10 Meanest Board Games Ever Made | Collection Starter

[@NoRollsBarred]

ADAM: If you’d like to buy any of these games, please consider using our Amazon Affiliate links to help out the channel: 10. Munchkin US: amzn.to/3lYFNuc // UK: amzn.to/3riggwR 9. The Estates US: amzn.to/3tSGQyr // UK: bit.ly/3m2huvv 8. City of Horror US: amzn.to/3vZBlA0 // UK: bit.ly/3cm6vd5 7. Survive - Escape From Atlantis US: amzn.to/2PqeQTS // UK: amzn.to/2PxE7vC 6. Citadels US: amzn.to/3vXv9bF // UK: amzn.to/3cnKKJI 5. Spartacus - A Game of Blood & Treachery US: amzn.to/3d93k7p // UK: amzn.to/3cjAxOy 4. Nemesis US: amzn.to/2QGv9N1 // UK: amzn.to/2NSDlJ3 3. Lifeboats US: amzn.to/3lO8utI // UK: amzn.to/2Pu5cQh 2. Intrigue US :bit.ly/3rnVCvi // UK: bit.ly/3rogtyP 1. Diplomacy US: amzn.to/31lBaAG // UK: amzn.to/3cjuhGv

[@leddave]

Any chance of getting affiliation through Zatu here in the UK. Not only are they cheaper for most board games but there also... not Amazon.

[@Tampahop]

People should really buy from their local game store before resorting to Amazon. Not only is shopping locally better for your community, local game stores support your hobby, providing things like events, a place to play, and a community of gamers ready to play. They may even help you find that perfect game. Amazon doesn't do squat but sell you a game.

[@57thorns]

There was no question about Diplomacy being the #1.

[@Viking_Luchador]

what if you're fascinated by these games but have never played them before, and want to learn to play them but you're autistic so it's difficult interacting with new people (or the people at the nearest game store aren't receptive to newcomers)?

[@Tampahop]

@@Viking_Luchador I can't speak for every game store, but our store has never turned away anyone interested in games and gaming, no matter what the circumstances. Still, it is always a good idea if you need special help to talk it over with the shop or have someone else talk to the shop so they can better work with you to meet your needs.

[@GerritCoulter]

A Board Game Club video of Diplomacy would be absolutely epic!

[@bizcota7741]

^Tru

[@danielmiller3596]

And so so soooo llllloooooooonnnnnnng

[@adamfromm]

Doooo iiiit

[@genesis4322]

That would be the last Board Game Club episode ever to air.

[@terradraca]

Munchkin created the elvish mafia. "We'll help you defeat that monster for none of the treasure." "Nah, that's okay." "I don't think you understand, you NEED our help." "It's fine, it's just a level 1 potted plant. I can take it." "I'm sorry it came to this." *pumps the monster up to level 11* "Wha? Okay, yes I do need your help." "That's nice but now it's going to cost ALL of the treasure."

[@paulgibbon5991]

One thing I've learned is, everyone never be the FIRST player to screw someone over, everyone remembers the first betrayal. Always be the second.

[@Tampahop]

I'll settle for being the last player to screw somebody over. ;)

[@gconnor18]

Yes! Always do it in return or revenge don’t be the first

[@enosfruit]

it's like breaking hearts for the first time in the game Hearts.

[@MrSkerpentine]

Still thinking about how Munchkin straight up has a rule that lets you cheat as long as you don’t get caught, and when the game’s developer got invited to play it on an episode of Tabletop, he cheated to win the game by purposefully fudging a calculation ;y

[@Kindlesmith70]

Yeah, those rules don't exist past the first iteration of Munchkin. Nice try. I knew of this one too.

[@Kakaze1]

They removed it a looooooooong time ago. Like, 15 years ago.

[@MrSkerpentine]

@@Kakaze1 Well the Tabletop episode where the creator did it was released *eight* years ago soooo 🤷

[@angrytheclown801]

I house ruled that back in. It fits the theme and encourages creative play.

