The gateway game that started it all—build settlements, trade sheep, and race your friends to 10 points in a game that’s easy to teach and still full of drama. It may not be the newest thing on the shelf, but there’s a reason it’s been sparking game night laughter and friendly rivalries for over 25 years. Make sure to play the Cities and Knights expansion.

Simple to learn and endlessly replayable, this tile-laying game is a staple for casual and family game nights. The digital version of Carcassonne is a great way to play on your phone.

One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to introduce someone to modern board gaming — simple, pretty, and addictive. The app version of Ticket to Ride is a fun, travel-friendly way to play without the board or setup.

A beautifully illustrated engine-builder where you create a dragon sanctuary, offering deeper strategy and variety than Wingspan for players who enjoy a meatier game.

A famously tough co-op where monks defend a haunted village from an endless wave of ghosts—and most games end in a wild, glorious defeat. It’s a serious challenge (expect to lose a bunch before that epic first win), but it’s incredibly rewarding. Hard to find these days, but Last Bastion brings the same intense fun with a fantasy twist, streamlined rules, and more characters to try.

A tense and cinematic sci-fi horror game of survival and betrayal where trust is fragile, danger is constant, and every decision matters — best with a full group and plenty of time.

A strategic classic that still holds up — if you're into planning, efficiency, and economic play, this one delivers.

A great cooperative tower defense game that’s still going strong — check out the Deluxe Edition for upgraded components and expansions.