Best board games for less than $ 20
Best board games for less than $ 20
In a world of top-notch Kickstarters , upgrades, exclusive promotions, and the always unattainable triple-foiled holographic gold super-mints Black Lotus, it’s kind of nice to play a game that doesn’t cost the same as a monthly rent.
Let’s take a look at the best board games we can find, for less than $ 20.
Our best selections for the best board games under $ 20
Are you in a hurry? Check out our favorites below.
The best fantasy
The best party
Best overall
# 1. Hive pocket
Do you enjoy swarms of things? Do you ever think, "A man who would like to have a pocket full of insects now?"
Well, you're in luck! The Pocket beehive is full of insects and is much smaller than its original counterpart.
Okay, weird aside, Hive is a fantastic five-player game that's easy to travel with. It will be used over and over again, and the value-to-play ratio is extremely high here.
# 2. Code names
Codenames has taken over the world of board games. A fun game with simple rules of variety and multiple extensions / versions? Sounds like a winner.
Players are divided into 2 teams using their own simple verbal cues and must identify hidden agents in the field in front of the other team. The only hint they will have, however, is a single word.
This is a very fun fun game for 6+ players that even has a version with two Duet players if you are looking for a great date night game .
The game is a lot of fun, but so simple ... it pisses me off that I didn’t think of it at first.
# 3. Star Realms & Hero Realms
Think of Hero Realms as the cheaper and more affordable Magic The Gathering . Hero Realms is a fantasy cousin to the sci-fi- dark Star Realms that uses a very familiar system.
This deck building duel game has players inviting monsters to kill each other in an epic showdown. Even in the basic game itself, you watch the hours of repeatability.
# 4. Love letter
I got so many Love Letter games from my copy . I’ve probably seen just as many airports and countries as I have.
It is simply a card game with only 16 cards. It literally fits anywhere. Also pockets for girls.
In a love letter, the actors try to get the prince their love letter. The card you currently own represents who holds your letter and at the end of the round, the card with the most impact (maximum number) wins.
It’s very simple, but I’ve had a copy for years and it’s still fun to play. That’s a big compliment for every game and amazing that it’s only a few bucks .
- In the package with the Again Products guarantee: authentic, real, ...
- Small packaging for easy carrying Two new character roles ...
- Brand new illustrations give the classic game a fresh, modern ...
# 5. Cities of Burgundy: A card game
The cities of Burgundy are an example of a Euro game done correctly. While you won’t be able to get the full version of the big box for under $ 20, the card game itself is a fantastic game.
It condenses the sense of the original and leads it to a simplified two-player version. He has received even more awards, especially for his fantastic playing in small boxes.
If you’re a fan of the original, there’s no reason to keep doing it. This is a good addition to the field for players.
# 6. Kingdomino
Dominos is a classic game, but as most board game players will tell you, pizza is not. No smell.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy it, but the last time I played a domino game in the belly of a warship was when everyone was betting and exchanging workdays. It’s not as relaxing and whimsical as, say, the version of Dominoes building the kingdom.
In Kingdomino , players lay custom domino tiles in the shape of different parts of the kingdom. How you arrange them and in what order they will attribute those sweet winning points to you at the end of the game.
It’s a new look at the classics and much more colorful and vibrant.
- Strategy board game: Kingdomino is one of ...
- Strategy game for family or adults: This fantasy game for 2 to 4 players ...
- How to play: Kingdomino prepares cards and lays tiles ...
# 7. Hanabi
What happens when you hire a bunch of incompetent fireworks setup professionals?
No fireworks ... that's it.
Hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks and in Hanabi (the game) , you’ll be able to play as one of those awkward pyrotechnicians who fucked up the entire screen. You'll have to arrange the fireworks cards by color and number ... but it's complicated that you don't see any of your cards.
You will have to rely on and collaborate with your colleagues to get the show started. If you can’t get it together, there will be a lot of unhappy revelers.
- For 2-5 players
- 2013 Spiele des Jahres game of the year
- Playing takes about 20-30 minutes
# 8. For sale
Nothing is as exciting as real estate ... Okay, there may be a lot more exciting stuff out there, but There are quite a few gamers available for sale without having to meet on a timeshare.
