The best games with alternating starting player each round 2024

Looking for a really good game with a starting player that changes in turn every round? Then we have just the thing for you: The list with the best "starting order: progressive" games 2024.

What are games with alternating starting player?

One player has the token of the first player. At the end of the round, the token passes to the player to the left. This player becomes the new first player for the next round. During the round, players take turns in clockwise order.

Counterclockwise turn order is called "reverse turn order" and can also be included in this category.

In English, by the way, "starting order: progressive" is called "turn order: progressive."

Examples of games with the starting player changing in turn every round:

A good example of a "turn order: progressive" game is Isle of Skye.

List of Games with different Turn Order Mechanisms

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

List of best starting order: progressing games 2024

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 258 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Wingspan

    All details for the board game Wingspan and similar games

    Wingspan is a captivating, competitive board game from Stonemaier Games, masterfully designed by Elizabeth Hargrave. It's a medium-weight, card-driven, engine-building game that stands out with its unique theme and stunning artwork, featuring over 170 bird illustrations by artists Beth Sobel, Natalia Rojas, and Ana Maria Martinez.

    Nominated for 26 awards and won 16.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Wingspan
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 40 - 70 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!44€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Wingspan

    • YouTube Review for the game "Wingspan" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  2. Dune: Imperium

    All details for the board game Dune: Imperium and similar games

    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 19 awards and won 7.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2022

    More details for Dune: Imperium
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  3. Sagrada

    All details for the board game Sagrada and similar games

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

    Nominated for 12 awards.

    More details for Sagrada
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!30€ atAmazon.de*
  4. 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 8 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2023

    More details for Planet Unknown
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 60 - 80 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!54€ atAmazon.de*
  5. 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
  6. Lost Ruins of Arnak

    All details for the board game Lost Ruins of Arnak and similar games

    Lost Ruins of Arnak is an adventurous board game that blends deck-building with worker placement, set on an unexplored island filled with remnants of an ancient civilization.

    Nominated for 29 awards and won 13.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2021

    More details for Lost Ruins of Arnak
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  7. Targi

    All details for the board game Targi and similar games

    Targi is a strategic board game set against the backdrop of the Tuareg culture in the desert. Players assume the roles of leaders of Tuareg tribes, engaging in trade and seeking to expand their families and influence.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Targi
    • 2 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!14€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Targi

    • YouTube Review for the game "Targi" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Marvel Champions: The Card Game

    All details for the board game Marvel Champions: The Card Game and similar games

    In the immortal words of Stan Lee, "With great power, there must also come great responsibility." Enter the thrilling world of Marvel Champions: The Card Game, where Iron Man and Black Panther unite to thwart Rhino's rampage through New York, and Captain Marvel teams up with Spider-Man to face the looming threat of Ultron and global annihilation. Do you possess the mettle to stand alongside these legendary heroes and emerge as a true champion?

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 2.

    More details for Marvel Champions: The Card Game
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    👍 Good price!48€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Marvel Champions: The Card Game

    • YouTube Review for the game "Marvel Champions: The Card Game" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  9. Orléans

    All details for the board game Orléans and similar games

    Orléans is a strategic board game set in medieval France, where players compete to gain supremacy through trade, construction, and science by assembling a diverse following of characters like farmers, merchants, knights, and monks.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 4.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2015

    More details for Orléans
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  10. Colt Express

    All details for the board game Colt Express and similar games

    Colt Express is a fast-paced, action-packed board game set in the Wild West, where players take on the roles of bandits attempting to rob a moving train.

    Nominated for 18 awards and won 8.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2015

    More details for Colt Express
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 40 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  11. 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
  12. Stone Age

    All details for the board game Stone Age and similar games

    Stone Age catapults players into the challenging era of our ancestors, a time when survival hinged on the relentless pursuit of progress. In roles as hunters, collectors, farmers, and toolmakers, players will experience the hardships and triumphs of this prehistoric age. Here's an overview of the game:

    Nominated for 22 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2008

    More details for Stone Age
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!34€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Stone Age

    • YouTube Review for the game "Stone Age" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  13. Oriflamme

    All details for the board game Oriflamme and similar games

    Oriflamme immerses players in the cutthroat world of medieval politics. After the king's death, players, as leaders of influential families, vie for the throne using strategy and deceit.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Oriflamme
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Stone Age: Anniversary

    All details for the board game Stone Age: Anniversary and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Tiny Towns

    All details for the board game Tiny Towns and similar games

    Tiny Towns is a charming and strategic board game where players take on the role of mayors building their own tiny towns in a forest. The game challenges players to manage resources wisely and plan their towns carefully to maximize prosperity.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 2.

