Top 10 Gateway Board Games in 2023

New board gamer in 2023? I got you covered with this list of some of the best games available now!
Games for 8+ Players:
• Top 8 Games for 8+ Pla...
Timestamps:
0:00 - intro
0:43 - small box card games
3:05 - big box family game
4:42 - new hotness
7:09 - welcoming games
10:00 - party games
11:58 - relaxing tile games
15:05 - outro
Starry Night Sky (NOT an affiliate link): a.co/d/0wnq1lD
BGG Weight: boardgamegeek.com/wiki/page/W...
BGG Contracts: boardgamegeek.com/boardgameme...
BGG Tile Placement: boardgamegeek.com/boardgameme...
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Intro Song: Stuff by Otis McDonald
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#boardgames #top10 #beginners

[@MK99112]

Thank you for introducing me to Starry Night Sky. Wasn’t on my radar and just picked it up for $20. Well worth it!

[@rolling.reggie]

Thank you for checking this out! It’s definitely an underrated gateway game :) all my friends who’ve tried it enjoyed it.

[@jonathanantscherl]

Yessss Reggie. Jaipur not only on your list but kicking it off too. Absolutely one of the games I will always put when responding to favourite/most played/introductory games etc. looks great, plays great and shouldn’t be forgotten amongst the cult of the new. Classic.

[@rolling.reggie]

Jaipur is underappreciated in 2023! Thank you for watching.

[@WatchItPlayed]

Great list Reggie! Carcassonne was one of my early gateway games, and I still recommend it for that. For a party style gateway, I've been enjoying sharing So Clever with folks. I'm keen to try Starry Night Sky from your list Hey, any chance you're going to Origins this year?

[@rolling.reggie]

Carcassonne still holds up! Happy that I have a copy in my collection. So Clover is high on my list to play, esp. at a convention. I am definitely planning for PAXU. I am free to go to Origins, it's a little pricy to fly there, if I was sponsored I would go in a heartbeat lol

[@WatchItPlayed]

@@rolling.reggie I hear you on that - flights are not cheap!

[@rolling.reggie]

@@WatchItPlayed I will definitely plan on it for next year. Seems like one a lot of creators go to 🤓

[@hamburglar919]

We started with the typical Catan, but there were three that really opened our eyes on this hobby and got us started down the collection path. Those three game changer games for us were No Escape, Everdell, and Ticket to Ride.

[@rolling.reggie]

Been absolutely loving Everdell lately. Want to snag some expansions. Thanks for commenting!

[@joukenienhuis6888]

But Everdell is too complicated for a starter is my opinion

[@rolling.reggie]

@@joukenienhuis6888 I would call Everdell a "Gateway+". Just one step past gateway

[@EmmaLarkins]

Great setup for a video! A lot of casual gamers have one or two games they love and play all the time and have had forever, helpful for people to connect those play styles with other things they might enjoy. I'd say No Thanks has been my most successful gateway game with the broadest appeal and ease of learning. The most surprising gateway game was Formula D - as long as someone is there to teach, casual gamers pick it up quickly and are excited to play.

[@rolling.reggie]

I really need to play No Thanks! We will have to do a virtual game night. Thanks again for the game. Been a huge hit with my people

[@EmmaLarkins]

@@rolling.reggie That would be great! So happy you all are enjoying the game 🥰

[@VictorEnriqueEspinozaLanyi]

I like that you included the associated mechanics used in the games! Great job! Thanks for the video!

[@rolling.reggie]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheVisualante]

Nice list! I would say the following 5 are great gateway games in my experience and fairly simple to learn and play tested by my mother and non gamers now gaming group: 1. Ticket to ride 2. Sushi go Party (drafting) 3. Wingspan (for something more) 4. Spy Alley (social deduction and board game) 5. Catan Bonus: 6. Star Wars risk (area control, war, deck building, multiple steps to win.) 7. Pandemic(coop) 8. Secret identity

[@rolling.reggie]

Great ones! Especially Wingspan

[@Rhino1186]

Great job on the video. I really appreciated the listed retail price and BGG weight. My go to gateway game now is Cascadia if we have 4 people and maybe Downforce if we have 6. Colt express has worked well also. Jaipur was one of my first games to play with my non-gamer wife and we still enjoy it years later as a quick weeknight game.

