Top 10 New to Us Board Games of 2023

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Jump:
00:00 - Intro
02:13 - Honourable Mentions
03:30 - 10
06:58 - 9
10:00 - 8
13:55 - 7
17:18 - 6
21:20 - 5
24:08 - 4
26:48 - 3
29:56 - 2
33:32 - 1
35:11 - Wrap Up
35:33 - A Little Bit Extra
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#boardgames #tabletopgames #fosterthemeeple

[@TheBrothersMurph]

Ok, I’ve just started this video but want to say “how dare you not mention that game I was hoping for.”

[@FostertheMeeple]

#banned

[@TheBrothersMurph]

@@FostertheMeeple I’ll see myself out

[@BlamBlamTheMonkey]

Don't worry about it, they can like bad things 😜

[@FostertheMeeple]

@@BlamBlamTheMonkey #banned

[@buddha1062]

Was this Nick or Mike? Just deciding if your game would even be valid. Oh wait, you're both butts, so irrelevant anyway. It's bad enough having Max sniffing around all the time, giving his below par thoughts. Don't need more riff raff.

[@juliemoore5395]

Grand Carnival was recently reprinted and an expansion was released. We backed the kickstarter and got our copy a couple of weeks ago. It should be available in retail.

[@FostertheMeeple]

We were just told that! Thanks so much

[@JonathonV]

Nice! I don’t think I have played anything from your lists. 😂 I played 64 new-to-me games in 2023 that were published in previous years (according to BGG). Here’s my list: Honourable mentions: Crusaders: Thy Will Be Done, Evergreen (my first game of 2023) and Origins: First Builders. 10. Caverna 9. Ora & Labora (two Rosenbergs in a row!) 8. Bitoku 7. Woodcraft 6. The Red Cathedral 5. Boonlake 4. La Granja 3. Brass: Birmingham 2. Autobahn 1. Yukon Airways Thanks for the list!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Some great games on that list for sure! Thanks for sharing!

[@padenshorey9179]

Me and my friends did mushrooms then played Cosmic Frog. It may have been fun, who knows.

[@FostertheMeeple]

HAHHAHAHA love that journey for you

[@peterwhite2777]

So happy that sea salt & paper as well as too many bones were on both of your lists. Some of our fav games this year as well! We also hit castles of Burgundy and challengers hard this year. They’re both new to us this year and so many great play’s!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Castles of Burgundy is almost a perfect game IMO. It’s flawless.

[@Unattended_Elk]

Jeff's PoW energy is consistently the best thing about these videos

[@possibilityspace]

This is the most underrated comment ever.

[@jonathanh.t.2277]

Star Wars Rebellion is on my want to play on May the 4th wall having a Star Wars movie marathon.

[@FostertheMeeple]

YESSSSS. Maybe we can play together someday!

[@thegreatdane908]

Great lists! Love the variety and number of games I haven't even tried yet! I was pretty new to modern gaming coming into this year so my top new to me game is The Castles of Burgundy. The tiles, the dice, all the different things you can do, it is just so much fun to play over and over again. Hope you guys have a happy new year!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Welcome to the hobby!! Castles of Burgundy is an incredible game. So happy to hear you’re having a blast with it! Happy boardgame exploration to you in 2024

[@thegreatdane908]

@@FostertheMeeple your discord has been a great community and resource to help catapult me into it all, so thank you for that as well! Can't wait to see what 2024 brings!

[@efout89]

At the Gates of Loyang is one of my grail games. It looks so fun and I love the idea of the market! For now I shall live vicariously through you both lol

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hopefully you can find a copy!! It’s a good one

[@ianwilz1979]

I started a board game club at the elementary school I teach at. I learned a lot of great games this past fall because of this. Carcassonne and Kingdomino were both new to me last year that were older games. Both are great games.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Love that!!! You’re doing great work! Thanks for sharing the beauty of the hobby!

[@ianwilz1979]

@@FostertheMeeple It’s been a lot of fun watching kids learn modern day board games. And I did it on zero budget and have 60+ different games in my collection.

[@jamessmith1274]

It is so sad y'all have to give so many disclaimers. If you don't agree with someone else's list move on. Like y'all said it is y'all's list not theirs. Love hearing others list because I always find new games I want to play and also know some are not right for me and that is okay! I would never complain about some else liking a game that I did not like. Who has time for that? We can all like different games and that is fine. Thank you always doing being awesome and pouring so much love and passion into your channel and community y'all have built!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Appreciate you James! Unfortunately the internet has some dingus’. You just gotta navigate it haha

[@thecultofpop]

Has to be Food Chain Island for me. Finally got a copy, loved it, and played so many times this year. I also got to try Nemesis this year (the OG and Lockdown), enjoyed and will gladly play, but likely never own. Monsters on Board and Flamecraft are two others that'd be on my list.

[@timborocksloud]

How good is Sea Salt and Paper!!?? That, Thunder Road, and Planet Unknown were the best games I bought at Gen Con this year! So much game in such a little tiny box...travels so well to restaurants, breweries..

[@FostertheMeeple]

Definitely agree!

[@Jay_IMO2012]

163 new games to you this year is a ridiculous amount of new to you games. Sounds like an amazing year of gaming!!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks!! We certainly play a lot that’s for sure haha

[@Jay_IMO2012]

@@FostertheMeeple are those games you guys wanted to play because you thought you would enjoy them? Or were lots of them sent from publishers etc, I’m sure there is a combination of both….but either way that’s a ton of games. But would be cool to know how many of those were games you were actively searching for to find

[@tbahr123]

I also just got Rebellion recently after wanting it for years and it is simply awesome. Also got the expansion and played with that once and I have to say it really adds/changes some nice things!

[@FostertheMeeple]

We’re really looking forward to playing the expansion!

[@White1148]

Too many bones was new to us this year and a huge hit with our table. So much replayability and the difficulty and uniqueness to each character makes the game super exciting.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Agreed!!! We’ve completely fallen in love with it

[@jameskirk4692]

Thanks for the video

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thanks for watching!

[@meganmoore1452]

My favorite new to me games this past year were: Ark Nova, waiting for the marine worlds expansion to arrive! So excited. Final Girl, such a fun solo game. I even bought little meeples from meeple source so I can be more connected to the victims on the board. I got a cheerleader meeple, a nerd, an adventurer, a hunter, a bride, a groom, a businessman, a detective, etc. so that I can have a more thematic story play out and be even more immersed! It's so fun! Hahaha Also Honey Buzz, and Bunny Kingdom :)

[@FostertheMeeple]

That’s awesome!!! Love that haha. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@mr.hallien4095]

Great as always! Thanks! Now...I have a brilliant idea. How about for a new segment, you guys travel to a destination for say a week and play games with the couple there. We would be willing guinea pigs if you force us. Just an idea. 😃

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahah we will see what we can do

[@jtoscarson1]

I got Sea Salt and Paper based off of your guy's recommendation. Love that it made your list.

[@FostertheMeeple]

So happy to hear you enjoy it!

[@H2G24life]

Just have to add the lovely tulips ottawa gets from the dutch is also because we took in the Dutch royal family durring the war and when a pricess was born offically declared the hospital room dutch soil like an embasy so she was not born abroad. The dutch are still very gratefull to canadians

[@RadianceRush]

Now I think I need to buy sea salt and paper! lol

[@FostertheMeeple]

It’s a good one!

[@idiomasmr1]

I need to save for too many bucks. Also Cosmic Frog sounds incredible.

[@FostertheMeeple]

LOL it’s a pricey one for sure

[@bryanep]

Loved this video. Much rather watch a top 10 new to you games than top 10 new games 2023 video. I found Sea Salt and Paper , TMB , and GAH this year myself. My wife loves SSP and GAH, wish she liked Too Many Bones more though. Maybe starting with Undertow was a bad idea. Got the base game and hopefully using a more simple character might bring her in. What do you guys find the easiest and most fun character to play in the base game is?

[@FostertheMeeple]

Jamie started with Boomer and had a blast! I started with Pickett but he is very defensive and a bit of a guardian type. I think boomer would be a good start from base!

[@laurencesingh3948]

I haven't played any of these! But I definitely want to check out some of them like Star Wars: Rebellion and Grand Austria Hotel. I'd say my top five new-to-me games for 2023 were: 5. Terracotta Army 4. Lost Ruins of Arnak 3. Obsession 2. Sabika 1. Wayfarers of the South Tigris

[@FostertheMeeple]

Some great games on that list!! Thanks for sharing

[@daniellebackus819]

My husband and I just played Star Wars Rebellion for the second time, ever. First time was a few years ago, so we didn’t remember many of the rules. It was fun, but we need to play again because my husband didn’t really grok it playing as the rebels. (He played as the Empire last time). I told him that I thought the strategy of the Empire was easier/more straightforward, so recommended he play the Empire next time.

[@FostertheMeeple]

I think that’s true. The rebellion is a bit more complex with having to hide!

[@darbyl3872]

I discovered Clank!, Root, and Monikers in the last 12 months or so. I've heard some fuddy duddies don't like Root, but I don't have their disease, and my group really enjoys it. The other two are solid gold, and I haven't heard otherwise from anyone.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Those fuddy duddies are crazy!

[@daveflynn3397]

I believe The Grand Carnival is being reprinted by Uproarious Games.

[@FostertheMeeple]

It is!! We found out after filming

[@mr_boom105]

I WANT ONE OF THOSE MOONRAKERS HOODIES!! I practically begged for one at PAXU lol love the video.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hahah hopefully next time!

[@gottimighty]

Glad you two finally got to experience Grand Austria Hotel and Star Wars Rebellion. I knew you'd love them. Since you like card games, I HIGHLY recommend checking out Knarr. Knarr has a simple rule set, yet offers some interesting choices. Throw in some nice combos along with gorgeous artwork and Knarr definitely is a must-have..............IMO 😉🤣

[@FostertheMeeple]

Awesome!! Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[@thecultofpop]

I can second Knarr, I liked the card selection mechanic in Knarr. Vaalbara is another good card game, like a mini Libertalia with some drafting and set collection.

[@aarontaylor24]

veiled fate and honey buzz would probably be my top new to me games in 2023.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Great choices!

[@griffsmotorthings]

Being that I just started playing board games on a monthly basis about 18 months ago... this year my addictions are: Stone Age Rajas of The Ganges Coimbra Splendor Taverns of Tithenhall VERY much going to be trying some of your top 10 soon. Sea Salt and Paper is intriguiiiingggg!

[@FostertheMeeple]

Awesome list of games here!

[@Jorn2u]

Cool list

[@FostertheMeeple]

Thank you!

[@M4ttNet]

I noticed you guys are using a rathskellers Altar table. I was curious if you had any thoughts to share on that table, how it compares to others. Right now my wife and I are considering it and it's a pretty huge investment and really hard to find many people who have it and share their thoughts on it, especially how it compares to other gaming tables (that are usually cheaper).

[@FostertheMeeple]

Honestly, I can’t really provide you a comparative opinion - as this is the only table we’ve owned. Our original table was built by a friend. Also, understand Rathskellers is an official sponsor of the channel, and sent us ours. However with that being said, the table is incredible. The wood working is absolutely insane, it’s a jaw dropper in terms of its aesthetic presence in the room. The felt inside is dual layered, and we have a plastic sheet we can put on top for D&D campaigns. The speakers inside are 10/10 and really help with playing some tunes for people, or using for game specific sounds (app driven games). I really have nothing negative to say, other than the fact it is HEAVY, which is to be expected given it’s handcrafted wood. Totally understand the investment, I know how much these things cost. But I cannot deny how much it has enhanced our gaming experiences.

[@markhopper3895]

Alright, let’s see if I can fix your lists… 😂 Seriously though, great lists and I’m really impressed with Jamie’s trio of not-cute, almost boring beige euros: Caylus 1303, Grand Austria and Oracle of Delphi. Tops for new-to-me: Merlin (vaguely similar to Oracle), Red Cathedral (compare it to Grand Austria) and Taj Mahal (nothing like Caylus but still great).

[@FostertheMeeple]

We’re very much omni gamers!!

[@alfredoherrera4190]

I love Too Many Bones (I also discovered the game this year) and while I agree that it can be difficult, I find that that's only true with two players. At four players it gets incredibly easy. I think either solo or three player is definitely the way to go, unless you play with two really strong characters

[@FostertheMeeple]

We’ve for sure heard 2p is the toughest player count

[@KabukiKid]

Star Wars: Rebellion is the only game I bought a third-party insert for. It really helps with setup and breakdown. Well worth it. Also, I bought an extra set of dice just so there is no need to pass dice back and forth across the table.

[@FostertheMeeple]

I just grabbed the expansion which I THINK has more dice

[@KabukiKid]

@@FostertheMeeple I forget exactly if it adds more regular dice or just the green dice. Either way, the expansion is good stuff. :-)

[@Thebrad11984]

Well Jaime is now easily my favorite. One of us. One of us. One of us

[@FostertheMeeple]

To be fair you lost me at iron clays ;)

[@MoonStarWolf88]

New follower.. got a lot of tips from your video 😊 Haven't really got any 2023 new games this year, only Norwegian kids games 😅 But got Ark Nova for Christmas. Feel like everyone is hyping about it, so look forward to playing it 😁 And I got to ask. You guys look familiar to me. Did you bookblog before? 🤔

[@FostertheMeeple]

We did!! Many years ago and much much younger looking haha. So happy you found us!

[@MoonStarWolf88]

@@FostertheMeeple yes.. I was active bookblogger myself in 2010-2016 or something 😅 Look forward to following you guys here 😊

[@matthewzahnzinger]

I’ve been on the fence about trying Forgotten Waters because it listed as 3 players minimum, but I read online pretty recently that there is actually a 2p variant out there. Did you end up playing either this or Freelancers just the two of you, or was it all with bigger groups?

[@FostertheMeeple]

Hey! We’ve only played at 4p for forgotten waters and Freelancers. Sorry we couldn’t be more help!

[@stevewithington1787]

I think this list was even better than your 2023 list. We did this yesterday and this was mine/my wife's top ten: 10. Rococo/SCOUT 9. Anachrony/Rococo 8. For Sale/Village Rails 7. Energy Empire/Beer & Bread 6. Arkwright/Grand Austria Hotel 5. John Company/Energy Empire 4. Mombasa/Mombasa 3. Weather Machine/Formosa Tea 2. Formosa Tea/Nucleum 1. Nucleum/Weather Machine

[@FostertheMeeple]

Ohhhh anachrony is so good!!

[@shawnhilliard]

I was so excited to get a copy of Too Many Bones. I set it up, finished the rulebook and realized it was nothing but a combat game. I misunderstood reviews saying it was an interesting puzzle lol.

[@FostertheMeeple]

Interesting you didn’t feel the puzzle! It’s a puzzle (in my opinion) to figure out the best options to upgrade your character to fight specific bosses. But yes, largely a combat game

[@JacobPorterLadder]

Veiled Fate is like a top 5-10 game for me in general. Such a unique experience. Best at 7 players

[@FostertheMeeple]

I played it at 6! Was so fun

[@JacobPorterLadder]

@@FostertheMeeple at 7, there is someone that doesn't have a partner and that constant curiosity that you're alone just makes the team dynamic even better

[@FostertheMeeple]

@@JacobPorterLadder that’s awesome!

[@jkledis]

Sea Salt and Paper sounds amazing

[@FostertheMeeple]

I think you and Jo would like it!!

[@Roxas77]

Im confused, is this your top 10 favorite games just being updated or top 10 favorite games from 2023

[@FostertheMeeple]

It’s games that were new to us in 2023 (but weren’t released in 2023)!

[@Roxas77]

​@@FostertheMeeple Ohhhhh. I get it now lol. I'm sure Star Wars Rebellion would be on my list if I committed and just bought it, I ultimately agree with Jaime though, games that take over 3 hours are too much of a commitment to play regularly

[@FostertheMeeple]

@@Roxas77 definitely agree. It’s a challenge to get them played for sure

[@ChelseyK919]

You should play the Star Wars game on May 4th!!

[@shockwavemasta]

fast sloths and nana are sooo good

[@FostertheMeeple]

Preach!

[@SqwertSoda]

Hey guys you probably know this but if you like SW Rebellion you might like lord of the rings war of the ring. I personally like WOTR better but it doesn’t really have a hidden mechanic. Both are perfect board game adaptations of the sources. Star Wars feels more ‘gamey’ WOTR feels more epic and like I’m playing through lotr The learning sucks a little for WOTR cause the rulebook is written bad, but once you learn it I feel the need to reference the rules way less in LOTR

[@FostertheMeeple]

War of the Ring is something I’ve always wanted to play, just need to learn it! LOTR is one of my biggest loves

[@Sreehammer]

Have you played Star Wars outer rim? If so, thoughts?

[@FostertheMeeple]

I’ve played it twice, definitely enjoyed it! But I like pickup and deliver a lot so take that into consideration

[@daniellebackus819]

I love both games. Overall, Star Wars Outer Rim is easier to play and can play more people… but a lower player count is better for ensuring a shorter game of Outer Rim. Both are very long, very thematic, and very fun! Rebellion has a bunch of minis to paint, while Outer Rim is more card-based. Rebellion mostly has key Empire and Rebellion military leaders, while Outer Rim has more scoundrels and minor characters from the outer rim. Rebellion feels more like a head-to-head chess-like game, where you’re trying to outsmart your opponent. Outer Rim is more about your individual adventure, and your interactions with other players are very minimal. You can take their crew, but I think that’s it. Both games have one major expansion. I don’t have the expansion for Rebellion, but I know it changes how you combat and adds more characters and mission cards. I do have the expansion for Outer Rim, and it adds more characters, more missions, and it makes travel a little easier (makes the board more like a circle then a semi-circle). Both expansions seems to be considered “essential” if you play the game a lot. Rebellion has infinite replay-ability, since you’re playing your opponent as much as you’re playing the game. But the playtime is so long, that you won’t get to play it as much as you’d probably like. Outer Rim would eventually get old, as you would have seen everything there is to see, and your opponents aren’t changing the game for you much. It’s also pretty long (it’s VERY long at 4 players), so similar issue with tabling it regularly as Rebellion. Hope that helps! That’s everything I can think of that’s relevant to compare them. I have them both and love them both… along with Star Wars Deck-Building game, Star Wars Rivals, and some Star Wars Destiny. It’s amazing how many truly fantastic Star Wars games exist.