Best Strategy Board Games of 2025

Edward West Avatar
Edward West
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

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Strategy board games are a popular form of entertainment that challenge players to use their critical thinking skills to outmaneuver their opponents. These games often involve complex rules and multiple paths to victory, making them engaging and replayable. From classics like Chess and Go to modern favorites like Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride, there is a strategy board game for every taste and skill level. Whether you're looking to sharpen your strategic abilities or simply enjoy a fun night in with friends or family, strategy board games are a great choice.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Jumbo Stratego - Original Strategy Board Game Cover #TOP 1
Jumbo Stratego - Original Strategy Board Game
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Cheatwell Games Zensu: A Tactical Challenge Cover #TOP 2
Cheatwell Games Zensu: A Tactical Challenge
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Goliath Games Sequence | Family Strategy Board Game Cover #TOP 3
Goliath Games Sequence | Family Strategy Board Game
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Strategy Board Games

#TOP 1

Jumbo Stratego - Original Strategy Board Game

JUM19496
Multicolor
One Size
Jumbo Stratego - Original Strategy Board Game Cover
Jumbo, Stratego - Original, Strategy Board Game, 2 Players, Ages 8 Year Plus

Jumbo Stratego Game is an engaging strategy board game where you challenge your opponents in a tactical battle. Your main objective is to capture your opponent's flag while safeguarding your own. With each move being crucial, you will find yourself fully immersed in the action. The game includes 2 x 40 pre-printed playing pieces, a game board, a screen, and 2 sorting trays, making it easy to set up and organise your pieces efficiently.

What We Like
Engaging strategic gameplay
Includes 80 pre-printed pieces
Suitable for ages 8 and up
Easy setup with sorting trays

Cheatwell Games Zensu: A Tactical Challenge

84008
Multicoloured
One Size
Cheatwell Games Zensu: A Tactical Challenge Cover
Cheatwell Games Zensu , Strategy Board Game

Zensu Game is a strategy board game that is simple to learn yet challenging to master. The objective is to cross your opponent's border before they can do the same to you. With pieces moving in four directions, you must stay alert and think ahead. A misstep can lead to your opponent taking you down, adding a layer of excitement. This makes Zensu a thrilling test of tactical play, ensuring that each game is unique and engaging for players.

What We Like
Simple to learn
Challenging gameplay
Encourages strategic thinking
Unique every game

Goliath Games Sequence | Family Strategy Board Game

Jax
8002
White
Goliath Games Sequence | Family Strategy Board Game Cover
Goliath Games Sequence | Five-in-a-row Fun for Everyone! | Family Strategy Game | For 2 or More Players, Ages 7+, White

The Goliath Sequence Game offers a fun and engaging way for players to develop their strategic thinking. By playing a card from your hand and placing a chip on the game board, you aim to achieve five in a row, known as a SEQUENCE. This game is simple enough for children to grasp while providing a challenge for adults, making it perfect for family game nights. Additionally, the exciting gameplay helps you develop valuable STEM skills, enhancing your strategic abilities.

What We Like
Easy for children to learn
Challenging for adults
Develops strategic thinking skills
Fun for 2-12 players
#TOP 4

Scorpion Masqué Turing Machine Strategy Game

CSGTURING
Multicolor
One Size
Scorpion Masqué Turing Machine Strategy Game Cover
Scorpion Masqué | Turing Machine | Strategy Game | Ages 14+ | 1-4 Players | 45 Minutes Playing Time

Turing Machine Game is an engaging deduction game that challenges you to uncover a secret code before your opponents do. It features a unique computer that works with punch cards, making the gameplay innovative and intriguing. You will need to ask the right questions to the computer, enhancing your strategic thinking skills. With a playing time of just 45 minutes, it's perfect for quick sessions. This game is suitable for 1-4 players aged 14 and above, providing a fantastic opportunity for friends or family to engage in a competitive yet fun experience.

What We Like
Engaging deduction gameplay
Unique punch card computer
Quick 45-minute sessions
Suitable for 1-4 players
#TOP 5

Catan Strategy Board Game for Ages 10+

CN3071
Multi-color
1. Standalone
Catan Strategy Board Game for Ages 10+ Cover
Catan Studios | Catan | Board Game | Ages 10+ | 3-4 Players | 60 Minutes Playing Time

Catan Board Game is an engaging strategy game where you can trade, build, and settle the island of Catan. With a modular hex board, each game offers a unique experience, ensuring that you will never play the same game twice. The game promotes social interaction, making it perfect for family gatherings or online play with friends. While the basics are easy to learn, Catan provides depth, allowing you to explore various strategies and tactics for years to come.

What We Like
Endless replayability
Easy to learn
Encourages social interaction
Deep strategy options
#TOP 6

Mattel Games Blokus Family Strategy Board Game

BJV44
Blokus Original
n / a
Mattel Games Blokus Family Strategy Board Game Cover
Mattel Games Blokus, Family Board Game for Kids and Adults for Party Game Night, Strategy Game, Engaging Gift for Kids, 2 to 4 Players, Ages 7 and Up, BJV44

Mattel Games Blokus is the perfect strategy game for the whole family. With less than a minute needed to learn the rules, it provides fun challenges suitable for all ages. You will take turns placing your 21 pieces on the board, ensuring each piece only touches another of the same colour at the corners. This encourages strategic thinking as you stake your claim and block your opponents. The game concludes when no more pieces can be placed, with the player having the fewest remaining pieces declared the winner.

