Top 10 Board Games of 2024

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🟠 WATCH MY TOP 20-11 VIDEO: / actualol
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I share my Top 10 Board Games of the Year. To see my 20-11 picks from 2024 - I've made an extra video for my patrons and KZbin members.
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🛒 Links to buy:
🔟 Kronologic: Paris 1920 - geni.us/kronol...
9️⃣ Rebirth - geni.us/rebirt...
8️⃣ Daybreak - geni.us/daybre...
7️⃣ Inori - geni.us/inori
6️⃣ Captain Flip - geni.us/captai...
5️⃣ Medical Mysteries - geni.us/medica...
4️⃣ Fractured Sky - shop.iv.studio...
3️⃣ Marabunta - geni.us/marabunta
2️⃣ Skyrise - geni.us/skyrise
1️⃣ Foundations of Metropolis - geni.us/founda...
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SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:
📃 Get monthly exclusive content: / actualol
💷 Make a one-off donation: paypal.me/actualol
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CREDITS
Edited by Joaquin Reinoso
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Actualol is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

[@actualol]

🌍Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months extra ➼ nordvpn.com/actualol It’s risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee!

[@Codricmon]

I'm from Germany, and when I try to watch your video, I get it automatically translated, with a (horribly lifeless) AI voice. I've seen that happening with a few channels, and I'm curious, is that something you have control over, or does KZbin just force that without your knowledge?

[@actualol]

@@Codricmon Sorry, I didn't realise that would play by default. I've removed it from this video and turned it off for future videos.

[@SilverLuna07]

For those who haven't heard the news, if you have Honey installed on your browser (or really any extension that 'looks for discountcodes'), when using John's link, do NOT click the any Honey popups! They will replace John's affiliate link, stealing his commission for the sponsor!

[@Codricmon]

​​​@@actualolIt's fine if it actually increases your viewcount (and it is possible to switch the audio track, although it's a bit of a hassle on mobile.) I was mostly just curious whether you had a say in that decision or whether it was YT pushing features nobody asked for onto random channels without notifying them. (Wouldn't put it past them.) That being said, the AI did not manage to carry over your charm and humour in the slightest, so until the singularity comes, I'm afraid you're not so easily replaceable.

[@prbrcb]

What is your small dice tray !!!!

[@forreview6878]

"if I've got 6 hours free it's because it's midnight and I need to go to bed" I'm rolling 😂😂😂

[@virgofortissima]

Ain't it the truth tho

[@Thermalions]

I feel seen

[@zachkahler1001]

Felt this to the core. 😂

[@anamarieanderson]

I should sleep… but if I have victims - um I mean - willing participants I will be playing for as many hours as they’d give me.

[@michaelwesten4624]

yeah because he said the thing

[@Njsr]

Amazing list. You are the one that often bring games that no one is talking and show a less heavy side of the hobby. Keep the good work.

[@actualol]

Thanks, will do! 😊

[@fiatlux805]

This past year I have learned a lot about the hobby of board games and realized…not everyone can efficiently and cohesively review board games like Actualol. Keep it up mate!

[@neilbiggs1353]

What I think Jon does better than any other reviewer is he seems to find the parts of the game that will affect how it appeals to you. I see a number of people talking about games they like, but have no way to infer how I might feel about them, so unless you know how your tastes align, their reviews are not so helpful.

[@iggit2657]

Another episode of watching my favourite board game reviewer talking about games I could only dream of owning

[@naturesfinest2408]

Why only dream? Why not own?

[@ketchunes1778]

Then i was a teen, i was at the samw boat as you. But now i have work and can afford one or even two games a month! Plus i learend to apriciate online board gaming and games i already own.

[@glallenclan]

I can relate. But when I know what I'd like most, I can be on the lookout for a good deal.

[@htnog]

I know that feeling too… can’t say much depending on where you are in life and on the globe. But there are MANY incredible games that are accessible, and there are some to play with only 1 or 2 decks of cards, pen and paper… My family owns many games nowadays, but we always go back to our ‘sacred’ family card game. You could start such a tradition. Remember, who you play with is much more important than what. That’s why we (in the hobby) say stuff about Monopoly… “oh my god how did we endure that game?”… Friends and Familiy! That’s how

[@iggit2657]

@@htnog ha ha ha, good point!😂

[@DigWitch]

You have simply the best top 10 format I need, where you showcase the gameplay of each entry. That's awesome for people who haven't seen each game on the list yet. Awesome production as well. Keep up the great work, mate ;)

[@actualol]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it :)

[@skyscraper14]

I always see what he has to say about board gaming but his wit and humor is what puts him above the other reviewers. Informative and entertaining. Better than anything on regular TV.

[@actualol]

Thank you 🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂🙂

[@photoben]

LOVE that you do this now, after a full year has passed. None of this “Year Review” in early December rubbish. 👏

[@N0Xa880iUL]

😂

[@aos-archive]

It almost comes off like they don't plan on playing any other current games for the rest of the year. Know what's worse? The one that declare this is their "game of the year" when it's still March.

[@PACAD318]

To be fair, ad rates are better in december.

[@s.l.r.9407]

Dont have anything to comment but doing it for the algorithm, this channel is amazing

[@simtill]

I am commenting on the comment for the algorithm.

[@LovedeepDhingra]

Me too!

[@adrianbyrne114]

ya

[@tomwatson9688]

same!

[@9thandbaklavey926]

Absolutely

[@beakerkell]

I glanced over so many of these games last year, but as soon as you talk about them I have to look into them more.

[@bettermoodboardgames]

Your lighting set up is SO beautiful! You've made it incredibly satisfying to watch! Also you have games I've NEVER heard of in your top 10 and I can't believe the bg community has withheld me from these by giving me oh too similar top 10s!

[@actualol]

Those fricking withholders! Justice for you!

[@Sygness]

Happy to see a board game channel that isn't all about those kickstarter mega projects. I really dislike those stacks of supposedly cool plastic miniatures. Just give me sleek and compact please!

[@heinokunzelmann8967]

I have a simple rule: if your game has huge plastic minis that could easily be cubes or tokens with a sticker, I'll disregard it immediately

[@revimfadli4666]

Cool Games or Not, screw deluxism!

[@superspecky4eyes]

@@heinokunzelmann8967 Warhammer 40k enters the chat....

[@heinokunzelmann8967]

@@superspecky4eyes you know, it's funny but "proper" miniature war games like WH40k don't register as board games in my mind, even though technically speaking they probably are. Same goes for TCGs like Magic the Gathering (I always get mentally flashbanged when someone reminds me of its BGG page). Can't tell you why that is exactly.

[@superspecky4eyes]

@@heinokunzelmann8967 Board game adjacent, but not a board game in my opinion.

[@matthewtaylor6446]

"The world has collapsed because you bought too much plastic on kickstarter..." ha ha ha. Thank you for your humorous and practical approach to board games--focusing on the joy of the actual play (not the shine of the plastic). You cut through the hype and noise and find some really awesome gems. It helps people like me who get discouraged from the giant clunky games that seem to get all the attention.

[@WaterCarrier07]

:) myself and my partner are about to move into our first home together and we both love board games. Your channel has allowed us to start building a collection of fun and interesting games, so much so that we are buying furniture that allows us to store games within our living space 😂❤ Much love to you and yours, your channel is fantastic and I hope we can all support you to keep the content coming

[@actualol]

Congrats on your first home! Good luck with your collection building!

[@MarekEffendowicz]

Thanks so much for another entertaining, imaginatively-metaphored video

[@actualol]

Thank you so much for the donation! 🙂

[@autumndenham1]

First new video since I subscribed! Couldn’t have clicked on it faster and can’t wait to see what else you have in store for the year. Thanks for keeping my wishlist alive!

[@actualol]

Welcome aboard Autumn!

[@matthewrodgers7137]

Captain Flip is my most played game of the year. Played about 60 games of it on BGA in between assignments at work. So quick, so easy, so fun. And I learned about BGA through your channel in April! I am very lucky to have found this channel when I did.

[@edb5272]

"Buffet in a bothy" is such a delightful sentence, and conjures the perfect image. Bravo.

[@actualol]

Thanks, I enjoyed that one 😁

[@carrickrichards2457]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="30">0:30</a> (Deduction game) Kronologic <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="198">3:18</a> (Tile laying Knizia) Rebirth <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="348">5:48</a> (Engine building coop) Daybreak <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="579">9:39</a> (Worker placement) Inori <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="701">11:41</a> (Tile laying) Captain Flip <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="786">13:6</a>7 (Mystery) Medical Mysgteries: New York <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="940">15:40</a> (KS worker placement) Fractured Sky <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1120">18:40</a> (Area control/ Dice) Marabunta <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1248">20:48</a> (Bidding) Skyrise <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1425">23:45</a> (Building) Foundations of Metropolis Good list, interesting, thanks

[@essadis]

my hero

[@johnbobbryan]

I’ve had foundations of Rome on my list since I first saw it through your channel, thrilled to see this new version

[@th1ngo]

I love that Jon always finds excellent games that are not only easy to get played, but tend to still fit onto the games shelf!