[@rolling.reggie]

Jaipur still a great weeknight game 14 years later! I feel like price is something people just gloss over. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@ScottnCarol4JC]

Cascadia is a great game.

[@alanwake9201]

Splendor, Century, Kingdomino, Turn & Taxis and Railroad ink. That's my first games that I still play, sometimes.

[@rolling.reggie]

Like all of these! Haven’t heard of Turn & Taxis though going on my list to check out

[@tracieperez2629]

Aww, one of my brothers is named Reggie 🥰. So, this was a really great list, I love how you show an "older" version and a more updated board game with similar mechanics or feel. I think some other great plays are: Pandemic- for a cooperative game Morels/Fungi- for a set collection/push-your-luck game (2-player only) Noctilluca- for a dice drafting game (point scoring and the table presence I think would be very appealing to new players)

[@rolling.reggie]

Reggie is a good name! :) good suggestions. I definitely was lacking a good co-op game for the list - Just One kinda counts. But, I'm most interested by Morels!!

[@tracieperez2629]

@@rolling.reggie I haven't played Just one, but it really sounds fun-Morels is great and has a really great app!

[@alisonwentland3765]

Ha ha! “Coax like a squirrel in your backyard”. Love that analogy. I want to coax everyone to get into this hobby! Great picks. I love Cascadia. It is a simple game but can be very crunchy. Also like Century Golem (or Century Spice Road), Parks, and Long Shot the Dice Game. Love games with simultaneous gameplay like Quacks and Bad Company to minimize downtime between turns. Thanks for the list. There are a few on the list we have purchased but not played yet. Really like your style. Thanks for making these videos. It can’t be as easy breezy as you make it look.

[@rolling.reggie]

Great choices I love all those first three. Haven’t played enough Quacks or Bad Company. Both seem right up my alley. Thank you for the kind words and for watching. I am just ending a little hiatus from content. Will hopefully be making more soon.

[@vlastikplastik]

Hey. Hey. Greetings from the Czech Republic, the country that gave the world Codenames. My wife and I are born in 1970 and 74. Our initial game was Tikal and Settlers of Catan, Carcassone and the original Citadel. And of course Bang. Your videos are enjoyable even if we only play the subtitles. Go on. You're cool. (I'm grateful to the translator for the opportunity to write in English).

[@rolling.reggie]

Ahoj! I love Codenames. Tikal is on my list of games I really want to try. Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching from so far away

[@teaNgames]

For a gateway co-op game I'd highly recommend Forbidden Island! It's mechanics are simplier than a lot of co-ops, yet it's tricky to win--depending on the level. Scaleable difficulty means you won't outgrow it once you've gotten good at the easy level. I think co-op games in general are good gateway games because group discussion of options & strategy can keep a newbie from feeling overwhelmed. Still, there's a lot going on in most co-op games; Forbidden Island feels a bit more manageable...even when it's not😉 Good list! I like that you looked beyond the usual & obvious!

[@rolling.reggie]

so high on my list to try!!!! one of my coworkers loves Forbidden Desert, so i gotta try them.

[@teaNgames]

@rolling.reggie Forbidden Desert has got a nifty sandstorm mechanic! 😆 Both Forbidden Desert and Forbidden Island play well at 2, so jump on in!

[@xD3adKl0wnx]

Great video!

[@TheLobbyOfHobbies]

Great list Reggie! I’ve gotta check out Starry Night Sky!

[@blackboardgaming5348]

Great job, Reggie! And great list! One day, I would love to visit the Pacific Northwest because of games like Cascadia and Public Market.

[@rolling.reggie]

You gotta!!! It’s a beautiful place to live. Thanks for watching 🌲

[@doeyjo4561]

Great list! I think that's a great point about Starry Night Sky showing your progress throughout rather than just adding up points at the end; I think 7 Wonders Architects is appealing for a similar reason

[@rolling.reggie]

Delayed gratification overrated.

[@theriotm]

Darn it Mr. Reggie! This is a great list aaaaand I just left the Seattle area on my vacation. I visit mox when I’m there would have loved to play a game with you. Just found and subscribed to the channel keep up the great work!

[@rolling.reggie]

Wow, I hope my hometown treated you well! I am in Oregon now and visit the Portland Mox often. Thank you for subscribing :)

[@Viragomp]

New subscriber; really loved your presentation and style on OFPG Voices and followed you here. I enjoyed this video and your segues from modern-classic to newer titles for each category, great choices!