[@TheBT]

​@@MrSkerpentine I do find it funny that Steve Jackson is called 'the creator'. I still think the best fun fact about Steve Jackson is that he wrote books in the Fighting fantasy series including Scorpion Swamp (book 8, one of the early ones) which is a series co-created by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone despite not being the Steve Jackson who was said co-creator.

[@MrMrsBoardGame]

Honestly, though.... Diplomacy is mean without even needing people to be dirtbags about it. Spend 3 hours learning the game only to be the first player knocked out after an hour of playing. Or keep playing for another [insert ridiculous number] of hours and slowly drain your sanity and will to live. Either way, Diplomacy really is the meanest board game ever made. Great video as always, Adam. 😊

[@foxbear60]

Citadels does "screwing your friends" the right way. I absolutely love that characters (not players) are targeted in most cases. Also, I removed the Assassin immediately and replaced with the Judge (or whatever it's called) so that there's a bit more fun to it.

[@Brannreven]

Great list, but it's missing Junta, where the rulebook actually encourages you to watch your favourite movie villain for inspiration on how to play.

[@kimberlycarter369]

I own Munchkin, Survive and Nemesis...great times!

[@aaronliu3201]

These lists and BGC give me life ❤

[@dirk_gently]

Played Munchkin with some friends - once. The backstabbing started at level 2. We played for 4+ hours before anyone could win.

[@HEMAYATC]

I can appreciate how people like these games, but I personally really try to avoid the betrayal and arguments. Thanks for making this list to keep me warned!

[@danielmbg]

I also tend to hate those games, but Survive Escape from Atlantis is actually good, I recommend it. Because multiple people can go on a boat, and the tile sinking mechanic, you don't target specific player's, but the ones you have the opportunity to (like if you want to be greedy and put 3 guys on 1 boat you can, but that will make you an easy target, while sharing a boat may make your game slower, but may also guarantee that people won't attack you). Yes it's extremely mean, but it's not frustrating or friendship ending. (hate munchkin though, hehe)

[@setharagon773]

A great game is tokaido. As Will Weaton famously said when previewing the game, it’s the most zen like cut throat game you’ll ever play. You and your friends are on a vacation and depending on your choices you can screw up their vacation while making yours amazing.

[@UncleTwister]

Spartacus is our friend groups most favorite game for years already. We'll have to give a try to some of these other games as well, since they look so great!

[@hellboy7424]

I've been looking forward to an edition of Diplomacy for years ... Game of Thrones Edition.

[@spartanxdarth201]

Ends in disappointment?

[@austinschutz3608]

@@spartanxdarth201 sounds like Diplomacy for sure.

[@BlubberyChimp]

Dude I used to watch tabletop but now this is my board game channel!!! Keep up the great work.

[@fugitiveunknown7806]

One of my favorites: the Vampire CCG. It was designed so that you are sitting in a circle and everyone attacks in one direction towards their "prey" while fending off attacks from their "predator". The thing is, that if one player takes someone out, they get a victory point.. as well as significant resources. Your prey's prey probably doesn't want this, and no one wants to see a deck that's doing well suddenly get a boost. In addition to the usual way you can screw with people, there are also vote cards that everyone at the table (with the appropriate cards) can vote on. On top of this, certain type of decks are good/bad at things. A vote deck has problems with intercept/combat. A bleed deck cries to misdirect. Misdirect is useless against a vote deck. I've even seen some decks so hated that players will just decide it's worth it to take out the player ASAP.

[@thegentleman6115]

I watched this video purely to ensure that Diplomacy was number 1. Great video all round.

[@dumbo753]

the game "Sorry" was probably the most vicious when i was a kid

[@mpeterll]

When I play that with my nieces, it's called "Not Sorry".

[@saravanlandegem4616]

Loved this vid!

[@sorceressferaly4026]

Ah yes, Diplomacy. The game widely known as "best played with people you're quite sure you'll never meet again". Knew it was going to be the dreaded king of this category before even clicking the video. The fact that there's absolutely no random mechanics outside the players' control than other players' decisions ensures that no betrayal in any game could cut deeper.

