It’s that magical time of year when everyone’s looking forward to unwrapping new board games! But perhaps the challenge lies in choosing the perfect one, especially when your recipient already seems to have an extensive collection. Fret not! This curated list is here to assist you in finding the ideal gift for that special board gaming enthusiast in your life. These selections showcase some of the finest games published between 2022 and 2023, conveniently categorized by price range. Whether you’re aiming for an affordable option or a more elaborate gift, this list aims to match your budget with top-notch game choices.
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Table of Contents
$15 and Under
Sea Salt and Paper
Players: 2-4
Time: 30 min
This is a delightful and straightforward card drafting game immersed in a sea-themed setting, adorned with stunning origami-inspired artwork. In this game, players engage in drafting cards to assemble pairs, unlocking special actions and earning points. Each round, players strive to reach a specific points threshold, after which they face a critical decision: whether to carry on playing, conclude the round, or take a chance by betting that they’ve secured the most points. Winning the bet rewards the player with full points, whereas opponents only earn points for matching colors, adding to the risk and reward element of the game.
$30 and Under
Sky Team
Players: 2
Time: 20 min
This game is exclusively for two players, offering a cooperative experience where both players assume the roles of pilots striving to safely land a plane. The catch? The pilots are unable to communicate, intensifying the challenge of the landing process. Each player rolls a set of dice and strategically employs dice placement and mitigation to control the plane. This unique mechanic creates a thrilling and challenging experience, making it one of our favorite cooperative games released in 2023.
Trailblazer: Travel Edition
Players: 1-8
Time: 30 min
A peaceful tile-laying game about hiking through the wilderness. Players compete to earn points by creating hiking, biking, and kayaking paths that must loop back to starting camp.
Get on Board
Players: 2-5
Time: 30 min
In this game, players construct bus routes that traverse the bustling streets of New York City and London. Players must pick up passengers and efficiently transport them to their destinations, strategically earning different combinations of points through these successful transit operations.
Clever 4Ever
Players: 1-4
Time: 30 min
Players roll dice and strategically allocate them to score points in various ways. However, the challenge lies in which dice to select: if a player selects the highest number available, they are then restricted from using any dice with lower values. This mechanic intensifies the game’s difficulty, requiring players to navigate the dice rolls and make strategic choices to achieve optimal scoring combinations.
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$50 and Under
My Island
Players: 2-4
Time: 30 min
The predecessor to My City legacy game. In My Island, players use groups of hexagonal shapes, placing tiles according to color matches. With each game, rules are permanently altered, and stickers are affixed to each player’s personal board, introducing an evolving and dynamic game play experience. Moreover, this legacy game includes an “eternal mode” that allows players to continue playing even after the conclusion of the legacy chapters.
Evergreen
Players: 2-4
Time: 45 min
From the designer of Photosynthesis, this game takes a more peaceful approach to tree growing. Players draft cards to play trees and progress their game engine. Each player has their own secluded planet unaffected by others. Point are earned by having large forests and trees not covered by shadows of other trees.
Wingspan Asia
Players: 1-2 (1-7 with base game)
Time: 40-70 min
This standalone expansion does not require the base Wingspan game to play. This two-player version is great for couples or players who mostly play at only two. The cards and game play are more focused on a two player experience but is still a great addition to the base game to expand it with these beautiful birds from Asia.
After Us
Players: 1-6
Time: 40-60 min
In this deck-building game, humanity has vanished, leaving behind only apes. Players engage in matching the sides of four cards to acquire resources and points. By gathering sufficient resources, players can modify their decks, adding and removing cards to enhance the synergy of connections between the cards and improve game play strategy.
Paint the Roses
Players: 2-5
Time: 50-70 min
Set in the fantastical world of Alice in Wonderland, this cooperative puzzle deduction game presents players with the challenge of hastening to paint roses before the Queen arrives in the garden. Failing to complete this task in time results in the Queen’s wrath, leading to dire consequences as players risk being sent off for execution by the Royal Cards.
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$75 and Under
Galileo Project
Players: 2-4
Time: 40-80 min
In this game, players are entrusted with the mission of mining and establishing settlements on Jupiter’s four primary moons. To accomplish this ambitious goal, players must strategically recruit workers from the casino and leverage influence from Mars and Earth to secure the necessary funding for their colonization endeavors.
Heat: Pedal to the Metal
Players: 1-6
Time: 30-60 min
In this exhilarating racing game, players take the driver’s seat, navigating a balance between risk and strategy. Managing speed, potential overheating, and the art of taking turns are pivotal components, all encapsulated within a nuanced hand management mechanic. Earning numerous “Best Game of the Year Awards” for 2022, this board game stands out as a thrilling and top favorite within the genre of racing games.
$100 and Under
Hegemony
Players: 2-4 (best 4)
Time: 90-180 min
In this game, players assume the roles of four distinct societal classes: worker, middle class, capitalist, or the state, each with a unique asymmetrical setup and rules. Players engage in a system where they partake in voting on policies that may have varying effects, benefiting or possibly hindering their respective class. The dynamic interplay between the different classes and their interests creates an engaging and strategic game play experience.
Expeditions
Players: 1-5
Time: 60-90 min
The sequel to Scythe offers a distinctive and refreshing experience from its predecessor. In this game, players embark on expeditions into Siberia in search of the site where a meteor has crashed. Featuring a limited action mechanic and star scoring, this system, although inspired by Scythe, differs significantly. The game’s dynamics are primarily driven by card play and deck building, offering a unique approach to game play within the same thematic universe.
$100+
Ticket to Ride Legacy
Players: 2-5
Time: 20-90 min
Ticket to Ride has introduced its very own legacy edition. This version of the game undergoes permanent evolution after each play, offering players an unfolding journey of discovery. Throughout the game play, players will explore and unlock frontier boxes, revealing new rules, additional content, and numerous surprises that transform the gaming experience with each session.
Accessories
If you’re still undecided about which board game to choose, consider these fantastic accessory gifts that every board gamer can appreciate. These additions are designed to enhance the overall board gaming experience, regardless of the specific game being played.
Wyrmwood
Wyrmwood offers the epitome of premium board gaming experiences through their handcrafted accessories. From dice towers to elegantly crafted trays for organizing game pieces, and even board gaming tables, Wyrmwood accessories ensure a touch of luxury and practicality, making them the perfect gift for any board gaming enthusiast.
Storage Containers
Great for board gamers seeking effective ways to store and organize their game components. These containers not only provide enhanced organization within game boxes but also offer quick setup and a convenient method for holding pieces while playing.
