BEST Gateway EURO Board Games for New Players

Love or just learnt how to play Catan, Carcassone or even Ticket to Ride. These are some of the best introductory Euro Games out there. Want a simple strategy or worker placement style Euro game then this video is for you. We look at some simple Euro games that are are the perfect stepping stone into other deeper and more complex Euros like Castles of Burgundy, Grand Austria Hotel, Terra Mystica, Ark Nova or Brass Birmingham.
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Euro games are some of my favourite style of modern board games.
The Board Game Sanctuary is a family friendly board game channel that aims to introduce the board gaming hobby to new and seasoned players in a light, fun and humourous way.

[@garryknox1614]

Great video thanks Danny. My introduction to Euro games was The Castles of Burgundy ( my top 5 games of all time) and I was very excited to see you display the same original version that I have. Good to see fantastic content being created by Aussies, game on, Garry.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Hey Garry, Thanks so much! Yes absolutely agree, I love Castles of Burgundy. I can't believe I had avoided it for so long and I actually really adore the original game and original art. Its got some just classic Euro vibes going. Also Aussies represent. :) I really appreciate your lovely feedback. Thanks so much.

[@nuuqbgg]

Finally, some love for Little town. Such a gem.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Lots of love for Little Town! Also it is easier to teach the idea of worker placement to new players as well.

[@rneumeye]

Your little easels and card displays are soooo cute! 🥰

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Yes I love going to the discount store and buying little pieces that go with my different games. Im so glad you noticed!

[@charlesrobertson7676]

Your channel continues to be one of my top favorites!

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Thank you so much Charles. I really appreciate it!

[@MaSchmi]

and dont forget Raiders of the north sea. imho the perfect intro for most people to enter Euro Gaming easy.

[@stellaraphid565]

I second this. Raiders of the North Sea is Amazing

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

I luurve Raiders of the North Sea!

[@sojourner650]

I've been considering World's Fair and Little Town (though I've only heard of them in recent months). Your video has prodded me to consider them a bit more seriously. Great video, and the Obelisk intro had me cracking up :) The first time I played a "real" euro game (which was a middle-weight one), and it felt a lot like your simulation

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Little Town is such an underrated Gem! Also Worlds fair is a lot more thinkier than it looks. Its easy to learn but there is a lot of great depth to the game itself! I hope you enjoy them and thanks for the lovely feedback! :)

[@sojourner650]

@@BoardGameSanctuary Well, shoot. Now you've convinced me to add Isle of Skye to my list thanks to this video. My brain took a few days to process it :) EDIT: And I did order Little Town!!

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Oh Little Town is so good! There is also a little Artisan expansion too if you like the base game. Isle of Skye at first glance seems generic, but when you play it at 4p the mechanisms and interactions really shine. :) @@sojourner650

[@SteveNathanson]

Little Town is actually new to me, I’m gonna check that one out. The rest are all great selections, keep up the great work Danny!

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Thanks so much Steve! Appreciate it! :)

[@shawnm.8855]

Just be careful as Little Town and Tiny Towns are different games. I own Tiny Towns and love it but have never played Little Town so I can't comment on it.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

@@shawnm.8855 Yes they are totally different games altogether!

[@helxis]

I hesitate to use Imhotep as a gateway game because it is often absolutely ruthless.

[@Isee-vn4go]

Great list will have to try some!

[@FestaNoYoutubiu]

Great list. Thanks.

[@studleygamer]

Excellent choices! Many are my favorites, as well. Thanks for the video.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

You are most welcome David!

[@scyldscefing3913]

Excellent list.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

The list begins at 2:34 What is your favourite introductory Euro game for new gamers? How was your first experience with playing your first Euro?

[@powertopeople1]

Good to see worlds fair getting some love,great game and learn about history,check out the fan builds

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Yes. So much love for that game!

[@danoleary7401]

Love your videos. What are the games in your opening video. They look interesting and I am not what some of the are.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Hello Dan! First of all welcome to the channel :) Some of the games in the opening title sequence are Root, Unfair, Clans of Caledonia, Carcassonne, Jamaica, Castles of Burgundy and Whistle Stop. I hope you find something that you like. :)

[@mihancic]

Awesome T-shirt !!

[@alanwake9201]

1:16 Screamer :-)

[@lavinbassam2127]

well for my group i started introduce by playing architect of west kingdom, then playing raiders of scythia and everdell. fortunately my grup can enjoy playing these games. still waiting the chance to try some KS games likes creature comforts, merchant of dark roads and wild serengeti

[@muchagracias3624]

Great video :D I was thinking of getting either Istanbul of Five Trives and would love to know your opinion on which one to buy. Either way super helpful video!

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Both are quite different games. I know 5 Tribes is more colourful, but the analysis paralysis with all of the different meeples especially at the start of the game can be a bit overwhelming to look at. I prefer Istanbul but both games are still good!

[@angelarosano4598]

Istanbul reminds me of splendor.

[@SmoothGummi]

My go-to for entry level Euros is Via Nebula by Brass creator Martin Wallace. Tile laying, resource management, and worker placement all come together in a simple game that teaches most all the mechanics of heavier games. It’s fantastic.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

I have always wondered what that game was like. I love the art style but just never had the chance to play it. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@SmoothGummi]

@@BoardGameSanctuary New players feel like they are playing a “real” modern board game, but it’s tactical enough the heavy gamers like to play for something more casual. It really is a fun time.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

@@SmoothGummi I think you have just convinced me to get it. Also love Martin Wallace's work. :)

[@user-qk5el6df9d]

top 10 games of all time pls

[@remcovaniersel6186]

Great tutorial for Tekhenu…..

[@Flip5ide]

I've been looking at tiny towns for a while, it looks fun but I heard people can kind of spam the game with cottages, have you had this issue?

[@SmoothGummi]

Yup, I don’t mind this game but I’m not as high on it as others. You’re right that the cottage strategy is typically the winning one.

[@nerzenjaeger]

Alhambra was, and still is, one of the best easy Euros.

[@BoardGameSanctuary]

Oh I still havent had a chance to play it. I used to watch it played on Tabletop!

[@helxis]

I find this one pretty boring, personally. With just 2 to 3 players it can move at a decent speed, but above that and it really starts to drag.

[@nerzenjaeger]

@@helxis There's a slightly reworked version out now. But I agree somewhat, I personally top out at 4 with Alhambra.

[@garylangford6755]

Istanbul would be a horrible gateway game. Takes 10 minutes to explain and setup the 10+ action spaces

[@JorWat25]

Yeah, I've played Istanbul with my non-gamer parents, and they barely coped with it. Now Century: Golem Editon (aka Spice Road), that went down well with them. EDIT: It's got a weight of 2.58 on BGG. Not super heavy on the grand scheme of thing, but not a gateway game. Century Spice Road is 1.79, Splendor is also 1.79, that's the kind of weight I expect for a gateway game.