When you think of tabletop board gaming, you probably picture family games like Monopoly or Aggravation. However, the hobby has evolved significantly since those classic games came out. Now board games have better themes, more unique mechanisms, and higher replayability.
That’s why tabletop board gaming has become one of my favorite hobbies. It’s so much fun getting lost in fantasy worlds or working through a challenging obstacle with family and friends. If you’re searching for a hobby, here are 11 reasons why tabletop board gaming is the one you should try.
1. It’s as social as you want it to be.
Whether you’re an introvert or thrive in large groups, there are tons of board games to suit your play style. Many tabletop games like Wingspan and Everdell have solo gaming modes, allowing you to play alone or against a digital opponent. For times when you want to be more social, you can break out party games like Apples to Apples that are great for larger crowds. There are also tons of two-to-four player games like Stratego that are ideal for smaller groups, allowing you to be social in a more intimate setting.
2. There’s a wide variety of board game themes.
Board games have come a long way from Monopoly and Risk. These days, you can find a board game themed around just about any hobby or interest. In my collection alone, I have games about planes, birds, Willy Wonka, war, zoos, pirates, and more. The art and pieces of each game are elaborately designed to fully immerse you in the theme. Tabletop board gaming gives me a similar feeling to reading a book, allowing me to fully enter another world for an hour and leave my worries behind.
3. Tabletop board gaming doesn’t have to be competitive.
Did you know that tabletop board gaming doesn’t have to be a competitive hobby? Many games such as Spirit Island, Pandemic, and Gloomhaven are cooperative, meaning you work together with your gaming group to achieve a common goal. Additionally, some games are solitaire-style and don’t feel competitive at all. In Wingspan, for example, players collect birds and try to build the best aviary. Although you’re technically competing to see who can score the most points, Wingspan feels similar to a relaxing solo card game.
4. But you can still find dog-eat-dog games if that’s your style.
If you prefer dog-eat-dog games with lots of player interaction, you’ll also enjoy this hobby. Party games like Pictionary can get pretty rowdy, and there are lots of area control games that are highly competitive. In Ticket to Ride, for example, players compete to build train routes across a map, often blocking each other’s paths in the process. As long as no one in your group is a sore loser, these head-to-head games can be pretty hilarious and fun!
5. You can play board games online.
Websites like Board Game Arena and Tabletopia let you play their vast digital library of games anywhere you have internet. While most games can be played solo with computerized opponents, the biggest advantage of BGA is the ability to play with people you rarely see in person. Whether across town or on another continent, it’s great to share tabletop board gaming with the people you love.
Even if you have a robust board game collection, these websites also open you up to a plethora of games you likely don’t own a copy of. And I won’t lie, sometimes it’s nice to play digitally and avoid packing up all of those little pieces!
6. Campaign-style games tell a story.
If you love the continuing storylines that video games deliver, you should check out campaign-style board games. They allow you to play a series of games with the same group to see how the narrative unfolds. Each game you play usually influences the outcome of the next, creating a fluid, immersive experience. Campaign-style games like Pandemic and Gloomhaven also have interesting theming, helping to keep everyone at the table engaged.
7. You can find great deals on used board games.
Everyone in the tabletop board gaming community is pretty conscientious and takes good care of their games. This has allowed the used board game market to flourish. Board gamers often trade near-mint games or resell them for less than retail price, enabling new hobbyists to build up their collection at a discount. Many independent board game stores also have a used section, game rental programs, or game libraries that allow you to try games for free. So you don’t have to break the bank to get into this hobby.
8. Board games provide countless hours of fun.
Board games purchased at full retail price are still a great deal because they provide hours of fun. Even if you only play a $60 game ten times, you’re only paying $6 per game. Compared to the cost of eating out or seeing a movie, that’s a bargain.
The replay value of most games is high, especially if you try out any of the modifications that the Board Game Geek community comes up with for popular games. Adding new house rules to your game can change the experience and make things feel fresh. Plus, many popular games have affordable expansions like extra card decks that can alter the mechanics of the game to keep you entertained.
9. Tabletop board gaming can help you meet new people.
The tabletop board gaming community is extremely active online. Board Game Geek and Reddit both have active forums where you can discuss games with other players and get to know each other. Plus, many neighborhood board game stores have events where you can meet other people in your area and play popular titles. Getting into tabletop board gaming has made me more social, which is one of the main things I love about the hobby.
10. This hobby supports small businesses.
Another thing I love about tabletop gaming is that I’m supporting small businesses every time I play. Many games are created by small, independent developers, especially titles that are launched on Kickstarter. I also try to buy games from my local game store to support business activity in my area and strengthen the economy. Plus, watching board gaming content on YouTube can bolster the careers of small creators and help them live their dream.
11. Tabletop board gaming keeps your mind active.
After work, I used to be a bit of a social media zombie, endlessly scrolling on TikTok. Once I discovered board gaming, I put down my phone more often on weeknights. Games are infinitely more engaging and better for my brain and mental health than Instagram. Plus, I’m being social more often instead of sitting in my room on my phone.
When I’m zapped after a long day, I can play an easier game that involves less strategy to help me unwind. But when I want to give my brain a workout, I can choose heavier games that require lots of planning and thought. There’s a board game for every occasion and mood, which makes this a flexible, varied hobby with tons of staying power.
Come Together Around a Board Game
Whether you’re playing a beloved game with family or a new title with people you’ve just met, the bonds that form around the table are surprisingly strong! Hopefully this has inspired you to invite some people over and give board games another shot if you haven’t played in a while. Countless fun titles have come on the market in the past few years, giving board gamers more options than ever. Whether you prefer relaxing puzzles or competitive area control games, you’re sure to find something that appeals to you at your local board game store.