Online Board Games for the Socially Isolated Soul
Bring life to the mundane lock down days with this curated collection of board games that you can play online or on the iOS or Android apps. From ancient civilizations, to evolving species, to inhabiting other planets – our list has something for everyone. Dive right in, and see what we have in store for you.
Terraforming Mars
This heavy strategy game encompasses the theme of human civilization inhabiting Mars in the near future. Sounds interesting? Read on. In this game, every person acts as a corporation with one pre-decided special power who is competing against others in a race to make Mars habitable for humanity by increasing the Oxygen percentage, increasing the temperature of the planet and covering the surface of Mars with enough water. Apart from these, you are also mining resources, building cities and funding research projects. All the while collecting victory points to beat your opponents at the end of the game. Go for Terraforming Mars if you have covered some or most of the basic games you can lay your hands on! You can enjoy this heavy strategy board game on the Terraforming Mars app available on iOS and Android, after purchase.
Splendor
Mix gems like emerald, sapphire, ruby, diamond, onyx, and gold with a competitive game mechanism and you get Splendor! This easy to pick multiplayer game hosts you as gem merchants collecting precious stones and trading them to buy development cards on their way to reaching fifteen prestige points. Splendor is the perfect resource management game for a group of 2-4 just beginning to explore board games or for that perfect nostalgic evening with childhood friends! You can play Splendor online by buying the app on iOS or Android.
Settlers of Catan
What has risen to be almost as-famous-a-game in family and friend circles as Monopoly, is now extensively being played online. And guess what? It is addictive and extremely apt for your group of four. Settlers of Catan pits you against other settlers trying to occupy territories made up of five kinds of terrains, each yielding a distinct resource. Players accumulate resources acquired to build settlements, cities and roads on their race to ten victory points. Watch out though, that roll of seven on the dice will activate the robber who may foil your plans! Catan is quick, fun and immersive: a perfect game to kickstart your online board game journey. You can play Settlers of Catan online using the iOS or Android app for free.
Ticket to Ride
Another simple game to pick up but nonetheless competitive when played with your group, Ticket to Ride is an engaging railway themed game. You start with choosing destination tickets which define a route in the map and then collect wagons of different colours to complete the selected route and earn victory points. Longer routes give you more points but beware, you might be cut short in the middle by your opponent and forced to take another route to your destination. Enjoy this light game that can be bought on the iOS and Android play store.
Tokaido
Set forth on this peaceful journey along the East Sea Road of Japan as you and other ancient travellers meet surprises, collect coins, donate at temples, complete paintings and eat Japanese delicacies while trying to beat your opponents’ strategies to edge ahead. The simple gameplay and beautiful graphics are zen to the mind in Tokaido and we recommend a round of this after a hectic day at work or in between heavy games you are playing. Play Tokaido on the iOS or Android apps or make a free account on Board Game Arena to play online.
Risk
If you are more into global domination, raising armies and crushing opponents, we have the perfect suggestion for you- Risk! This board game is played on a map of the world where competing players deploy troops, attack surrounding geographies and gradually dominate the world. All is well in the game until the roll of the dice which can kill your army, rendering you out of the game or help you emerge victorious, as the last one standing. Fast paced, action filled and requiring a strategic mindset, we recommend Risk for groups wanting to turn up the heat just a little more. You can play the risk board game online either on the iOS or Android app for free.
Sushi Go
Fast paced, easy to pick and bound to make your taste buds active – Sushi Go is another easy card drafting game that you can enjoy online. In this game, you are trying to make the best possible of dishes as they pass by you to your opponents. Correct combos can fetch you points from 3 to 9 but alas, lack of planning may leave you hanging while others race pass you. The game ends with calculation of points for most puddings collected and you cannot ask for a sweeter ending! Play it for free on Board Game Arena.
Kingdomino
Take turns to place domino/terrain tiles on a 5X5 of 7X7 grid in this competitive yet simple game to earn the highest points from your properties. Kingdomino requires you to match terrains as you place your tiles and multiply points on the road to victory. The game won the Spiel des Jahres award in 2017 for the best board game of the year, so get going on this one as it promises hours of fun and thank us later! Play it for free on Board Game Arena.
Evolution
Finished the basics on the list? Time to move on to something slightly more complex? Try Evolution which pits you against others as you try to create your own species, evolve them, hunt and feed them to gain victory points. Species have special powers like long neck, hard shell, warning call etc. that helps your team of creatures in either collecting food, attack or defence. Indulge in this beautiful war by the watering hole on the iOS and Android apps (with in app purchases).
We hope you enjoyed reading through our recommendations, let us know which ones you liked the most and other games you would suggest our readers to try! Until next time, happy gaming ☺
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