People of all ages have enjoyed board games for centuries. They offer a great way to spend time with family and friends, and they can also provide a fun and challenging mental workout. However, many people may need to realize that board games can also be an excellent tool for learning about history. History board games educate players about historical events, cultures, and people while providing a fun and engaging gameplay experience.
The beauty of history board games is that they can appeal to both history buffs and casual players alike. Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, medieval warfare, or modern political conflicts, there’s a game out there that will transport you to that era and give you a taste of what life was like.
History board games are also a great way to develop critical thinking and strategic planning skills. These games often require players to make crucial decisions based on historical events, and the consequences can impact the game’s outcome. By playing history board games, you can develop your ability to think critically and strategically while learning about the past. History is one of the many great board game themes you can discover in the word of board gaming.
Best History Board Games
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best history board games for fans of all ages and skill levels. Each game has its unique setting and gameplay mechanics. Still, all of them share a common goal: to educate and entertain players while immersing them in the fascinating world of history.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just getting started, there’s a history board game on this list that will appeal to you. So without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the best history board games you can play today.
1. Paleo
If you’re interested in prehistoric times, Paleo is your game. Set during the Stone Age, Paleo offers a unique look at the challenges faced by our ancestors as they struggled to survive in a harsh and unforgiving world. In this cooperative game, players take on the roles of early humans as they hunt for food, gather resources, and explore their surroundings.
Each player holds a hand of cards that represents their tribe. Players must work together to collect resources and overcome obstacles like harsh weather and dangerous predators. The game features stunning artwork and is designed to be immersive and engaging.
One thing that makes Paleo so great for fans of history is the attention to detail that the designers have put into the game. The game’s mechanics are based on real-life Stone Age survival techniques, such as using fire to stay warm and scare off predators. This board game is a great educational tool, as players can learn about how our ancestors lived and survived in the early days of human civilization.
Overall, Paleo is an excellent game for anyone who loves history and is interested in learning more about the challenges faced by our prehistoric ancestors. The game is easy to understand but offers plenty of depth and replayability, making it a great addition to any game collection.
Click here to get a copy of Paleo!
2. Teotihuacan: City Of Gods
Teotihuacan: City of Gods is a game in ancient Mexico during the height of the Teotihuacan civilization. Players take on the roles of leaders of various Teotihuacan tribes, and their goal is to build the most amazing and prosperous city possible.
The game is played over several rounds, each representing a new era in the city’s development. Players must manage their resources carefully and make strategic decisions about where to build their buildings and how to develop their city’s infrastructure. The game also features a unique mechanism where players move around the board to take action, with each space on the board providing a different benefit.
One of the things that makes Teotihuacan: City of Gods great for history fans is the level of detail that has gone into creating the game’s setting. The game features beautiful artwork that depicts the Teotihuacan civilization, and the game’s mechanics are based on actual historical events and practices.
Overall, Teotihuacan: City of Gods is an excellent game for anyone interested in ancient civilizations who wants to learn more about the Teotihuacan civilization. The game offers a unique blend of strategy and history, and it’s a great addition to any game collection.
Click here to get a copy of Teotihuacan: City of Gods!
3. Freedom: The Underground Railroad
Freedom: The Underground Railroad was a cooperative game during slavery in the United States. Players take on the roles of abolitionists working to help enslaved people escape to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
To play the game, players must work together to move enslaved people from the plantations in the South to freedom in the North. The game features a map of the United States, and players must manage their resources and make strategic decisions to avoid detection by slave catchers and other obstacles.
One thing that makes Freedom: The Underground Railroad great for history fans is how the game brings to life the struggles of enslaved people and abolitionists during this challenging time in American history. The game includes historical information about the Underground Railroad and stories about the brave men and women who fought for freedom.
Overall, Freedom: The Underground Railroad is an excellent game for anyone interested in American history and wanting to learn more about the Underground Railroad. The game is educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on one of the darkest periods in American history.
Click here to get a copy of Freedom: The Underground Railroad
4. Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is a two-player game that simulates the political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Players take on the roles of either the United States or the Soviet Union and compete to gain influence in various regions worldwide.
To play the game, players use cards to perform various actions, such as deploying troops, conducting coups, or increasing their influence in a region. The game features a unique mechanism where players must balance their resources between advancing their interests and countering their opponent’s moves.
One of the things that makes Twilight Struggle great for history fans is the level of detail that has gone into creating the game’s setting. The game features historical events and characters, and players must make strategic decisions based on the geopolitical climate of the time.
Overall, Twilight Struggle is an excellent game for anyone interested in the Cold War and wants to learn more about the political and military strategies used by the United States and the Soviet Union during this tense period. The game is educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on this critical period in world history.
Click here to get a copy of Twilight Struggle!
5. Watergate
Watergate is a two-player game that simulates the political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974. Players take on the roles of either the Nixon administration or the Washington Post, and they compete to uncover evidence and influence public opinion.
Players use cards to perform various actions to play the game, such as conducting investigations or manipulating the media. The game features a unique mechanism where players must balance their resources between advancing their interests and countering their opponent’s moves.
One thing that makes Watergate great for history fans is how the game brings to life the scandal that shook the United States government. The game features historical events and characters, and players must make strategic decisions based on the political climate of the time.
