7 Board Games to Check Out in 2022
If you’ve been in the board game section of your local game store recently, you know that the options seem endless. The shelves are stacked with games of all sorts. There really is something out there for everyone, but finding that something can seem extremely overwhelming thanks to the multitude of choices at your fingertips. To help cut down on the stress, here are the most popular board games from last year that you should check out in the new year.
1. Catan
Settlers of Catan continues to reign supreme in the board game world, and it’s easy to see why. The rules are easy to grasp. The board and pieces are pretty straightforward. And, the gameplay is competitive. Competitive board games are more enticing for first-time gamers since the goal is apparent: get more points than the other person. Competitiveness can bring out the worst in some people, but it’s a great motivator to get people together to play a game. If you’re struggling to get friends or family to come together for board game night, give Catan a chance.
Image via Catan
Players: 3–4
Time: 60–120 Minutes
Goal: Get to 10 points. Players gather points by building settlements and cities, having the largest army (achieved through development cards), getting the longest road, and accumulating specific development cards that award you victory points. The first player to 10 points announces their total and claims the win.
2. Splendor
Splendor’s appeal is that it’s a quick game that requires minimal setup. It’s a competitive chip-collecting and card-building game that’s all about collecting prestige. You and your group play as merchants who buy shops, gem mines, and transportation. You may receive a visit from a notable noble, such as Henry VII or Catherine de’Medici, which all help improve your prestige. It’s another game that’s straightforward and provides competition that helps draw in people who are new to playing board games. The short amount of time it takes to play makes it a perfect addition to board game nights.
Image via BoardGameGeek
Players: 2–4
Time: 30 Minutes
Goal: Reach 15 prestige points before your opponents. You earn these points by buying cards which will help you get more gem bonuses and may give you prestige on their own.
3. Trial By Trolley
Trial by Trolley is a great game if you love debating and proving your case. Each round, a player is selected as the trolley conductor. They act as judge, jury, and exectutioner when it comes to which terrible track the trolley trudges through. The other players are tasked with proving that their set of tracks is the one to be avoided. It’s the perfect game for those who enjoy Cards Against Humanity, simplicity, and those who want to play a game at a party. It’s based on subjectiveness, so it’s best played with those who share the same sense of humor.
Image via Skybound
Players: 3-13
Time: 30-90 minutes
Goal: Convince the judge of each round that your track should be spared from the out-of-control train. There’s a winner chosen for each round and the number of rounds is determined by the number of people playing.
4. Marvel Champions
Marvel Champions is the first cooperative board game to hit this list. It’s a Living Card Game, a name coined by the company Fantasy Flight Games, that offers a fixed distribution that differs from the normal structure of card games. Living Card Games have sets that come out at specific times that offer a more dynamic play experience. The added appeal of it being based on iconic Marvel characters and complete action-packed scenarios to save the day makes this the perfect board game for those who want to step into the role of a hero.
Image via Fantasy Flight Games
Players: 1-4
Time: 45-90 Minutes
Goal: Defeat the bad guy. There are stages to the game: the hero stage and the villain stage. If the players defeat the villain in the villain stage then they win the game. A simple and straightforward objective.
5. Infinity Gaunlet: A Love Letter Game
With how hot the Marvel Cinematic Universe is, it’s no surprise that a popular card game paired with a well-liked franchise is a recipe for success. Similarly to Marvel Champions, the players take on the role of superhero. Instead of having a multitude of villains to defeat, this card game focuses on taking down Thanos. The original game focuses risk and deduction to get through the game. In Infinity Gaunlet: A Love Letter Game, those rules are reimagined while still keeping true to the original mechanics. This game is great for players looking for something simple to set up and is super quick.
Image via Z-Man Games
Players: 2-6
Time: 15 Minutes
Goal: Take down your opponent. One player takes on the role of Thanos while the other players take on the role of the heroes. The heroes have a chance to defeat Thanos through strategic planning in attempts to knock his health to zero. If your Thanos, you can win by collecting all six infinity stones and snap your fingers.
6. Dice Forge
Dice Forge brings something truly unique to the board gaming world. It’s a development game that features dice with interchangeable faces. It’s a crafting game where each player builds their own dice and can make them more powerful as the game progresses. It’s an interesting mechanic that allows you the player to strategize your luck as you use them to overcome the ordeals of the game.
Image via BoardGameGeek
Players: 2-4
Time: 45 Minutes
Goal: Complete more ordeals than your opponents. The game offers a multitude of ways to upgrade your dice, so there are many roads that you can take to get to victory. That means that each time you play you get a different experience.
7. Jaipur
Jaipur is a fast-paced resource management game that is the perfect addition to any collection. You play as a merchant who buys and trades goods to become the wealthiest in the city of Jaipur. The card game is catered to two people, meaning it can’t be played for a big board game night but it can be played on a quiet night in. Like many board games, it’s a mix of risk, luck, and tactics.
Image via BoardGameGeek
Players: 2
Time: 30 Minutes
Goal: Gain two “seals of excellence” and be invited to court. You gain these seals by buying, trading, and selling while trying to keep an eye on your camel herd. It’s perfect for fans of Catan and Scythe who want things a little simpler.
Broaden Your Horizons
Whether you’re looking for a new addition to add to the board game closet or you’re looking for something new to try this year, the board games listed above are must-tries. If none of these suit your fancy or you’ve already played them all (impressive!) then stop into your nearest Coliseum and ask for a recommendation!