[@lcolli096]

Binged your videos this past week or so and my wishlist has tripled. Love the content so much! I got Dog Park for Christmas and I’ve been loving it 😄

[@krt40]

I "actuaLOL-ed" at "I contain multitudes" 😂 Another great video! Happy New Year🎉

[@jimmystavros69]

Love your videos, and your delivery, but rarely do we share the same choices in game style. Bang on this year, got Skyrise and Foundations of Metropolis for Christmas, and love them both!

[@tylervideos8081]

Totally agree. Love his videos, but we have complete opposite taste.

[@actualol]

If you love Skyrise and Foundations of Metropolis then we have very similar taste!

[@Xarolaris]

I've long washed out of the The Board Game Scene (lol) for various reasons, but I still enjoy watching Jon's annual roundups to see what I'm missing out on. He's always been my favorite of the "BG Scene guys" and brings a heartwarming nostalgic smile to my face to see one again, like remembering that Furby you opened in 1999. Unfortunately I have far too many collecting dust as it is and all our game groups scattered to the sands of time. It's depressing to think back how old we've gotten so quickly like a lightswitch went off one day.

[@Bleuchz]

Nice list. I haven't actually watched yet, I'll edit this as the list goes on with my updated feelings. Edit: Nice list!

[@actualol]

What a rollercoaster!

[@AndrewColes]

Thanks

[@actualol]

Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@bottyhammer]

In 2034, Rebirth will be a reality simulator 😮 Edit to say,: this channel is great - i have both a number of game you've suggested

[@TheTabletopMisfits]

Fractured Sky's retail edition still delivers on the fun at a lower price point. It's just as fun. Which is the opposite feeling I get from Foundations of Metropolis.

[@naturesfinest2408]

I remember the game being on all the channels when it was being Kickstarted. It looks like a heavily produced okay game. Relying on aesthetics to sell. Why do you like it? What draws you to the next game?

[@TheTabletopMisfits]

@@naturesfinest2408 The area control/bluffing mechanic is so much fun. Top that off with the hidden information mechanics. I played it for a year before I even got my deluxe version, demoed it at shows, and everyone loved it. Simple mechanics to teach, and the retail delivers on every piece of the gameplay. The asthetics had ZERO to do with why I love it.

[@aos-archive]

@@TheTabletopMisfits So what about Metropolis didn't you like? (I don't own a copy and know very little about the game)

[@ThyAsianMan]

Same thought I had just from looking at them all. I wasn’t disappointed looking at the FS retail edition. But I got sad looking at the Metropolis edition. Knowing there’s such a more epic looking version, makes me not want to get it even though I know I will never waste my money on the epic version.

[@TheTabletopMisfits]

@@ThyAsianMan That's why I went in with a friend on it. With the buildings, 5th player, and the expansions it FAR outshines metropolis. Worth every penny. I'm just shocked metropolis went for such a low bar. They should have had at least a 5th player... or an expansion for one.

[@yes4me]

I like that you are showing more casual games easier and quicker to teach, and not requiring to spend a weekend learning the rules before we get to play the game.

[@Mazena]

You're the board game daddy we all need in these tiring times.

[@ghijkmnop]

Coomenting for the algorithm because your work is always top notch. Glad to see a new video from you.

[@EmporerDragon]

We really should have more magnets in our board games. Imagine not having to worry about the game board when a stray die decides to do it's best impersonation of Godzilla attacking Tokyo.

[@danielpayne1597]

Didn't realize how much I wanted a new actualol video today until this popped on my feed. Hooray!

[@JanetMorris-u9d]

Loved this video! Aaaand there goes my New Year's Resolution to stop buying so many board games. I appreciate your recommendations of shorter, lighter games as those come to the table way more often and with various groups. I was leery of Daybreak, I didn't want to feel MORE guilty, but you've inspired me to try it at my local game bar. Fractured Sky and Chronologic look fun. And I've never introduced Captain Flip to anyone who didn't say, "Let's go again!"

[@H1GH0CT8N3]

You should do a video with tips about how to find people to game with/how to strategically introduce your friends and family to board gaming.

[@JonnyTenebrous]

Fantastic video Jon! Specifically, I am really pleased to find out about the retail releases of Skyrise and Foundations. I've had both of those on my "want to play" list for awhile, but I'm done with Kickstarter monstrosities, so those fell off my radar. The fact that I can acquire and play both now, with acceptable quality and standard storage requirements, brings them fully back into consideration.

[@actualol]

Too right! Well done for waiting and being rewarded for it!

