When it's time to step away from the screen and unplug, board games offer a fantastic way to indulge in that escapist urge while keeping the fun alive. With the rise in popularity of video game-inspired board games, you can continue to immerse yourself in your favorite digital worlds without the need for technology. We've curated a list of some of the best video game board game adaptations, perfect for both long-term campaigns and quick party games. Whether you're looking to embark on an epic adventure or enjoy a light-hearted session, these games provide the perfect escape.
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's the perfect time to dive into the Wasteland from the comfort of your own table. Begin by selecting from various scenarios that dictate your map setup. Much like the iconic open-world RPGs from Bethesda, this tabletop version allows you to explore the map, develop skills, battle irradiated foes, engage with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for control of the Wasteland. It's an immersive and detailed experience, ideal for extended gaming sessions.
Slay the Spire
### Slay the Spire: The Board Game
9See it at Contention GamesPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 45 minutesArguably the most fitting video game on this list to be transformed into a board game, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital counterpart. Players choose from a selection of heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey up the Spire. Each room presents unique challenges, be it combat with regular or elite enemies, events, campfires, treasure, merchant interactions, or boss battles. The nature of Roguelikes ensures countless hours of fun as you 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 Bloodborne: The Board Game, players assume the role of Hunters fighting to eradicate the evil lurking in Yharnam. As a campaign game, it offers endless replayability with its modular map tiles ensuring no two sessions are the same. With an array of cards, tokens, and meticulously crafted game pieces, this dark adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they unravel the mystery of the relentless plague and strive to halt its spread. The detailed miniatures enhance the immersive experience, making you feel like you're truly in the shoes of a Hunter.
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 board game adaptation has led Steamforged Games to expand into other Resident Evil stories, but Resident Evil 2 remains a standout. Staying true to the source material, players cooperate as either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, fighting through zombie hordes to escape in various scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys as you navigate the environment, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. The game even incorporates the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to enhance your gameplay sessions.
PAC-MAN
### Pac-Man: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesFrom Buffalo Games, the arcade classic Pac-Man makes a thrilling return to the tabletop. Players can enjoy the game in either cooperative or competitive modes, with the Pac-Man player navigating the maze, eating pellets, and collecting fruit, while the ghost players attempt to catch or avoid Pac-Man. Played on four metal tiles that form the game board, it requires initial assembly, but subsequent games are quick to set up. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits the 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 pits players against each other in a competitive race to score the highest by maneuvering, rotating, and dropping tetriminos. Similar to the video game, the next piece is displayed as a card, allowing players to strategize their moves. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. With quick setup and playtime, it's an excellent choice 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 campaign, the Tomb of Giants core set stands alone as an adventure suitable for newcomers. Named after the infamous location from the video games, players choose a class and gear before navigating the catacombs, battling skeleton archers, and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. The game stays true to its roots with its challenging combat and RPG elements, featuring a level-up system. Tomb of Giants 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
3$59.99 save 22%$46.88 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 30-45 minutesMirroring its digital version, the Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative experience where players aim to defeat bosses using dice mechanics. The setup is straightforward, with the boss deck's structure remaining constant. Players select from Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle and proceed through multiple rounds, each consisting of five phases where they plan attacks and confront the boss. Timed rounds add urgency to your dice rolls. The game offers high replay value as you 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 minutesIn the Oregon Trail Card Game, players team up to reach Oregon without succumbing to the infamous dysentery. It's quick to set up and play, with sessions that can end abruptly due to the unpredictable Calamity cards. The game is challenging and heavily reliant on luck, with victory achieved by playing fifty trail cards. A notable downside is that if a player dies on the first turn, which is not uncommon, they must sit out the rest of the session until the group either wins or all perish. Nevertheless, it's a humorous and engaging recreation of the original game, sure to bring plenty of laughs.