[@rolling.reggie]

So glad you came by! Thank you. Working on a similar vid now.

[@snickyoda]

First time viewer. You explain things so well! Thank you! I listened then liked and subscribed. Thank you.

[@rolling.reggie]

Welcome! Thank you for subbing it really helps. More videos coming v soon.

[@garrettgreen6295]

Spot on about Jaipur and being spouse friendly! Love that game. Also definitely want to try out starry night.

[@rolling.reggie]

It's great! Super simple you both will like.

[@boazdror]

Great video, looking forward to more!

[@rolling.reggie]

Appreciate you!

[@warholcow]

Nice video!

[@longtimeninerfan1309]

Thank you! Well done. 👍 If you had not mentioned a certain “ one”, then I would have mentioned it. As I’m sure you are aware, playing it can easily lead to laughs ( a few groans) and fun discussions. Silver & Gold, Ohanami, and Karuba are some added games that are simple enough to teach and make for welcoming games.

[@rolling.reggie]

Silver & Gold almost made this list! Thank you for watching but fair warning I am a Seahawks fan ;)

[@longtimeninerfan1309]

@@rolling.reggie Ha ha! Fair enough. It should be a very competitive season.

[@ScottnCarol4JC]

Great Gateway list 👍. Ticket to Ride, Dragon Castle, Azul, and Carcassonne are the games that got us into the hobby. Scythe got us hooked on the next level.

[@rolling.reggie]

Just talked about Scythe in my new video! I loved it so much after only one play. Really wanna dive in more. Thanks for watching!

[@BGGirlies]

Hey Reggie! Great video!!!! ❤

[@rolling.reggie]

Hello 1/2 of the BG Girlies

[@laurieharris2591]

Awesome top 10 Reggie! I love your channel’s vibe, you’ve got yourself a new subscriber ❤. PNW is the place to be….I’m a fellow resident and I’m loving the games that have come out lately celebrating our area , like Cascadia and Rebuilding Seattle.

[@rolling.reggie]

I am honored! Thank you for stopping by. Spoiler: I have a video planned out for "Board Games that remind me of The PNW".

[@laurieharris2591]

@@rolling.reggie Awesome, I can’t wait to see it!

[@mrbastos]

Kingdomino is one of the ones I used at work pre-covid. Also, Space Base. Laid out it looks intimidating to new players, but once I explain the rules it goes over well especially because as the game goes on you're more engage during other players turns because you can get stuff and rolling dice is always a good time.

[@benhoff901]

I think co-ops can make for great welcoming games and I used to always use Pandemic when showing new players what modern board gaming had to offer, but now I almost exclusively use Horrified. I haven't met anyone who doesn't want to take on those universal monsters and because it is co-op it helps with people who don't like competing.

[@rolling.reggie]

Both of these games are ones I need to get more into! I am very open to co-op, but my wife is not so much. Thank you for watching and commenting:)

[@markusbiewer2756]

Nice list! I actually own most of these games and had great success introducing new players with them.

[@rolling.reggie]

You have good taste

[@mikehuff2693]

Great list! New subscriber

[@rolling.reggie]

I appreciate you! Thanks for watching.

[@JM-zz4rc]

7 Wonders is still one of my favorites to play when I join for BGA!

[@rolling.reggie]

J Squad needs to buy a copy ;)

[@billf.7343]

Pandemic was a game changer for us. Cooperative play and a game that is easy to run. 👍 Favorite small game is Love Letter (or Loot Letter in our case, munchkin themed version) Splendor is another good gateway game.. oh I feel like a top 10 list is coming my way too .. haha

[@rolling.reggie]

I played Pandemic well before I was "in the hobby" need to go back and give it another try. P.S. I love Splendor Duel lately if you haven't tried that one yet. Thanks for watching!

[@swwelch]

Good list and well done video.

[@rolling.reggie]

Thank you for watching and commenting :D

[@markdandridge4433]

What a nice surprise. I hit subscribe on KZbin and followed on IG as well. My first cousin's name is Reggie. Hahaha. I do own a copy Kingdomino. I have only played it a few times. I play solo mostly. I did find a solo variant. My true introduction to Solo board gaming was Dungeon Roll. My brother in law is a board game player/collector. He gave me a copy of Dungeon Roll. I had no clue that board games could be single player. My favorite game is Dwellings of Eldervale. I play dwellings a ton! Have a great evening!

