The best games with dynamically changing start player 2024

Looking for a really good game where the starting order is not so rigid? We have the list with the best games where the starting player changes dynamically (English "Turn Order: Claim Action").

How can the player order change dynamically?

In other games, there is a "first player" each turn - and the other players' moves are made clockwise from the first player. In games with dynamically changing starting player ("Turn Order: Claim Action"), on the other hand, there is a special action to claim the first place (sometimes also the other places) in the starting order for the next turn. If no one performs this special action, the order of the players remains unchanged.

Example of a game with changeable starting order: Azul

In Azul, for example, you can use a small penalty to draw a tile so that you become the starting player in the next round - that is, you get to pick the tiles first.

List of the best games with dynamically changing starting players 2024

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 163 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Azul

    All details for the board game Azul and similar games

    Azul invites you to step into the captivating world of Portuguese artistry and craftsmanship. This board game draws inspiration from the introduction of azulejos, originally white and blue ceramic tiles, by the Moors. The tiles found a new home in Portugal when King Manuel I, during a visit to the Alhambra palace in Southern Spain, was enchanted by the exquisite Moorish decorative tiles adorning its interior. Filled with awe and inspiration, the king promptly ordered the embellishment of his own palace in Portugal with similar decorative tiles. As a skilled tile-laying artist, you are tasked with the prestigious mission of adorning the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora.

    Nominated for 30 awards and won 19.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for Azul
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Azul

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  2. PARKS

    All details for the board game PARKS and similar games

    PARKS is a visually stunning board game that celebrates the beauty and splendor of U.S. National Parks. With artwork from Fifty-Nine Parks, this game offers players a unique blend of strategy and adventure as they embark on a journey through nature.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for PARKS
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!41€ atAmazon.de*
  3. Azul: Summer Pavilion

    All details for the board game Azul: Summer Pavilion and similar games

    Azul: Summer Pavilion takes players back to Portugal to embark on an artistic challenge of crafting a summer pavilion, a task assigned by King Manuel I. As master artisans, players must use their skills to construct the pavilion using the finest materials while efficiently managing their resources.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 3.

    More details for Azul: Summer Pavilion
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!35€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Azul: Summer Pavilion

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul: Summer Pavilion" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul: Summer Pavilion" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  4. 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
  5. Azul: Master Chocolatier

    All details for the board game Azul: Master Chocolatier and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!37€ atAmazon.de*
  6. Lords of Waterdeep

    All details for the board game Lords of Waterdeep and similar games

    Lords of Waterdeep immerses players in the vibrant and politically charged city of Waterdeep, the Crown Jewel of the Forgotten Realms. In this strategic board game designed for 2-5 players, you assume the identity of one of the enigmatic Lords of Waterdeep, the city's clandestine rulers. As a Lord, you'll navigate a web of intrigue and compete with other powerful figures to exert control over this remarkable city. Let's explore the game's key features:

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    More details for Lords of Waterdeep
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra

    All details for the board game Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra and similar games

    Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra is a visually striking and strategic board game designed by Michael Kiesling. It offers a unique twist on tile drafting, focusing on creating beautiful stained glass windows.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra

    • YouTube Review for the game "Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  8. Mint Works

    All details for the board game Mint Works and similar games

    Mint Works is a compact and accessible worker placement board game, perfect for introducing new players to the genre and for gaming on the go. It stands out for its simplicity and portability, offering a straightforward yet engaging gameplay experience.

    More details for Mint Works
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 10 - 20 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. 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*
  10. Kanagawa

    All details for the board game Kanagawa and similar games

    Kanagawa is a beautifully crafted board game set in 1840 in the bay of Tokyo. In this game, players become disciples of the famed Master Hokusai, striving to learn and excel in the art of painting. As disciples, players must expand their studios, choose their subjects carefully, and pay keen attention to the seasons to create the most harmonious and compelling print, aspiring to produce their lifetime's masterpiece.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.

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

    Video reviews for Kanagawa

    • YouTube Review for the game "Kanagawa" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Kanagawa" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. Fallout Shelter: The Board Game

    All details for the board game Fallout Shelter: The Board Game and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Fallout Shelter: The Board Game

    • YouTube Review for the game "Fallout Shelter: The Board Game" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  12. The Voyages of Marco Polo

    All details for the board game The Voyages of Marco Polo and similar games

    The Voyages of Marco Polo is a captivating board game that allows players to relive the epic journey of Marco Polo. Set in 1271, players follow Marco Polo’s path from Venice to Kublai Khan’s court in China, navigating through ancient cities and traversing the famed Silk Road.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 7.

    More details for The Voyages of Marco Polo
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 40 - 100 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    🔥 Great price!59€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for The Voyages of Marco Polo

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Voyages of Marco Polo" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  13. Underwater Cities

    All details for the board game Underwater Cities and similar games

    Underwater Cities is a strategy board game where players become the world's brightest minds, tasked with creating the most livable underwater habitats. The game is notable for its card placement mechanism and offers a richly strategic experience that scales in duration with the number of players.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Underwater Cities
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 80 - 150 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Underwater Cities

    • YouTube Review for the game "Underwater Cities" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  14. Lorenzo il Magnifico

    All details for the board game Lorenzo il Magnifico and similar games

    Lorenzo il Magnifico is a strategic board game set in the Italian Renaissance, where players embody heads of noble families vying for prestige and fame. This game is a blend of resource management, strategic planning, and careful maneuvering.

