Tier Ranking The BEST Board Games of 2024

[@Michael-y9d6m]

My opinion is this - you can forget the hype and media when it comes to board games. Why? I cannot tell you how many times i bought games that I was told was great (and for the most part the game play was good) but it never hit my table more than once. I bought a LOT of games and had to ask myself why i got rid of most of them. The answer - it was missing either 1) solid game play 2) theme 3) fun. Once I figured that out - i stopped buying games with 1 play. it's on YOU as the consumer to KNOW what you like AND listen to regular people review the games. Per Dice Tower - everything is great, but they won't play it ever again. I'm an engineer. Do you think i want to come home and play Kanban? Twighlight Struggle is great - does that really appeal to you in theme? it could not be more bland. Yet i bought it because i heard it was great. It was great! but it didn't have the 3 boxes checked and it never saw another play. When someone says they give a game 10 out of 10 - ask them how many times they played it. Ask them when the next time they will play it will be. Ask - how many more times will you play that game? Slay the spire - those "hyping it" (from what i know) have played it and like it - but one of those boxes above didn't get checked. When I say theme - that means you love looking at the board. Do you love looking at the Wingspan board? really? First a definition before i get to bottom line. When you say "media" hypes it - you are referring to those games on youtube who give their opinions on games right? (it has to be - i don't see big media anywhere outside of that) The bottom line isn't media to blame when a game disappears - it disappeared because a box on the player's list wasn't checked. Since using my system of KNOWING what i like and what those i play with will like - i stopped buying games that got 1 or 2 plays and have games that get played all the time. Any given game i have that someone says "hey! let's play this!" I am thinking - yes! lets! The only hype is due to a game being new and of course MANY people are going to try it and give their opinions on it. So they play it, see the game play is well done - but sort of not see the other things that will not make them want to play it ever again at that time. They don't realize it - but they do over time. I often hear "i don't know why i haven't played that in a long time - it's a great game! I will have to play it again."

[@pclubwon]

Yes, a lot of the same feelings here. Even watching this video's first 30-40% and seeing all the S class games... I guess a real definition of what is S class is important. But in my mind "S" means a game you will likely play 5-10 times in the next 6 months minimum and keep it in your line up for the foreseeable future. The game "media" is BGG and the videos people like this one make. Overhyping games they have literally played maybe 2 times and will never see again. So long as we keep watching.

[@SardonicArtery]

@@pclubwon I'm meaner than that. I have young kids and limited time/budget. I need solo games that set up quick, play in an hour or less, and are deep enough for many reps (see Final Girl, Marvel Champs, Aeon's End -- over 50 plays each). I don't have the brain cells left for some long, dense grind. 5-10 plays over six months is likely a pass. I don't want piles of unplayed stuff. No FOMO, no cult of the new.

[@imnottellingyoumyname3050]

Smart take. The big brain play is wait a year or two, focus on older games that have stood the test of time and come back to see which of these games are still getting talked about.

[@SardonicArtery]

@@imnottellingyoumyname3050 I'm willing to take a risk on some new games (like Star Trek: Captain's Chair, since I wanted to try an Imperium game), but yeah. once the hype moves on, prices drop and you know what's good.

[@cozzwozzle]

Great comment Michael and I very much feel the same way. The question I ask myself when buying a game is 'Will my friends want to play it again and again?'. I just played Blood Rage with my group, they wanted to play it immediately a second time and our group chat has been pinging all day with them talking about how much they loved it - so it's a great game. My friends dictate what is a great game or not, because if they don't like it then I don't get to play it. I'd love to know what games get most played in your circle?

[@BoardGameTextbook]

Let's Go! to Japan was my gaming group's biggest "why did we all fall in love with this" game of the year. It packs a lot of good set collection decisions into a quick package. I do hope it gets a little more love on the best-of-year lists.

[@JJ_TheGreat]

3:32 But for people who aren't able to get their hands on Dwellings of Eldervale - which, btw, was a well-lauded game the year it came out and was on many Top 10 lists - that's what got me interested in it to begin with. I think there are many people who missed out on Dwellings, since it was not the most accessible - it had limited availability and was quite expensive (hence what I mean by not the most accessible) - and based on the renown reviews of it being "better than Dwellings", and it being more accessible - I think there is an appeal for Andromeda's Edge.

For sure. We'll see rather shortly i think!

[@benja6902]

The Discriminating Gamer listed his Top Ten of 2024. He turned me on to a solo-only game called Vive L'Empereur!, a Napoleonic hex and counter wargame. Burning Banners was his #1.

Nice!

[@eduardoserpa1682]

I've only gotten into board games recently, but I'm so glad I did around the time Arcs was coming out. Not only the base game feels laser-focused on my tastes, but it has a lot of room to grow with the two other game modes. There's a few more I'm very interested in trying (Dune Uprising, Andromeda's Edge, Evenfall, maybe SETI), but I don't imagine any of those supassing Arcs for me at the top.

[@cozzwozzle]

Definitely try Dune Uprising. It's damn near perfect.

Nice!!

[@samuelsharp1389]

I have the exact same experience, got root as my first game two months ago and then played arcs last week and I was immediately hooked, leder can do no wrong In my eyes, gameplay is exactly my taste and the art and design is imo the best I’ve seen by far, so far

[@cozzwozzle]

I'm new to the hobby friend and it has been quite shocking to step into the Kickstarter hype-train crazed consumerism that seems to have swept a scene that 20 years ago was mostly sweaty smelly dudes hanging out in a basement. Your sceptical takes are refreshing to listen to and I think you're saving a lot of us from forgetting what board gaming is really about (having fun).

Thanks!!

[@JanFrensin]

It just depends of every persons life situation at that exact moment , I for instance have well over 450 games and my number one is still Mage Knight and I am definitely a sucker for chunky medium heavy euros but since our 2nd kid was born 8 months ago , the best and definitely most played game by far from all others , and me and my wifes game of the year is FARAWAY.. its just clicks on all cillinders.. super fast , brainy , good art and icons and small footprint that leaves you always with that "let's play another one, shell we?" feeling..a 10 for me ❤ p.s. we got it in May , score right now is 86 : 79 in games won for me hehe

[@JohnWII]

Yeah faraway was easily a 9/10 if not higher just because of how easy (and FUN) it is to play and it's so quick we've actually been able to play it more than once (over a dozen already!)

[@IronSalamander8]

Arcs was far better than I expected. I backed out of the campaign, but a friend here got it and we tried it out. Cole's stuff is very hit or miss for me, but Arcs was fun. Slay the Spire is a great PC game, but I didn't back the Kickstarter, but would try it if offered. I really enjoy Faraway. It's a fun filler where the scoring backwards thing throws some people off, which I like. Castle Combo is also a fun filler that I need to get played more, as I just got it at the local FLGS Black Friday sale.

CASTLE COMBO FTW. Another one I forgot!! Even though I just talked about it and agent avenue...though my personal list may look a lot different than this one lol

[@alexandrelimoges3507]

Ouf. Burning banners at D. My game of the year.

Lol. I'm just not a war gamer. But i have no doubt that for those that can, it sounds like it sings!

[@jonatan2969]

I know it shouldnt be on this list as its too niche. But the best 2024 gaming experience for me was without a doubt my 13 hour 3 person playthrough of Dawn of Madness. Damn that game can set a mood and has some fun mechanics

Nice!

[@mrbovinejoni569]

Out of this list, I've only played Harmonies and Vale of Eternity. I would agree with those rankings.

:)

[@games4life961]

Might’ve been mentionned already but I think these games could also be included: - Ironwood - Kelp - Wyrmspan - River of Gold

Yeah, i had to edit the description because i cant believe i forgot to throw on Kelp and Ironwood.

[@MrTomlette]

I like Arcs (I think), but it fell flat with some of my game group. I don't know if I'll even keep it.

That's fair. ive heard similar more than a few times.

[@perrymihalakos2119]

I agree with many of your rankings, but my top tier would include Harmonies, Arcs, Wondrous Creatures, Unconscious Mind, Endeavor Deep Sea, Red Dust Rebellion, and Imperium Horizons. However, I haven't played many of the games on your list, so I'm looking forward to checking them out.

Thanks!

[@benddan]

Forgot Wyrmspan, MLEM (This not Cascadero, is Doctor's #1 2024 game), Black Forest, Dune:Arrakis, River of Gold, River Valley Glassworks, Captain Flip & Bomb Busters.

:)

[@oneysnyder2116]

Cascadero is probably my game of the year. We’ve really enjoyed it. Would definitely play anytime.

Nice!

[@familiekooreman3427]

You’re doing a great job!! Really enjoyed this one. Thanks!!

Thanks!

[@RainwaterGames]

A few more considerations that came out this year......Rock Hard: 1977, Skyrise, River Valley Glassworks, Fractured Sky, Explorers of Navoria, Star Tycoon, We're Sinking!, Cube Monster

Tons! got my copy of cube monster last month

[@TabletopTurtle]

Spectral done so dirty. Such a clever little dedication game.

[@moo2k4]

The main game on my shelf that I think deserves recognition is Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan. Legitimately fantastic campaign game.

Ive heard good things. they're coming back for another crowdfunding campaign early in 2025 i believe as well

[@forouza1]

Ok can I tell you how much I appreciate more these types of rankings over content creators top 10 or top 100 lists. I no longer watch those types of videos. With so many games out there I really only have time and capacity to really look at tabling an S or A tier game. In top ten lists people may not have played a ton of games or may have only played really bad games and so Number 3 or 4 game could easily be a C or D tier game.

To be fair, this is purely and utterly subjective. these are all great games, its just based on my own personal preferences within that as well. utterly biased so be aware!

[@DumahAtreides]

My top 2024 games are: Overall: Primal Coop: Slay the Spire Competitive: Unconscious Mind Solo: Civolution Campaign: 7th Citadel Honorable mention: Mistborn DB There's been a lot of great games this year.

Mistborn making a late play for some attention this year !

[@mrsamtheman80]

Ironwood and Inventors of the South Tigris are missing, both extremely good IMO (Inventors may be the best from Garphill period, but definitely best from the South Tigris series).

Yes! That, agent avenue, castle combo and ironwood for sure. Like I said at the end, it was almost prophetic that i'd forget even some obvious ones that will likely be on my own lists. I mean, that sounds like something I would do right?

[@lenmux]

Great vid. Enjoyed seeing Worldspanner Factions as high as it was, and totally agree about Harmonies, as it's a great gamen with wide appeal, if not necessarily every hobbyists cup of Tea. Didn't completely agree with everyting, but that's part of the fun with these things.

That last sentence especially. I've made some others a little upset though. But yes i agree!

[@GuppyJ]

Ironwood should have made this list, and been near the top.

[@Sgrand80]

In your opinion of course

[@ttocsisme]

Goes without saying its their opinion ​@Sgrand80

AHHHHH CRAP!!! i told you i knew i would forget something!!! IRONWOOODDD FORGIVE ME!!!

[@vloche11]

FYI - I was able to snag a copy of Men- Nefer from game nerdz about a month so it does seem like they have some North American distribution. They are out of stock currently though.

[@ChrisSalvaggio]

Hey Chris, I appreciate your approach to these videos and respect your thoughts. I appreciate all the content you put out. 🤙

Thanks!

[@JohnClem56]

Not sure if this is a list of how you would rank them for yourself, how you expect them on average to be ranked by the majority of reviewers, or some combination. If going with overall reviewer/player ranking and enthusiasm then I think the mid-tier (B & C) level of Euros are way underappreciated in your rankings. I think most of those are listed at least one tier too low and I think Primal is the only game in the A-tier that I'd keep there. Glad there's a big diversity of really good games to satisfy the big diversity of gamers!

Probably a mix of both TBH, my personal bias probably moreso lol. Not a too serious list though at times. They're all ones that I expected to see a significant portion of "Top of" lists regardless!

[@mckeoncrawford9262]

Arcs, Andromeda's Edge, and Fractured Sky were the only 2024 games I own.

Good choices nonetheless!

[@bcantui]

Personal Top 3 (not in order): - Primal - Slay the Spire - Tidal Blades 2 Yes, I prefer coops haha

[@Camj41]

These are my favs as well!

Good taste!

[@ViscountCharles]

I have no idea why so many reviewers are giving The Gang a mediocre rating. For anyone with a familiarity with Texas Holdem it's *fantastic*. Definitely makes my top 5 of 2024 - and there have been plenty of good games this year!

[@dannyanderson4723]

I'm with you. In college we played a lot of poker but it died after college. The Gang gave us a reason to play poker again. I know of at least 5 people who have bought it because we played together. I know that's not a lot, but it's more than any other game I've played in 2024.

Agreed. I was about to try and teach it to people who didn't know Texas holdem though and I was like "WAIT"....let's play pandemic iberia instead!

[@lizdorsey3453]

My top 3 games for 2024 are: Harmonies, Forges of Ravenshire and French Quarter I've only played 6 of those you've listed

That's ok! Played what you have and what can get played! That's more important!

[@stevenwei2167]

Would you recommend Fromage at 2 players?

Ooof. Probably not the fully right person. But yes you could for sure. They close off spots i believe if i'm remembering correctly at lower counts

[@dio1122able]

Arcs is my GOTY, but Ezra and Nehemiah was an incredible experience from Garphill. Creature Caravan was also a good one for me

Nice!

[@pecktec]

Holy crap I haven’t played even a quarter of those games. Well, I guess I got some new ones to check out.🤣

Lol. I still havent gotten a lot of 2023s

[@dannyanderson4723]

Fractured Skies is a top 3 game of 2024 for me. The February release makes it hard to remember it was this year.