[@typedeaf]

Really like that you give the name of the game machanics.

[@jessebruning6738]

Love the list. We've got many (most?) of these, and I'd agree with them being light, casual, gateway. For those looking for lighter, gateway style games for couples beyond Jaipur and Patchwork, I'd strongly recommend the Pencil First series of gardening games Herbaceous, Floriferous, and Delicious. All three are fantastic, with gorgeous artwork, and relaxing themes that can appeal to anyone who enjoys nature, gardening, or food.

[@rolling.reggie]

You know, I’ve always had my eyes on those games. Pencil First just sent me Whatnot Cabinet as a review copy and I’ve been enjoying it. Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@roddarey3306]

So, the games that hooked me were Catan and TTR. When I coached high school soccer, on trips. to keep the athletes from getting rowdy, I introduced them to Batman: Love Letters, Roll for It, and Sonar. They would borrow them before curfew and play until lights out (though, when doing door checks late at night, I could still hear some of them playing). Great list.

[@rolling.reggie]

That's awesome! Love introducing games to the youths.

[@omerfarukvural9597]

Great games, really cool video :) My gateway game was Eight Minute Empire: Legends. It's a fantastic area control game with a cost based draft mechanism. Not sure if you can find it in US market (I live in Turkey) but definitely recommend it to anyone

[@rolling.reggie]

I'll check it out! Looks like we can get it in the US ad that draft is called a Dutch Auction it's in a game I love called 'Majesty: For the Realm". Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@carolinebraley6301]

"rapid hits of dopamine" Me: runs to buy Starry Night Sky

[@afrank525]

Great choices! I mostly play So Clover instead of Codenames these days (because there is less downtime), but I still love Codenames.

[@rolling.reggie]

So Clover is so high on my list to try! Haven't had the chance yet.

[@Polskimg]

Had great success with Quacks. When playing with inexperienced gamers I'll pick easier ingredient cards and only play the base game. For me Draftosaurus and 7 Wonders Architects would be also great choices I've I'm not at the table, since those two got really boring for me after a few plays. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Other gateway favorites for me are: No Thanks, Ganz schön clever and Micro Macro (which feels more like an activity and less like a game to me).

[@rolling.reggie]

I totally understand, those games are super simple! Quacks was not a hit for me, but I've only tried it twice. I really need to play No Thank and the Clever games! Thanks for commenting.

[@Straddllw]

My gateway games were A Game of Thrones (because of the show) followed by Twilight Imperium 3E. Back when it was uni days and we had a bunch of time with friends where we can spend 1-2 days straight playing boardgames. Yes … I started in the deep end.

[@rolling.reggie]

Wow that is an introduction for sure haha still want to play game of Thrones as I am a mega fan of the IP. But, I hope they come out with really strong 1hr or so long game similar to something like Dune Imperium.

[@Straddllw]

@@rolling.reggie this topic reminds me that wow it’s been over a decade already … really time flies.

[@alicia1465]

@@rolling.reggie I am also hoping for that, and hopefully one that can be played by two players! I would love a Varys vs Littlefinger game of manipulating all the major players and houses!

[@CB-yh3db]

Great list……I wonder what the heaviest game is in Reggie’s collection?

[@rolling.reggie]

Ark Nova and Root are around the heaviest games I've played but don't own. Marvel Champions is the heaviest I own that I play regularly.

[@anita4305]

nice list! where did you get the Eevee edition of Point Salad? cheers!

[@rolling.reggie]

I won it in a giveaway from @kovray go check them out! But, I beleive they got it in Canada somewhere

[@OrangEEverything9822]

Jaipur can be purchased on Temu for super cheap. I think I paid $8. I also picked up exploding kittens and almost all of its expansions as well as “Trashcan Pandas”. I play a lot of solo games so I purchased the AEG kickstarter for “Fit to Print” and picked up some of their other titles. “Point City” was included and its similar to “Point Salad” with a solo mode.

[@rolling.reggie]

I backed the Point City/Deep Dive bundle too! Thanks for watching.

