When it's time to step away from screens and unplug, board games are the perfect way to satisfy that itch for escapism and continued gameplay. Thankfully, there's a wealth of board game adaptations inspired by some of the most beloved video games. We've curated a list of our top picks, catering to both long-term campaigns and quick-to-set up party games, ensuring you can immerse yourself in these iconic worlds without needing any tech.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games
Fallout, Slay the Spire, Bloodborne, Resident Evil 2, Pac-Man, Tetris, Dark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of Giants, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game, The Oregon Trail, Fallout
Fallout: The Board Game
$69.99 save 36%
$44.49 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours
With the recent release of Amazon's Fallout series, there's no better time to dive into the Wasteland from the comfort of your kitchen table. Begin by choosing from various scenarios that dictate the map setup. Much like Bethesda's renowned open-world RPGs, players will explore the map, develop numerous skills, battle irradiated foes, engage with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for control of the Wasteland. This game is ideal for those looking for a detailed and immersive long-term gaming experience.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
See it at Contention Games
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes
Arguably the most fitting video game to receive a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital counterpart. Players select a hero and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey through the Spire. The game mirrors the video game by offering various rooms with distinct effects: encounters with regular enemies, battles against elites, events, campfires, treasure, merchant interactions, and boss fights. The inherent variability of Roguelikes ensures countless hours of enjoyment as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items.
For more insights, check out our detailed Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.
Bloodborne: The Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 60-90 minutes
In the Bloodborne board game, players assume the role of Hunters tasked with eradicating the sinister forces lurking in Yharnam. As a campaign-style game, it offers endless replayability with its modular map tiles ensuring no two sessions are the same. Featuring an array of cards, tokens, and meticulously crafted game pieces, this game challenges players' skills and decision-making as they uncover the mysteries of the plague and strive to halt its spread. The highly detailed miniatures enhance the immersive experience, making you feel like you're truly in the shoes of a Hunter.
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes
The success of the Resident Evil 2 board game adaptation inspired Steamforged Games to create similar experiences for other Resident Evil titles. However, Resident Evil 2 remains the standout entry. Staying true to its source material, players collaborate to control either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, navigating through hordes of zombies to escape in various scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys, solve puzzles, and use iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to influence your gameplay sessions.
Pac-Man: The Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-5
Age Range: 10+
Play Time: 30 minutes
From Buffalo Games, this board game brings the arcade classic to your tabletop. Enjoyable in both cooperative and competitive modes, the player controlling Pac-Man navigates the maze, eating pellets and collecting fruit, while others as ghosts attempt to catch or avoid him. The game board consists of four metal tiles, requiring some initial setup but quick to start for repeat games. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits its signature "waka waka" sound!
Tetris Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes
Another gem from Buffalo Games, this competitive Tetris board game pits players against each other as they maneuver, rotate, and drop tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Similar to the video game, the next piece is visible via a card, allowing for strategic planning. Points are scored by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on towers, and achieving specific goals. With its quick setup and playtime, it's perfect for parties and younger players.
Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants
See it at Amazon
Players: 1-3
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes
Originally part of the Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure ideal for newcomers. Named after a notorious location in the video games, players choose a class and gear before navigating the catacombs, battling skeleton archers, and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. This game faithfully replicates the punishing combat and RPG elements, including a level-up system. It includes new playable characters and over a hundred new cards, all compatible with existing Dark Souls board game products.
Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
$59.99 save 22%
$46.88 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes
Mirroring its digital version, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative experience where players aim to defeat bosses using dice-based mechanics. Setup is straightforward, with a fixed boss deck structure. Players choose from four characters: Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and progress through rounds consisting of five phases, setting up attacks and confronting bosses. Timed rounds add urgency to dice rolls. With high replay value, players can strive to beat their scores and upgrade abilities for future runs. Check out our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more details.
The Oregon Trail Card Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes
Dying of dysentery has never been more entertaining. This quick-to-set-up card game challenges players to reach Oregon without succumbing to various calamities. The game is fast-paced and luck-based, with victory achieved by playing fifty trail cards. A unique challenge arises if a player dies on the first turn—a common occurrence—forcing them to sit out until the group either succeeds or all perish. Despite this, it's a faithful and humorous recreation of the original game, sure to elicit plenty of laughs.