[@ronsimon8675]

Of course. I've never actually played the game myself, only know of it by reputation. and by that reputation I have less than 0 desire to ever attempt a game.

[@jonarias7782]

Trailer Park Wars is one that I would recommend. There's also Mausoleum. That one can be a lot of fun, until your friends gang up on you. lol

[@stefangestwicki6695]

We just played the trick-taking game Stick'em this weekend. Super mean and really fun.

[@franciscolobo8919]

All this games looks so Fun, I need to try them all!!

[@nielsjensen6897]

I like games where you’re bluffing and lying in order to win a game. But I have a serious problem with games (and people that enjoy games) where you can choose to lie AND stab your friends in the back and suck every single bit of fun of their gaming experience out.

[@roowco1]

y'all should def play diplomacy

[@TrueBackLash]

03:06 ... Adam: That's mean. Homer: Can I go home now?

[@panosliakos3653]

I saw "Stardew Valley", my favorite game, in the intro, on 0:15, and I was something like: "Whaaat? SV? Mean???", but, thanks God, it's not in the list! You scared me, dude...

[@wyofett1412]

Yes! A Perfectly Ordinary Bunny! That's BunBun from Sluggy Freelance!

[@ryanmacneill2857]

I agree with your #1 diplomacy scars run deep

[@pepagacy]

Republic of Rome from Avalon Hill. The designers referenced Diplomacy in the design notes, stating that they were making a game that was even meaner than your #1. Imagine a game where a player faction works to make themselves as powerful as possible, only to see the faction worked over via intrigue, prosecution, and sending one out to fight a war with barely adequate forces. Oh, and the assassin knives can come out early and often. But my favorite part is forcing your opponents to give you a valuable consulship just to keep you from screwing over the game with a timely card, and then winning said game after using the card to benefit yourself.

[@gutsdozer]

Some of my friends and I were mad at each other for weeks after an all-day game of Diplomacy.

[@Kindlesmith70]

You need to mention Killer Bunnies, which straight up can just reset the game just as someone else is about to win, among many other things. You need to mention Dokapon Kingdom, because fair is not a word in this game at all. It doesn't exaggerate stating it is a friendship destroying game. You could also mention Cutthroat Caverns, people screwing each other over so they can get the last hit on monsters to gain that game winning prestige.

[@veerchasm1]

My son didn’t cry when his grandma, grandpa or pet cat died…the last time we played Munchkin though 😭

[@ProjectIceman]

And here I thought Monopoly and Uno were friendship killers lol

[@Waylander_Tone]

Check out Nothing Personal I think the name implies enough also La Cosa Nostra they are both gangster games and both very good

[@Fanisek]

Ankh morpork comes to my mind. You make enemy with each turn you play. And I'm evilly happy to own 2 of listed games 😈

[@FuryousD]

6:49 what is that clip from? looks like an anime i would like to watch

[@edwardrhoads7283]

I played Munchkin once and only one. 4 player. At one pt everyone else was lvl 9 and I was lvl 2. Of course the moment I hit lvl 3 I got busted back to 2 because I was only one trying to keep everyone else from winning.

[@mrk131324]

There are coops that very mean games. Not the players to each other but the games being mean to the players. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on a Cursed Island is the first that comes to my mind.

[@6Kubik]

I played munchkin one time. I won pretty easily after an hour. It was a fun game.

[@xtalongraspx9004]

9:51 You threw overboard a captain...

[@arthursimsa9005]

I don’t think Citadels belongs here. The fact that you target a role and not a player (the one exception being the Condottiere) prevents it from feeling mean. Saboteurs, on the other hand…

[@GargoyleBard]

The "meanest" game we own is Tower of Mystery. A little complex to sum up in a YT comment, but the players are exploring a tower, picking up cards and triggering effects on board spaces. In order to win, they must collect cards with letters spelling "TOWER" and collect a token from each of the three turrets plus the top of the tower, then "declare" while in a turret and high tail it to the garden before the other players use their own Action cards to steal cards, skip turns, and generally be dicks. A bit like munchkin, but without the nice parts and with more random effects that got the whole group.

