As an avid board gamer, there are many board games out there that I consider comfort board games that are easy to learn, but hard to master. They simply make the gamer in me happy, but in a comfortable way.
Think of these games as guilty pleasure board games. A lot of you may not know these board games or ever heard of them. You mkay find this to be a weird list or a strange one. But don’t get me wrong, I am sure you will find a hidden gem that will soon become one of your comfort board games that are easy to learn but hard to master.
Best Comfort Board Games That Are Easy To Learn But Hard To Master
Here are some board games that I consider to be in the category of comfort board games. These are games that we consider easy to learn, but hard to master.
1. Santorini
Santorini is a simple game, yet it has so many levels. It is an accessible strategy game that aims to provide gameplay depth and content for hardcore board gamers to explore. Gameplay consists of either moving your builder to a neighboring space or constructing a building level adjacent to the builder you moved.
A player wins when their builder reaches the third level. We especially love this game because it has beautiful components that is quick to learn, but really challenging and addicting.
2. Taluva
Taluva is a simple, but really fun and strategic. When you’re done, it’s truly beautiful. It’s not hugely popular, but definitely worth a try. I like to consider this board game a hidden gem.
3. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a top notch game that offers great pacing and approachability for new players making it a must have for all board game collections. Gameplay consists of turns where each player draws and places a map tile. They must choose whether or not to place one of their game piece “followers,” also known as meeples, on that tile.
Tiles consist of objects such as roads, fields, or cities. Each tile must match up with the edges of a tile it is placed next to. There are other rules to the game, but they are very simple to learn. This game can be hard to master as you need to plan ahead which tiles should be placed in order to maximize your victory points,
4. Azul
With beautiful tile playing pieces, Azul is one of the most visually pleasing board games out there. The premise of the game consists of players taking turns drafting colored tiles from their suppliers and placing them on their player board. Players score points based on how they’ve placed their tiles to decorate their own palace. Extra points are scored for specific patterns and completing sets with your tiles. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.
Azul brings an air of simplicity, elegance, and beauty, making it a great game to play on those nights you just want to relax and chill. It is a great comfort board game that is easy to learn and you will be finding ways to master the different tile placements and watch the points add up.
5. Hive
Hive is a highly addictive strategic game for two players that is not restricted by a board and can be played anywhere on any flat surface. It’s a great game for anyone who wants a good head-to-head challenge.
6. Calico
Calico is a great board game that takes only a few minutes to explain. The true complexity and impact of your decision is revealed as you play through the game.
7. 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 a must have tableau building game!
In this board game, 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.
The winner is the player with the most points after four rounds. Wingspan is a great engine building game that will be sure to take flight at your next game night.
8. The Castles of Burgundy
This game is a must have. Elegantly designed and balanced, the game scales incredibly well and combines multiple mechanics seamlessly. You can play it many times and never get tired of it.
9. Splendor
Splendor is an easy game to learn, but can be really deep and strategic. It is a strategic engine building game where you must use your resources and recruit artisans to collect gems and become the most influential merchant of the renaissance.
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! 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. With appealing components and fast gameplay, Splendor is a must have for any board gamer looking for their next comfort game.