"Regardless of whether you are just dipping your toes into board games or are a long-time fan looking for a big, crunchy match to fill a whole day with, there is, without a doubt, a game that perfectly suits your needs. Throughout the years, we've seen that there is simply no limit to the types of games that people designers cook up. This, alongside the ongoing trend of pairing popular board game franchises with properties like The Lord of the Rings and Marvel, ensures there is always something new to try."
"In determining this list of the 10 best new board games of 2025, I looked at aesthetics, mechanics, and most importantly of all, how fun they are to play. It should be noted that while there have also been some spectacular board game expansions this year (looking at you, Thunder's Edge and SETI: Space Agencies), captivating TTRPGs (Stormlight fans sound off), and TCGs like Riftbound and Gundam, this lineup features only the base board games themselves. Let's take a look at some of the best cardboard had to offer in 2025."
"Players: 1-5 Time: 120-180 min Awaken Realms' games are known for their massive games with over-the-top production and a table presence that is among the wildest out there; The latest title in its Nemesis series, Nemesis: Retaliation, continues this tradition. Historically, the Nemesis games are basically Aliens: The Board Game in all but name and likeness. However, this third iteration changes things up considerably over its predecessors while maintaining the unsettling tension that players adore."
2025 board game releases cover a broad range of aesthetics, styles, and topics, from major franchise tie-ins to niche historical settings. Selection prioritized aesthetics, mechanics, and player enjoyment, focusing solely on base board games while excluding expansions, TTRPGs, and TCGs. High-production titles deliver strong table presence and thematic immersion. Nemesis: Retaliation supports 1–5 players with 120–180 minute playtimes and continues Awaken Realms' reputation for massive production. Retaliation shifts the Nemesis formula toward combat-focused soldier roles with guns, ammo, and tailored abilities while retaining the series' characteristic tension.
Read at GameSpot
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]