Eurogames vs Ameritrash: What’s the Difference (and Which is Right for You?)

If you’ve ever fallen down the board game rabbit hole, you’ve likely come across two major game categories: Eurogames and Ameritrash. While both have passionate fan bases, these styles couldn’t be more different — and knowing which one suits your play style can make your next board game night way more fun.

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between Eurogames and Ameritrash games, compare some of the most popular titles in each category, and help you decide which style fits your gaming group. Plus, we’ll share some top-rated board games (with affiliate links) so you can build out your collection.

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What Are Eurogames?

Eurogames — also known as German-style games — are strategy-heavy board games that emphasize resource management, long-term planning, and low randomness. Player conflict is usually indirect, and the focus is on earning victory points through efficient decisions.

Key Features of Eurogames:

• Minimal luck — more strategy, less dice rolling
• Economic themes like farming, trading, or city-building
• Low player elimination — everyone stays engaged until the end
• Abstract mechanics over thematic storytelling

Popular Eurogames to Check Out:

Check out our Eurogames list here for great examples!

Tip: Eurogames are perfect if your group loves strategy, solving puzzles, or prefers a more relaxed pace of play.

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What Are “Ameritrash” Board Games?

Ameritrash (sometimes called thematic games) prioritizes narrative, immersive worlds, and dramatic moments. You’ll find lots of dice, cards, plastic miniatures, and direct player conflict. These games are all about epic stories and high-stakes action.

Key Features of Ameritrash Games:

• Heavy themes — fantasy, sci-fi, horror, war
• Lots of luck — dice rolls, card draws, event decks
• Direct conflict — players can attack, block, or sabotage each other
• Immersive components — miniatures, custom dice, detailed boards

Must-Try Ameritrash Games:

Checkout our list of Top Ameritrash Games here!

Tip: Ameritrash is ideal for players who love rich stories, high tension, and cinematic experiences.

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Eurogames vs Ameritrash: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Eurogames	Ameritrash
Game Focus	Strategy, efficiency	Theme, narrative
Player Interaction	Indirect	Direct (and sometimes brutal)
Randomness	Low	High
Components	Simple, abstract	Flashy, immersive (minis, art)
Popular Themes	Economics, farming, city-building	Sci-fi, horror, fantasy, war
Replayability	Strategic variation	Story-driven variety
Play Time	60–90 minutes	Often 2+ hours

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Which One Should You Choose?

Still not sure where you stand in the Eurogame vs Ameritrash debate?

• Choose Eurogames if you enjoy clever mechanics, low luck, and thoughtful decisions.
• Choose Ameritrash if you crave drama, wild swings of luck, and cinematic stories.

Of course, many modern games blur the line between the two. Hybrids like Scythe and Everdell combine rich themes with smart strategy — the best of both worlds.

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Final Thoughts: No Wrong Choice, Just Different Fun

At the end of the day, Eurogames and Ameritrash games both offer fantastic gaming experiences. Whether you’re building a medieval kingdom or battling space monsters, the right game depends on what kind of fun you’re looking for.

Looking to expand your collection? Check out our curated lists of:

• 🎲 Top Board Games for Beginners
• 🧠 Great Deck Building Board Games
• 🧙‍♂️ Fun 2 Player Games

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps support our game reviews and content!