    More details for Tiny Towns
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!33€ atAmazon.de*
  16. Hues and Cues

    All details for the board game Hues and Cues and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Hues and Cues
    • 3 - 10 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Zombicide: Black Plague

    All details for the board game Zombicide: Black Plague and similar games

    Zombicide: Black Plague is an exciting board game that takes the popular zombie apocalypse theme and transports it into a medieval fantasy world. This game is a fresh twist on the classic Zombicide series, offering players the chance to battle the undead hordes in an age of swords and sorcery.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Zombicide: Black Plague
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 60 - 180 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!91€ atAmazon.de*
  18. Furnace

    All details for the board game Furnace and similar games

    Furnace is a strategic engine-building Eurogame set in the 19th century. Players act as capitalists aiming to develop their industrial corporations and maximize profits through effective resource management and company acquisitions.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Furnace
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  19. Pan Am

    All details for the board game Pan Am and similar games

    Pan Am is an engaging board game that immerses players in the era of pioneering air travel, where they compete to build and expand their own airline empires. The game cleverly integrates strategy, bidding, and economic elements, allowing players to navigate through the historical landscape of the aviation industry.

    More details for Pan Am
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*
  20. Castles of Mad King Ludwig

    All details for the board game Castles of Mad King Ludwig and similar games

    Castles of Mad King Ludwig is a creative and strategic tile-laying game where players construct an opulent castle for King Ludwig II of Bavaria. This game combines architectural planning with economic strategy.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 4.

    More details for Castles of Mad King Ludwig
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  21. New York Slice

    All details for the board game New York Slice and similar games

    New York Slice offers a unique twist on pizza making where players become chefs vying for the title of head chef at a prestigious pizza parlor. Through strategic slicing and selecting of pizza pieces, players attempt to create the most desirable pizza combinations while navigating the challenges of daily specials and avoiding dreaded anchovies.

    More details for New York Slice
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for New York Slice

    • YouTube Review for the game "New York Slice" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  22. Carpe Diem

    All details for the board game Carpe Diem and similar games

    In Carpe Diem, players step into the roles of wealthy patricians in ancient Rome, striving to build prosperous city districts and accumulate prestigious points. Designed by the accomplished game designer Stefan Feld, this board game offers a unique and engaging gaming experience.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Carpe Diem
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 75 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  23. Here to Slay

    All details for the board game Here to Slay and similar games

    Here to Slay is a competitive role-playing fantasy strategy card game from the creators of Unstable Unicorns. In this engaging and interactive game, players aim to build a party of heroes to slay monsters, while navigating the challenges and sabotage from their opponents. It combines elements of strategy, luck, and player interaction, making it an exciting game for those who enjoy a mix of combat and cunning.

    More details for Here to Slay
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  24. Puerto Rico

    All details for the board game Puerto Rico and similar games

    Puerto Rico is a strategy game where players become colonial governors in Puerto Rico, aiming to earn victory points through trade and construction.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 8.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2002

    More details for Puerto Rico
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 150 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  25. Hellapagos

    All details for the board game Hellapagos and similar games
    • 3 - 12 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. El Grande

    All details for the board game El Grande and similar games

    El Grande is a classic strategy board game set in medieval Spain, where players, as powerful lords or "Grandes," vie for control over various regions in a declining kingdom. The game is known for its blend of tactical depth and strategic planning.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1996

    More details for El Grande
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  27. Above and Below

    All details for the board game Above and Below and similar games

    Above and Below combines the elements of town-building with an enthralling storytelling experience. Players are tasked with rebuilding their lives and creating a new village after their last one was destroyed by barbarians. The game is set in a unique world where a network of caverns lies beneath the surface, ripe for exploration and adventure.

    Nominated for 9 awards.

    More details for Above and Below
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  28. Dungeon Fighter

    All details for the board game Dungeon Fighter and similar games

    Dungeon Fighter is a whimsical and cooperative board game where players embark on an adventurous journey into a fantasy dungeon filled with danger and humor. As heroes, they delve into a multi-tiered dungeon, facing various monsters, including classic mythical creatures like Medusa, the Minotaur, and dragons, while searching for treasure and acquiring magical items.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Dungeon Fighter
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  29. Planet

    All details for the board game Planet and similar games

    Planet is a unique, hands-on board game where players get the chance to create their own planet. Each player starts with a blank planet core and strategically places terrain tiles – mountains, ice, forests, deserts – to cultivate environments that can support life. The goal is to cleverly arrange these habitats to attract various animal species and create the most thriving planet.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 2.

    More details for Planet
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Planet

    • YouTube Review for the game "Planet" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Planet" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  30. Walk the Plank!

    All details for the board game Walk the Plank! and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Walk the Plank!
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable

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: