The best player elimination board, card & dice games 2025
Looking for a good game where you kick out other players? Then we have just the thing: The best player elimination games 2025.
What are Player Elimination games about?
One or more players can be eliminated from the game or from a round and can no longer actively participate in the game or round. In German, "Player Elimination" is best translated as "Ausschalten von Spielern" or "eliminating players".
What happens to the material of an eliminated player?
In some of these "Player Elimination" games, all material of an eliminated player is also removed from the game; in others, the material may remain in the game as neutral material (Love Letter). For example, an eliminated player's armies and cities may disappear from a map or become neutral armies and cities.
Can eliminated players still win?
In most games, a retired player cannot win, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, in some games where victory is based on points, a retired player's score is still eligible to win.
Can a player be voluntarily eliminated?
In most games where a player is eliminated, a player is eliminated involuntarily. However, in some games a player may choose to be eliminated (in the hope that his score will be enough to win (e.g. in Wooly Wars).
Player elimination sometimes minor & rare
Player elimination is possible in some games, but rare in practice and does not occur in a "typical session" (e.g. Age of Steam).
Many games elimination of players as a central element
In some games, player elimination is common. In extreme cases, all but one player (the sole survivor = the eventual winner) is eliminated during a session (e.g. Titan). In many player elimination games, some players are typically eliminated, but not several other players (e.g. Werewolf and BANG!).
Two-player games are not part of this list
Elimination of players does not include pure two-player games where the goal is to defeat the opponent (e.g. Chess).
List of the best games to eliminate players 2025
Love Letter
More details for Love LetterLove Letter is a charming and strategic card game where players vie for the affection of a noble Princess, aspiring to become her most trusted confidant. Utilizing a blend of deduction, risk, and luck, players must navigate the royal court by enlisting influential characters to deliver their love letter to the Princess.
- 2 - 6 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Love Letter
Love Letter
In Love Letter, you must compete with other suitors to deliver a romantic letter to Princess Annette, who has secluded herself in the palace.
Nominated for 15 awards and won 7.
More details for Love Letter- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Love Letter
Skull
Embark on a journey of bluffing and suspense with Skull & Roses. This game is the epitome of strategic cunning, where every move unfolds in the minds of the players. Each participant starts by placing a face-down card, gradually revealing them one by one. The thrill escalates as players confidently claim the ability to uncover cards adorned only with roses. But beware, as opponents can challenge and bid to reveal even more cards. The highest bidder must then courageously unveil the specified number, hoping for a bed of roses and not the dreaded skull. Successfully navigating this bluffing showdown requires a poker face and unwavering eye contact, with victory hinging on two successful challenges.
Nominated for 5 awards and won 2.
More details for Skull- 3 - 6 Players
- 15 - 45 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Skull
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.
More details for Unmatched: Cobble & Fog- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 - 40 Minutes
- 9+ years old
- Easy to learn
Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated
Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated is an innovative extension of the deck-building game Clank!, incorporating legacy-style elements. Players get the opportunity to establish and grow their own franchise of Acquisitions Incorporated, leading a team of intrepid adventurers on a quest for treasure and corporate fame. The game evolves uniquely across multiple play sessions, creating a personalized adventure campaign.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated- 2 - 4 Players
- 90 - 120 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Medium difficulty
Star Realms: Frontiers
Star Realms: Frontiers is a dynamic standalone game within the Star Realms series, offering fast-paced space combat with deckbuilding elements. Designed for 1-4 players, it can be enjoyed on its own or integrated with other Star Realms sets for expanded play.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Star Realms: Frontiers- 1 - 4 Players
- 20 - 45 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
King of Tokyo: Dark Edition
More details for King of Tokyo: Dark EditionKing 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.
- 2 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Easy to learn
Secret Hitler
Secret Hitler is a compelling board game set in the tumultuous political landscape of 1930s Germany. This game of deception and deduction requires players to conceal their identities while working towards opposite goals, depending on whether they are liberals or fascists.
Nominated for 1 award.
