When you're ready to take a break from screens and digital devices, board games offer a perfect escape, allowing you to continue your gaming adventures in a more tactile, engaging way. There's a wide array of board games inspired by popular video games, and we've rounded up some of the best ones for you to explore. Whether you're in the mood for an in-depth campaign or a quick, fun party game, these board game adaptations will keep you immersed in your favorite gaming worlds away from technology.
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 recent buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, diving into the Wasteland from the comfort of your kitchen table has never been more appealing. This board game lets you select from various scenarios, each setting up a unique map. Much like Bethesda's open-world RPGs, you'll uncover the map, develop skills, battle irradiated foes, interact with factions, and complete quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. Its immersive and detailed gameplay makes it ideal for long, engaging 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 to receive a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire allows players to choose from several heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey up the Spire. Similar to its digital counterpart, players navigate through various rooms—encounters with regular enemies, elites, events, campfires, treasure, the merchant, and ultimately, the boss. The inherent replayability of Roguelikes ensures endless 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 a Hunter tasked with eradicating the evil within Yharnam. This campaign-style board game offers endless replayability thanks to its modular map tiles, ensuring no two sessions are the same. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and highly detailed miniatures, players will test their skills and decision-making as they uncover the secrets of the plague and strive to stop it. The game's focus on immersion makes it a standout choice for fans of the genre.
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 led to further adaptations by Steamforged Games, covering the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. However, Resident Evil 2 remains a standout. Players cooperate as either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, fighting through zombies to escape in various scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys, navigate the environment, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. The game even incorporates the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters, adding depth to 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 tabletop return. Playable in both cooperative and competitive modes, one player controls Pac-Man, navigating the maze to eat pellets and collect fruit, while others control the ghosts trying to catch or avoid Pac-Man. The game uses four metal tiles that form the board, requiring initial setup but allowing quick starts for subsequent games. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits its iconic "waka waka" sound!
Tetris
### Tetris Board Game
1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAnother offering from Buffalo Games, Tetris translates the competitive essence of the video game into a head-to-head board game. Players rotate, maneuver, and drop tetriminos to achieve the highest score. With the next piece displayed on a card, strategic planning is key. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on the tower, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and playtime make it perfect 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 conceived as part of the Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure perfect for newcomers. Named after the notorious location from the video games, players choose a class and gear before navigating the catacombs, facing skeleton archers, and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic decision-making is crucial. The game remains faithful to its source with punishing combat and RPG elements, featuring new characters and over a hundred new cards 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 counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative game where players must defeat bosses using dice mechanics. The setup is straightforward, with a constant boss deck structure. Players choose from four characters—Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle—and progress through multiple rounds with five phases, setting up attacks and confronting the boss. Timed rounds add urgency to your dice rolls. With high replay value, you can aim to beat your score and upgrade abilities for future runs. See our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more details.
The Oregon Trail
### The Oregon Trail Card Game
0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesDying of dysentery becomes amusing in this quick-to-setup card game. Players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to the various Calamity cards that threaten their journey. The game is challenging and luck-based, requiring you to play fifty trail cards to win. However, if a player dies on the first turn—a frequent occurrence—they must sit out until the group either wins or all perish. It's a fun and faithful adaptation of the original game, sure to elicit plenty of laughs.