[@almisami]

If you like tile placement, Barenpark is amazing.

[@rolling.reggie]

Love that game on BGA! I am a huge Phil-Walker Harding fan if you didn't know. Gotta try this one IRL. Thank you for commenting and watching :)

[@TheKrikk1]

I'm not a veteran of board games, but I'd like to chip in. Having started my journey with boardgames about 4 years ago, I can say that Splendor (and Splendor Marvel) as well as Calico are great gateway games. I introduced my cousins with Splendor Marvel, and we've been slowly progressing with more difficult titles recently. As for Calico, I managed to introduce my mom to board games, so yeah cats win everyone's heart. :D

[@rolling.reggie]

Cats and Marvel are easy sells! I enjoy both of these games. Especially Calico. If you like Splendor I actually recommend Project L as well. Oddly similar.

[@TheKrikk1]

@@rolling.reggie I actually have Project L. It's a nice game but I feel it loses to splendor, at least in my gaming Group. :D

[@GentleSpirit1]

Such an interesting list! I’m interested in more info on Starry Night Sky! Can you help me? BGG , kickstarter, and Buffalo games has almost no info including release dates or preorder info.

[@rolling.reggie]

Yes! There is an Amazon link in the description, idk if it's available anywhere else. Also, signing up for the Buffalo newsletter is helpful :)

[@michelea2326]

I have three versions of Ticket to Ride and I haven't played any of them 😅 7 Wonders Architects is one of the few games I like at more than 4 players!

[@Kojimalosophy]

I think this is an awesomely compiled list, however, there isn't an actual deck building game here, I would suggest Shards of Infinity! this was created by the Creator of Ascension after they were finished doing all 16 expansions to it, they borrowed elements from Star realms another deck building games and did a masterpiece with shards of infinity, especially if you add in it's 3 expansion, but the base game is not overwhelming at all and the cards are basically self-explanatory! I own all expansions to both Ascension and Star Realms and I prefer shards of infinity any day! :D

[@jacfinlayson9989]

Absolutely brilliant list. We’re on the threshold between gateway and medium weight games so we love many of the ones you mentioned. Love the explanation of mechanics too. Thank you 😊

[@rolling.reggie]

I love that threshold haha I am now onto like medium-heavy games. But, still many of my friends are light gamers so I am always keeping a close eye :) thank you for watching and commenting!

[@musicforall1859]

I played Akropolis and Cascadia , and have to say will choose Akropolis every time. As a gateway is an absolute winner. Love Jaipur. kingdomino. And a favourite of mine is Biblios!

[@rolling.reggie]

Akropolis almost made the list! I've been loving it on BGA. YOu have good taste. Cascadia just has a special place in my heart.

[@Kojimalosophy]

other Gateway games that you can practically bring anywhere With You are Scout and the even more portable skulls of sedlec ! the latter is basically a slim wallet :)

[@rolling.reggie]

Love and own both of these games! Probably will be on my travel games list

[@sbellamy4192]

I misread the title as "Top 10 Getaway Games." I thought you were going to list games that inspire travel 😅 Good video nonetheless!

[@rolling.reggie]

LOL guess I need to add that to my list for video ideas this summer

[@Kojimalosophy]

whereas I think ticket to Ride is a great choice I would argue that ticket to ride rails and sails is the better option

[@freeheeler00]

Ticket to Ride is the go-to game that I buy as a gift for people who like games but don't identify as a gamer.

[@rolling.reggie]

You have good taste! Thanks for watching.

[@alicia1465]

My gateway game was Dominion…I still think it’s a great one!

[@rolling.reggie]

I borrowed it for like 2 months from a friend and never could convince my wife to play it with me lol a staple I really want to play! What deckbuilders to you like nowadays?

[@alicia1465]

@@rolling.reggie Still love Dominion as a pure deck builder…you can play online for free, if you want to try out the system. Highly recommend it! Taverns of Tiefenthal is a fun one with more theme. Ascension is one I play on iOS, and while it doesn’t feel as strategic as the aforementioned titles, it’s fun. I adore List Ruins of Arnak, but it isn’t a pure deck builder. It’s a bigger game with worker placement and some deck building.

[@THINKTHATIMKOBE]

TTR Roll for it Codenames

[@rolling.reggie]

Haven't heard of Roll for It! Looks fun and simple.