Strategic board games have existed for years. The origin of strategic board games dates back to times of Ancient civilization. In locations such as Greece, Egypt, Rome, and India, strategic board games were a widespread form of entertainment.

Strategic board games have withstood the test of time. They remain one of our best-sellers here at Playmore. Strategic board games involve a certain intensity as players must outwit their opponent by forming a vigorous plan of attack. If you win, you want to try again and see if you can advance your strategy. If you lose, you want to try again with a new plan of action. This is what keeps strategic board games so popular; they encourage you to keep playing time and time again.

The best part about strategic board games is that there is always one for everybody. On this list, you will find a combination of strategic board games that range in difficulty. Some are relaxing, while others involve tons of action.

Scythe (2016)

1-5 players. 90-115 minutes of playing time. Suitable for ages 14+.

If you’re a fan of the dystopian genre, you will enjoy this strategic board game!

Scythe is set in an alternate 1920s Europe. Throughout the first war, a capitalistic independent state known as “The Factory” supplied all weapons. However, since the end of the war, The Factory has decided to close its doors. This leaves five factions from Eastern Europe eager to earn wealth and claim their stake in land surrounding The Factory. In Scythe, you will play as one of the five factions. Your goal is to conquer territory, gain surrounding villages, and build structures. You’ll begin the game with various resources to assist in your quest. You, and only you, will decide your faction’s fate.

With fast gameplay, combat, and constant movement, Scythe will keep you engaged and wanting more!

Photosynthesis (2017)

2-4 players. 30-60 minutes of playing time. Suitable for ages 10+.

This game is artistic and features the most stunning graphics. If you enjoy a soothing strategic board game, try playing Photosynthesis.

Watch your trees grow throughout Photosynthesis. They’ll begin the game as tiny saplings. As the sun circles around the board, you and your opponent’s trees will compete for sunlight. You can earn points as your trees’ leaves collect energy from sun rays. Be conscious as you sow; trees that are blocked from sun rays will not gain points.

With an intricate design format, Photosynthesis will transport you to a peaceful forest as you play.

Wingspan (2019)

1-5 players. 40-70 minutes of playing time. Suitable for ages 10+.

An elegantly designed strategic game with themes of wildlife.

Wingspan is a card-driven and engine-building strategic board game that uses themes of birds and nature. Your goal is to seek out the most attractive birds to add to your wildlife preserve. With each bird you collect, comes more responsibility. You must gain food tokens and lay eggs. The winner is the player who achieves the highest number of points.

Terraforming Mars (2016)

1-5 players. 120 minutes of playing time. Suitable for ages 12+.

Have you ever wanted to visit Mars? With this economic and environmental based board game, you can!

Terraforming Mars is set in the 2400s. During this time period, large corporations are working with the World Government on Earth to make Mars a habitable location for humanity. You will play as one of these corporations. You’ll have the tasks of raising the temperature, increasing oxygen levels, and gaining ocean coverage. You will also compete with other corporations to earn points. As you play, you’ll acquire unique project cards, raise your income, and keep track or resources and production. Once Mars becomes habitable for humanity, each player counts their Terraform Rating to determine which corporation is the winner!

With elements of futurism and a goal for technological advancement, Terraforming Mars will push your strategic thinking.

Azul (2017)

2-4 players. 30-45 minutes of playing time. 8+.

Do you have a passion for the arts and creativity? If so, you’ll thoroughly adore Azul.

Azul is more a lighter strategic game that is suitable for the whole family. You’ll play as a tile-laying artist who has been tasked with decorating the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora. Take turns drafting your coloured tiles onto your player board. Based on how you decorate your personal board, you will score points. Obtain points for placing your tiles in specific design patterns. The tile-artist with the most points at the end of the game wins!

Azul is a relaxing Renaissance themed board game that will spark imagination in your mind!

 

Come visit us at Playmore for a large array of strategic board games. We’ll help you find what suits your interest!

Have you played any of Playmore’s strategic games? We want to hear from you; let us know in the comment section below!

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