I know right? I was pseudo joking but you know that's an actual thing!

[@normstewart546]

Unclear if this was YOUR ranking or your PREDICATION of where the great unwashed will place them. Nice summary of the year anyway. Surprised KELP didn't get a mention.

ANOTHER ONE I FORGOT!!

[@pecktec]

Chris, I’m pretty sure you and I are the last two people on earth that will receive CDMD. You must be on the East Coast like me. I’m about to do my top 20 24 list and I thank you for the inspiration lotta good games in there.

Twins! East coast as well! Thanks!

[@dickywoo]

Arcs is an extreme case. Some really like it and some really hate it😂 i am still waiting for the localize version so i could try it myself

Agree completely. I could have put it elsewhere just to troll people. I upset the wargamers already though 🤣

[@ColinLindsly]

I agree that Slay the Spire might not get the attention it needs. My local game store had a clearance sale. There were many copies of Slay the Spire on clearance; this is how I got my copy. I haven't played the game yet; however, I am looking forward to playing it.

Nice!

[@YeetMcmaet]

I think Arcs is great, but I would give it an A

:)

[@qtherage7536]

For lotr duel my main issue is that base game to base game I think it’s better, however duel with pantheon is a way better version of duel which makes the lord of the rings one kinda useless until they create an expansion to bring it above duel with pantheon.

We'll see. its done well enough so nothing would surprise me

[@qtherage7536]

Yeah it definitely has potential and got a ton of hype so it should get more content, but where it stands currently It needs that expansion to be able to replace duel with pantheon

[@listentosilverfish]

Played a few from this year. Only two I bought were Arcs and Harmonies

Nice!

[@dunny4106]

Men nefer is a great game. And available on Amazon.

Nice! Must be recent, glad to hear it!

[@Hudsonbba]

Other than Burning Banners I agree with the rest on this list

lol

[@FunForEvery11]

Oh Chris, you know I love you 😂 But whatever you are smoking you gotta get some new stuff, then turn this list upside down and with some minor tweaks we are getting somewhere 🤪🤪😂

:)

[@siriactuallysara]

I finally got marvel United multiverse and I LOVE IT

Salt in the wound

[@Thomas-kx9op]

As usual, you and I have very different tastes. Andromeda's Edge is amazing and is in my Top 2 of 2024. I wouldn't even own ARCS.

That's fair! Like i said, this list is...fickle. And only somewhat fully serious

[@ekted]

I thought I would love Harmonies. I played on BGA and thought is was meh.

That's fair. I've heard plenty of people say the same with others like Cascadia. Never works for everyone

[@MrJankTv]

Weird, I got Men Nefer off Amazon a few weeks ago

Nice! I must have missed it! Good to hear

[@vlogospheer]

Thumbnail 👽

I've been called worse!

[@dannyanderson4723]

I don't quite get Harmonies. I played it and it was good, but not memorable for me.

Fair enough

[@dannyverbraeken7729]

I like your videos, but we have a different taste. If you switch the B and C games with the S and A games, we can come to an agreement 🙂

:)

[@neilwalker4277]

Faraway is fantastic and Arcs disappointingly bad so ignoring this list completely :)

Now who’s extreme? 😅

[@Tmisp2209]

Wondrous Creatures isn’t A tier? 😢

:) It's growing on me

[@Kensai_]

Wow you are not aligned with me!

That's the best part of the hobby! we both have stuff we love!

[@Jack-ph9tn]

Just looking at the list this guy is not a fan of euro games.

I mean i definitely have a bias towards others. Not that i dislike, just like others more most of the time

[@Kondi17]

Marvel United is the worst, most booring game I have ever played. Yes, I don't have kids.

[@IamJFD]

I understand not liking it. But if its the worst then u probably played too few games yet.

[@Kondi17]

@IamJFD i played a lot bro. I'm playing for like 20 years now. It's just really...really booring game. Second on my worst games is Hero Quest. (Im not counting Monopoly ect.)

the best part of this list is to each their own

[@Kondi17]

Sure thing

[@BrussLSprouts]

Horrible list and cringe thumbnail. Reconsider choices.

Thanks for feeling so strongly i guess?

[@forouza1]

Burning banners was a huge disappointment for us. Really pissed off so many people would rank this game so high. It's PRETTY but the game is too luck based and it takes FOREVER for turns between players. They should have separated the build and activate phases. It was a mistake to combine them. Player turns can easily take 10-15 minutes. Playing BB at anything other than 2 players is a slog with way too much downtime between turns.

I can't do war games that long personally.

[@rumpusRoom_]

SOY BOYYY

I have no idea with this