15 Best Board Game Apps 2023 – Mobile App Board Games

Board games are great when you can physically spread them out in front of you and play with your friends, but sometimes you may want to play on on the go, whenever and wherever you are. There can be a downside to board games, as many of them require you to play with other people in the same room. We have found that board game apps are a solution to this problem and can help pass the time, while also giving you your board gaming fix all from your mobile device. There are some really great mobile board games that we consider the best board game apps currently on the market! We will give you our list of apps that we consider the best app games in the board gaming category!

Mobile app board games also allow you to download a digital version of a board game and learn the play style and logistics of the game. This is great for someone who wants to play a new board game before playing with others. Once they feel comfortable playing the app version of the game, they can easily transition into playing the physical board game with other people.

Luckily, they have all kinds of digital board games for your mobile device, whether you want to play IOS board games or Android board game apps. Most of these board game apps are available on both devices, but some are only available on either IOS or Android.

Many of the board game apps allow you to play online with others or play locally with other people who own the app game. Some of the best board game apps are free or require a small fee to own. 

In this article, we will go over some of the best board game apps that you can download on your IOS or Android device right now! So let’s get into the best app games currently in the board gaming market. 

THE BEST BOARD GAME APPS

Here is our list of mobile app board games that we consider the best board game apps to play in 2023. This list is not in any order, so feel free to choose the best board game app that you think you can have the most fun playing on your mobile device.

New board game app are constantly coming out, so we will be sure to add to this list as they do! Keep in mind that not all of these board games were released this year, but the apps listed in this article still hold up as our favorites to play in 2023.

All of these board game apps were developed based on their physical copies that you may already have in your board game collection. We will list links to their physical copies, along with their links to download on your device.

Here are some of our favorite mobile app board games of 2023:

1. Raiders of the North Sea
2. Star Realms
3. Splendor
4. Ticket to Ride
5. Catan Classic
6. Risk
7. Stratego
8. Lost Cities
9. Tokaido
10. 7 Wonders
11. Mysterium
12. Wingspan
13. Sagrada
14. Lanterns
15. San Juan (Puerto Rico)

We will go into more details about each of these board game apps below!

1. Raiders of the North Sea

“Raiders is mounting a serious challenge as one of the best mobile board games out there.” – Kotaku’

That is a huge statement, and maybe that’s why it was the first game we thought of to put on our list of best board game apps. We absolutely love playing the viking adventure game, Raiders of the North Sea, on our mobile phones. 

In Raiders of the North Sea, players assemble a crew and outfit a longboat to raid settlements for gold and fame. You must work to impress your Chieftain in glorious battle and win your place among the legends of the North Sea!

Raiders of the North Sea is one of our favorite board games and we believe the app version is a faithful and accurate recreation of the physical verison of the game. The gameplay is top notch, and the art, animations, and transitions are super smooth and immersive. The developers really did a great job creating this app.

After playing the board game version for some time, we were very happy that we can now take this awesome game wherever we go with the mobile app version! For a small price, we were able to own the board game app on our mobile device and play wherever/whenever. 

One thing we have noticed while playing the app version is the care and attention to detail that’s evidently been put into this digital implementation. The game board has swirling clouds and fun animations, but none of the bling gets in the way of essential functions of the game.

If you love the physical version of Raiders of the North Sea, then we definitely recommend downloading that app so that you have it forever on your phone.

If you are interested, you can use the buttons below to download the app on either IOS or Android. Enjoy!

IOS or Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Raiders of the North Sea.

2. Star Realms

Star Realms is a hugely popular space combat deckbuilding game that has now been implemented into a mobile app version that anyone can download for FREE.

Designed by Magic the Gathering Hall of Famers Darwin Kastle and Rob Dougherty (of the Ascension Deckbuilding Game), Star Realms provides tons of playability for free, and a one-time upgrade to be able to play with your friends and more on any device.

Gameplay consists of battling your opponent in a race to deplete each other’s Authority to zero. This is accomplished by directly attacking them. Players must choose how they spend to build their engines which ultimately increases their power and attack. Work to purchase upgrades that will better combine abilities to attack and destroy your opponent.

You start with a basic deck each game and draft from a market in the center. As you learn the different factions, you learn what combinations work well together and get to a point where you can almost always find a good option in the market.

We think this game is fantastic. If you enjoy Magic the Gathering, but don’t want to spend time on deck management or between games, then you should definitely check this app out.

We have only played the free version so far, and we have enjoyed it immensely. In fact, you can play the first campaign stage and then just play battles pretty much forever without paying anything. If you do decide to pay for content, it is reasonably priced in our opinion. 

The paid version is a great option if you would like to play Star Realms with your friends. We may opt into purchasing the upgrade so that we can play this awesome app with our friends. 

Star Realms is definitely worth the free download! You can use the buttons below to download this app on the Apple Store or Google Play Store, depending on the device you own.

IOS or Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the deck building game Star Realms.

3. Splendor™: The Board Game

In the mobile board game app Splendor, you must use your resources and recruit artisans to collect gems and become the most influential merchant of the renaissance.

This is the official digital adaptation of the famous board game. As a wealthy Renaissance merchant, you can invest in mines and recruit the most renowned artisans. Create a commercial empire of diamonds and gems to attract the nobles of the time and earn glory and prestige!

Turn-taking is fast: you have one and one only action! Watch your opponents, anticipate their actions and save your best cards. Try different tactics and strategies because only one player will become the richest and most influential guild master.

We were first introduced to the board game, Splendor, and immediately became obsessed (once we understood the game play). We saw that there was an app and immediately purchased it, and two years later we haven’t regretted it (except perhaps when it’s kept us up way past bed time).

You can play against the AS, pass and play, or play online. The mini challenges are fantastic variations of the game and we wish they would add more (maybe in a future update).

It’s exactly like the board game, and we love the strategy element of having to think ahead, yet also having to depend on luck of the draw. It may take a minute to really grasp how to play, but once you learn, you’ll never go back. 

If you are interested in purchasing this app to add to your collection, you can use the buttons below!

IOS or Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Splendor.

4. Ticket to Ride

First, we must say that Ticket to Ride is probably one of our favorites, if not our favorite, board game. When we heard that there was a mobile app being made, our expectations were really high. 

Set off with your friends and family to re(discover) Ticket to Ride, the classic board game. In this railway adventure, you’ll need to be the quickest to link up your cities and reach your destinations.

In this strategy game, you can try out different tactics, block your competitors’ lines and take over routes before the others do. With so many different strategies to try, each new game is a unique experience.

Travel the world from Europe to India, passing through the legendary China, facing new challenges by purchasing additional cards with their own special rules (available in expansion packs).

We LOVE playing the Ticket to Ride board game with friends, and knowing that I can play it anywhere at anytime on my mobile device is awesome. The mobile app version of Ticket to Ride passed our expectations and we definitely recommend downloading a copy for yourself!

You can use the buttons below to download and purchase Ticket to Ride either on the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

IOS or Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Ticket to Ride.

5. Catan Classic

“Catan”, is a legendary strategy game that you can now enjoy anytime and anywhere with the mobile board game app download.

True to the original game, you can compete with up to four players for the most settlements, the longest roads and the largest army. You can trade with each other and claim the precious land with all its resources.

The game allows you to challenge other Catan fans online via cross-platform multiplayer to prove your strategy skills or play against the AI: Various computer opponents, each with their own individual characteristics, will prove themselves worthy competitors: the pirate Jean, who knows no compromise, Vincent the merchant, who never allows himself to be cheated, Sean the knight, who takes what is rightfully his…

The popular Catan expansions “Seafarers”, “Cities and Knights” and two new special scenarios are available as In-App purchases.

This is a MUST HAVE app for all board game lovers. It gives you a chance to practice your skills in Catan so that you can school your friends next time you play in person.

Download today by using the buttons below!

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Catan.

6. RISK: Global Domination

Everybody wants to rule the world! Now you can play the classic game of Hasbro’s RISK online.

