically harvesting and trading cacao.

    Nominated for 8 awards.

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

    Video reviews for Cacao

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cacao" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  23. Caesar's Empire

    All details for the board game Caesar's Empire and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Caesar's Empire
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers

    All details for the board game Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers and similar games

    Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers is a standalone game in the Carcassonne series, transporting players to the Stone Age. This version maintains the essence of the original Carcassonne game but introduces new thematic elements and rules suitable for this prehistoric setting.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Carcassonne: Hunters and Gatherers
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 35 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Bunny Kingdom

    All details for the board game Bunny Kingdom and similar games

    Bunny Kingdom is a charming and strategic board game where players lead clans of rabbits to establish their dominance over a vast kingdom. The game combines elements of drafting, resource management, and area control to create a dynamic and engaging experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Bunny Kingdom
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Bunny Kingdom

    • YouTube Review for the game "Bunny Kingdom" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Bunny Kingdom" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Bunny Kingdom" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  26. Blokus

    All details for the board game Blokus and similar games

    Blokus is an abstract strategy game known for its simple rules and deep strategic gameplay. It features colorful Tetris-shaped pieces that players aim to place on the board.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 4.

    More details for Blokus
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  27. The Little Prince: Make Me a Planet

    All details for the board game The Little Prince: Make Me a Planet and similar games

    The Little Prince: Make Me a Planet challenges players to craft their own planets in the whimsical universe of The Little Prince. The goal is to create a harmonious world for iconic characters while avoiding an excess of baobabs and volcanoes.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for The Little Prince: Make Me a Planet
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. Paris: La Cité de la Lumière

    All details for the board game Paris: La Cité de la Lumière and similar games

    Paris: La Cité de la Lumière is a two-player board game designed by José Antonio Abascal, beautifully illustrated by Oriol Hernández. Set in the enchanting city of Paris during the 1889 "Exposition Universelle," the game captures the era when electricity began illuminating the city, leading to its nickname "La Cité de la Lumière" or the City of Light.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Paris: La Cité de la Lumière
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Queendomino

    All details for the board game Queendomino and similar games

    Queendomino is a standalone board game that builds upon the concepts introduced in Kingdomino. It offers a more complex and strategic experience, allowing players to create their kingdoms with an added layer of depth.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    More details for Queendomino
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. Scythe

    All details for the board game Scythe and similar games

    In the turbulent 1920s Europa, a period overshadowed by the aftermath of the first great war, a city-state known as "The Factory" stands at the center of attention. This capitalistic powerhouse, renowned for its heavily armored mechs that fueled the war, has mysteriously closed its doors, leaving neighboring nations vying for its secrets.

    Nominated for 21 awards and won 10.

    More details for Scythe
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 115 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Scythe

    • YouTube Review for the game "Scythe" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English

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