The best Real-Time board games ⏳ 2024

Looking for a game that really gets you going? Then we have just the thing: a list of the best 31 real-time social games ⏳.

What does "real-time" mean in dice, card & board games?

Real-time social games often allow players to complete their turns (or part of their turns) simultaneously. This is in contrast to turn-based games. There are also some real-time games where there are consequences if a player does not make their move in a certain amount of time.

Real-time means: constantly making decisions

So you have to overcome both the challenge of making decisions under pressure and the fact that there is almost no waiting or downtime. Some of the real-time board games destroy any kind of relaxed and casual atmosphere for some players - you should definitely be in the right mood for real-time games.

Exit games are mostly "real time games" as well

Escape room, escape room, or exit room games almost all also run in real time, both temporally and technically. But since they feel like their own distinct game genre, we've additionally created another list for you for exit games: The Best Escape Room Board Games - and yet another category: The Best Crime Dinner Games for Home.

List of the best real-time ⏳ board games 2024

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 2796 board games for this list and selected the top 31. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. KLASK

    All details for the board game KLASK and similar games

    KLASK is a magnetic, fast-paced table-top game that combines elements of air hockey and foosball, offering a unique and exciting gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for KLASK
    • 2 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    🔥 Great price!50€ atAmazon.de*
  2. Telestrations

    All details for the board game Telestrations and similar games

    Telestrations is a light-hearted and entertaining party game that blends drawing and word-guessing in a hilarious and often unpredictable way. The game is based on the classic concept of "telephone" but adds a visual twist.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 7.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kinderspiel des Jahres 2013

    More details for Telestrations
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Telestrations

    • YouTube Review for the game "Telestrations" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  3. Ready Set Bet

    All details for the board game Ready Set Bet and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Ready Set Bet
    • 2 - 9 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Werewords

    All details for the board game Werewords and similar games

    Werewords is a fast-paced word-guessing game blended with the intrigue of a hidden role mechanism. In this engaging party game, players work together to guess a secret word, while also navigating the deceit of a werewolf who knows the word but is trying to lead them astray.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2019

    More details for Werewords
    • 4 - 10 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  5. 5-Minute Dungeon

    All details for the board game 5-Minute Dungeon and similar games

    5-Minute Dungeon is a fast-paced, cooperative, real-time card game that challenges players to escape a dungeon within a five-minute time limit. The game is characterized by its intense pace and the need for quick thinking and effective teamwork.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for 5-Minute Dungeon
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 5 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  6. Mutabo

    All details for the board game Mutabo and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 - 45 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!19€ atAmazon.de*
  7. Telestrations After Dark

    All details for the board game Telestrations After Dark and similar games
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 17+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  8. When I Dream

    All details for the board game When I Dream and similar games

    When I Dream is a whimsical and imaginative board game that delves into the world of dreams, blending elements of storytelling, deduction, and teamwork in a playful setting.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for When I Dream
    • 4 - 10 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for When I Dream

    • YouTube Review for the game "When I Dream" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  9. Escape: The Curse of the Temple – Big Box

    All details for the board game Escape: The Curse of the Temple – Big Box and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Escape: The Curse of the Temple – Big Box

    • YouTube Review for the game "Escape: The Curse of the Temple – Big Box" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  10. Loopin' Louie

    All details for the board game Loopin' Louie and similar games

    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
  11. Kites

    All details for the board game Kites and similar games

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Kites
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  12. Loony Quest

    All details for the board game Loony Quest and similar games

    Loony Quest is a vibrant and imaginative drawing game set in the fantastical land of Arkadia, where players embark on an adventurous quest to win a royal tournament and claim the throne of an heirless king. The game stands out with its unique blend of drawing challenges and video game-inspired mechanics, making it a delightful experience for players of all ages.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Loony Quest
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Loony Quest

    • YouTube Review for the game "Loony Quest" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  13. Pictomania

    All details for the board game Pictomania and similar games

    Pictomania turns the conventional drawing game on its head by combining drawing and guessing into simultaneous, frenetic action. This game, perfect for those who pride themselves on either their quick sketching or sharp guessing skills, ensures a level playing field and promises high energy from start to finish. Over five rounds, players are challenged to draw a word or phrase indicated by randomly assigned cards while also guessing what their opponents are drawing to earn points. Missteps can lead to becoming the round's "black sheep," affecting scores negatively, making each stroke and guess a calculated risk.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Pictomania
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. 5-Minute Mystery

    All details for the board game 5-Minute Mystery and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 5 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!22€ atAmazon.de*
  15. Escape: The Curse of the Temple

    All details for the board game Escape: The Curse of the Temple and similar games

    Escape: The Curse of the Temple is a cooperative, real-time board game that offers an exhilarating and unique gaming experience. The game's theme centers around players working together to escape a cursed temple before it collapses.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 1.

