As the popularity of board games continues to grow, so does the variety of board games and fantasy themed tabletop games on the market. Whether you’re a fan of classic fantasy settings like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, or you prefer more modern takes on the genre like the Witcher or Game of Thrones, there’s definitely a fantasy board game out there for you. We will go over some of the best fantasy board games that we are currently bringing to our tables.
To help you choose the perfect tabletop game for your next game night, we’ve put together a list of the 13 best fantasy board games currently available. From cooperative storytelling games to competitive strategy games, there’s something for everyone on this list of fantasy themed board games.
Also, be sure to check out some of our other favorite board game themes.
Best Fantasy Board Games
Grab your wizard hat and little gnome friend, as we are about to embark on a fantastical adventure. Here are the 13 best fantasy tabletop games:
We will go into more detail about each one below!
1. War of the Ring
War of the Ring is a cooperative board game that simulates the epic struggle between the forces of good and evil from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. Players take on the roles of heroes from the story, each with their own special abilities, and must work together to defeat the enemy forces.
The board game is played over a series of rounds, with players taking turns to move their heroes around the game board and take different actions. These actions include things like battling enemies, rescuing captured allies, and searching for lost artifacts.
The goal of this cooperative game is to complete a series of objectives before the enemy forces can reach the city of Minas Tirith and destroy it. War of the Ring is one of the best fantasy board games on the market as this excellent cooperative board game captures the feel of the Lord of the Rings trilogy perfectly.
2. Lords of Waterdeep
Lords of Waterdeep is a competitive strategy board game set in the fictional city of Waterdeep from the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Players take on the role of one of the city’s powerful lords, each with their own secret agenda, and must use their influence to take control of the city.
The game is played over a series of rounds, with players taking turns to perform actions. Their fantasy characters can take actions like recruiting adventurers, completing quests, and constructing buildings. The goal of the board game is to be the first player to reach a certain number of victory points, which are earned by completing quests and fulfilling other objectives.
Lords of Waterdeep is an excellent strategy board game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. It’s a great game for fans of Dungeons & Dragons or anyone who enjoys competitive board games and role playing.
3. Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a cooperative dungeon crawling board game set in a dark and gritty fantasy world. Players take on the role of mercenaries, each with their own unique abilities, and must work together to complete missions.
The game features an epic fantasy theme and is played over a series of rounds, with players taking turns to move their characters around the board. As players move around the board, they can attack enemies, loot treasure, and complete objectives.
The goal of the game is to complete a series of missions, which become increasingly difficult as the game progresses. Gloomhaven is an excellent cooperative board game that is perfect for fans of dungeon crawling and fantasy themed games. It is considered the best fantasy board game currently on the market.
4. Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a cooperative card game set in the horrific world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. Players take on the role of investigators, each with their own unique abilities, and must work together to solve mysteries and stop the Ancient Ones from awakening.
This adventure game is played over a series of rounds, where players take turns playing cards from their hands that will either help them investigate locations, fight monsters, and acquire items.
The goal of the game is to solve a series of mysteries before the Ancient Ones awaken and destroy the world. Arkham Horror: The Card Game is an excellent cooperative card game that is perfect for fans of H.P. Lovecraft or anyone who enjoys horror and fantasy games.
5. Munchkin
Munchkin is a competitive card game set in a parody version of the fantasy genre. Players take on the role of adventurers and must work together to defeat monsters and acquire treasure.
In this epic fantasy board game, players will play cards from their hand in order to perform actions like attacking monsters, looting treasure, and acquiring items.
The goal of the game is to be the first player to reach a certain level, which is done by defeating monsters and acquiring treasure. Munchkin is an excellent competitive card game that is perfect for fans of the fantasy genre or anyone who enjoys card games. This tabletop game is one of my favorites when it comes to fantasy board games.
6. Mage Knight Board Game
Mage Knight is a cooperative strategy board game set in a fictional world of the Mage Knight universe under the control of the Atlantean Empire. Players take on the role of one of four powerful Mage Knights, each with their own unique abilities, and must work together to defeat monsters and complete quests.
Over a series of rounds, players will take turns moving their characters around the board and attack enemies, cast spells, and complete objectives.
The goal of the game is to complete a series of objectives, which become increasingly difficult as the game progresses. Mage Knight Board Game is an excellent cooperative board game that is perfect for fans of the fantasy genre and for those who love strategy games as well.
