The best board games to control the area
The best board games to control the area
"This place isn't big enough for both of us."
Area-controlled games, also known as majority-game or majority-influence games, are a type of game that allows players to simultaneously fight for control of an area (usually a board). Normally, the same place can be occupied by several players, but space and points are won only by the player who has control or most of their pieces.
This type of game is known for its extremely strategic game, in which players must have full spatial awareness of the entire board and opponents. It’s one of my favorite genres / mechanics in games and friends always leave the table and talk about what they could have done differently.
Let’s dive in and find out which games are really taking control.
? Our best selections for the best board games to control the area
Are you in a hurry? Check out our favorites below.
The best science fiction
Best player for two players
Best overall
# 1. Twilight Empire
I feel like I’m talking about this Twilight Empire a lot.
Every time I discuss whether I should put him on the list, I come to terms with the same cyclical argument. I talk too much about it. This is great. Then I remember the epic stories created around the table of friends and the Twilight Imperium, and I decide to insert it.
Twilight Imperium is the definition of space opera. It's not just a war game and it's not just a space game. It is literally a universe you create where empires rise and fall with the tide.
This is one of my favorite games, and if you’re looking for an epic area control experience, Twilight Imperium should be your first stop.
- DAWN OF THE NEW AGE: Explore the latest renovation ...
- SCI-FI STRATEGIC SIDE GAME: In this galaxy conquest game ...
- DURABLE AND COMPETITIVE: Each faction offers a completely ...
# 2. War Rings (Second Edition)
I have yet to come across a board game that captures its source material better than The Ring of War.
The War of the Rings is an epic fight of good against evil. Players fight the Last Alliance of Free Peoples against Sauron's forces.
The free peoples of Middle-earth are broken and call on all the soldiers at their disposal. There is no more reinforcement and Sauron has an unlimited supply of orcs and other unholy creatures he bred in the dark.
"But hope remains as long as the company is real."
Sauron's forces may be unlimited, but they must step out of the heart of the mountain. Doom. This gives the last bastions time to gather forces in their forts and hold out until the Society destroys the Ring.
War of the Rings contains epic stories, stories, gameplay and everything you could want from a board game as you fight for control of Middle-earth.
- For 2 4 players
- Playing takes about 2 hours
- Massive game board measuring 70 x 100 cm in two sections, 16 action cubes, ...
# 3. Gaia Project
I love games with multiple races and variable abilities, especially when I can swarm the board. I really like strong things.
And Project Gaia , the players control a single space race that enjoys its environment in ... a special way. The goal is to turn nearby planets into your favorite biome.
Players will fight to control the board without actually fighting. There’s actually no real fight in the Gaia project, but there’s nothing stopping you from dropping your colonies next to your opponents and turning the planet into the exact opposite of what they need.
The Gaia project is a substance of complete information, a fantasy version of the game, Terra Mystica . It is very competitive, but at the same time it is an amazing example of running an area in an exceptional position of sci-fi settings.
- Continuation of critically and commercially recognized tera ...
- A galaxy colonization board game for one to four players
- Take command of fourteen factions, each with its own unique ...
# 4. Star Wars: Rebellion
Star Wars: Rebellion is one of my favorite Star Wars games of all time. It needs such a wonderful overview of the whole series.
In Rebellion, the actors are, of course, either on the side of the empire or the rebellion, and thematically it’s wonderful. The Empire tries to search the galaxy and find a hidden rebel base, but the rebels secretly hide and return the blow with hit-and-run tactics.
In general, the Empire is much stronger, but the rebellion does not have to be finally defeated. They simply have to survive the empire long enough to encourage the galaxy to fully revolt.
This is a wonderful cat and mouse game in which players experience an epic Star Wars saga that they create themselves as each of them struggles to control the galaxy.
- EXPERIENCE THE GALACTIC CIVIL WAR AS NEVER BEFORE: In Star Wars ...
- STRATEGY: Players secretly, carefully planning their turns ...
- THE GAME OF EPIC CONFLICTS: As a Rebel player, the leading daring strikes ...
# 5. Dark battle
I like the idea of a war game that isn’t necessarily focused entirely on the battlefield of things. The Twilight Fight takes place during the Cold War, which was potentially more deadly than any other conflict in history.
The Cold War represents the whole world on the brink of thermonuclear destruction, and just as in life, if the game ends with a nuclear war, no one wins; everyone loses.
Players withdraw in the battle for influence around the world like the USSR or the USA. You will also have to deal with historical events that can change your impact on the world stage. As we have already mentioned, you will also have to deal with the general level of danger and use diplomacy to prevent both superpowers from starting a nuclear war.
Twilight Struggle is the only game I know of that deals with this time period in history, and it works incredibly well. If you're looking for an amazing historical nail biting game, Twilight Struggle is it.
- A game with five players
- Great strategy game
- Playing takes about 3 hours
# 6. El Grande
The next conquest brings us to medieval Spain.