[@mattator]

beautiful writing, witty, funny and straight to the point. Excellent delivery as well. I love the pace, the editing showing the full game, close ups, all in a compact format. You have a talent for explaining the rules as well, in a concise manner which is not always easy ! and I find my tastes close to yours which make this boardgame channel the most relevant to me. Keep up the outstanding work !

[@andrewclifton185]

"Now drink your Huel Dinner and be quiet" Ha Brilliant!

[@Varundin]

Last time I was this early the only span was with wings

[@andrewplaysyellow]

Doesn’t tend to happen often, John, but I actually agree with you on some of these! Daybreak in particular is so beautifully optimistic that it would be a sin to not include it. And SkyRise is both stunning and brilliantly streamlined. A great production again, even if 7 or 8 aren’t really my taste I always appreciate your presentation and passion.

[@aidanvitticore3475]

So glad you’re still making content, love this channel!

[@matthewlittrel]

I don't usually leave comments on videos, but I wanted to take the time to say thank you for the way that you explain games. I have seen Inori on a few different top 10 lists, but I didn't really understand the appeal of the game until you explained it. So, thank you. I have added it to my list of games to get.

[@Darknives]

Love your videos, too bad sometimes life works out a certain way and you can't do as much videos as you used to but, its still awesome to have your videos even if with some large gaps. Keep it up :)

[@lainusu]

Dude, this was such an amazing top 10 list! Well done! You have earned a new subscriber!🎉😊

[@benjaminmarks9604]

I love foundations of roam and get it to the table quite a lot. Yes it’s expensive but the production value and wow factor you get from friends coming over to play is so worth it.

[@StefanEisenbach]

Good to see you again , and a happy new year !! 🎉🎉🎲🎲

[@4dlesNCFC]

Great video, given me lots of shopping ideas. I was one of those FOMO warriors with Skyrise 😅.

[@actualol]

FOMO Worriers?

[@4dlesNCFC]

That too

[@xero1217]

"Not because I don't want to... and also because I don't want to" lol

[@craigst4635]

As someone who would like to get into board games and has friends that are, the way you describe 'how simple' the first game's rules were are an example of how difficult it is for me! I was completely lost after that description, yet it's put to me that it's 'simple' and 'quick' to understand. I think there needs to be some introduction to board game concepts or something. It's one of the reasons I tend to get on better with computer games, as they tend to ease you in as you go.

[@rolling.reggie]

1) 70 games played from 2024 is awesome! 2) Captain Flip was my game of the year. Glad to see it on your list. 3) I def need to try Rebirth, Fractured Sky, and Skyrise; all seem up my alley. 4) Just played Daybreak this morning, what an incredible co-op game. 5) You've convinced me to take the NYC Medical Mysteries game off of my shelf of shame. Just been sitting lol

[@matiasnl]

JON. BEING MR. BEAST IS A BAD THING.

[@coolbrotherf127]

He's old. He doesn't know about the drama.

[@actualol]

I agree, but I can't help that the Daybreak universe is inhabited by evil Jon.

[@dryjhna]

Clicked for games, stayed for jokes.

[@vaffilaffi]

Great video as always :)

[@tomerd1499]

Man every time I watch your videos I literally laugh so much , I just love the humor you insert every where , Great video

[@urozzom]

I’ve never heard of these games but I’m really interested in Daybreak and Captain Flip. Always such a good video love you girl

[@mukina]

idk what that nonsense was about Inori seeming like cauliflower but I saw it pop up and was already interested just from the art... cute spirits and tree stuff? Yes. Salt lamps? Never lol Love me some tense worker placement

[@lenmux]

Great list. I like that it came out at the start of the new years instead of the end of the prior one. And your delivery/presentation is, as always, top notch.

[@floplord4140]

with marabunta, the dice are worth different values to the different players based on their board states. so the goal with the split is less to split it down the middle, and more to split it in such a way that each split is worth more to you than its counterpart is to your opponent. great game (and great list) though, thanks for higlighting

[@johannagoldenberg3300]

I have not heard of most of these games, and at least a couple are now on my list (esp. Kronologic). I love that you find and share some lesser-known gems and present them in such an entertaining manner as well.

[@actualol]

Thank you Johanna :)

[@JJ_TheGreat]

“And once I closed my eyes, it was one of the best games of the year” 😆

[@nimblemonster]

Ah been looking at some of these, great to see a list talking about them so well!

[@JJ_TheGreat]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="315">5:15</a> I would make the argument that there being many options for the public objective cards makes for many routes strategically… Yes, I get that less objectives would mean tighter competition, but at least there are many different ways which you can go about getting points!

[@actualol]

Yeah, it just feels more cumbersome than you usually get with Knizia. There's a lot more to keep abreast of.

[@tahmistandish9338]

I love your overviews on games mixed with great humor. A few more games for my wishlist!

[@darthfishis]

"I contain multitudes" 😂 <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1192">19:52</a>

[@KennethChile]

My favorite games of 2024: Sky Team, Harmonies and Let's go Japan.

[@FilmscoreMetaler]

Those are excellent picks! 👍

[@FabianSandovalElbianfas]

The one top 10 board game list of the year that i was waiting for, awesome job

[@stigdu99]

Excellent video, keep up the good work sir!

[@hubruh]

Love the format, found 2 games on the list that sounded awesome to me and my family in terms of theme and mechanics. Great vid!

[@VegaraMu]

Glad to see that the number 1 got de-escalated from that massive box, I might actually get the new slimmer version even though I like the Roman theme more

[@MrButlertron9]

Thank you Jon for all your coverage on games! I always appreciate hearing your perspective - especially because of how much you care about games being easy to teach and play, affordable, size conscious - AKA pro-consumer and meant to be played. Also, you made Foundations of Metropolis sound and look really interesting to me! Wouldn’t have given it a shot otherwise. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to in 2025 :)

[@TriforceOfCourage]

The Daybreak / spinach / Oscar-winning movie analogy was so spot-on.

[@cceerryyss_bb]

"inori seems cute" i think to myself as i turn on my himalayan salt lamp...

[@Lunarplasma]

Kudos on a nice sponsor segue. That was funny.

[@awezfarhad7331]

Appreciate your content, you were my guide when I first got into the hobby. Keep making videos sir

[@prbrcb]

What is that dice tray ?!?

[@jaq9880]

Also interested, did you find out?

[@FeyNick]

Some really sleek and good games in your list. I'm enforcing a rule that I won't buy this year until I sell a game, but if I did that I probably thinking of buying a game, will be between Skyrise, Marabunta or Foundations of Metropolis. Just games with a perfect amount of time that don't take too long. First 2 years of the hobby I was really looking towards long games, but I feel less and less inclined to play those games, as they are becoming more of a chore instead of being fun, there are exceptions ofcourse.

[@the_nerdy_sole]

Every video is a banger. Great list and your setup is to die for man! Happy new year 🎆

[@DerekShinglesCoops]

Some good games by the looks of things, and many I hadn't heard of. Brilliant delivery and honest reviews. Thank you!

[@ShineOnYouCD]

We don’t have a lot of overlap on games that we like, but I still love your channel and watch your videos. 👾🙂

[@JessieMiller-d9t]

Very instructive

[@xxSydneyFox]

You always recommend games I've never seen before! Thank you 😊

[@daleprather3026]

That was the best sponsor I've ever seen. I didn't even skip it 😜

[@Raphaelus13]

Skyrise was elegant and interesting, with good push and pull.

[@cantrip7]

Another fantastic video. Love the range of games you cover and how you write about em.

[@tomaszbiernat1304]

:D :D Had a good chuckle over snipping the doctor and fertilizing the yard :D besides that I appreciate the whole of the reviews and of your delivery! Cheers! :)

[@ms-h7617]

First video I've watched of yours. Nice work.

[@vxcdsefddes1784]

Love your videos c: Im eager to see your opinions on the top party games 🎉

[@actualol]

I didn't really find any stellar party games this year! If I had, they'd be in this video. Got any tips?

[@RachelMellema]

Love this list! Cant wait to play these

[@mattkutrik]

I honestly had no idea there was a retail version of "Foundations of..." that was much smaller, so thank you! After purchasing the Everdell Complete Collection and almost spontaneously combusting when it arrived at the size of box it was, I've sworn off big boxes and big kickstarters. That said, I do now have a cardboard apartment to move into if my wife ever divorces me for getting too many boardgames.

[@HaleyRodriguez-m5k]

Thank you so much for this video. Very interesting.

[@xxhawkdancerxx]

Been waiting for this!!! So excited to watch!

[@ahchiu9]

YES! New Actualol video to start my day

[@jonassthr283]

SO happy to hear about Foundations of Metropolis! Finally i can try foundations, and my girlfriend will love the modern theme.

[@FamilyTuber]

I love seeing kickstarter games become more reasonable in a retail version!

[@hendo506]

And that's another few board games on the wishlist 😂 great content as always

[@philipthonemann2524]

Thanks for this!

[@e3ap-bg]

as always, great humor from start to finish! Best board game (review) videos on youtube!

[@hudsonbond9797]

Excellent reviews - as always. I have added 4 games to my Wishlist. Thanks.

[@hudsonbond9797]

And - I’ve just purchased ‘foundations’. 😂

[@willbutler4636]

Awesome job man 🎉