When it's time to step away from screens and digital devices, board games offer a fantastic way to satisfy your gaming cravings and indulge in some quality escapism. Fortunately, there's a wide array of board games inspired by popular 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 immersed in your favorite gaming worlds, even when you're taking a break from technology.
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 is the perfect time to dive into the Wasteland from the comfort of your own kitchen table. Begin by selecting from various scenarios that will set up your map. Much like Bethesda's beloved open-world RPGs, players will explore the map, develop numerous skills, battle irradiated enemies, engage with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game is highly immersive and detailed, making it ideal for long-term gaming 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 into a board game, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital counterpart by having players assume the role of one of the provided heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey through the Spire. Similar to the video game, players will navigate through various rooms, each with unique characteristics that impact gameplay, including encounters with regular enemies, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure, merchants, and ultimately, the boss. The nature of Roguelikes ensures that Slay the Spire offers endless hours of enjoyment as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items.
You can read our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review for more about this game.
Bloodborne
### Bloodborne: The Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 60-90 minutesIn the Bloodborne board game, players take on the role of a Hunter, fighting to eradicate the evil lurking within Yharnam. As a campaign-style board game, Bloodborne offers endless replayability, with no two sessions being the same thanks to its modular map tiles. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this dark adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they uncover the secrets of the relentless plague and strive to stop it. The game's highly detailed miniatures enhance immersion, making you feel truly part of the experience.
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 tabletop adaptation has led Steamforged Games to create similar experiences for the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. However, Resident Evil 2 remains the standout entry. Staying true to the source material, players work cooperatively, controlling either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield as they battle through hordes of zombies to escape in various scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys as you navigate the environment, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. You can even use the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to influence your sessions!
PAC-MAN
### Pac-Man: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesFrom Buffalo Games, the arcade classic makes a triumphant return to the tabletop. Enjoyable in both cooperative and competitive modes, the player controlling Pac-Man aims to navigate the maze, eat pellets, and collect fruit, while the players controlling the ghosts try to avoid or catch Pac-Man. Played on four metal tiles that form the game board, it requires some initial assembly, but subsequent games are quick to set up. The electronic Pac-Man figure even makes its iconic "waka waka" sound!
Tetris
### Tetris Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAlso from Buffalo Games, Tetris is a competitive game where players maneuver, rotate, and drop their tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Just like the video game, the next piece is displayed on a card, allowing players to plan their strategy. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. With its quick setup and play time, this game is perfect 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 content for the original Dark Souls board game Kickstarter campaign, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure ideal for new players, named after the infamous location from the video games. Players choose a class and gear at the start, then navigate the catacombs, facing skeleton archers or resting at the bonfire. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. This game remains faithful to its source material, featuring punishing combat and RPG elements highlighted by the level-up system. Tomb of Giants 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
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 an incredibly fast-paced cooperative game where players aim to defeat all the bosses using dice-based mechanics. Setup is straightforward, as the boss deck structure remains constant. Players choose from four characters: Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and play through multiple rounds consisting of five phases, setting up attacks and confronting the boss. With timed rounds, careful dice selection is key! Cuphead offers high replay value, allowing players to improve their scores and upgrade abilities for future runs. See our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more information.
The Oregon Trail
### The Oregon Trail Card Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesDying of dysentery has never been more entertaining. In this quick-to-set-up and play card game, players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to various calamities. Sessions are brisk, as you can die quickly from the Calamity cards. Challenging and luck-based, victory is achieved by playing fifty trail cards to reach the end of the Trail. A notable downside is that if a player dies on the first turn (a common occurrence), they must sit out the entire session until the party either wins or all perish. Nonetheless, it's a fun and faithful recreation of the source material, sure to elicit plenty of laughs.
