When it's time to unplug, turn off the TV, and cut down on screen time, board games are a fantastic way to satisfy that urge for escapism and the desire to keep playing. Fortunately, there are numerous board game adaptations of popular video games, and we've gathered some of our top picks here. Whether you're in the mood for a lengthy campaign or a quick-to-set-up party game, these board games offer a way to immerse yourself in these beloved worlds, even when you're taking a break from technology.
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
### Fallout: The Board Game
1$69.99 save 36%$44.49 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 2-3 hoursIn the wake of Amazon's Fallout series release, now is the ideal time to explore the Wasteland from the comfort of your own kitchen table. Begin by selecting from a variety of scenarios that will set up your map. Much like Bethesda's acclaimed open-world RPGs, players will uncover the map, enhance numerous skills, battle irradiated foes, engage with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game offers a highly immersive and detailed experience, perfect for extended play 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 deserving video game on this list to get a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire mirrors its digital counterpart by having players assume the role of one of the available heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey through the Spire. As in the video game, players will select from various rooms, each with unique characteristics affecting gameplay: encounters with regular enemies, battles with elites, events, campfires, treasure finds, interactions with the merchant, and confrontations with the boss. The nature of Roguelikes ensures that Slay the Spire will provide hours of enjoyment as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items with each playthrough.
You can read our detailed review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game for more insights.
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 striving to vanquish 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 different cards, tokens, and game pieces, this dark adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they uncover the secrets behind the relentless plague and battle to stop it. The game's highly detailed miniatures enhance immersion, making you feel as if you're truly in the Hunter's shoes.
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. Yet, much like the video games, Resident Evil 2 stands out as the best entry. Faithful to the source material, the game requires players to cooperate as they control either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, fighting 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 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, gobble up pellets, and collect fruit while those controlling the ghosts try to avoid or catch Pac-Man. The game board consists of four metal tiles requiring some initial assembly, but subsequent games are quick and easy to start. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits his iconic "waka waka" sound!
Tetris
### Tetris Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAlso produced by Buffalo Games, Tetris is a competitive head-to-head game where players maneuver, rotate, and drop their tetriminos to score the highest. Just as in the video game, the upcoming piece is displayed as a card, allowing players to strategize their moves. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. With quick setup and play time, this game is ideal 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 conceived as additional content for the original 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 a class and gear at the start, then navigate the catacombs, facing off against 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 that shine through 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-heavy mechanics to deal damage. Setup is straightforward, as the boss deck structure remains constant. Each player selects one of the four characters: Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and the game progresses through multiple rounds consisting of five phases, where players prepare their attacks and confront the boss. With timed rounds, careful selection of dice rolls is essential! Cuphead offers high replay value as players strive to beat their previous scores and upgrade abilities that carry over to future runs. Check out our review of Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game for more details.
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 so entertaining. In this quick-to-set-up and play card game, players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to the journey's perils. Sessions are relatively swift, as the various Calamity cards can lead to a quick demise. While challenging and luck-dependent, victory is achieved by playing fifty trail cards to the end of the Trail. A downside is that if a player dies on the first turn (a common occurrence), they must sit out until the party either succeeds or all perish. Nevertheless, it's a great adaptation of the source material that's sure to elicit some laughs.
