When it's time to step away from the screen and dive into some analog fun, board games are the perfect solution to satisfy that ongoing craving for immersive play. Thankfully, there's a wide array of board games inspired by top video games, and we've rounded up some of the best ones for you. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick party game, these selections will keep you engaged in your favorite gaming universes, even when you're taking a break from digital devices.
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: The Board Game
Price: $69.99 save 36% - $44.49 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours
With the buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, there's no better time to immerse yourself in the Wasteland from the comfort of your own home. Begin by selecting from various scenarios, which will set up your map. Much like Bethesda's open-world RPGs, you'll explore the map, enhance multiple skills, battle mutated foes, engage with different factions, and undertake quests, all while vying for control of the Wasteland. This game is perfect for those looking for a deep, detail-rich experience over long sessions.
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
See it at Contention Games
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes
Arguably the video game on this list most suited for a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire lets players embody one of the provided heroes as they ascend the Spire in a Roguelike deck-building adventure. Just like its digital counterpart, players will navigate through rooms with unique effects—encounters with regular enemies, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure hunts, merchant interactions, and boss fights. With the inherent replayability of Roguelikes, Slay the Spire promises endless hours of fun as you experiment with different characters, builds, and items.
You can delve deeper into this game with our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.
Bloodborne
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 a Hunter, fighting to eradicate the evil plaguing Yharnam. Designed as a campaign game, Bloodborne offers endless replayability through its modular map tiles, ensuring that no two sessions are ever the same. With an array of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this eerie adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they unravel the mystery of the relentless plague and strive to end it. The game's highly detailed miniatures enhance the immersive experience, making you feel truly part of the action.
Resident Evil 2
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 by Steamforged Games set the stage for further expansions into the Resident Evil universe. Faithfully replicating the source material, players cooperate as either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, battling through zombie hordes to escape in various scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys as you navigate the environment, dodge the undead, and solve puzzles. The iconic ink ribbons and typewriters from the video game are also included, adding a nostalgic touch to your gaming sessions.
PAC-MAN
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 the tabletop, playable in both cooperative and competitive modes. As Pac-Man, players aim to navigate the maze, gobble up pellets, and collect fruit, while ghost players try to catch or avoid Pac-Man. The game board consists of four metal tiles, requiring initial assembly but ensuring quick setup for subsequent games. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits its classic "waka waka" sound, adding to the fun.
Tetris
Tetris Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes
Also from Buffalo Games, this competitive version of Tetris pits players against each other as they maneuver, rotate, and drop their tetriminos to score the highest. Just like the video game, the next piece is visible, represented by a card, allowing for strategic planning. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and play time make it an excellent choice for parties and younger gamers.
Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants
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 campaign, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure perfect for new players. Named after the infamous location from the video games, players choose their class and gear before navigating the catacombs, battling skeleton archers, and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. This game stays true to its source material, featuring challenging combat and RPG elements that shine through its leveling system. It also introduces new playable characters and over a hundred new cards, all compatible with existing Dark Souls board game products.
Cuphead: Fast-Rolling Dice Game
Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
Price: $59.99 save 22% - $46.88 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes
Mirroring its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative experience where players aim to defeat all bosses using dice mechanics. The game's setup is straightforward, as the boss deck's structure remains constant. Players select one of four characters—Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle—and progress through rounds consisting of five phases, setting up attacks and confronting the boss. With timed rounds, careful dice selection is key. Cuphead offers high replayability, allowing players to improve scores and upgrade abilities for future runs. For more details, check out our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review.
The Oregon Trail
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-setup and play card game challenges players to reach Oregon without succumbing to various calamities. Sessions are fast-paced, with players facing sudden demise from Calamity cards. The game is oddly challenging and heavily luck-based, requiring players to play fifty trail cards to win. A unique feature is that if a player dies on the first turn (a frequent occurrence), they must sit out the rest of the session until the party either succeeds or fails. Despite this, it's a fun and humorous take on the classic game, sure to evoke plenty of laughs.