All empires eventually collapse and in this special power vacuum are the Grandes, regional powers that want to expand their power. With their Caballeros, the players will take control of Spain and force competition.
However, the king's power has not completely disappeared, so whenever a king enters a region, no one can enter or leave.
Basically, El Grande is about controlling the area . The mechanics and gameplay are about as close to a game with pure control as you can get. A story has been added and some fluff, but if you want to see what the area control is all about, it’s as close as possible.
- A simple set of rules that allows for surprising depth
- An action selection system that provides a different experience ...
- The six included extensions promise exceptional playback capability
We recommend that you get the Big Box version, as it has almost the same price as the original and includes 6 extensions in addition to the basic game.
# 7. Blood rage
"The end of the world is as we know it and I feel ..." RAZ!
Ragnarök has arrived! In the now ruined world, all we have left is to fight and secure a seat in Valhalla.
Blood Rage is a CMON area control game that Kickstarter has taken over with its highly detailed and beautifully crafted Miniature .
Behind this enormous production value, however, lies an incredible game of area control. Players must make an effort to grab the land to gain enough favor with the gods, crush their enemies, and even line up with ancient beasts to crush their enemies.
- Incredible numbers - from different clans, to ships, to ...
- Breathtaking art - Adrian Smith created with Blood Rage ...
- Custom Clans - Players start with the same abilities, but ...
# 8. D&D: The Tyrants of the Underworld
The Drow of the Dungeons & Dragons are known as a friendly peaceful race.
I'm kidding. They are bloodthirsty monsters that live underground.
Luckily for us, we can play like them.
In Underdark, where ugly creatures live, Drow gathers to raise power and only one will remain.
You will be able to prepare killers, charismatic drow and other inhabitants of the depths.
Every Drow house will fight for the dominance of the Underdark.
- Tyrants of the Underdark puts 2 to 4 players together ...
- Tyrants of the Underdark is a competitive board game in which ...
- Using power and influence as resources, the tyrants of the underworld ...
# 9. Inis
Inis is a wonderful game based on Celtic mythology and knowledge that will undoubtedly cause you to have a heart attack. Everything about Inis is deceptive.
The set of rules is extremely strict and the way to deal with combat, soldiers and victory seems simple. However, when you enter the game, you will notice that every single action and movement is subtle. There’s no rear stand or screaming naked Celts filling your line painted into a coat.
It’s all in the skillful movements of the soldiers, where a single walk on the table could cost you games. Conflicts can end in peace and this is sometimes better for everyone involved.
Players will end up constantly searching the board, counting and counting numbers and pussy moves. Each will affect whether the game ends in victory or defeat.
Control will move as often as winds, which can be very stressful. It's also one of the most beautiful games I've ever seen in terms of design / rules as well as aesthetics / art.
- A board game with 2 to 4 players designed by Christian Martinez and ...
- Based on ancient myths about the colonization of Ireland and the first ...
- Innovative game mechanics combine map preparation and surface control
# 10. Predominant species
The ice age is coming and only the strongest will survive. Who will later become the dominant species on Earth?
As a teacher, I really enjoy educational topics set in an accessible format, such as board games, but as an avid gamer, I’m extremely critical of what’s on the gaming table.
The dominant species manages to take on a cool educational theme and place it in an amazing game. You won’t find simple topics pasted for education.
Dominant Species is a "crunchy" game for strategy lovers. It combines 4X style of play with a brutal battle for supremacy between different types. Each is unique and there are many different paths to victory.
- For 2-6 players
- Playing lasts 2-4 hours
- Great strategy game
# 11. Chaos in the old world
I’ve always been a fan of Warhammer 40k. I think it’s cool that sci-fi grimdark 40k and fantasy Warhammer shared the same demonic pantheon. Basically, you could play both series with demons if you made the models right.
Chaos in the Old World focuses exclusively on the Demon Pantheon Acting Workshop with the gods of chaos, Khorney, Nurgle, Slaanesh and Tzenntch.
Each God of Chaos has his own unique servants and powers to suit their particular style, and they all have their own decks and powers to use when they corrupt the landscape into their image.
If you are a fan of Warhammer or looking for an amazing, very themed game, Chaos in the Old World offers. The only downside is that it hasn’t been in print for a while now, and finding a copy gets harder over time.
# 12. Ethnos
Ethnos is a great game of transitions. It is a mixture of surface collection and control.
In this contested world of imagination, players draw maps of traditional fantasy races, polar bears, elves, trolls, and the like, and create sets based on the number of similar races or similar colors.
Once players match the races and colors on the cards, they will be able to set control tokens on the board. The sets vary in the number of points, depending on the number of cards placed for each, so even if one player leads the board, there is always the chance to snatch the win at the last minute.
I really love the art and simplicity of Ethnos. You can get lost in the strategy of the board, and towards the end of the game you can get extremely tense.
- Twelve tribes - from skeletons to giants to Merfolk, all ...
- Immersive World - contains original works of art of a fantasy legend ...