7. Clank! A Deck-Building Adventure
Clank! A Deck-Building Adventure is a fantasy board game where players take on the role of thieves trying to sneak into a dragon’s lair to steal the treasure.
However, the dragon is not the only danger lurking in the dungeon; Players must also avoid traps and guards as they make their way through the maze-like corridors. To succeed, players must carefully plan their route and choose their cards wisely, as each card represents a different action that can be taken.
With its unique blend of deck-building and exploration, Clank! offers a refreshing take on the dungeon-crawling genre. And with its modular board, the game can be played again and again with new and different challenges. It fits perfectly in the fantasy board game genre.
8. Welcome to the Dungeon
Welcome to the Dungeon is a board game that pits players against each other in a race to see who can descend the deepest into a dungeon full of deadly fantasy creatures and traps.
The catch is that each player starts with only a handful of cards, and they must use these cards to defeat the monsters they encounter while also trying to avoid taking too much damage. As the game progresses, the cards in each player’s hand will slowly be depleted, making it harder and harder to survive.
Welcome to the Dungeon is a fast-paced and exciting game that is perfect for anyone who loves a good challenge and wants to try an adventure board game.
9. A Game of Thrones: The Board Game
A Game of Thrones is a board game based on the book series A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R. R. Martin. The basic premise of the game is that each player controls one of the Great Houses of Westeros, and their goal is to take control of the Iron Throne.
This board game has a fantasy theme as it is played on a map of Westeros, which is divided into sections called provinces. Each province has its own deck of cards, which represent the various characters and locations within that province.
Players use these cards to move their armies around the map, capture provinces and battle their opponents. The game also features a unique system called the “The Wheel,” which allows players to secretly plot against each other using face-down cards.
A Game of Thrones is a complex and challenging game that provides players with an immersive experience in the world of Westeros. Unlike other games, it can be considered the best fantasy board game to some board game lovers.
10. Eldritch Horror
Eldritch Horror is a cooperative board game based on the works of horror author H.P. Lovecraft, and takes place in the 1920s. It is another awesome board game with a fantasy theme.
Players take on the roles of investigators who must travel the world, investigating clues and battling monsters in an attempt to stop an ancient evil from awakening.
Eldritch Horror is a complex and difficult game, but it is also extremely rewarding. The sense of dread and suspense that it creates is unlike any other board game, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from defeating an ancient evil is truly gratifying.
If you are looking for a challenging, rewarding, and full of adventure game experience, Eldritch Horror is definitely worth checking out.
12. Small World
Small World strategy board game that takes place in a fictional world filled with different races of fantasy creatures.
It is a fantasy-themed game where players control armies of different fantasy races as they vie for control of the small world. The game is set in a fantastical world where players compete for control of different regions.
Each player starts with a few troops, and they must use these troops to conquer new territory. The game is won by the player who conquers the most territory. Small World is a great game for people who enjoy strategy games.
The game is easy to learn, but it has enough depth to keep people engaged for hours. Additionally, the artwork and theme are very well done, and the game is just plain fun to play. If you’re looking for a board game that you can really sink your teeth into, Small World is definitely worth checking out when it comes to looking for the best fantasy board games.
13. Terra Mystica
Terra Mystica is a board game with a fantasy theme that challenges players to terraform and settle mystical lands. The game is set in a fantasy world where different races are trying to expand their territory.
Each race has its own unique abilities, and players must use these abilities to terraform the land, build dwellings, and gain followers. The goal of the game is to score the most points by the end of the round.
Terra Mystica is a complex and rewarding game that offers players a unique challenge. The game’s artwork is beautiful, and the gameplay is stimulating and enjoyable. I highly recommend Terra Mystica to anyone who enjoys strategy games and tabletop games.
Best Fantasy Board Games Conclusion
Fantasy board games are a dime a dozen these days, but there are still a few that stand out from the crowd. Games like “Dungeons and Dragons” and “Pathfinder” have been around for years and have proven themselves to be timeless classics. Most board games are missing out when it comes to adding an adventure and fantasy theme to what their game offers.
If you’re a fan of strategy board games mixed with a little fantasy, then we hope you enjoyed our list of the best fantasy board games. These games are perfect for fans of dungeon crawling games, war games, role playing games, and lighthearted strategy games. These games are definitely on the top of our list of favorite board game themes.
Whether you’re looking for a classic experience or something new and exciting, there’s sure to be a game on this list that’s right for you. So round up your friends, build your characters, and get ready to enter a world of adventure! It’s time to bring one of these fantasy board games to your next game night.
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