Overall, Watergate is an excellent game for anyone interested in American history and wants to learn more about the political scandal that led to the downfall of a president. The game is educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on one of the most significant events in American political history.
Click here to get a copy of Watergate!
6. Castles of Burgundy
Castles of Burgundy is a game set in medieval France, where players compete to build the most prosperous estate. Players take on the roles of medieval nobles, and they must manage their resources and build their estates to earn victory points.
Players roll dice to determine which actions they can take to play the game, such as acquiring goods, constructing buildings, or expanding their territories. The game features a unique mechanism where players must balance their resources and make strategic decisions about using them.
One of the things that makes Castles of Burgundy great for history fans is the attention to detail that has gone into creating the game’s setting. The game features beautiful artwork that depicts medieval castles and landscapes, and the game’s mechanics are based on actual historical practices and traditions.
Overall, Castles of Burgundy is an excellent game for anyone interested in medieval history and wanting to learn more about the customs and practices of medieval nobles. The game is educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on one of the fascinating periods in European history.
Click here to get a copy of Castles of Burgundy!
7. Dominant Species
Dominant Species is a game that simulates the struggle for survival among various species during the ice age. Players take on the roles of different animal species and compete to adapt to changing environments and outcompete their opponents.
To play the game, players use various actions to increase their species’ dominance, such as spreading out across the board, gathering food, or attacking other species. The game features a unique mechanism where players must adapt to environmental changes or risk extinction.
One thing that makes Dominant Species great for history fans is how the game brings to life the concept of survival of the fittest and the struggle for dominance among different species. The game is based on real evolutionary processes. It provides a unique perspective on the challenges faced by animals during the ice age.
Overall, Dominant Species is an excellent game for anyone interested in natural history and wanting to learn more about evolution and adaptation. The game is both educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on the natural world and the forces that shape it.
Click here to get a copy of Dominant Species!
8. Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan
Sekigahara is a game set in 16th-century Japan, where players compete to become the ruler of the country. Players take on the roles of various feudal lords. They must gather their armies, forge alliances, and engage in a battle to gain control of the provinces.
Players use cards to move their armies and engage in battles with their opponents to play the game. The game features a unique mechanism where players must balance their resources between building their armies and advancing their political influence.
One thing that makes Sekigahara great for history fans is how the game brings to life the political and military landscape of feudal Japan. The game features historical events and characters, and players must make strategic decisions based on the political climate of the time.
Overall, Sekigahara is an excellent game for anyone interested in Japanese history and who wants to learn more about the political and military conflicts that shaped the country. The game is educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on one of the fascinating periods in Japanese history.
Click here to get a copy of Sekigahara: The Unification of Japan!
9. 7 Wonders
7 Wonders is a game in the ancient world where players compete to build the most impressive civilization. Players take on the roles of different ancient cultures. They must manage their resources and develop their wonders to earn victory points.
To play the game, players draft cards to build various structures, such as military buildings, scientific institutions, or cultural landmarks. The game features a unique mechanism where players must balance their resources and make strategic decisions about which structures to build.
One thing that makes 7 Wonders great for history fans is how the game brings to life the different cultures and civilizations of the ancient world. The game features beautiful artwork that depicts historical structures and landscapes, and the game’s mechanics are based on actual historical practices and traditions.
Overall, 7 Wonders is an excellent game for anyone interested in ancient history and wants to learn more about the customs and practices of different ancient civilizations. The game is both educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on one of the fascinating periods in human history.
Click here to get a copy of 7 Wonders!
10. The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail is a game that takes players on a journey through the American West during the mid-19th century. Players take on the roles of settlers traveling westward on the famous Oregon Trail. They must manage their resources and make decisions that will affect their chances of survival.
To play the game, players must make strategic decisions about when to rest, when to hunt for food, and how to manage their resources. The game features a unique mechanism where players must deal with the challenges of travel and the dangers of the wilderness.
One thing that makes The Oregon Trail great for history fans is how the game brings to life the experience of the pioneers who traveled westward during the 19th century. The game features historical events and characters, and players must make decisions based on the realities of life on the trail.
Overall, The Oregon Trail is an excellent game for anyone interested in American history and wants to learn more about the challenges faced by the pioneers who traveled westward during the mid-19th century. The game is educational and engaging, providing a unique perspective on one of the most significant periods in American history.
Click here to get a copy of The Oregon Trail!
Conclusion
Board games can transport us to different worlds and different times. Whether you’re interested in ancient civilizations, military strategy, or modern politics, there is a board game that can help you explore and learn about the past. For history fans, there are some fantastic options available.
From the prehistoric world of Paleo to the tense moments of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 13 Days, these 13 board games are some of the best options for history fans. Each game offers a unique perspective on a different historical moment and provides players with an engaging and educational experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned board game player or new to the hobby, these games are worth exploring. They offer a chance to learn about history in a fun and interactive way, and they can provide hours of entertainment for players of all ages.
In conclusion, if you’re a history fan looking for a new way to explore the past, consider trying one of these board games. You might discover a new favorite game and learn something new about the world simultaneously.
Looking for more board game ideas? Check out our list of the best board games for game night.