If you’re serious about becoming a better game designer, there’s no better classroom than your own gaming table.
Studying published games (especially ones that have stood the test of time) can teach you more than a dozen tutorials ever could. Whether you’re making card games, board games, or your own indie RPG, understanding how great games are built is key to designing your own.
Here are some of the best tabletop games for game designers to study, with insights on what each game can teach you (plus affiliate links if you’d like to pick them up for your collection or support our work!).
🧱 1. Settlers of Catan – A Modular Board Game that has a Sweet Spot of Rules and Strategy
Why study it:
Catan is a masterclass in resource management and negotiation. Its modular board creates replayability, while the simple “roll, collect, build” loop keeps things accessible.
When I make prototypes of games in my head, I try to find a good balance of easy to learn but lots of depth gameplay like Settlers of Catan.
Game design lessons:
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Variable setup for replay value
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Player interaction through trading resource cards
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Tension through limited resources and dice rolling for resource collection
🧙♂️ 2. Dominion – The Original Deck Building Game that Continues to Impress through Many Fun Expansions
Why study it:
Dominion is the original deck-building game and still one of the best. It introduced a new genre and is praised for its elegant balance and replayability.
Game design lessons:
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A Controversial point system that can lead to some feels bad draws (along with fun comebacks for managing your deck well)
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Asymmetrical setups using card markets
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Risk/reward pacing
⚔️ 3. 7 Wonders and 7 Wonders Duel – Some of Family’s Favorite Drafting Card Games
Why study them:
7 Wonders uses card drafting in a brilliant way and allows up to 7 players without dragging the game out. It teaches how to create streamlined systems with meaningful decisions.
7 Wonders Duel is it’s 2 player version that came out years later and one of my Mom’s favorite games. A very creative take on the card drafting genre.
Game design lessons:
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Simultaneous turns for faster play in 7 Wonders. An interesting plan ahead turn based drafting game in 7 Wonders Duel.
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Clear iconography for ease of learning and ease of translation to other languages.
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Long-term vs. short-term strategy balance
🧠 4. Azul – A Terrific Abstract Game Great for Brains that Love Puzzles
Why study it:
Azul is a beautiful abstract game that shows how visual clarity and tactile design can elevate simple mechanics.
Game design lessons:
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Aesthetic and tactile appeal (See some popular board game pieces for prototyping)
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Minimal rules with high strategic depth
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Spatial puzzle mechanics
5. Scythe – A Great Asymmetrical Strategy Tabletop Game that is Deep but not Overwhelming
Why study it:
Scythe combines engine-building, area control, and economic management in a visually rich world. It’s perfect for studying layered mechanics that remain intuitive.
Game design lessons:
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Blends genres smoothly
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Player progression systems
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Thematic integration
💬 6. The Resistance / Avalon – Two Terrific Social Deduction Games to Study
Why study it:
Social deduction games like Avalon show how tension and bluffing can drive gameplay with minimal components. I’ve played both the Resistance and Avalon. Both are terrific social deduction games with very different themes.
Game design lessons:
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Player psychology as a mechanic
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Designing around social dynamics
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Simple rules yet complex play
🧩 7. Wingspan – A Soothing Engine Builder with an Educational Theme
Why study it:
Wingspan is a newer game that showcases how theme, mechanics, and presentation can blend into a cohesive, engaging experience. I was hesitant to play it for awhile as the bird theme didn’t appeal to me much. After playing it, I actually started enjoying the theme as it taught me quite a lot about different birds.
Game design lessons:
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Integrated theme and mechanics
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Use of unique player goals (Players start with different cards which are personal goals for them to achieve along with the global goals which everyone strives for).
🎯 What to Look For When Studying These Tabletop Games
When playing these games as a designer, don’t just focus on whether you win—ask:
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How does this game teach you its rules?
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How are mechanics introduced and layered?
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What keeps the game moving (or slows it down)?
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How do the components support gameplay?
Keeping a design journal as you play can help you break down these games like a developer instead of just a player.
🛠️ Want to Learn Game Design by Playing?
Every great designer plays more games than they create. These tabletop games aren’t just fun—they’re tools to help you sharpen your design instincts.
👉 Pro tip: Try “modding” these games as a design exercise. Add a new mechanic. Change a rule. What happens?
🛒 Build Your Game Design Library
You don’t need to buy every game on this list, but having a small collection of these terrific games gives you a hands-on way to study what works—and why.
SLG makes other board game lists you can look through here to study games of a particular genre.
Ready to start your own game?
Check out our Planning Phase Checklist and free artwork to start prototyping today!
Wilma Murazik
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