[@theblindjedi41]

Resistance should get an honourable mention. Nothing like bald faced lying to your friends face repeatedly.

[@Rhidcully]

Munchkin is not a board game. You draw random cards. The one that draws the right cards the fastest wins. Impressive idea -.-

[@RuiMPConde]

I love diplomacy

[@71chevy0330]

The worst part is most these game are out of print and hard to get a copy of it.

[@randyvanbrisen4553]

Parcheeesi is pretty freaking mean.

[@andrewkrieser9274]

what? no tokaido or catan? i have blood vendettas (yes plural) over games of tokaido

[@malenfant21m]

Was expecting Lords of Vegas to make an appearance

[@ryanbaldauf4634]

Funny story, I met my wife at a game night where we played Muchkin. I screwed her over so bad she hated me for 3 months. Eventually, we worked it out and have been married for 8 years now.

[@TwoFlower807]

No junta?

[@iGregory67]

I was expecting to see Dune on this list... but, after seeing the others, yeah... it's not that mean.

[@wtfrancke]

What about Junta? Lie steal assassination back stabbing

[@damnthatmashlookstasty]

No Monopoly?!

[@SenseiJae]

You missed dominant species.

[@marcwaters3478]

Since when is Munchkin a game? It’s a good fire starter...

[@cerburrows9380]

Googled Nemisis price. £100. No ta.

[@myrandarose2883]

Late to this video, but in answer to your question of mean game standout moments - Cthulu Munchkin has a cultist mechanic that means potentially multiple players can win. In a 6 player game we managed a 5 player victory, after converting someone to not-cultist status and leveling them down to make sure they couldn't try any hi-jinks to join in winning so that rather than make X players win, we sort of deliberately acted to Make 1 player not-win (or lose, I guess). That felt fairly mean - but didn't stop us laugh like evil little munchk... ohhh. I get it.

[@Christian988.]

Adam, Sully, Blair Luke and Oli play the play Mystikal intrigued I think it would be a whale of a Time but obviously Adam would stop selling in the back because Adam is a bastard And Sully is a sweetheart whondoesn't have a bad bone in his body.

[@krisandersen8695]

I love Munchkin, and especially the Cthulu expansion. My fiance bought them, and a few other expansions, and we had a great time introducing all of our friends to the game. We now have no friends, and only play against each other. I'm so glad we do truly love each other.

[@helxis]

Even if I don't love the game, if you ever want to create permanent distrust in your friendships, set up really good trades for the single resource everyone needs in a game of Catan and then use the monopoly card to take it all back. Just be prepared for no one to trade with you, ever again.

[@walterengler5709]

I remember growing up with simple back stabbing games like Diplomacy from Avalon Hill. How the treachery has grown over the years along with the no longer hidden hate an loathing man appears to have for his fellow man .... And the games reflect this reality. And just imagine Diplomacy is still number one. There is nothing like that feeling of talking with your ally, agreeing to a set of moves so you can each prosper, and then sticking the knife in their back and taking their points just to laugh in their face ...... My crowning achievement was stabbing three players in the back in one move tossing a game into total utter chaos. I still remember it after all these years .. and laugh about it.

[@tazdivil6527]

You…you gloriously evil bastard. My villain’s top hat tips to you, sir 🤣😈

[@walterengler5709]

@@tazdivil6527 It was glorious .. but all I could do was reach a stalemate line. But when you are England and the main battle line is so far across the map, the units get bored and had to do something lol

[@J-Ripper]

Ah, the feeling of pure fear in Nemesis when someone finds the Airlock Control room and you happen to be standing in a yellow room...

[@charliem556]

I was playing Nemesis with a friend who loves playing with me. We had introduced our other friend (lets call him Ryan) to the game and he was so hyped to play. Poor ryan was slurped out of the yellow room on turn 3. He didnt care cause he got to play as the Intruders and wreck our shit. Everyone lost lol, again.