There is a very fun auction game on sale in which players start bidding on auction cards. Each card is numbered (1-30) and higher cards will have a higher value (not cash).
In Stage 2, players have to sell their house for the most money. At the beginning of each round, a series of checks are placed on the table indicating what the houses will be sold for. Each player plays only one card from his hand and the house with the largest number sells the most.
This adds a huge strategic element to the game. At what point you play cards with a large number or drop them is a big part of the game. I’ll be honest, I spent a lot of afternoons sitting around the gaming table for hours and playing at the sale.
- Age: 8 years and older
- Number of players: 3 to 6
- Playback time: 20 to 30 minutes
# 9. No thanks!
No thanks! is a fun little card game that won't break the bank. It is a simple game of chance in which players take the current card or place a coin in the middle. The goal is the lowest score at the end of the game.
See how easy that was? You already know the rules. It’s a fun non-themed card game if you’re ready for a quick game. He fulfills the role quite nicely and is responsible for me writing my copy of Phase 10.
I would definitely say "Yes, please!" on the game No thanks.
- AGE: 8+ | 3-7 PLAYERS
- PERFECT FOR FAMILIES: A high level of player interaction ensures ...
- A FAVORITE GAME IN THE USA AND EUROPE: One of Geek's board games ...
# 10. Biblios
This one is for all of you history nerds who still think the Library of Alexandria brandy is one of the worst atrocities that has befallen humanity (I'm watching you, Kendra).
Biblios puts actors in the roles of Abbots who want to collect some serious points by accumulating as much world knowledge as possible. To do this, they must manage their own scriptorium.
Players receive winning points through all rounds, so they have the most workers and resources on their side.
It requires fair strategy and bluffing, which puts it over the edge of many budget games that have very simple mechanics.
- For 2-4 players
- 30 minute playing time
- Deluxe box with magnetic seal
# 11
Coup is one of my favorite games. I’m a big fan of bluffing as well as games that travel easily, so it’s always great to find one that pulls double duty.
The coup is set in the same world as the Resistance, and the flaps in the back are just as bad. Each card represents the influence of a player in government or one in your pocket, bought and paid. Maybe sometimes it's a little too close to home ...
Players try to nullify the influence of opponents to be last.
- Age Mfg. Minimum: 120.0 months
- For 2 to 6 players
- Play in 15 minutes
# 12. Dragonwood
Dragonwood is in a charming card and dice game that allows you to explore a fantastic kingdom and then step in and scream at anything in your path.
Players receive cards and work to collect kits. With the kits you get dice, which allow you to perform actions. The better / number of sets you have, the more dice you will be able to use.
This is a very well designed game and I adore the artwork immensely. If you are a fan of dice games, then this is definitely a must check.
- Collect sets of adventure cards to earn dice
- Throw dice at your enemies!
- Carefully choose your strategy, the province of Dragonwood is ...
# 13. Forbidden Island
Get ready for the sewers of your inner Indiana Jones.
The banned series ( Iceland , Desert , Sky) is known for packing a big cooperative game kick into small packages. They are also one of my favorite game series.
What better place to start than the first in a series of cheap?
- 2010 Favorite game winner in Mensa
- Join a group of fearless adventurers on a "kill or die" mission ...
- 2 to 4 players
# 14. Port
Get ready for the strangest port visit you’ll ever make. Players will walk through the harbor, ride and drive as they try to make the most of their visit.
Harbor is a collector’s game with a rather dynamic economy built into the rules. When players buy buildings, resource prices fluctuate depending on which resources were used. Players need to determine the time of purchase in a timely manner to increase their profits and reduce competition.
- Welcome to the seagull at the bottom! collect and trade resources when you visit ...
- Play for 1 to 4 players
- 30-60 minutes of play
# 15. Kahuna
Kahuna is a 2-player abstract strategy game. There are a number of islands in Kahuna that players must connect to their bridges to completely encircle each island. Players use cards to build bridges on the island, and if most of the bridges on the island allow them to do so, they must remove the opponent's bridge.