What We Like
Quick to learn
Engaging for all ages
Encourages strategic thinking
Fun for family game nights
Compact for easy storage

Ravensburger Back to the Future Strategy Game

26842
Multi-colored
One Size
Ravensburger Back to the Future Strategy Game Cover
Ravensburger Back to the Future - Immersive Strategy Board Game for Adults and Kids Age 10 Years Up - 2 to 4 Players - Dice Through Time

The Ravensburger Back to the Future game brings the excitement of time travel into your home. In this immersive strategy board game, you will enjoy helping DOC and Marty repair the space-time continuum after Biff steals the DeLorean. With 72 Event Cards and 20 Item Cards, you can engage in thrilling gameplay that keeps everyone entertained. Suitable for players aged 10 and up, this game is perfect for family game nights, offering 45-60 minutes of fun for 2-4 players.

What We Like
Engaging time travel theme
Suitable for all ages
Great for family game nights
Includes a variety of game components

Z-Man Games Carcassonne Strategy Tile Game

ZM7810
Multicolor
Standalone Game:
Z-Man Games Carcassonne Strategy Tile Game Cover
Z-Man Games | Carcassonne | Board Game | Ages 7+ | 2-5 Players | 45 Minutes Playing Time

Carcassonne Board Game invites you to immerse yourself in a strategic tile-placement adventure. As you develop the landscape of a medieval city, you'll enjoy the challenge of outsmarting your opponents by blocking their moves or connecting roads. With each tile you place, the board expands, allowing for creative gameplay. Your followers can take on various roles, from knights to farmers, each scoring differently, which encourages careful planning to maximise your points.

What We Like
Engaging strategy gameplay
High replayability with tile combinations
Multiple follower roles for strategy
Easy to learn for beginners
#TOP 9

Ravensburger Castles of Burgundy Strategy Game

26925 9
Multicolor
One Size
Ravensburger Castles of Burgundy Strategy Game Cover
Ravensburger Castles of Burgundy Strategy Board Game for Adults & Kids Ages 12 Years Up - 1 to 4 Players

The Ravensburger Castles of Burgundy offers a fun and engaging play experience, allowing you to step into the role of an influential prince in 15th century France. With high-quality components, including a board and over 300 pieces, you can immerse yourself in a beautifully crafted game. Clear instructions make it easy for you to start playing right away, ensuring everyone can join in without confusion. Additionally, the game boasts great replay value, providing you with various strategic challenges that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.

What We Like
Engaging strategic gameplay
High-quality components
Clear instructions
Excellent replay value
#TOP 10

PAN AM Fun Strategy Board Game for Families

FUNKO GAMES
48719
Multicolor
52 airplanes
PAN AM Fun Strategy Board Game for Families Cover
PAN AM Fun Strategy Board Game For The Whole Family - Includes 52 Airplane Miniatures From 4 Distinct Airline Eras (Ages 12+) Ideal for 2-4 Players - Funko 48719 Signature Games

The PAN AM Board Game invites you to build your own airline and compete in a vibrant market dominated by Pan American World Airways. You can outbid your rivals for valuable landing rights and purchase planes that reach distant destinations. The game is enriched by historic events that change the course of play, ensuring a unique experience each time. With a beautifully designed game board and 52 miniature airplanes, you will enjoy an engaging strategy game suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 12 and above.

What We Like
Engaging for all ages
Dynamic game experience
Beautifully designed components
Encourages strategic thinking
Fun for family game nights
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are strategy board games?

A strategy game or strategic game is a game (e.g. a board game) in which the players' uncoerced, and often autonomous, decision-making skills have a high significance in determining the outcome. Almost all strategy games require internal decision tree-style thinking, and typically very high situational awareness.

What are the best board games of 2021?. Best board game overall: Cosmic Encounter.Best board game for families: Photosynthesis.Best cooperative board game: Pandemic.Best board game for 2 players: Jaipur.Best cheap board game: Ticket to Ride: New York.Best board game for parties: Wavelength.

3. What is the most boring board game?

Top 5 Boring "Classic" Board and Card Games. Board and card games are a great way for friends to come together and compete in a variety of fun ways. Unfortunately, these games will put you to sleep. Tim Foster.Verkochte dobbelspel indeed.Chutes and Ladders.War.Monopoly.Candy Land.

Editor's Notes

During our strategy board game research, we found 306 strategy board game products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 409,151 customer reviews through our big data system to write the strategy board games list. We found that most customers choose strategy board games with an average price of £28.07.

The strategy board games are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of strategy board games, including Jumbo, Cheatwell Games, Jax, CATAN, Mattel Games.

Written by
Edward West Avatar

Edward's family owns a retail store in Edinburgh for toys and games. He grew up taking a very active part in the family's business. Edward earned his first income from writing web content on a toy related gig for an online company. When he was 18, he took over from his father, and since then, he has been in charge and management of the store and several others around England.