[@sprice2344]

Uno, with all house rules, can get HEATED. Especially when you're on a train and your friend has to pick up something close to +24

[@ajh22895]

I've never played Uno on a train before. What's the rule for who wins the round when you get to your stop?

[@CraigTrader]

My favorite Uno variant: Take 2 UNO decks, then throw away the number cards from one deck, and then shuffle them together. Use the standard rules. Play with at least 3 (preferably 5) players.

[@irktruskan]

We had to add a new game night rule: no crying during Uno

[@glennmartin6492]

Best Munchkin memory. Using the map card to set up the player in the lead while having a suitable monster and wandering monster card. His turn he ends up with both the Ghoulfiends and the insurance salesman attacking.The effects of both cards apply. One said he couldn't use any of his stuff, only his level. The other said he couldn't use his level, just his stuff. So he gets squished but the best thing was his reaction. He laughed! He was delighted the game had such twisty moves in it never mind that he was the target. To this day that is my best gaming memory.

[@glennmartin6492]

@@tyrroo Thar's how we played it as it was such a rare combination of cards set up by me playing the roadmap card to set him up to get one card while I had the other in my hand along with a wandering monster card. I've never seen it before and I doubt I'll se it again.

[@marsupialmole3926]

I usually hate games like this, but Diplomacy... Diplomacy is something else. Primarily, i think, because a reputation for honesty can actually win you the game. That said, my one memory of the game, that always sticks out to me, is one game where Austria and Italy had decided, in the first turn, to be allies. They promised to not move in on each other in the beginning to establish a central powerbase before the other players could move... And then Italy moved into Trieste. Austria then proceeded to dedicate his entire existence to ruining Italy, regardless of what he had to give up to do it. They both lost, France won, it was wonderful and watching it happen in real time as my friends yelled at each other is what made me realise the game is great.

[@Dave_VanDam84]

Love Spartacus. Probably my favourite board game, especially when you add the expansions

[@DaijDjan]

In my first game ever of Diplomacy, I played as France and convinced England I'd help them destroy Germany - and Germany I'd help them destroy England^^ I LOVE this game - sadly it requires seven players and hours of time..

[@JoshCreepa]

France promising England they’d help them destroy Germany, whilst also promising Germany they’d help them destroy England? Where have I heard this before?

[@jasonkenneally6236]

Watching this list makes me remember all the fights over board games I’ve had growing up in a competitive family😂

[@Tampahop]

One game I would add to the list is "Cosmic Encounters." It's a simple combat game with the object being to gain control of five enemy planets. The early planets are easy. The last one is like trying to find hens' teeth. Every player has a randomly chosen "alien power" that is some exception to the rules. That's where the fun comes in because there are as many powers that hurt other players as there are powers that help you.

[@sebastiansaville1880]

Similar line of thought, Dune is also an incredibly mean game, combining parts of both cosmic encounter and diplomacy.

[@robertchmielecki2580]

I thought they definitely need A Game of Thrones there.

[@danieleriksson6778]

What about a game I think is called "Junta"? I played it at a younger agee at a board game club.

[@geoffchurchill5492]

Junta watching everyone play sycophant so you can get the plum job to stage a coup

[@benjaminadler4633]

my friends still don't want to play it a second time (it's been 10 years)

[@Yesnog05]

For me, Twilight Imperium 4th edition and Game of Thrones boardgame are top 5. I almost broke up with my boyfriend in those games. *Almost*

[@NeilCWCampbell]

Indeed I don't wanna be imperium rex anymore 😂😂😂

[@JBearwa]

Nemesis is worth it. Every single time. Also there is a chance there is no "traitor" on the ship but you might think there is so the intensity is always there! Otherwise many of those games just kill a gaming group! lol ok some of these game might be ok IF everyone understands that. But I will not play Diplomacy.

[@drewlytle2281]

It sadly doesn't count for this list since it's a Card game vs a board game, but when I was kid and my cousins & siblings got together and wanted to play game with trash talk and heated rivalry......Uno. Seriously, nothing made a family rivalry sprout up more then the Uno deck.

