Top Video Game-Themed Board Games Worth Playing

When it's time to unplug, turn off the TV, and cut down on screen time, board games are the perfect way to satisfy that lingering desire for escapism and the urge to keep playing. Fortunately, there's a wide array of board games that are based on some of the most beloved video games, and we've curated a list of our top picks. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick-to-set-up party game, these board games allow you to immerse yourself in these worlds without the need for technology.

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 TrailFallout

### Fallout: The Board Game

1$69.99 save 36%$44.49 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 2-3 hoursWith the buzz around Amazon’s Fallout series, now is an ideal time to delve into the Wasteland from the comfort of your kitchen table. Begin by selecting from various scenarios that dictate the map setup. Much like Bethesda's cherished open-world RPGs, this tabletop experience lets players explore the map, enhance numerous skills, battle mutated enemies, engage with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for dominance over the Wasteland. It's highly immersive and detailed, perfect for those long, engaging sessions.

Slay the Spire

### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

9See it at Contention GamesPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 45 minutesArguably the video game on this list most deserving of a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire translates its digital essence into a tabletop Roguelike deck-building adventure. Players choose from a variety of heroes and embark on a climb through the Spire. As in the video game, you'll navigate through different rooms, each with unique effects: encounters with regular enemies, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure rooms, merchant interactions, and boss fights. The inherent variety of Roguelikes ensures countless hours of replayability as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items.

You can read our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review for more about this game.

Bloodborne

### Bloodborne: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 60-90 minutesIn the Bloodborne board game, players assume the role of Hunters tasked with quelling the dark forces within Yharnam. As a campaign game, it offers endless replay value, with no two sessions being the same thanks to its modular map tiles. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this haunting adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they unravel the mystery of the relentless plague and fight to stop it. The game's highly detailed miniatures enhance the immersive experience, making you feel truly part of the action.

Resident Evil 2

### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 90-120 minutesThe success of the Resident Evil 2 tabletop adaptation led Steamforged Games to develop similar experiences for the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. However, Resident Evil 2 stands out as the best in the series. Staying true to the source material, players cooperate, taking on the roles of Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, as they battle through hordes of zombies to escape in various scenarios. Gather weapons, healing items, and keys as you navigate the environment, dodge the undead, and solve puzzles. The iconic ink ribbons and typewriters add a nostalgic touch to your gameplay!

PAC-MAN

### Pac-Man: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesFrom Buffalo Games, the arcade classic returns to the tabletop. Enjoy it in cooperative or competitive modes: as Pac-Man, navigate the maze, eat pellets, and collect fruit, while the ghost players try to evade or catch you. The game board consists of four metal tiles that require some initial setup, but subsequent games are quick to start. The electronic Pac-Man figure even makes its iconic “waka waka” sound!

Tetris

### Tetris Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAlso from Buffalo Games, the Tetris board game is a head-to-head competition where players maneuver, rotate, and drop tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Just like the video game, the next piece is visible, represented by a card, allowing players to strategize. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and fulfilling specific achievements. Its quick setup and playtime make it ideal for parties and younger players.

Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants

### Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-3Age Range: 14+Play Time: 90-120 minutesOriginally planned as part of the Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure perfect for newcomers. Inspired by the infamous location from the video games, players choose a class and gear, then navigate the catacombs, battle skeleton archers, and rest at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. The game faithfully replicates its source material with challenging combat and RPG elements, including a level-up system. It also introduces new characters and over a hundred new cards, all compatible with existing Dark Souls board game products.

Cuphead: Fast-Rolling Dice Game

### Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game

3$59.99 save 22%$46.88 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 30-45 minutesMirroring its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative game where players aim to defeat bosses using dice mechanics. Setup is straightforward, as the boss deck's structure remains constant. Players choose from four characters: Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and play through multiple rounds consisting of five phases, setting up attacks and confronting the boss. Timed rounds add urgency to your dice rolls! With high replay value, you can strive to beat your score and upgrade abilities that carry over to future games. See our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more info.

The Oregon Trail

### The Oregon Trail Card Game

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesDying of dysentery has never been more entertaining. In this quick-to-setup card game, players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to misfortune. Games are fast-paced, with Calamity cards that can lead to quick demise. It's challenging and luck-based; you win by playing fifty trail cards to the end of the Trail. One caveat is that if a player dies on the first turn (which happens more often than expected), they must sit out the session until the party either wins or all perish. Nevertheless, it's a fun recreation of the source material, guaranteed to elicit laughter.