- Political Battle - Up to six players fight to control ...
# 13. Cyclades
The Cyclades are a wonderful set of islands on the Greek coast that I once wanted to visit. Until then, I’ll have to settle for playing the Cyclades board game.
In the Cyclades, we delve into Greek mythology as players try to build their cities on an island. For this they will need the favor of the gods.
There are a lot of moving parts going on here and a lot of praying to the gods. You will need to ask God’s favor to perform the actions. After all, you can’t just sail with your ships without Poseidon’s blessing.
Cyclades is a cool mix of area control with a bidding system where players are forced to bid for the favor of the gods to perform actions. It really brings themed elements, but at the same time it offers a difficult strategy game.
- Become a legend by elevating your people to the highest level
- A great adventure game of soldiers, philosophers and mythological ...
- Recruit soldiers, build ships, fortresses and metropolises
# 14. Mission: Red Planet (Second Edition)
I was hesitant at first because I’m a big fan of science fiction, but not necessarily Steampunk .
As with all realities, alternative or real, megacorporations have taken over and must fill up on endless resource consumption.
In Mission: Red Planet, each player represents a mining corporation as he competes to assert the resources offered by Mars. Players will have 9 professionals in their corporation to help them explore and mine Mars resources. Each with different abilities or expertise.
Players use hidden actions at each turn to spread their pros to the surface and it can get downright ugly when players try to find the most valuable resources for themselves.
At first I thought I wouldn’t like this game. I don’t like steampunk artwork. I'm just not a fan ... but the game itself is solid. I will be happy to eat my aesthetic hat and admit that the game is great.
- A social game of exploring and mining planets for two to six ...
- Brand new graphic design refreshes Victorian steampunk ...
- Easy to learn, very interactive to play
# 15. Lancaster
The English Henry V has big plans for the kingdom, but not nearly as big as the "loyal" members of the noble class.
As one of those ruling members of the aristocracy, you will have to prove your loyalty to the king and become his beloved master.
During the celebration, you will compete for the glory of the Hundred Years' War with France by becoming the king's favorite ally. Real power is, after all, really behind the throne.
Lancaster is an amazing game. From excellent production value to tight mechanics and many paths to victory, area control is no better than this.
Players can focus their power on their territories or try to win the king’s favor by conquering France. There are so many things here that will allow for more presentations before you hit all that Lancaster has to offer.
# 16. A small world
The little world is a whimsical world in which it is easy to get lost.
The players will fight for the disputed country, which is of course too small for everyone. You will be able to mix fantasy races and match fun bonus powers that create a ridiculous measure of repeatability.
Even if you completely hate your current race and your strategy no longer works, you have the option to simply allow them to disappear and grab a whole new one.
It’s one of my favorite transitional games and behind my gaming table is always an enthusiastic audience.
Need more of the Little World? Take a look at the best extensions for the game and build a huge world ... that is still simply too small for everyone.
# 17. Tammany Hall
In arguably the most brutal of all, we turn to 19th-century American politics.
Tammany Hall is a game that abandons the traditional mechanics of area control, which uses military units or space aliens to fight for power. Instead, designer Doug Eckhart in a brilliant move uses the political structure of power as his canvas for a brutal game of control over the area.
The players will have to use their political power to help American immigrants, and more importantly, gain political favor and call on them at the right time to take power.
This is a very impressive game that sometimes feels too close to home.
- 3-5 players
- 60 to 90 minutes playback
- Game Features Area Control / Influence Area
# 18. Nexus Ops
Nexus Ops has been out of print for a while now, but if you’re one of the lucky few to find a copy, a real treat awaits you.
When Nexus Ops first came on the scene, it was labeled a RISK killer, meaning it does everything a classic game does, but better and more.
Nexus Ops is a science fiction quarrel in which several factions fight for control of the map. Unlike most other games, however, it’s at the heart of the Monolith board. The player who controls Monolith receives additional bonuses.
The game is a knock-down, drag-out fight that never fascinates.
- 17 detailed terrain tiles
- Nearly 100 tokens and markers
- 90 cards
# 19. Royals
For our last entry we go to 17th century Europe to Britain, the German states, France and Spain.
It’s actually a revised version of the game, Heads of State, but the set of rules has been streamlined and seems to be a more comprehensive product overall.
Players take on the role of lords trying to dominate the landscape. Players must juggle the economy as well as their warring neighbors to achieve victory.
The royals are surprisingly easy to pick up and play and add tension perfectly. There is often no clear winner until the last goal and this always results in a tense game.
- The latest in the line of games The Dice Tower Essentials personally ...
- Designed by world-renowned board game designer Peter Hawes
- A very affordable game that uses territory control, ...
Wrap-Up
Area-controlled games are some of the most classic board games in terms of the history of board games . Truly competitive by nature, they allow players to compete for land, map, resources, or power to control everything as much as possible to achieve victory.
What are your favorite area control games? Did we miss any of your best choices? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think!
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