When it’s time to unplug and unwind, board games step in to fill the void left by screens. They offer a perfect escape, whether you’re craving an immersive story or just a lighthearted evening with friends. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of board game adaptations inspired by some of the biggest video game franchises around. Here’s a collection of our favorites that let you dive deeper into these beloved worlds.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games
Fallout
Fallout: The Board Game
Price: $69.99 ($44.49 discounted)
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours
Released shortly after Amazon’s Fallout series, this board game brings the post-apocalyptic wasteland to life right at your dining table. Choose from various scenarios to set up the map, then embark on an open-world journey filled with exploration, quest-solving, and faction interactions. This deeply immersive experience is ideal for long gaming sessions.
Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes
A roguelike masterpiece, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital counterpart with deck-building mechanics and procedurally generated challenges. Players choose from heroes, encounter rooms, elite foes, and special events, all while climbing the Spire. Its replayability ensures hours of entertainment as you experiment with different strategies and builds.
Learn more about this game in our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.
Bloodborne
Bloodborne: The Board Game
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 60-90 minutes
Step into the dark, gothic world of Yharnam with this campaign-style board game. Modular map tiles and countless cards ensure no two games are alike. With its intricate miniatures and challenging gameplay, Bloodborne tests players' strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes
This cooperative survival horror game stays true to the original Resident Evil 2. Players take on the roles of Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, navigating a zombie-infested Raccoon City while solving puzzles and collecting essential items. The inclusion of iconic elements like typewriters and ink ribbons adds authenticity to every session.
PAC-MAN
PAC-MAN: The Board Game
Players: 2-5
Age Range: 10+
Play Time: 30 minutes
Buffalo Games brings the classic arcade experience to life with this cooperative or competitive board game. Control Pac-Man as he eats pellets and avoids ghosts—or control the ghosts themselves as they hunt him down. With its engaging design and nostalgic charm, this game is perfect for families and casual gamers alike.
Tetris
Tetris Board Game
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes
Another Buffalo Games creation, Tetris combines speed and strategy in a competitive format. Players stack tetriminos to clear lines and score points, mirroring the fast-paced excitement of the video game. Quick setup and playtime make it an excellent choice for parties and younger audiences.
Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants
Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants
Players: 1-3
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes
Inspired by the punishing combat of the Dark Souls video games, Tomb of Giants is a standalone adventure designed for new players. Choose a class and gear up for perilous dungeon crawls filled with skeletal archers and other threats. Limited actions force players to think strategically, ensuring an authentic RPG experience.
Cuphead: Fast-Rolling Dice Game
Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes
Fast-paced and cooperative, this dice-based game channels the frantic energy of the Cuphead video game. Players roll dice to attack bosses, with each round featuring five distinct phases. Characters like Cuphead, Mugman, and Ms. Chalice add variety, while upgrades carry over between sessions for added depth.
The Oregon Trail
The Oregon Trail Card Game
Players: 2-6
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes
Embark on a perilous journey across the American frontier in this card game adaptation of the classic computer game. Work together to survive illness, weather calamities, and other dangers while racing to reach Oregon. Luck plays a big role, but teamwork is key to success.
Unwind, explore, and relive the magic of your favorite video games—all without turning on the screen.