More details for Secret Hitler- 5 - 10 Players
- 45 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Easy to learn
Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One
Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One is a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game that brings together a roster of legendary figures, each represented by a unique deck that reflects their individual style and mythology. The game combines tactical movement with a no-luck combat resolution system, offering a distinct play experience that emphasizes skill and adaptability.
Nominated for 5 awards.
More details for Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 - 40 Minutes
- 9+ years old
- Easy to learn
Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure
Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure is an exciting board game where players become daring thieves, sneaking into a dragon's lair to steal artifacts while avoiding making noise to prevent waking the dragon.
Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.
More details for Clank!: A Deck-Building Adventure- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 - 60 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
King of Tokyo
King of Tokyo is a game where players take on the roles of mutant monsters, robots, and aliens, all competing to become the sole King of Tokyo.
Nominated for 20 awards and won 7.
More details for King of Tokyo- 2 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Hero Realms
Hero Realms is a captivating, fantasy-themed deck-building game that builds on the mechanics of the highly acclaimed Star Realms. It offers a versatile gaming experience suitable for different player formats and styles.
Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.
More details for Hero Realms- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 12+ years old
- Easy to learn
Strike
Strike is a thrilling dice game that combines luck, skill, and a bit of daring. Players toss dice into an arena (the game box itself, cleverly designed to keep the action contained) with the aim of matching dice numbers to keep playing and ultimately be the last one standing with dice in hand.
Nominated for 2 awards.
⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2012
More details for Strike- 2 - 5 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Strike
King of Tokyo: Monster Box
More details for King of Tokyo: Monster BoxAll the King of Tokyo fun comes in a Monster Box. The battle for dominance in Tokyo has never been more intense, packed with excitement and adrenaline! It includes the essential Power Up! and Halloween expansions, evolution cards to enhance your monsters, and even a new version of Gigazaur with exclusive cards and a new dice tray for stylishly wreaking havoc in Tokyo.
- 2 - 6 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Love Letter: Adventure Time
More details for Love Letter: Adventure TimeAdventure Time Love Letter is a game of risk, deduction, and luck for 2-4 players, re-themed with characters from the animated hit. Players aim to win the affection of Princess Bubblegum by playing cards to eliminate opponents, scoring points through strategy.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Star Wars: Jabba's Palace – A Love Letter Game
More details for Star Wars: Jabba's Palace – A Love Letter GameJabba's lair is a place of danger and deception. Players compete with members of the Rebel Alliance and the residents of Jabba's Palace, using the abilities of iconic characters while trying to outsmart their opponents. The game retains the simple and fun mechanics of the original, introducing Agenda cards that offer new victory conditions and additional strategic depth.
- 2 - 6 Players
- 20 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Perudo
Perudo, also known as Liar's Dice, Bluff, or Dudo, is a classic South American dice game that combines elements of luck, skill, and bluffing. It's a game where players attempt to outwit each other through bold claims and challenges.
Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.
⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1993
More details for Perudo- 2 - 6 Players
- 15 - 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Lovecraft Letter
More details for Lovecraft LetterLovecraft Letter transports you into the eerie world of H.P. Lovecraft in the 1920s. This card game, a unique take on the Love Letter system, blends mystery with an "insanity" mechanic that adds depth and intrigue to the gameplay.
- 2 - 6 Players
- 5 - 15 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Lovecraft Letter
BANG! The Dice Game
BANG! The Dice Game transports players to the U.S. wild west, where the classic confrontation between the law and outlaws unfolds with an added threat of Indian attacks. This dice game adaptation retains the essence of the original Bang! card game while introducing new dynamics and challenges.
Nominated for 3 awards.
More details for BANG! The Dice Game- 3 - 8 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Exploding Kittens: Party Pack
More details for Exploding Kittens: Party PackPlayers take turns drawing cards in a cat-themed version of Russian Roulette until someone picks an exploding kitten and loses. The deck includes cards to avoid explosions, force opponents to draw multiple cards, or shuffle the deck. This standalone game accommodates 2 to 10 players and features content from the Exploding Kittens series and its app.
