Tabletop gaming is growing. Every day, new players are learning that board games extend much further than games like Monopoly. Along with more local game stores popping up around the world, big-box stores like Target and Walmart have extended their board game selection to include more and more hobby games.

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Thousands of new board games are released every year, which can make the hobby itself seem intimidating, confusing, expensive, and time-consuming to get into. Not all games are grandiose experiences created for hobbyists, however. Many games are designed for families, friends, and people everywhere that are new to modern board games.

10 7 Wonders: Architects Lets Players Build Wonders Of The World

7 Wonders Architects Board Game Being Played

7 Wonders: Architects is based on the game 7 Wonders, a critically acclaimed game that has been popular for years. 7 Wonders: Architects is a new entry in the line of games that simplifies almost every aspect of the original. Not only is the game easier and faster to play, but it is also more attractive with beautiful art and eye-popping components. Setup is fast, gameplay is fun, and the experience is unique. Players of all ages continue to find lots to love about this game.

9 Codenames Makes Players Feel Like James Bond

Codenames Board Game Setup and Ready For Play

Codenames is undoubtedly one of the most popular party games to come out in recent years. The game has gone on to spawn giant versions, adult versions, Marvel versions, Disney versions, and many more.

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Players split into teams and set up a grid of word cards. Each team has a clue giver that tries to get players to guess certain words but avoid others. The whole package ends up being a very refreshing take on word and party games and it is continuously played by gamers everywhere.

8 Marvel United Pits The Greatest Heroes Against The Greatest Villains

Marvel United Board Game Base Set Components

Marvel United is a cooperative game that is as charming as it is welcoming. At the beginning of the game, players choose a Marvel Villain to face off against and a Marvel Hero to play as. Each villain has different stats, win conditions, and style. Each Hero has their own deck of cards, some of which are unique. Players get to use the card they play each turn and the card that was last played by their teammate. An excellent game for Marvel and board game fans.

7 Machi Koro 2 Makes Every Player's Turn Exciting

Machi Koro 2 Action Shot Rolling Dice Components

Machi Koro was a quite popular game when it was first released in 2012. This simple game from Japan took over the gaming scene, receiving accolades from gamers everywhere. Machi Koro 2 is the follow-up that set out to improve the original game by streamlining aspects, balancing card powers, and increasing engagement amongst players. Most gamers agree that the sequel has accomplished its goal and it is now regarded even more highly than the original. Machi Koro 2 sets itself apart by being a casual yet engaging game with an appealing aesthetic.

6 Forbidden Island Is A Cooperative Game For Everyone

Forbidden Island Board Game Components Inside The Box

Cooperative games are a very popular genre in the board game hobby with hit games like Pandemic, Castle Panic, and the gigantic game Gloomhaven. Forbidden Island simplifies everything down to be more widely appealing to everyone. The island is sinking as 2-4 players work together to collect valuable relics and escape the island before they are dragged down to the ocean floor.

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The game offers simple actions players can perform on their turn and interesting special abilities. A low price point and a beautiful package have led to it becoming one of the most popular cooperative games to date.

5 Catan Has Become A Modern Classic For A Reason

Catan Robber Placed On A Number To Block It

Even people who don't play board games at all are likely to have heard of Catan. This smash hit from Germany has been a best-seller for over 25 years and it is possibly responsible for more players getting into the hobby than any other board game. Many experienced gamers have moved on from the game to different experiences, but Catan is just as good as it ever was. Newcomers playing for the first time get to experience the game with fresh eyes and it continues to impress people everywhere.

4 Carcassonne Shows Players What Tile-Laying Games Are All About

Some of the components of Carcassone board game.

Carcassonne is a wonderfully simple game that has remained popular for years. The game blew players away when it was first released as it was one of the original games to introduce tile-laying to the masses. Tile-laying essentially means a player will draw a tile and then connect it to another tile already on the table. Carcassonne expands on this by having players play on the tiles they are laying down, essentially creating and using the game board as they play. An excellent idea that has spawned many versions and expansions.

3 King Of Tokyo Lets Players Battle As Giant Monsters

King of Tokyo Board Game Being Played

Players in this board game get to choose a giant Kaiju monster to play as inspired by films such as Godzilla and King Kong. At its heart, King of Tokyo is a dice game influenced by Yahtzee. Players roll dice, save dice they like, and re-roll the rest. The game captivated players by setting itself apart as they roll to earn points, deal damage, and earn energy. Energy is spent on cards that let players make their monsters stronger, more agile, and unique. As more dice games come out each year, King of Tokyo remains among the most popular.

2 Camel Up Turns Horse Racing On Its Head

Camel Up Board Game Being Played

Camel Up is a betting game that simulates horse races with one major twist. The camels in the game can stack on top of each other and when one camel moves, it takes all the others on top with it. Players take turns betting on camels in the race, messing with the track, or rolling dice to see which camels move.

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It is very difficult to predict which camel is going to win the race, leading to some long-shot bets and incredible jump-out-of-the-chair moments. It is a favorite among long-time gamers and newcomers alike.

1 Ticket To Ride Is What Board Games Are All About

An in-progress game of Ticket to Ride

Ticket To Ride has been one of the best-reviewed, most played, and most beloved board games ever made since it was first released in 2004. The game has gone on to sell millions of copies and has proven itself as an evergreen in the hobby. Each player has a set of trains and they are tasked with connecting cities on the board to one other. What players do on their turn is simple; take cards or play cards. The game's simplicity makes it extremely accessible for newcomers, but the game's underlying strategy makes it tense for hobbyists.

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