Kahuna was originally marketed under a different name, but the current design has great manufacturing value and components. In general, this is considered to be the final version that will not bring down the bank.
- Compete for supremacy in an archipelago of twelve ...
- With their magic and wisdom, they fight to control ...
- At the mercy of the magical powers of the southern seas ...
# 16. Mint Works & Mint Delivery
There aren’t many worker scheduling games that fall below the $ 20 limit.
Think of Mint Works as exercise bikes for workers deployment games . It has mechanics to accommodate workers who still offer the perfect gaming experience.
Why is it called Mint Works? Well, the whole game fits a small tin mint. This makes it extremely portable and you can impress all your hipster friends with your cool retro mint tin.
# 17. Niya or Okiya
Blue Orange Games and Pegasus Spiele are known for their very beautiful and uniquely themed games.
Niya and Okiya are abstract strategy games that are played as a sophisticated tic-tac-toe game. Of course, this is too much of a simplification of the rules, but this is the closest comparison I can make.
Players take turns placing their chips on the tiles in the grid, and each tile has several different symbols or images. Players will only be able to place their token on the tile if there is a corresponding symbol from the previous tile.
See? There’s more to it than Xs and O’s.
This is another fantastic game that is incredibly simple, but it can be played over and over again without ever getting old.
# 18. Villain: Wicked to the core
I’m not usually the one to jump on a Disney band. Ever since Disney first focused on global dominance, there have been a huge number of hits or delays in Disney games.
The villain is actually one of the better ones out there. She cleverly focuses on the most interesting aspects of their films, Bad Guys.
In Villainous, players take on the role of their favorite mustache, hunter or polymorph.
Each baddie has its own creepy goal and way to do it, but a fateful deck is also included that changes the game for everyone.
If you’re a Disney fan, this is hard to pass up and there are many extensions that improve your game and add even more of your favorite villains to the mix.
- Characters you like - In this asymmetrical style of play everyone ...
- Great for Disney fans and family - whether you're playing with ...
- Compatibility - Wicked to the Core can be played independently ...
# 19. Unstable unicorns
There are a huge number of new, simple card games with wonderful ( sometimes creepy ) themes coming up recently ... and Unstable Unicorns is a great addition to them.
In unstable unicorns, you try to build the best unicorn barn you can.
Players take turns adding different unicorns to their personal barn. Except for basic unicorns, everyone has their own ability. They are, after all, magical creatures.
There are a lot of card games like this right now, but this one really stings me with a funny bone . Humor and card artwork break me and, I mean, who doesn’t like unicorns?
- Build an army of unicorns. Betray your friends. Unicorns are your ...
- Unstable Unicorns is a strategy card game that will destroy your ...
- The game was one of the 100 most supported Kickstarter projects ...
# 20. Dark
Gloom is a game you pull out when friends / emo / goti come for some quality playing time. Gloom feels like it was designed by the Addam family while they were vacationing with Jack Skellington.
The goal of Gloom is to make your families the worst day possible. The family with the saddest bag of stories wins at the end of the game! You’ll actually attack opponents with “good” card events to brighten their day. The ultimate goal is to kill their own family after the worst day of their lives.
The best part about Gloom is the narrative. Each card represents a horrible situation and it is up to you to explain what happens to your family, weaving a horrible narrative.
This is a silly fun game that is also great for role-playing beginners . Who knows? You can jump into the game D&D , Legacy of Dragonholt or Vampire: Masquerade After that.
- 2-4 players
- 60 minute playing time
- Compatible with first edition
Wrap-Up
Games can be an expensive hobby. There is always a new miniature , gizmo, box organizer or new Spiel Des Jahres winner. But that doesn’t mean you have to set up a house for a good gaming session.
Hopefully you’ve found something that will allow you to enjoy games, strategies, and beautiful moments with friends and family the most. You may even have some money left to buy pizza!
Did we miss any of your favorite budget board games? We hope you enjoyed our list. If you have suggestions for games up to $ 20 or if you just want to talk about board games, leave a comment below.
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