Top Video Game Board Games Worth Playing

When it's time to unplug, turn off the TV, and reduce screen time, board games are the perfect way to satisfy that lingering desire for escapism and keep the fun going. Fortunately, there are numerous board game adaptations of some of the most beloved video games, and we've gathered a selection of our top picks right here. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick party game setup, these board games allow you to continue your adventures in these beloved worlds, offering a delightful break from digital screens.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games

Fallout
Slay the Spire
Bloodborne
Resident Evil 2
Pac-Man
Tetris
Dark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of Giants
Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
The Oregon Trail
Fallout

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 recent success of Amazon’s Fallout series, now is the perfect opportunity to explore the Wasteland from the comfort of your own kitchen table. Begin by choosing from a variety of scenarios that determine the map setup. Much like Bethesda’s iconic open-world RPGs, players will uncover the map, develop numerous skills, battle irradiated enemies, engage with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game is highly immersive and detail-oriented, making it ideal for long-term gaming sessions.

Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

See it at Contention Games
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes

Perhaps the video game on this list most deserving of a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire brings its digital essence to the tabletop. Players take on the role of one of the provided heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey up the Spire. Similar to the video game, players choose from various rooms, each with unique characteristics that influence the game; encounters with regular enemies, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure, merchant interactions, and boss fights. The nature of Roguelikes ensures that Slay the Spire provides hours of enjoyment as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items each time.

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

Bloodborne

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 in Yharnam. As a campaign-style board game, Bloodborne offers endless replay value, as each session is unique thanks 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 secret behind the relentless plague and strive to stop it. The game’s highly detailed miniatures enhance immersion, making you feel as though you're truly in the Hunter's boots.

Resident Evil 2

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 led Steamforged Games to develop similar experiences for the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Yet, like the video games, Resident Evil 2 is arguably the best entry. Faithful to its source material, the game has players work cooperatively, controlling either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield as they battle through hordes of zombies to escape in multiple scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys as you navigate the environment, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. You can even use the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to impact your sessions!

PAC-MAN

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 makes its triumphant return to the tabletop. Enjoyable in both cooperative and competitive modes, the player controlling Pac-Man aims to navigate the maze, eat pellets, and collect fruit, while those controlling the ghosts try to avoid or catch Pac-Man. Played on four metal tiles that form the game board, it requires some initial setup, but subsequent games are quick and easy to start. The electronic Pac-Man figure even makes its iconic “waka waka” sound!

Tetris

Tetris Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes

Also from Buffalo Games, Tetris is a competitive head-to-head game where players maneuver, rotate, and drop their tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Just like the video game, the next piece is displayed as a card, allowing players to plan their strategy. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and short playtime make it an excellent choice for parties and younger players.

Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants

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 content for the original Dark Souls board game Kickstarter campaign, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure perfect for newer players. Named after the infamous location familiar to fans of the video games, each player starts by choosing a class and gear, then navigates the catacombs, battles skeleton archers, or rests at the bonfire. Actions are limited, so strategic choices are crucial. This game remains faithful to its source material, with its challenging combat and RPG elements highlighted by the level-up system. Tomb of Giants also introduces new playable 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

$59.99 save 22%
$46.88 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Mirroring its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is an incredibly fast-paced cooperative game where the goal is to defeat all bosses using dice mechanics to deal damage. Setup is straightforward, as the boss deck's structure remains constant. The game begins with each player selecting one of four characters: Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and is played through multiple rounds consisting of five phases, where players prepare their attacks and confront the boss. Rounds are timed, so choose your dice rolls wisely! Cuphead offers high replay value, allowing players to beat their scores and upgrade abilities that carry over to future runs. See our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more information.

The Oregon Trail

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 so entertaining. In this quick-to-set-up and play card game, players work together to reach Oregon without succumbing to various calamities. Sessions are fast-paced, as you can die quickly from the Calamity cards. It's oddly challenging and heavily reliant on luck; you win by playing fifty trail cards to reach the end of the Trail. One downside is that if a player dies on the first turn (which happens more often than you might expect), they must sit out until the party either wins or all die. Nevertheless, it's a great recreation of the source material and sure to elicit some laughs.