Risk is a strategy game of diplomacy, conflict and conquest. Turns rotate among players who control armies of playing pieces with which they attempt to capture territories from other players. The goal of the game is to occupy every territory and eliminate the other players.

If you are a fan of strategy games, then this is probably the best one on mobile as you can battle with other players online.

We grew up playing risk with the family and we feel like the mobile app version does the original due justice. It is not long and drawn out like the board game and they have lots of maps and scenarios to keep it interesting.

There is a free version, but you can buy the premium pack to get rid of the ads and play as much as you want. We think the premium version is worth it.

This is one of our go to games for online or offline play. There are simple and complicated maps, and plenty of different games modes.

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Risk.

7. Stratego ® Single Player

Stratego® is a game that has been in played so many times through my childhood. It is all about good tactics, strategy and cold hard bluff, a combination of chess and poker.

This strategy battle game has been played by millions of board game players and is now available to play right from your mobile phone,

What we love about this board game app is that we can play as many battles as we want, and we can keep track of our tactical skills in the overall battle statistics.

Playing this app brings back so many memories and gives us an opportunity to play anytime and anywhere.

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Stratego.

8. Lost Cities

Lost Cities is a board game app that takes you on a journey to undiscovered countries and mythical places. Compete against a friend, a stranger or one of 4 different computer players, in what has been called a “two player Solitaire with an extra portion of suspense”.

Lost Cities is a card game played by two players. The objective of the game is to mount profitable expeditions to one or more of the five lost cities (the Himalayas, the Brazilian Rain Forest, the Desert Sands, the Ancient Volcanos and Neptune’s Realm).

Key Features of the Lost Cities Board Game App:

• online matches against game center friends or strangers
• 4 different AI players with distinct skill levels and play styles
• voice acted interactive tutorial and comprehensive rules
• beautiful full-length atmospheric soundtrack

Lost Cities is a great app that will sure bring a lot of fun for a low price. Unfortunately, it is only available for iOS users, but will hopefully become available soon for Android users. Use the buttons below to claim your copy today!

IOS

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Lost Cities.

9. Tokaido™

In the digital adaptation of Tokaido, you are a traveler, in the heart of ancient Japan, walking the legendary East Sea road from Kyoto to Edo, trying to make the trek as fulfilling as possible. 

Discover the most magnificent landscapes, taste numerous culinary specialties, acquire rare and precious souvenirs, bathe in hot springs, visit the temples, and meet other travelers…. Tokaido is a rite of passage for the heart, walking in serenity and contemplation.

But do not be fooled by the peaceful appearance of the voyage, because you will have to demonstrate stronger strategy than your opponents if you want to win!

Whether you sneak along as a messenger, a geisha, or even a ronin, you must discover as many hidden marvels as you can along the road, so your journey is the most satisfying of all!

The digital board game app version of Tokaido offers an entirely new graphical experience! Whether you are a first-time fan, in love with Japan, or merely a curious newbie, the digital version allows each player to discover the celebrated Tokaido road in a new form.

We love that Tokaido retains the famous clean graphic design of the board game, but it also offers unprecedented immersive 3D, realtime graphics, all accompanied by a superb and unprecedented soundtrack, composed specifically for the game.

This board game app is a must have to download on your Android or iOS device. Use the buttons below to go to the App Store of your choice to download this awesome game!

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Tokaido.

10. 7 Wonders

7 Wonders is an awesome strategy card game that is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. In this digital adaptation of the board game, you can compete against players from all around the world.

7 Wonders is fast-paced, well-balanced and accessible strategy card game. Develop your military, scientific, commercial or civil domains… Choose your strategy and place your cards to develop your civilization and construct one the seven wonders of the world.

The simple rules and the convenient tutorial will help you master the interface and the different game concepts to guarantee an incredible gaming experience.

Here are some great features of the app version of 7 Wonders:

• There are no cards to collect, the drafting mechanism guarantees that players are on an equal footing each game. Your strategy will make the difference, not the size of your card collection.
• All players act simultaneously, as such you do not wait for each other player to finish their turn.
• Sharpen your skills by playing against the A.I.
• Up to 7 players per game.
• Game length is 5–8 Minutes

We love playing the board game 7 Wonders! Having a digital version installed on our phone makes it all the more better that we can play whenever and wherever we are. Use the buttons below to download your version today!