    Nominated for 4 awards.

    More details for Lorenzo il Magnifico
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Lorenzo il Magnifico

    • YouTube Review for the game "Lorenzo il Magnifico" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  15. Village

    All details for the board game Village and similar games

    Village is a board game that captures the essence of life in a medieval village, where each player manages a family's journey through generations, seeking fame and glory in various ways. The game is renowned for its innovative handling of the passage of time and the inevitability of death, making it a unique and tactically rich experience.

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 7.

    ⭐️ Kennerspiel des Jahres 2012

    More details for Village
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Village

    • YouTube Review for the game "Village" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  16. Tacocat Spelled Backwards

    All details for the board game Tacocat Spelled Backwards and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  17. Agricola

    All details for the board game Agricola and similar games

    Agricola is a strategic board game where players become farmers aiming to build thriving homesteads. Manage resources, expand your home, and feed your family to win.

    Nominated for 25 awards and won 14.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2008

    More details for Agricola
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 150 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  18. Hallertau

    All details for the board game Hallertau and similar games

    Hallertau is set in the lush Hallertau region of Bavaria, Germany, around 1850, a pivotal time in its history as the largest hop-producing area in the world. Players take on the roles of village chiefs, striving to advance their village's prosperity and standing through agriculture and sheep breeding.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    🔥 Deal: 7% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Hallertau
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 50 - 140 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    🔥 Great price!53€ atAmazon.de*
  19. Rococo

    All details for the board game Rococo and similar games

    Rococo immerses players in the lavish Rococo era during the reign of Louis XV, where they take on the role of managing a prestigious ball. The game blends elements of deck-building and resource management, requiring players to skilfully navigate the demands of dressmaking and event planning to gain the most prestige.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2014

    More details for Rococo
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  20. Pagan: Fate of Roanoke

    All details for the board game Pagan: Fate of Roanoke and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  21. Russian Railroads

    All details for the board game Russian Railroads and similar games

    Russian Railroads is a strategic board game where players compete to build the most extensive and advanced railway network in Russia. The game combines worker placement with track building and resource management elements, offering players various paths to victory.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 4.

    More details for Russian Railroads
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  22. Exceed Fighting System

    All details for the board game Exceed Fighting System and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 5 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Exceed Fighting System

    • YouTube Review for the game "Exceed Fighting System" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  23. Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar

    All details for the board game Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar and similar games

    Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar is a unique board game that introduces a dynamic worker placement mechanism set against the backdrop of the ancient Mayan civilization.

    Nominated for 20 awards and won 9.

    More details for Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Hard to learn
    👍 Good price!40€ atAmazon.de*
  24. Caverna: The Cave Farmers

    All details for the board game Caverna: The Cave Farmers and similar games

    Caverna: The Cave Farmers is a worker-placement board game that builds upon the mechanics of its predecessor, Agricola. It combines farming and cave dwelling themes, where players manage a dwarf family and their expanding homestead.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 3.

    More details for Caverna: The Cave Farmers
    • 1 - 7 Players
    • 30 - 210 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
    🔥 Great price!68€ atAmazon.de*
  25. Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery

    All details for the board game Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery and similar games

    Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery is a strategy board game designed by Glenn Drover, allowing players to dive into the era of exploration and colonization. This game offers a rich historical setting where players take on the roles of colonial powers competing for dominance in the New World.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for Age of Empires III: The Age of Discovery
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  26. Elysium

    All details for the board game Elysium and similar games

    Elysium is a strategy game set in Mythic Greece, where players take on the roles of demigods striving to gain the favor of the Olympian gods and earn their place in legends.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2015

    More details for Elysium
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  27. Atiwa

    All details for the board game Atiwa and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Atiwa
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  28. Sons of Anarchy: Men of Mayhem

    All details for the board game Sons of Anarchy: Men of Mayhem and similar games
    • 3 - 4 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  29. Azul: Queen's Garden

    All details for the board game Azul: Queen's Garden and similar games

    Azul: Queen's Garden invites players back to Sintra's palace, tasking them with crafting an exquisite garden for Queen Maria of Aragon.

    More details for Azul: Queen's Garden
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    👍 Good price!42€ atAmazon.de*
  30. Heaven & Ale

    All details for the board game Heaven & Ale and similar games

    Heaven & Ale is a strategic board game set in the intriguing world of monastic brewing. Players take on the roles of monks in charge of ancient monasteries, tasked with brewing high-quality beer. The game combines resource management, timing, and competitive elements, challenging players to skillfully balance the upgrading of their monastery's garden with the efficient harvesting of resources necessary for brewing.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2018

    More details for Heaven & Ale
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

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