Top Video Game-Themed 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 popular video games, and we've rounded up some of our top picks. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick party game, these board games allow you to immerse yourself in beloved gaming worlds even when you're taking a break from technology.

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

1$69.99 save 36%$44.49 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 2-3 hoursWith the recent success of Amazon's Fallout series, now is the perfect time to delve into the Wasteland from the comfort of your own kitchen table. Begin by selecting from various scenarios that will set up the map. Much like Bethesda's cherished open-world RPGs, players will explore the map, develop a range of skills, battle mutated foes, engage with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game is highly immersive and detailed, making it 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 deserving video game on this list to receive a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire follows its digital origins by having players assume the role of one of the provided heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey through the Spire. Similar to the video game, players choose from various rooms, each with unique attributes that influence gameplay; encounters with regular enemies, battles with elites, events, campfires, treasure, the merchant, and ultimately, the boss. The nature of Roguelikes ensures that Slay the Spire offers endless hours of enjoyment as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items each playthrough.

You can read our detailed review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game for more insights.

Bloodborne

### Bloodborne: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 60-90 minutesIn the Bloodborne board game, players take on the role of Hunters fighting to eradicate the evil within Yharnam. As a campaign board game, Bloodborne provides endless replay value, as no two sessions are alike thanks to its modular map tiles. Featuring hundreds of different 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. Immersion is key here, and the game's highly detailed miniatures ensure players feel fully engaged.

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 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 often considered the best entry. True to the source material, the game has players cooperate as they control either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, battling through hordes of zombies to escape in various scenarios. Gather 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

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesFrom Buffalo Games, this adaptation brings the arcade classic back 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 the players 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 to start. 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 minutesAlso from Buffalo Games, Tetris is a competitive head-to-head game where players maneuver, rotate, and drop tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Just like the video game, the next piece is visible, represented by a card, allowing players to strategize accordingly. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and fulfilling specific achievements. Its quick setup and 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

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-3Age Range: 14+Play Time: 90-120 minutesOriginally 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, taking its name from the infamous location known to fans of the video games. Each player begins by selecting a class and gear, then navigates the catacombs, facing skeleton archers or resting at the bonfire. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. This game remains true to its source material, featuring challenging combat and RPG elements that shine through 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

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

The Oregon Trail

### The Oregon Trail Card Game

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesDying of dysentery has never been so entertaining. In this quick-to-set-up and play card game, players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to various calamities. Games are relatively fast-paced, as you can quickly fall victim to the numerous Calamity cards. The challenge is intense and largely luck-based, with victory achieved by playing fifty trail cards. However, a significant drawback is that if a player dies on the first turn (which happens more often than you might expect), they must sit out the rest of the session until the party either wins or all perish. Nonetheless, it's a fun and faithful recreation of the original game, sure to elicit plenty of laughs.