Board games are a great way to have fun, socialize, and challenge your brain. Whether you are looking for strategy, fantasy, or story-focused games, there is something for everyone in the board game market. Here are some of the best board games to play in 2023, according to Dexerto, a leading online platform for gaming and esports news.
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion – The best board game overall
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion is a standalone spin-off of the hugely popular Gloomhaven, a cooperative game that combines dungeon-crawling, card-based combat, and role-playing elements. In Jaws of the Lion, you and up to three other players take on the roles of mercenaries in a dark fantasy world, exploring dangerous locations, fighting enemies, and making decisions that affect the story.
Jaws of the Lion is more beginner-friendly than Gloomhaven, as it has a simpler rulebook, a tutorial campaign, and a smaller box size. However, it still offers plenty of depth and replayability, as you can customize your characters, unlock new abilities, and discover secrets. If you are looking for an immersive and addictive board game experience, Jaws of the Lion is a must-try.
Dead of Winter – The best resource management game
Dead of Winter is a cooperative game that puts you in the shoes of survivors in a zombie apocalypse. You and your fellow players must work together to keep your colony alive, while also pursuing your own secret objectives. You will have to manage your resources, such as food, fuel, and weapons, as well as deal with crises, threats, and moral dilemmas.
Dead of Winter is a game that tests your strategic thinking, your teamwork skills, and your trust in others. You never know if one of your teammates is a traitor who wants to sabotage the colony or if they have a hidden agenda that conflicts with yours. Dead of Winter is a game that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you question your choices.
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate – The best fantasy game
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a game that combines the classic board game Betrayal at House on the Hill with the iconic Dungeons & Dragons setting of Baldur’s Gate. You and your friends explore the city of Baldur’s Gate, encountering monsters, traps, and treasures along the way. However, at some point in the game, one of you will turn traitor and become an enemy of the rest.
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a game that offers a lot of variety and replayability. There are 50 different scenarios that can trigger the betrayal phase, each with its own rules and objectives. You can play as different characters from the D&D universe, such as rogues, clerics, or wizards. You can also experience different locations and events from Baldur’s Gate lore. If you are a fan of fantasy and horror genres, Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a game that will satisfy your cravings.
Root – The best strategy game
Root is a game that pits four different factions against each other in a struggle for control over a woodland realm. Each faction has its own unique abilities, goals, and play style. You can play as the Marquise de Cat, who wants to exploit the forest resources; the Eyrie Dynasties, who want to restore their former glory; the Woodland Alliance, who want to spark a rebellion; or the Vagabond, who wants to influence and manipulate everyone.
Root is a game that requires careful planning, tactical thinking, and adaptation. You have to balance your actions between expanding your territory, attacking your enemies, and completing your objectives. You also have to pay attention to what your opponents are doing and how they can affect your plans. Root is a game that will challenge you and reward you with every move.
Queen by Midnight – The best new deck-builder
Queen by Midnight is a game that combines deck-building mechanics with social deduction elements. You are one of the nobles vying for the throne after the death of the queen. You have to build your deck of cards by recruiting allies from different factions, such as knights, mages, or spies. You also have to use your cards to influence other players or reveal their secrets.
Queen by Midnight is a game that mixes strategy and bluffing in an intriguing way. You have to decide which cards to add to your deck and which ones to play at the right moment. You also have to be careful about who you trust and who you betray. Queen by Midnight is a game that will keep you guessing until the end.
