There’s no better time quite like the present to invest in a new board game, huddle with some friends, and let the time roll on by. 2020 was a great year for the board game industry, and the success of so many releases just goes to show it. If you’re an avid board gamer or simply trying to dabble in something new, we’ve gathered a list of the best board games of 2020 that you should definitely give a go.
For more of the best board games 2020 had on offer, browse our online board game shop or get in touch with us for recommendations or advice.
Top Board Games 2020 – Our Top 6
Dune Imperium
With many attempts to bring Dune to the big screen in the form of film, video games and tv shows, its ultimate success lies in the way of a good ole’, tabletop board game. Players indulging in the game race to 10-plus points through a mix of worker-placement and deckbuilding. Players dispatch their agents to the action spaces displayed on the board, taking loot, faction influence or troops. The game can be played over multiple rounds so the aim ISN’T to win each time, more so to collect as many points and resources early on, preparing yourself for the latter.
Average Playtime: 60 – 120 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 1 – 4 (two player and solo mode)
Difficulty (BGG Complexity): 2.94
Buy the DUNE Board Game
Buy the Forgotten Waters Board Game
Forgotten Waters
This game is set in a world of fantastical pirate adventures. It is magical and full of stories designed to encourage players to explore and laugh as they interact with the world around them. Players of the game take on the role of pirates sailing together on a ship, attempting to further their own personal stories as well as a common goal. The game itself features 5 scenarios and a massive location book that provides players with tons of choices wherever they go.
Average Playtime: 120 – 240 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 3 – 7
Difficulty (BGG Complexity): 2.13
Pandemic Legacy: Season 0
One of the top board games 2020 is the third in the line of Pandemic Legacy games – Pandemic Legacy Season 0. Set in the middle of the Cold War with the threat of a new, deadly Soviet bioweapon, you and your fellow medical graduates have been recruited by the CIA to investigate and prevent the bioweapons development. As players, you are to move through the game using carefully constructed aliases to neutralise enemy agents, acquire specific targets, and set up other CIA agents on location to execute your operations without a hitch. This game expands beyond your mind and sucks you into a whole new world that’ll have you looking over your shoulder.
Average Playtime: 45 – 60 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 2 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Complexity): 3.12
Buy the Search for Planet X Board Game
The Search for Planet X
In this game, players take on the role of astronomers who use observations and logical deductions to search for Planet X. Each game, the companion app randomly selects an arrangement of objects and a location for Planet X following predefined logic rules. In each round, players use the app to perform scans and attend conferences. As they gain information about the location of the objects, they mark that information on the deduction sheets. The Search for Planet X captures the thrill of discovery, the puzzle-y nature of the astronomical investigation, and the competition inherent in the scientific process.
Average Playtime: 60 minutes
Recommended Age: 13+
Number of Players: 1 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Complexity): 2.30
On Mars
On Mars is played across several rounds with the game revolving around 2 phases, the Colonisation Phase, and the Shuttle Phase. Throughout the game, players must complete a total of 3 missions while contributing to the development of the Colonisation Phase on Mars. Without this, the game will end, and the players will lose. This is done through the collection of Opportunity Points (OP). The player with the most OP at the end of the game will be declared the winner.
Average Playtime: 90 – 150 minutes
Recommended Age: 14+
Number of Players: 1 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Complexity): 4.65
Buy the On Mars Board Game
Buy the Lost Ruins of Arnak Board Game
The Lost Ruins of Arnak
One of the best board games 2020 released, is without a doubt the Lost Ruins of Arnark, a game where players can explore vast jungles of an uninhabited island, gather rare artefacts, and find their way to… You guessed it, the Lost Ruins of Arnak. Throughout the game, players are encouraged to use skilful worker placement and deckbuilding while attempting to uncover the lost island’s great secrets. Each setup for this game is always unique, allowing players to explore new strategies to meet the challenge with a new variety of worker actions, artefacts, and equipment cards.
Average Playtime: 30 – 120 minutes
Recommended Age: 12+
Number of Players: 1 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Complexity): 2.74
Ready for a new experience?
If you enjoyed learning more about some of the best board games of 2020 and are looking to add some of these 2020 greats to your collection, head to our website where you can buy board games online. For information about your top board games of 2020 or for general queries, contact us today!