[@wavedashdownsmash]

The board in board game is the table ;) Uno definitely counts

[@EmmaBonn96]

Just from the intro I’m kinda hoping Ticket to ride comes up We’ve all had that random 2 car track that has nothing to do with our destination and everything to do with punishing your family member with being too obvious with where they were going Right 😈

[@ronsimon8675]

Nah! I don't really consider TTR an evil game...sure, certain people can be cutthroat about it, but there are certain games that just by their very design will force you to screw with your opponents. TTR isn't really in that category.

[@broceollomon]

I'm really surprised Cosmic Encounter isn't on here. One of its core mechanics is betting on who is going to win a fight. Alliances are often made and broken within a few turns. Everyone has a different win condition and it may cause you to play in extremely deceitful ways.

[@tafua_a]

Risk. I had one objective: to kill player black. Player black had downright suicidal war tactics. He had only a couple territories left, while I was a global superpower, meaning I struck a deal with him, getting rid of all of his enemies, slowly surrounding the territories he had left, and then... and then.

[@Daggerleep]

The meanest move I ever pulled in a board game was a betrayal fitting the theme of Risk Game of Thrones. Lets just say it was the first and last time my wife ever played that game with me.

[@Tampahop]

Playing diplomacy, I always created several sets of orders each round. I'd show a player a set for what he wanted me to do, but it was seldom the set I'd actually turn in.

[@Danielsworlds]

The very first time I played Spartacus I never won a single dice roll the entire game. I was the first player eliminated after this whole setup and rules explanation. It will be fun they said we'll all have fun so they claim. 12 minutes later I'm going downstairs to make myself a sandwich and have a good cry

[@Garland88]

Just revisiting this video and loving that a large number of these ‘mean’ games have featured in BGC. Says a lot about you guys ;)

[@Randallsilver]

Someone once made me play Monopoly. That was the meanest board- game related thing that ever happened to me. Still in therapy for that... Oh, and a great mean game: SHASN.

[@valkilmerscareer2884]

Most gladiators were slaves. Eagerly await the next apology video. Obviously I am joking. Please don't.

[@thefive8th741]

Even though Adam isn't keen on Monopoly, I'm quite surprised that the Cheater's Edition of Monopoly didn't get a mention. Some of the things you can do in that game are massive dick moves. Like you can force a property trade and completely ruin someone's colour set or play a card to put someone's property back on the open market.

[@therchias105]

I love Nemesis, easily it is my favorite game. I never go out of my way to screw anyone over but I do try to make sure my ass is the first one on a escape pod. Once that is done, usually players have a way of offing themselves one way or another and if the ship explodes then all the better.

[@SwampMonstah]

As of March 2023, half of these games have been featured on BGC. And I do so hope the other half get played in the future

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

Can confirm, the most contentious game among friends I ever played was Diplomacy. Betrayal is baked into the game.

[@Tandran]

So Advance to Boardwalk is just "Nice Estates"?

[@RamblingSailors]

Got to put my vote in for Lunch Money. It is literally about being mean.

[@LegendaryTactics]

Great first choice. There could be no other.

[@nicolasgian8822]

Your middlefinger is really well booked, here exactly when needed, when it’s here... liberating

[@danbradshaw2223]

Spartacus....you have to love a game where killing your opponent's gladiator is the LEAST mean thing you can do. That's what you give your opponent for a birthday present.

[@josephsteinhoff8967]

Diplomacy...played it with a buddy and his family, he betrayed me two turns in a row right at the start of the game...I got revenge on him 15 years later...I currently own a copy of the original printing (I love and hate that game so much).

[@joshuag7027]

I'm loving this channel/these lists. And Mean games are really fun, but my game group can't handle them. Root causes a lot of arguments. I'd love to see the counter to this list, positive player interaction but not co-op

[@timerthybath9557]

Binding of Isaac Four souls.

[@chaosof99]

A Board Game Masterpiece episode on Nemesis? Yes fucking please. That game is so good.

[@afternoonbaboon8064]

That intro had me laughing my ass off

[@butzmn7190]

I love Munchkin so much