- 2 - 10 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 7+ years old
- Immediately playable
Coup
Coup is a strategic bluffing game set in an Italian city-state. Players, as heads of rival families, seek to outmaneuver and eliminate others to be the last one standing. Influence is key, represented by face-down character cards, each offering unique powers.
Nominated for 2 awards.
More details for Coup- 2 - 6 Players
- 15 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Coup
Downforce
Downforce is a fast-paced and exhilarating board game that captures the intense world of motor racing. Combining elements of card-driven gameplay, bidding, and betting, it offers a thrilling race experience for 2-6 players.
Nominated for 3 awards.
More details for Downforce- 2 - 6 Players
- 20 - 40 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Easy to learn
Loopin' Louie
Loopin' Louie is a light-hearted, action-packed board game that is as silly as it is addictive. Designed for players of all ages, this game centers around protecting your chickens from a looping airplane piloted by Louie.
Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.
⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1994
⭐️ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2006
More details for Loopin' Louie- 2 - 4 Players
- 10 Minutes
- 4+ years old
- Immediately playable
The Red Dragon Inn: Allies – Spyke and Flower
More details for The Red Dragon Inn: Allies – Spyke and FlowerSpyke and Flower are Munchkins on a quest to defeat monsters, take their treasures, and level up for even more chaos. They arrive at the Red Dragon Inn to see what all the buzz is about, but their attempts to impress the regulars backfire. This standalone expansion allows two players to drink, fight, and compete to prove they are the best Munchkin, featuring a new drink deck and a variant for a third player, making it perfect for head-to-head play or combining with other sets for larger groups.
- 2 Players
- 20 - 40 Minutes
- 13+ years old
- Immediately playable
Finska Mini
More details for Finska MiniPlayers attempt to knock over wooden pins, known as "kegel," labeled with numbers from 1 to 12 using a wooden club, also called "mölkky." The pins are initially arranged closely together in an upright position. Scoring occurs based on the number of pins knocked over, with the first player to reach exactly 50 points winning the game. Exceeding 50 points results in a score reset to 25, and a player is eliminated if they miss all target pins three times in a row.
- 2 - 99 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 6+ years old
- Immediately playable
Ca$h 'n Guns: Second Edition
Ca$h 'n Guns: Second Edition is an action-packed board game that combines strategy, bluffing, and a touch of luck, capturing the essence of classic gangster movie showdowns. In this game, players are members of a gangster band, aiming to outsmart each other in a bid to end up with the most loot after eight intense rounds.
Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.
More details for Ca$h 'n Guns: Second Edition- 4 - 8 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 10+ years old
- Immediately playable
Video reviews for Ca$h 'n Guns: Second Edition
King of Tokyo: Origins
More details for King of Tokyo: OriginsPlayers take on the role of monsters battling for supremacy in a standalone game designed for newcomers. It features four new monsters, a mix of power cards, energy dice, and special yellow dice. The objective is to be the first to reach 20 points or be the last monster standing. Players roll six dice to gain points, energy, heal, or attack others, with various strategic options for each turn.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Love Letter: The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five Armies
More details for Love Letter: The Hobbit – The Battle of the Five ArmiesPlayers engage in a game of risk, deduction, and luck for 2-4 participants, inspired by the original Love Letter. The deck consists of 17 cards, with unique abilities and rankings that influence gameplay. Players aim to be the last active participant or hold the highest card to earn points, and the first to win 4-7 rounds, depending on the player count, claims victory.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 20 - 30 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
Dungeon Mayhem
More details for Dungeon MayhemDungeon Mayhem drops you into the heart of an action-packed Dungeons & Dragons card battle where the last adventurer standing claims victory. Choose from four unique, quirky characters—be it the barbarian, paladin, rogue, or wizard—and dive into a dungeon brimming with treasures and challenges. With a lively mix of strategy and luck, you'll sling spells, swing weapons, and strategize to outmaneuver your opponents. The vivid illustrations bring each character's personality to life, making every match not just a battle, but a story unfolding right before your eyes.
- 2 - 4 Players
- 10 Minutes
- 8+ years old
- Immediately playable
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