When it's time to step away from screens and digital devices, board games offer the perfect escape, allowing you to indulge in immersive gameplay without the need for technology. There's a rich selection of board games inspired by some of the most iconic video games, and we've curated a list of our top picks. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick party game, these board game adaptations will keep you engaged in your favorite virtual worlds, even when you're offline.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games
FalloutSlay the SpireBloodborneResident Evil 2Pac-ManTetrisDark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of GiantsCuphead: Fast Rolling Dice GameThe Oregon TrailFallout
### Fallout: The Board Game
1$69.99 save 36%$44.49 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 2-3 hoursWith the recent success of Amazon's Fallout series, now's the perfect time to dive into the Wasteland from the comfort of your kitchen table. Choose from a variety of scenarios to set up your map, much like Bethesda's beloved open-world RPGs. Explore, build skills, fight mutants, interact with factions, and complete quests as you vie for control over the Wasteland. This detailed and immersive game is ideal for those seeking long, engaging sessions.
Slay the Spire
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
9See it at Contention GamesPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 45 minutesArguably the most fitting video game to transition to the tabletop, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital predecessor. Players select from various heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building adventure up the Spire. Navigate through different rooms—encounters, elites, events, campfires, treasure, the merchant, and bosses—each affecting your gameplay uniquely. The nature of Roguelikes ensures endless hours of fun as you experiment with different characters, builds, and items. For a deeper dive, check out our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.
Bloodborne
### Bloodborne: The Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 60-90 minutesIn Bloodborne: The Board Game, players step into the shoes of Hunters battling to eradicate the evil lurking within Yharnam. This campaign-style game offers endless replayability with its modular map tiles, ensuring no two sessions are the same. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and meticulously crafted miniatures, players will test their skills and decision-making as they unravel the mystery of the relentless plague and fight to end it. The level of immersion is unparalleled, making you feel as though you're truly in the world of Bloodborne.
Resident Evil 2
### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 90-120 minutesThe success of the Resident Evil 2 board game paved the way for Steamforged Games to explore other entries in the franchise. Staying true to the source material, players cooperate as either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, navigating through zombie-infested scenarios to escape. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys, solve puzzles, and use iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to influence your gameplay. It's a thrilling recreation of the beloved video game.
Pac-Man
### Pac-Man: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesBuffalo Games brings the arcade classic to the tabletop in both cooperative and competitive modes. As Pac-Man, players navigate the maze, gobble pellets, and collect fruit, while those controlling the ghosts aim to thwart or capture Pac-Man. The game board, assembled from four metal tiles, requires some initial setup but is quick to reset for subsequent games. And yes, the electronic Pac-Man figure still makes the iconic "waka waka" sound!
Tetris
### Tetris Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAnother hit from Buffalo Games, this competitive Tetris board game pits players against each other as they maneuver, rotate, and drop tetriminos to score the highest. Just like the video game, the next piece is visible on a card, allowing strategic planning. Score points by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and playtime make it an excellent choice for parties and younger players.
Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants
### Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-3Age Range: 14+Play Time: 90-120 minutesOriginally planned as part of the Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, Tomb of Giants is a standalone adventure perfect for newcomers. Drawing its name from the 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 remains faithful to its source, featuring punishing combat and RPG elements, along with new characters and over a hundred new cards compatible with other Dark Souls board games.
Cuphead: Fast-Rolling Dice Game
### Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
3$59.99 save 22%$46.88 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 30-45 minutesMirroring its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative experience where players aim to defeat bosses using dice-based mechanics. With a consistent boss deck setup, the game is easy to start. Choose from Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and navigate through five phases per round to attack and defeat the boss. Timed rounds add urgency to your dice rolls! The game boasts high replay value, allowing you to improve your score and upgrade abilities across multiple runs. For more details, see our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review.
The Oregon Trail
### The Oregon Trail Card Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesExperience the infamous risk of dying from dysentery in this fun and fast-paced card game. Players work together to reach Oregon without succumbing to the numerous Calamity cards that threaten their journey. The game is challenging and luck-based, requiring you to play fifty trail cards to win. However, if a player dies early, they might have to sit out the rest of the session. Despite this, it's a delightful and humorous take on the classic video game, perfect for group play.
