Those looking for games that feature no elements of luck or chance should look no further than abstract strategy board games. These games feature straightforward design and mechanics, removing all elements of randomness as they pit players against each other.
They provide perfect information, allowing players to be on equal footing as all elements of the board are revealed to them. Most abstract games are typically themeless, but this is not a requirement. Chess is a staple of the genre, but those looking for the best abstract board games have a wide range of options to choose from.
If you are searching for high quality abstract strategy board games, browse our extensive range online and reach out through our contact page if you have any enquiries.
Our Top Abstract Strategy Games List
Buy the Azul Board Game
Azul
Azul tasks players with placing coloured tiles to decorate the palace of their king. By completing sets and creating patterns, players can score extra points, encouraging strategy and creativity. Leftover tiles harm your score, so it is wise to use every tile you have access to for the best possible result.
Average Playtime:30-45 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.76/5
Patchwork
In Patchwork, two players compete to create the best-looking and highest-scoring patchwork quilt on a personal 9×9 game board. Each player starts with 5 buttons and must use this currency to buy patches for their quilt. Adding a patch to your board also draws a time cost, forcing players to balance both time and their currency to sew the perfect blanket in one of the best abstract strategy board games on the market.
Average Playtime: 15 – 30 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.60/5
Buy the Yinsh Board Game
Yinsh
Beginning with five rings on the board, Yinsh sees players moving these rings around, creating markers on the spaces they pass. Markers are doubled sided, one side white and the other black, with these markers being flipped each time they are jumped over. If a player manages to create five markers in a row with their colour, one of their rings is removed. The winner is the first player to remove three of their rings.
Average Playtime: 30-60 minutes
Recommended Age: 9+
Number of Players: 2
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.66/5
Hive
One of the best abstract board games for travelling, the board-less Hive can be played anywhere with a flat surface. Each player is assigned a queen that they must protect while taking turns placing insect pieces down. Pieces are never eliminated, resulting in games that stretch in new directions every time. The first to surround the opponent’s queen with their pieces is the winner.
Average Playtime: 20 minutes
Recommended Age: 9+
Number of Players: 2
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.32/5
Buy the Hive Board Game
Nova Luna
Mankind has been fascinated by the moon since time began, and Nova Luna makes the moon the core of its gameplay. Players must concoct strategies to deal with what the moon wheel has to offer them, taking a new tile each turn. These tiles all feature a task that must be competed, and the competition of each one brings players closer to victory.
Average Playtime: 30 – 60 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 1 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.88/5
New York Zoo
As the name implies, New York Zoo tasks players with constructing an animal park in the Big Apple. Easy to grasp and fun to play, the game involves building enclosures, introducing new animals, and raising their offspring. Each turn only presents two options for players, making it a great gateway board game for younger audiences as they are sure to be delighted by the coloured animal tokens.
Average Playtime: 30 – 60 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 1 – 5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.96/5
Paris: La Cite de la Lumiere
No abstract strategy games list would be complete without Paris: La Cite de la Lumiere. Set in late 19th century Paris, players find themselves playing a hand in giving the City of Lights its nickname. Players can either place tiles or grow their collection of buildings, with the intent being to place as many buildings near streetlights as possible. This results in more points, with the player with the best lit buildings winning the game and the hearts of Paris.
Average Playtime: 30 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.04/5
Looking for the Best Abstract Board Games?
At More Than Meeples, we are your one stop board game shop. Whether you are seeking an old favourite or an import from overseas, our expansive collection of games is sure to please. We also sell action figures and graphic novels for all your collector needs. If you would like a recommendation, or need to make an enquiry, please send us a message through our contact page and we will swiftly get back to you.
