Best Board Games for Adults (Strategy, Party, Thematic and 2 Player Options)

Want to try some fun board games that are great for game nights, date nights, parties, and deep strategy sessions?

Here’s a list of super popular board game titles broken down by category. Starting with Strategy games…

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Strategy & Euro Board Games (For Adults that Love Thinking and Planning Like Myself)

I prefer strategy games and small groups when I’m getting together friends and family to play. Here’s some popular choices (or you can check these out if you like shorter strategy games)

Gloomhaven

A cooperative legacy-style adventure with deep tactical combat, evolving storylines, and massive replay value.

Terraforming Mars

Players compete to develop Mars through resource management, engine building, and strategic planning.

Wingspan

A beautiful engine-building game where players attract birds to their wildlife preserves. Elegant mechanics and stunning components.

Scythe

A strategic, asymmetric game of area control, resource management, and economic growth in a post-WWI alternate history. Made by hugely popular game designer, Jamey Stegmaier.

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Social & Party Games (For Laughter, Interaction and Super Easy to Learn)

Party games are always great options for get togethers where you have a mix of gamers and non gamers alike. Here’s some popular options starting with one of my family’s all time favorites.

Codenames

A word association game perfect for groups — clever, quick, and endlessly replayable. Fun fact, this game helped my family stay connected through the Covid shutdown. We played over Zoom and had a blast!

Just One

A cooperative party game where players give clues to help one guesser. Simple rules, big fun.

The Resistance (Avalon)

Bluffing and deduction at its best — players try to root out spies in this intense social game.

Telestrations

Like “telephone” with doodles — hilarious misunderstandings make this ideal for larger groups.

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Deep Thematic & Narrative Board Games (For Story Lovers)

I have a whole post on fun “Ameritrash” board games like this that are heavy in story. But here’s a few quick ones to check out in addition to that!

Betrayal at House on the Hill

Explore a haunted mansion that changes every game. Mid-game betrayals keep groups on their toes.

Arkham Horror

Cooperative Lovecraftian adventure with deep storytelling and rich thematic play.

Dead of Winter

A colony survival game with crisis management and narrative twists that pull players into the story.

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Two-Player Board Game Favorites (For Couples & Besties)

2 Player games are my personal favorite player count. I love one on one interaction. Less time waiting for people to take their turn. And also easier to keep people focused on the game. Here’s also a list of my favorite 2 player card games that I enjoy playing.

Jaipur

Fast, fun, and tactical card game about trading and set management — perfect for quick sessions.

7 Wonders Duel

A brilliant two-player adaptation of the classic civilization game with deep strategic choices.

Patchwork

A cozy yet competitive game of quilt building and resource timing — deceptively clever. (Check out additional games by Uwe Rosenberg, creator of Patchwork).

Star Realms

A slick deck-building card game with space combat — intense, quick, and highly replayable.

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Heavy Strategy (For the Dedicated Gamers)

For even bigger fans of strategy games, here’s some super deep board games that take awhile to learn and play. Terrific for gaming groups that love to replay the same game over and over.

Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition)

Epic 4–8 hour space conquest — diplomacy, strategy, and politics on a grand scale.

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

A deep civilization builder focused on card drafting, economy, and long-term planning.

Food Chain Magnate

A heavyweight economic strategy about building and managing your fast-food empire.

Great Western Trail

Move cattle, manage hand cards, and optimize your path across the Old West.

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How to Choose the Right Game for Your Adult Board Gaming Group

• Party night with friends? Pick light, social games like Codenames or Just One.
• Date night or two players only? Try Jaipur or 7 Wonders Duel.
• Long game sessions with serious players? Heavy titles like Twilight Imperium deliver epic experiences.
• Love stories and theme? Narrative games — Betrayal, Dead of Winter, or Arkham Horror — shine.

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Final Thoughts for Best Board Games for Adults

Board games for adults come in all flavors — strategic, narrative-rich, social, cooperative, or competitive. Whether you’re gathering for game night, date night, or a deep weekend session, there’s something here for every taste.

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Want to Read More About Board Games by SLG?

• Best Board Games for Parties
• Deep Strategy Board Games Worth Your Time
• Cozy Two-Player Games to Play Tonight
• Print Card Games at Home (DIY)