In our final part of this 2-part series, we’re listing our suggestions for board games you can share (safely) with your loved ones as you stay at home during the Covid-19 shut down. We welcome your suggestions for other easy-to-learn, contemporary games in the comments!
Tokaido
Peaceful, beautiful, serene… if you would like to take a break from plotting and scheming, take a lovely journey through Tokaido. While this game is competitive and does have a winner, you’ll find everyone feels they’ve gained something lovely after playing this game. As you pass along the road, one by one you may stop along the way at many of the inviting spots—the market, the temple, a vista—and gather points along the way.
Genre: Family, time track (travel)
Number of players: 2 – 5
Ages: 8+
Average play time: 45 minutes
Expansions: 7
Dixit
The perfect creative game for any age, Dixit is unique in that you don’t need to be able to read to play. All game cards are images only, and like Apples to Apples (or Cards Against Humanity), each person plays the “best suited” card for the story (word, sentence or more) given by the judge. You will need to be subtle enough not to give away which card is your own, but close enough to win over your competitors.
Number of players: 4 – 6+
Ages: 8+
Average play time: 30 minutes
Expansions:
Clank!
Shhh… don’t make any noise or the dragon will hear you! You and your competitors will try to sneak into the dragon’s dungeon, steal an artifact and sneak out again. But every time you clank, you alert the beast who may attack at any time! Fun, quick to play and easy to learn, this game has a ton of replayability and will become your family’s favorite in no time. Who can grab the biggest treasure and get out before time—or luck—runs out?
Genre: Strategy
Number of players: 2 – 4
Ages: 12+
Average play time: 45 – 60 minutes
Expansions: 15… maybe more.
Dice Throne
If you love RPGs, duels, and quick-to-learn games where the winner takes all, you’ll love Dice Throne. The play is balanced, the playable characters are fun, and the art is stunning! Play as a moon elf, a barbarian, a vampire or a pirate… among many others from which you may choose. Roll the dice to determine your moves but be sure to plan ahead. You may need to defend yourself sooner than you think!
Number of players: 2 – 6
Ages: 8+
Average play time: 20 – 40 minutes
Expansions: 3 + promos
Azul
This game has everything. Gorgeous to look at—check. Easy to learn—check. Fun to play—check. Competitive—check. Another easy game to convince your friends that games aren’t just for boring days, but for finding the time to set up and play. Take turns drafting colored tiles to place on your player board, then later count your points. Bonus points for special patterns. This is a quick, relaxing, enjoyable strategy game.
Genre: Tile placement, strategy
Number of players: 2 – 4
Ages: 8+
Average play time: 30 – 45 minutes
Expansions: 4
