When it's time to take a break from screens and digital devices, board games offer a fantastic way to satisfy your escapist cravings and keep the fun going. Fortunately, there's a wide array of board game adaptations inspired by some of the most beloved video games. We've gathered some of our top picks for you here, whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick-to-set-up party game. These board games let you immerse yourself in these iconic worlds without needing to boot up your console or PC.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games
FalloutSlay the SpireBloodborneResident Evil 2Pac-ManTetrisDark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of GiantsCuphead: Fast Rolling Dice GameThe Oregon Trail
Fallout: The Board Game
$69.99 save 36%$44.49 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours
With the buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, it's the perfect moment to dive into the Wasteland from the comfort of your kitchen table. Begin by selecting from various scenarios, which will shape your map setup. Much like the cherished open-world RPGs from Bethesda, tabletop players will explore the map, enhance their skills, battle irradiated foes, engage with different factions, and undertake quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game is ideal for those seeking a deeply immersive and detailed experience for long-term play.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
See it at Contention Games
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes
Arguably the video game on this list most deserving of a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire stays true to its digital origins by allowing players to assume the role of a hero and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey up the Spire. As in the video game, players choose from a variety of rooms, each with unique effects: encounters with regular enemies, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure, merchants, and ultimately, the boss. The nature of Roguelikes ensures countless hours of fun as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items.
You can read our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review for more insights.
Bloodborne: The Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 60-90 minutes
In the Bloodborne board game, players step into the shoes of a Hunter, fighting to eradicate the evil lurking within Yharnam. As a campaign-driven game, Bloodborne offers endless replayability, with each session being unique due to its modular map tiles. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this dark adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they uncover the secrets behind the relentless plague and strive to stop it. Immersion is key here, and the highly detailed miniatures enhance the experience, making you feel truly part of the game.
Resident Evil 2: The Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes
The success of the Resident Evil 2 tabletop adaptation has led Steamforged Games to explore similar experiences with the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis stories. However, much like the video games, Resident Evil 2 stands out as its best iteration. True to the source material, players cooperate to control either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield as they battle through zombie hordes to escape in various scenarios. Gather weapons, healing items, and keys as you navigate the environment, dodge the undead, and solve puzzles. You can even utilize the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to influence your sessions!
Pac-Man: The Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-5
Age Range: 10+
Play Time: 30 minutes
From Buffalo Games, the arcade classic Pac-Man makes a triumphant return to the tabletop. Enjoyable in both cooperative and competitive modes, the player controlling Pac-Man aims to navigate the maze, gobble up pellets, and collect fruit, while the players controlling the ghosts try to avoid or catch Pac-Man. Played on four metal tiles forming the game board, it requires some initial assembly but is quick to set up for repeat games. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits his iconic "waka waka" sound!
Tetris Board Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes
Also by Buffalo Games, the Tetris board game is a competitive head-to-head experience where players maneuver, rotate, and drop their tetriminos to achieve the highest score. As with the video game, the next piece is displayed on a card, allowing players to plan their moves. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and playtime make it an excellent choice for parties and younger players.
Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants
See it at Amazon
Players: 1-3
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes
Originally planned as an expansion for the Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure perfect for new players, inspired by the infamous location from the video games. Players select a class and gear before navigating the catacombs, facing off against skeleton archers, or resting at the bonfire. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. This game remains true to its source material, featuring punishing combat and RPG elements through its leveling system. Tomb of Giants introduces new characters and over a hundred new cards, all compatible with existing Dark Souls board game products.
Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
$59.99 save 22%$46.88 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes
Like its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative game where players aim to defeat all bosses using dice mechanics to deal damage. The setup is straightforward, as the boss deck's structure remains constant. Players choose from four characters—Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle—and progress through multiple rounds with five phases, setting up attacks and confronting the boss. Rounds are timed, so choose your dice rolls wisely! Cuphead offers high replay value, allowing you to improve your score and upgrade abilities for future runs. Check out our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more details.
The Oregon Trail Card Game
See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes
Dying of dysentery has never been more entertaining. In this quick-to-set-up and play card game, players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to various calamities. Sessions are brisk, as you can die quickly from the Calamity cards. It's oddly challenging and heavily luck-based; you win by playing fifty trail cards to reach the end. A downside is that if a player dies on the first turn (which happens more often than you might expect), they must sit out the entire session until the party either wins or all perish. Nonetheless, it's a fun and faithful recreation of the source material, sure to elicit plenty of laughs.