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game 7 Wonders.

10. Mysterium

Mysterium is one of our favorite board games to play with friends, and it is just as awesome playing on the app! For those looking for something a little different, Mysterium is a cooperative game where players will work together to complete the same objective.

In this game, the players are divided into one ghost and and the mediums. The mediums are the psychic investigators trying to decrypt the visions given by the ghost.

Each medium is assigned a suspect, location of the murder, and the murder weapon. Only the ghost knows what each player is assigned. The ghost will use the app to distribute vision cards to the medium players that hint at what each one is assigned. 

The players get seven turns, seven clock strikes, to finish guessing. Only then can they move to the next phase. The next phase is guessing which suspect is the culprit. The culprit is actually decided by the ghost.

The violent knocks, the spooky mansion, the cool blue hourglass, and the ominous crows make Mysterium all the more thrilling. All of these spooky aspects are perfectly portrayed in this awesome board game app!

Use the buttons below to download your version today!

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Mysterium.

11. Wingspan

Wingspan is probably the most well known engine building game to a lot of people, and most likely the first game that you will play in this genre of board games. It’s a competitive, medium weight, card-driven, engine building board game that is also just as great as a board game app!

In the app, you are a bird enthusiast who is researching, watching, and collecting birds with the main goal being to discover and attract the best birds to your network of wildlife preserves.

A player’s actions consist of creating powerful combinations of birds and habitats that will gain you food tokens, lay eggs, and draw from hundreds of unique bird cards. You must use strategic gameplay to plan ahead and choose wisely when playing these unique bird cards.

Right now, Wingspan is only available on IOS. Use the buttons below to download your copy today!

IOS

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Wingspan.

12. Sagrada

Bring your stained glass masterpiece to dazzling digital life in Sagrada, the dice-drafting board game from Floodgate Games.

Take turns selecting colorful dice and placing them in your gorgeous stained-glass window. The artisan who creates the most beautiful window wins.

Get your copy of Sagrada on IOS or Android. Use the buttons below to download your copy today!

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Sagrada.

13. Lanterns

Bright colors and beautiful artwork are the highlights of this quick to learn tile placement board game. In Lanterns the Harvest Festival, players act as artisans who have been commissioned to float lantern-like colorful ornaments in the palace lake to celebrate the latest harvest. The players garner honor (aka points) from the palace court through dedications that they make using their collected lanterns. 

In Lanterns, players take turns arranging colorful floating lanterns on a ceremonial lake. Completing sets of lanterns earns Honor, and at the end of the game the player with the most Honor wins.

Vibrant visual effects, skilled AI, meditative environmental music and smooth touch play translate the delightful zen of Lanterns: The Harvest Festival to your phone or tablet.

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Lanterns.

14. San Juan (Puerto Rico)

I was actually introduced to the board game Puerto Rico through an online version of the game on Board Game Arena. After playing for hours, I decided to purchase the app version so that I could play on my phone anywhere I wanted. This game is HUGE on strategy and planning every move. Yes, a little luck can come into play, but it mostly comes down to how you utilize the resources in front of you.

In Puerto Rico, players assume toles of colonial governors working to earn victory points by shipping goods to Europe or constructing specific building types. Different roles can consist of growing crops, shipping goods, constructing buildings, and choosing roles that will benefit them more than others.

Puerto Rico is a fun game that can be a bit challenging to learn, but very rewarding in the end. This game has been around for awhile and will give you a taste of board gaming history, as well as what board games have to offer past your standard roll and move board games.

IOS & Android

Rather have the physical copy of this board game? Click here to get the board game Puerto Rico.

THE BEST BOARD GAME APPS OF 2023

We hope you enjoyed our list of the best board game apps currently on the market in 2023 for both iOS board game apps and Android board game apps. We will continue to add to this list of best app games as we play more apps in the board gaming category. Feel free to keep checking back for more!

If you have any questions or suggestions, please be sure to leave a comment below!