    More details for Escape: The Curse of the Temple
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Escape: The Curse of the Temple

    • YouTube Review for the game "Escape: The Curse of the Temple" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  16. Captain Sonar

    All details for the board game Captain Sonar and similar games

    Embark on an adrenaline-pumping undersea adventure with Captain Sonar, a board game that plunges you into the heart of intense submarine warfare. In this gripping scenario, every move and decision can be the difference between victory and defeat. Form a skilled crew aboard a cutting-edge submarine as you strive to locate and eliminate an enemy sub before they do the same to you. The underwater battlefield is unforgiving, and effective communication and coordination are paramount for success.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 3.

    More details for Captain Sonar
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Captain Sonar

    • YouTube Review for the game "Captain Sonar" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Captain Sonar" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  17. Ghost Blitz

    All details for the board game Ghost Blitz and similar games

    Ghost Blitz is a fast-paced and exciting game that tests your reflexes and ability to recognize shapes and colors. The game revolves around Balduin, the house ghost, who has accidentally created a set of puzzling photographs with his enchanted camera, leading to a spirited game of quick thinking and fast grabbing.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for Ghost Blitz
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!10€ atAmazon.de*
  18. Happy Salmon

    All details for the board game Happy Salmon and similar games

    Happy Salmon is a delightfully simple and frenetic card game that promises loads of laughter and fast-paced fun. With no turns and rapid-fire gameplay, it's perfect for parties and family gatherings.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Happy Salmon
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 2 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  19. Spot it!

    All details for the board game Spot it! and similar games

    Spot it!, also known as Dobble, is a fast-paced, fun-filled pattern recognition game. It's a simple yet engaging game where players race to find matching symbols between two cards.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 2.

    More details for Spot it!
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  20. Anomia

    All details for the board game Anomia and similar games

    Anomia is a fast-paced card game that tests players' ability to quickly recall random information under pressure. The game draws on players' knowledge of various categories like food, music, and more. Gameplay involves drawing cards and facing off with other players in a battle of quick thinking when matching symbols are revealed. Players must rapidly provide examples of the category on their opponent's card, with successful answers winning them the card. The challenge intensifies with wild cards that create unexpected matches and cascading face-offs triggered by card exchanges.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.

    More details for Anomia
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  21. Unlock!: Timeless Adventures

    All details for the board game Unlock!: Timeless Adventures and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  22. Unlock! Kids: Detective Stories

    All details for the board game Unlock! Kids: Detective Stories and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Unlock! Kids: Detective Stories
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 6+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  23. Mini-Mutabo

    All details for the board game Mini-Mutabo and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  24. 5-Minute Marvel

    All details for the board game 5-Minute Marvel and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 5 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  25. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

    All details for the board game Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and similar games

    Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is a lively and fast-paced card game that combines elements of classic hand-slapping games like "Snap" and "Dobble". The game is simple, fun, and suitable for players of all ages, making it a great choice for family game nights or casual get-togethers.

    More details for Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
    • 2 - 8 Players
    • 10 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  26. Groundhog Day: The Game

    All details for the board game Groundhog Day: The Game and similar games
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  27. WeyKick

    All details for the board game WeyKick and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 3+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!178€ atAmazon.de*
  28. Dr. Eureka

    All details for the board game Dr. Eureka and similar games

    Dr. Eureka is a fast-paced, dexterity-based board game that challenges players to become the quickest and most precise scientist in the laboratory. Designed for players with a keen sense of logic and a steady hand, this game puts your problem-solving and fine motor skills to the test.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Dr. Eureka
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  29. Farm & Furious

    All details for the board game Farm & Furious and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  30. FUSE

    All details for the board game FUSE and similar games

    FUSE is a fast-paced, real-time cooperative game that sets players in the roles of a Bomb Defusal Team (BDT) on a ship under threat. With the clock ticking, players must work together quickly and efficiently to defuse a series of bombs within a ten-minute timeframe. The game combines elements of strategy, communication, and quick decision-making under pressure.

    More details for FUSE
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  31. Space Alert

    All details for the board game Space Alert and similar games

    Space Alert is a thrilling cooperative game where players become crew members of a spaceship navigating dangerous parts of the galaxy. Unique for its real-time gameplay, each mission in Space Alert is a frantic race against time, lasting precisely 10 minutes. The game stands out for its use of a soundtrack that not only enhances the thematic experience but also functions as a timer for the game.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 2.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2009

    More details for Space Alert
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
    👍 Good price!40€ atAmazon.de*

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