Board games have been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. In recent years, however, board games have seen a surge in popularity, with sales increasing by 28% in the United States alone in 2020.Â
With the pandemic forcing people to spend more time at home, board games have become a go-to form of entertainment for families and friends looking for a fun night in.Â
From classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble to modern favourites like Azul and Codenames, there are countless options available.
We’ll explore some of the best board games for a fun night in, covering a range of game types and player numbers.
Classic Board Games
Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic board game that has been around for over 80 years.
 It is a game of real estate, where players buy and sell properties, collect rent, and try to bankrupt their opponents.
 The game can be played with two to eight players, and it usually takes a few hours to complete. Monopoly is a great game for families and friends, as it can be played by people of all ages.
Scrabble
Scrabble is a game that challenges players to demonstrate their strategic and linguistic skills by creating words with the highest possible score on the game board.Â
This game can accommodate two to four players and typically takes between 30 minutes to a few hours to finish. Scrabble is an excellent choice for individuals who enjoy playing games that require language proficiency and those who enjoy competing with friends.
Clue
Clue, also known as Cluedo, is a classic murder mystery game that has been around for over 70 years.
 It is a game of deduction, where players try to figure out who committed a murder, with what weapon, and in which room of the mansion. The game can be played with three to six players and usually takes around an hour to complete.Â
The clue is a great game for mystery lovers and those who enjoy a good challenge.
Risk
For more than six decades, Risk has remained a beloved strategy game. In this game, players aim to take over territories and vanquish their rivals to achieve global domination.
 Risk accommodates two to six players and requires several hours to play. If you’re a fan of intricate strategy games and enjoy planning, Risk is an excellent choice for you.
Chess
Chess is a timeless board game that has been enjoyed for more than a millennium. This game requires players to employ strategic thinking and tactical prowess in an attempt to capture their opponent’s king.Â
Chess is intended for two players, and a single game can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours to finish.
 If you appreciate games that challenge you mentally and involve profound contemplation, Chess is an excellent choice.
Party Games
Codenames
Codenames are popular word games that can be played with four or more players. It is a game of strategy and communication, where players try to guess the correct words from a set of clues given by their teammates. The game can take around 15-20 minutes to complete and is perfect for social gatherings and parties.
The Resistance
The Resistance is a game of social deduction that can be played with five to ten players. It is a game of strategy and deception, where players try to identify who among them is a spy. The game can take around 30 minutes to complete and is great for groups who enjoy a bit of intrigue and suspense.
Telestrations
Telestrations is a fun drawing game that can be played with four to eight players. It is a game of creativity and imagination, where players draw and guess each other’s drawings. The game can take around 20-30 minutes to complete and is perfect for groups who enjoy a good laugh and some artistic expression.
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a well-known card game suitable for two to five players. It is a game that blends elements of luck and strategy, where participants endeavor to evade drawing an exploding kitten card.
 Meanwhile, players can utilize other cards to impede their opponents’ progress. The game is relatively brief and typically lasts around 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for groups seeking a quick and enjoyable diversion.
 Exploding Kittens is an excellent option for those who relish games that are both entertaining and straightforward.
Cooperative Games
Pandemic
Pandemic is a popular cooperative game that can be played with two to four players. It is a game of strategy and teamwork, where players work together to stop the spread of deadly diseases around the world. The game can take around 45-60 minutes to complete and is perfect for groups who enjoy a challenge and a common goal.
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a cooperative game that can be played with three to six players. It is a game of strategy and adventure, where players explore a haunted city and try to uncover a traitor among them. The game can take around 60-90 minutes to complete and is great for groups who enjoy a bit of mystery and suspense.
Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island is a collaborative board game that accommodates 2-4 players. The game emphasizes strategic planning and survival skills, where players join forces to flee an island that is gradually sinking into the ocean.
 It typically takes approximately 30 minutes to finish a round, and it’s an ideal choice for groups that cherish teamwork and crave a challenging experience.
Strategy Games
Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is a popular strategy game that can be played with three to four players. It is a game of resource management and trading, where players try to build settlements and cities on a fictional island.Â
The game can take around 60-90 minutes to complete and is great for groups who enjoy a game that requires long-term planning and negotiation.
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a strategy game that can be played with two to five players. It is a game of train routes and destination tickets, where players try to connect cities across North America.Â
The game can take around 30-60 minutes to complete and is perfect for groups who enjoy a game that is easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a board game designed for 2-5 players that involve strategic gameplay. Players participate in tile-laying and city-building, intending to construct superior cities and roads on a medieval-themed board.Â
The game typically lasts between 45-60 minutes and is ideal for groups who appreciate games that demand both short-term tactical and long-term strategic planning.
Final Words
Board games are a fantastic way to spend a fun night with family or friends. Whether you prefer classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble, or newer titles like Pandemic and Ticket to Ride, there is no shortage of options to choose from.
 Modern favorites such as Codenames, Splendor, and Exploding Kittens offer unique and engaging gameplay experiences that are sure to keep everyone entertained.Â
With so many board games available, it’s easy to find one that suits your preferences and skill level. So gather some snacks, turn off your phones, and get ready for a night of laughter, competition, and memorable moments with the best board games for a fun night in.
For further reading, consider exploring the following related content:
