My Top 10 Favorite Tabletop Games of 2020 (New & Sequels)

[@ClockworkWyrm]

Soooo Magic made their own version of Smash Up? Hahaha awesome. Enjoyable list as always. Lost Ruins of Arnak is my top game of 2020.

[@ericfrancis7816]

Whoops! You have the Lost Ruins of Arnak title up during your discussion of the very excellent Beyond the Sun! :) I was one of the play testers for that game and I"m extremely happy you enjoyed it. The designer, Dennis K. Chan, is a great human!

[@jameystegmaier]

Ah shoot, we must have missed that. Well, hopefully it's clear that I'm talking about Beyond the Sun during that segment!

[@LordoftheBoard]

Hey! We share our top new release this year! Dune imperium has been a delight and I can completely see why it made it to the top of the list!

[@tomasxfranco]

When you were talking about beyond the sun (5) you put Arnak on the screen. Nothing major.

[@JeronimoColon]

Just a quick FYI, Dune Imperium also requires AI/bot for 2 player game - though I don’t find it too tedious. It does a decent job feeling like a 3rd player blocking spaces and competing for the prizes while battling. I’d probably argue it’s necessary to add the right level of tension and angst.

[@tonybowers9490]

Thanks for sharing. Great lists. I like Dune: Imperium a lot. I like The Isle of Cats too.

[@radiatepresents]

Great list, Jamey! I would say Obsession (Second Edition) with the Upstairs Downstairs expansion is my favorite "follow-up" game of 2020 (we call it the Downton Abbey game). Have you played it?

[@jameystegmaier]

I haven't, but I've heard great things about it and need to try it. :)

[@macngames100]

This is an awesome list Jamey, thanks! I've only ever played Tidal Blades at 2-players, and it's great already! It's perhaps not how the designers intended without the AI, but I thought that having just 1 human player was enough for a good experience. The game is already so tight that I didn't think to add an AI.

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks Mac! I think I'll try it that way too.

[@RossArnoldSan]

Which Chronicles have you enjoyed in Glen More? Also, what's the significance of the map of Wales on your wall? :)

[@jameystegmaier]

I think I've played the first 4 Chronicles so far, and I liked all of them! Lock Ness is probably my favorite. As for Wales, I visited there 10 years ago or so, and I had a wonderful trip, so I wanted to keep a map on my wall to remember it.

[@Oceans4Ransom]

Just wanted to share that I loved the format of this video. Both lists were interesting and good to bunch together and the length was even easier to listen to during my long drive home from work!

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks!

[@StevenStJohn-kj9eb]

As someone who has just played Euphoria for the first time but has not played the new Dune, do you see comparisons? The race for 10 points and the faction-specific commodities, and the worker placement mechanic all seem similar. Obviously there's a whole lot different about Dune - the cards are a huge part of the game, and the combat area too. But just curious if you saw echoes to Euphoria.

[@thenerdgirl1]

We've had a great time with Honey Buzz and In the Hall of the Mountain King. Other stand outs include Curious Cargo, Whistle Mountain, and New York Zoo.

[@antgerfitz]

Now I must read the rules of my copy of Dune: Imperium. Top 11 games I played for the first time in 2020: #1 Barrage (almost 2020) #2 Dominion: Renaissance #3 Newton (solo) #4 On Mars (2020) #5 Orléans #6 Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion (2020) #7 Brass: Lancashire (I prefer this than Birmingham) #8 Kashgar #9 Isle of Skye #10 Pandemic: Fall of Rome #11 Everdell

[@tomasxfranco]

Personally I have 0 interest in the Watergate theme, it's a tad too US focused for me to care. Maybe if some one made a version with a different theme, even a basic fantasy one, I'd be all in.

[@michaeljohnhalse]

I love Villainous, despite Disney being, itself, villainous.

[@bangazboom9925]

I was really excited for Dune and Tidal Blades but I only play games at the two player count and hearing about bots was a turn off.

[@paulsalomon27]

Cool list! I haven’t played magic since I was probably 12, and I haven’t wanted to, but those quick start decks make me want to give it a try again!

[@jameystegmaier]

I still have a few left unopened in case they're not still available elsewhere.

[@Jorg05111980]

Just start on Magic Arena...it's great and you can get get up and running quite quickly. Of course, if you really want to compete up the ladder you'll spend some money, but for me that has been like 10-20 euro per month max

[@ThinkerThemer]

Loved this list! Interestingly, Isle of Cats didn't make our top 5 lists but it was one of our most played games this year because everyone we taught it to kept requesting it. Nice gateway-style game! Happy New Year to you and your family 💕

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks! I enjoyed watching your list the other day too!

[@HowLongCanUMakeAName]

15:00 Hi, Walter :P

[@TheMillShow]

Now, of course, Jamey, I realize that this list is totally YOUR OPINION.. so you're not out here saying that Tidal Blades is a better game than The King is Dead, but how much higher did The Isle of Cats rate because it featured cats? Is that game a Jamey #9 spot if it was The Isle of Goats? :)

[@TheMillShow]

I wonder how many common mechanisms Codename: Gold will share with In the Hall of the Mountain King, if any. It's my belief that the pyramid that is on the Stonemaier Champion shirts is Codename: Gold. Jamey talks about how good that cascading mechanism feels building that pyramid. It could be a total coincidence or any of the dozens of games that have you building a card pyramid, but I know Jamey likes to drop hints. I'm curious whether this cascading resource thing shows up in a future Stonemaier Game. Jamey's also been pretty vocal about liking those games that sort of produce big chains and big turns. I'm excited for what's next.

[@mrpenguin6699]

I really like the inclusion of Magic's Jump Start. Seems like a great way for people who don't play magic as much to hop into it too.

[@bgt2701]

Seems like the the T.I.M.E stories fixed everything that I wasn't a fan of in the original series. Definitely going to give it a try. Thanks Jamie for this great list.

[@AzureRaiden]

My wife and I played title blades at 2 players but I tweaked the rules as written for the bot player. We also played as a five round game instead of a 4. With a little bit of rules tweaking the two-player game works just fine and we really enjoyed it. However I still enjoy this game more as a 3 player game or more. On board game geek, the developer stated you can play this game two player without the bot. The bot is really there to help kill the monsters and tighten up the board space.

[@BillyIndiana]

I like the way you separated your list into sequels & new games. Looking back at my top ten, six are actually sequels (Jaws of the Lion, Mysterium Park, Chronicles of Crime 1400, Trekking the World, Sherlock Holmes: Baker Street Irregulars, Infinity Gauntlet - although it feels very different from other Love Letter games). My favorite new game was Forgotten Waters, but The Crew was the only one on your list I've played (but many others are on my wishlist). Happy New Year & best wishes for 2021!

[@LeeKenshin7]

Not surprised that Dune: Imperium is on your list but didn't think it would be #1 given the conflict in the combat zone. It's my #2 this year. Lost Ruins of Arnak is arriving today and hoping to play it soon. I haven't played Tidal Blades, and probably won't get a chance to in awhile, but no regrets since I got Dwellings of Eldervale instead (my #1) this year.

[@rickadam6051]

Great video Mr. Stegmaier! There were only 8 2020 new games I was able to play this year, but I'm very excited and planning to get Dune Imperium, Dwellings of Eldervale, Honey Buzz, and Viscounts to the table as soon as possible. So here are my top 8 games of 2020! (That I've played) 8. Hues and Cues - Fun party game, easy to play online. Even though it's the bottom of the list, I still enjoyed it. 7. Azul: Summer Pavillion - With multiple plays now of both, I gotta say I personally enjoy Stained Glass more. This newest version has went over well also though so I still like this game. 6. Tidal Blades: Heroes of the Reef - I really enjoy the art, the production, and a lot of the ideas. I didn't like how restrictive it felt to do a mission, too many times someone (usually me) would say okay I'm going here, to gain this, so I can play this, oh wait... I have to be on a different space? Other than that, and how punishing some of the monsters could be, I thought there was a lot to like. 5. Dominations: Road to Civilizations - This might have been a 2019 game, but I didn't get my copy until 2020 and I guess I'm hoping it counts! It is a lot of fun though and I've enjoyed it quite a bit. Bit thinky, lots of planning going on, but in an engaging way I felt. 4. Glenmore II: Chronicles - Got this the same day I got Dominations and really enjoyed both! This one has hit the table a few more times and has been a lot of fun so it barely passes up Dominations for me. 3. Tainted Grail - My second most played game of the year though admittedly at least 10 of those 14 plays were solo. The leveling up is easily my favorite part, that and the story is engaging. 2. Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion - I love Gloomhaven, such an amazing experience of a game. I HATE the set up and tear down so it comes out less than 5 times a year. This is Gloomhaven without that problem, so I actually prefer this one. 1. The Isle of Cats - I do a Top 100 every year (inspired by The Dice Tower) this is the only one of my 8 games to make the Top Ten. Love this game, very easy to teach and play, feels very fun and rewarding with all different kinds of players and play styles. My only game on this list I rate a 10 out of 10.

[@fuloran1]

I have Dune Imperium waiting for me at my FLGS. EVERYONE is saying it's probably GOTY for 2020. Can't wait! Also, the newest Wingspan expansion is so so good, keep em coming Jamey!

[@gaillardlionel]

I definitely played Glenmore 2 in 2019 and I'm in Canada, but happy to see it on your list nonetheless, love that game! I've played it several times solo during the pandemic, controlling two players and the AI bot myself, so each time I played felt like I played the game twice! I tried different chronicles each time, really neat game...

[@DanGalarzaCyber]

How do Arnak and Dune compare? Is it worth owning both?

[@jameystegmaier]

After playing both, they're completely different games with only a small commonality (the cards you play determine where you can place workers). Beyond that, they're very different, and they're both very good.

[@djarm67]

Love Dune: Imperium

[@WitchDoctor87]

Jamey, I'm a big fan of yours and this is a off topic question. I'm making a boardgame and have been dweeling to have it made and sell it myself or kickstarter it. I'm very nervous of not making anything from it because my wife and I are saving for a home and adopting children. I want to make sure my dreams don't inflict on hers also and other dreams we share. What do you advise for someone making a game for the first time? Thanks so much and great list. My favorite game of 2020 is Super Fantasy Brawl.

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks Dan! I'll answer on the other post where you asked this.

[@WitchDoctor87]

@@jameystegmaier thanks so much for the reply! 😀 I'll check the link out

[@gaillardlionel]

Really liked Whistle Mountain this year, great innovation in the worker placement area. I loved that you build the actual worker placement spots during the game.

[@jcdc9437]

Hi Jamey, just saying that I show and play Scythe with someone that doesn’t know the game yet this weekend. buy Rise of Fenris lately and that’s why Scythe came back on the game table again. Have a great year 👌😊

[@gaillardlionel]

I played The Crew the most this year, sometimes we didn't want to stop playing and skipped playing heavier games that we had planned to play after, it was that addictive... so for me I would have to put it at the top of my list, even if I loved many other games... its sheer simplicity and elegance make it so accessible, and we wanted to keep playing even after failing the same missions 5 or 6 times in a row sometimes, can't say that of many games I play!

[@cdouglas6]

Only played one 2020 game. Eclipse Second Dawn. So much fun. Had some epic games so far as a family.

[@RPG_Bliss]

Hues and cues was a big hit with my family.

[@mlysuper65]

Anno 1800 was a really good game too. Try it if you have a chance.

[@katerietmann5731]

I got Glen More 2 Chronicles for Christmas! Can't wait to play- just organizing and setting up the box last night was entertainment. Already pre-ordered Highland Games and the promos because I know I'm going to love it.

[@chrispollmann371]

I am so happy that I have already ordered Dune Imperium! In Germany it will be distributed next month... damn long :-(

[@kovray]

I feel like we really gotta give Dune Imperium a try.

[@LordoftheBoard]

Told you guys.... 😁😁

[@slapthekillswitch]

Great list and I think the way you split it up should be the standard if you played Enough sequels.

[@richardscales9560]

Hard to believe Jamie hasn't read Dune. Read the book! It adds nicely to the game.

[@Johannes_W]

I really do enjoy your channel and find your picks so interesting. It also shows me why us two just have very different tastes, but it helped me a lot to understand how and why you design and publish games. My favourite game in 2020 was definitely Maracaibo (2019 Christmas present) by far and I am very sure you would have never published it the way it is :-D

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks Johannes! I enjoyed my first play of Maracaibo, and in general I admire and enjoy Pfister's work. But you're right that it probably isn't a Stonemaier game. :)

[@caroljohnson3686]

For sequels, I've heard Cobble and Fog is the best Unmatched. I'm itching to play both Dune Imperium and Tidal Blades at more than 2p, though I feel the 2p bot in Dune was smoother than Tidal Blades.

[@jameystegmaier]

Cobble and Fog is the only version of Unmatched I've played, and I really enjoyed it!

[@HowLongCanUMakeAName]

Thanks for the great videos in 2020! We played Watergate a lot this year. I first saw it in a video you made, so thanks for that! I enjoy the way that you describe the games in a meaningful and honest way focusing on the positive points. Keep up the great content in 2021! Thanks! (By the way, there is an incorrect label shown for #5 at 25:24 - 26:34.)

[@jameystegmaier]

I'm glad you're enjoying Watergate--it's a game I've thought about more than almost any other game this year. And sorry about the mislabel for Beyond the Sun!

[@TheSupremoLoser]

I can't stop playing or thinking about beyond the sun, great progression, great at all player counts, the progression and limited resources to manage.. All awesome. The crew is up there as well.

[@CincyAirshipPirate]

Loved Pendulum :) Not my absolute top game of the year, but it was certainly my biggest surprise. I usually shy away from real time but thoroughly enjoyed this one.

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks Jason! I really appreciate that. :)

[@christhomas9670]

I'm surprised project L wasn't mentioned. I thought I recalled high praise from you earlier last year.

[@jameystegmaier]

You know, I enjoyed my first play, and it's still on my shelf, but I just haven't been excited to play it again (as nice as the tiles are in it).

[@Vyolynce]

Was expecting Forgotten Waters somewhere on this list and genuinely surprised for it to not show up. Based on your continued (justified) gushing over it several times this year I ordered it from my FLGS months ago and it finally arrived around the holidays. We got it to the virtual table last week (the remote play assistant works great) and had an absolute blast. I even re-ran the first scenario solo yesterday and was surprised at how well that variant held up to the recommended 3-7 count. Not sure how many plays it will withstand once each scenario has been completed, but it will be a fun ride.

[@jameystegmaier]

It probably should have been among the honorable mentions, as I enjoyed the first scenario for the story it tells. I'm glad you really enjoyed it, though!

[@samh62695]

My favourite new game of 2020 was kingdom rush. Oh wow what a great game that it!

[@blackboardgaming5348]

Great list as always! I love Isle Of Cats but I haven't played it enough. In fact I've only played the solo variant.

[@jameystegmaier]

I was a little surprised it ended up so high on the list, but as I compared it to the other fantastic games, it kept inching up higher and higher. I'd recommend trying it with your wife at 2 players, as it's really good there.

[@robertgoguen9761]

Thanks Jamey, I always enjoy your lists, including your interactions with Ralph and the other cat (especially the video where they were fighting). I also enjoy the perspective from a designer and owner of a board game company. Keep up the great work!

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks Robert! My cats are Biddy and Walter (but Ralph is a good cat name too). :)

[@Eliniel12]

Slay the Spire isn't a tabletop game -yet-, Jamey, but they're turning it into a board game and Kickstarting it soon!

[@jameystegmaier]

Indeed, I just saw that announcement! :)

[@jazzeejax5816]

Love your enthusiasm for great games, nice work. Great list.

[@donaldkehler7029]

Thanks for the lists Jamey! Always appreciate your perspective on games.

[@mdemy8]

Jamey I thought for sure that you would have Calico on your list. Especially that it plays so well with 2.

[@jameystegmaier]

I did play Calico twice, and I had very high hopes for it (especially given the theme), but it just wasn't a game for me.

[@johnbrown6230]

Great list! I have already bought quite a few games based on your recommendations. Thanks!

[@mugongaiaphage7764]

Recently bought Tang Garden after seeing you recommend it, been playing with my boyfriend and dad and having great fun. Love your channel, fun to see more Stonemaier Games in the Netherlands too!

[@deanandtavonplumb7059]

I've been looking for isle of cats but it doesn't seem to be out in the uk

[@tomlikeabomb6706]

I'm surprised that Raiders of Scythia isn't showing up on any of these end of year lists

[@jameystegmaier]

I haven't played it, though I've played Raiders of the North Sea.

[@themagecouncil7629]

Dune Imperium is amazing!!!

[@PaulRamen]

Hi Jamey, thanks for all the work you put in these videos (on top of the game design and SM). One quick fix that would allow you to up the look of the videos would be to find a way to control the exposure of your webcam manually so you can bring the levels down and avoid the clipping and loss of details in the highlights and skin tones. Happy new year, cheers !

[@jameystegmaier]

Thanks, but I've already adjusted everything I can with the software I use. I can adjust brightness but not exposure.

[@PaulRamen]

@@jameystegmaier looked great on the (very insightful) Meepleville interview when it was daylight :) !

[@MaruMaruMaruMaruMaruMaru]

King is dead got a 2nd edition, wow. That game is excellent

[@ulisescoronado7548]

I enjoyed Summer Pavilion a lot, and dune is definitely in my wishlist.

[@marccote8544]

Just lost a bet with my girlfriend because i was sure calico was on your list 😅 Sequel : jaws of the lion Glennore 2 Any unmatched boxes in 2020 New game: dune imperium Lost ruins of arnak Honey buzz

[@jameystegmaier]

I played my copy of Calico twice, and I think it's a solid abstract game.

[@zmollon]

Good thing he didn't release this video before the boxing day sales or I'd be even more poor!

[@jameystegmaier]

Yep, I wanted to wait until 2020 was over, as I continued playing games through the very end of the year. :)

[@zmollon]

@@jameystegmaier I'm sorry to have written he instead of addressing my comment directly to you. Thank you for all you do and continue to do for the hobby. Will be picking up dune imperium based on your recommendation.

[@jameystegmaier]

@@zmollon My pleasure! No worries at all. :) I hope you enjoy Dune Imperium!

[@hendrikrasmus]

30:20 Doesn't Tapestry use a bot for 2p game?

[@jameystegmaier]

Nope! You're thinking of the Shadow Empire variant, which is completely optional. I'm multiplayer designer of Tapestry, and I designed it to be played without a bot or dummy player from 2-5 players. The Shadow Empire variant was a contribution that Morten (Automa Factory) designed after the true multiplayer design was complete.

[@mr.rogers7612]

Can I be that guy and ask how the Viticulture expansion brainstorming is going?

[@jameystegmaier]

Oh, it's far past brainstorming at this point. :)

[@mr.rogers7612]

@@jameystegmaier just let me know when its time to give you my money :)

[@jameystegmaier]

@@mr.rogers7612 Keep an eye on our e-newsletter and the Viticulture Facebook group. :)

[@rahawala]

Nice picks!

[@maximilliansantiago5208]

Nice Shirt Jamey! Suzette got me that shirt for Xmas!

[@jameystegmaier]

Nice! :)

[@maximilliansantiago5208]

@@jameystegmaier How does one become a Stonemaier ambassador?

[@jameystegmaier]

@@maximilliansantiago5208 That's the first test for becoming a Stonemaier Ambassador. :) (hint: look on our website)

[@maximilliansantiago5208]

@@jameystegmaier I am on the case!

[@jessicaw2137]

A really nice list 😊 my favorite games of 2020 are Calico, Tawantinsuyu, Forgotten Waters, Tekhenu, Praga Caput Regni and On Mars! But I have to say it, The Crew is a 2019 game 😉

[@hanng1242]

You are mispronouncing "Tang" (the Chinese Dynasty). The "a" is like the "a" in "father," not like the one in "cat."

[@martinlauzon]

Nice choices, but Glen More II is listed as a 2019 game.

[@jameystegmaier]

As noted at the beginning of the video, the dates on BGG are irrelevant to my list, as I'm interested in when games became widely available and played. Like most Kickstarter backers, players, and major reviews (like The Dice Tower), Glen More 2 is absolutely a 2020 release.

[@martinlauzon]

@@jameystegmaier In Canada we received it in october or november 2019. So played it a lot in 2019. As always great top 10. I'm arguing with myself for the purchase Lost Ruins of Arnak and Beyond the Sun. As for my favorites of 2020, I would Viscounts of the West Kingdom, Nevada City, Calico and Fort. I would add Merv the Heart of the Silk Road but I can't play it with ideal setup with 3-4 players because of the lockdown restrictions. Have a very Happy New Year!

[@PocketPet]

@@martinlauzon Yes, we received Glen More II in October 2019 in Australia as well, so it was definitely a 2019 game for us. However, On the Underground came to Western Australia so late in December 2019 that it’s under consideration for our 2020 list. I guess the quirks of distribution mean we’ll always have wobbly cut-offs for annual Top 10s! 😁

[@axj763]

@@jameystegmaier does Barrage fall into that category? Can I ask what you think of this game? Thanks!

[@jameystegmaier]

@@axj763 I'm not sure--I haven't played Barrage.

[@anthonytsai2346]

Great list Jamey! I agree with your ranking of Arnak vs dune. Both are great games but I really like the tension between players that dune imperium gives! My top games from 2020 are: Tekhenu, Dune: Imperium, Lost Ruins of Arnak, Beyond the Sun and Nidavellir. Have also really enjoyed my plays of Pendulum but those have only been the basic side so far and I think the game will really shine when playing with the advanced player mats.

[@rb4551]

Where did you find Rajas of the Ganges : The Dice Charmers digitally? TTS? Id love to give it a try as im not usually into roll and writes but I do like Rajas the board game.

[@jameystegmaier]

It's on Yucata.de

[@rb4551]

@@jameystegmaier thanks!