The Best Board Games Based on Video Games That Are Actually Worth Playing

When it's time to unplug, turn off the TV, and reduce screen time, board games offer a fantastic way to satisfy that lingering desire for escapism and keep the fun going. Fortunately, there's a wide array of board games inspired by some of the most beloved video games, and we've gathered a selection of our top picks. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick-to-set-up party game, these board games allow you to immerse yourself in these beloved worlds without relying on 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: The Board Game

Price: $69.99, now $44.49 at Amazon (save 36%)
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours

With the recent release of Amazon's Fallout series, now is the perfect time to explore 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 uncover the map, develop numerous skills, battle irradiated enemies, interact with different factions, and complete quests, all while vying for influence over the Wasteland. This game is highly immersive and detail-oriented, making it ideal for long-term gaming sessions.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

Price: See it at Contention Games
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes

Arguably the video game on this list most deserving of a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire captures its digital essence 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 will choose from various rooms, each with unique characteristics that impact 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 hours of enjoyment as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items each time.

You can read our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review for more insights into this game.

Bloodborne: The Board Game

Price: See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 60-90 minutes

In the Bloodborne board game, players take on the role of a Hunter fighting to vanquish the evil lurking within Yharnam. As a campaign board game, Bloodborne offers endless replay value, with no two sessions being the same thanks to its modular map tiles. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this macabre 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: The Board Game

Price: See it at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes

The success of the Resident Evil 2 tabletop adaptation paved the way for Steamforged Games to create similar experiences for the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. However, much like the video games, Resident Evil 2 stands out as the best entry. Faithful to the source material, the game has players work cooperatively, taking control of either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield as they battle through hordes of zombies to escape in multiple scenarios. Collect 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 influence your sessions!

Pac-Man: The Board Game

Price: See it at Amazon
Players: 2-5
Age Range: 10+
Play Time: 30 minutes

From Buffalo Games, the arcade classic makes a triumphant return 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 assembly and setup, but subsequent games are quick and easy to start. The electronic Pac-Man figure even makes its iconic "waka waka" sound!

Tetris Board Game

Price: See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes

Also from Buffalo Games, Tetris is a competitive head-to-head game where players maneuver, rotate, and drop their tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Just like the video game, the next piece is displayed on a card, allowing players to plan their strategy. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on their tower, and achieving specific goals. With quick setup and play time, this game is perfect for parties and younger players.

Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants

Price: See it at Amazon
Players: 1-3
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes

Originally planned as content for the original Dark Souls board game Kickstarter campaign, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure ideal for newer players, named after the infamous location from the video games. Each player begins by choosing a class and gear, then navigates the catacombs, facing skeleton archers or resting at the bonfire. Actions are limited, so choose wisely. This game remains faithful to its source material, with its challenging combat and RPG elements highlighted by 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

Price: $59.99, now $46.88 at Amazon (save 22%)
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Much like its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is an extremely fast-paced cooperative game where the objective is to defeat all the bosses using dice-heavy mechanics. Setup is straightforward, as the boss deck's structure remains constant. The game starts with each player selecting one of the four available characters: Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and is played through multiple rounds consisting of five phases, where players set up their attacks and confront the boss. Rounds are timed, so choose your dice rolls carefully! Cuphead offers high replay value, allowing you to improve your score and upgrade abilities that carry over to future runs. See our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more information.

The Oregon Trail Card Game

Price: See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Dying of dysentery has never been so entertaining. In this quick-to-set-up and play card game, players work together to reach Oregon without perishing. Sessions are relatively quick, as you can die hard and fast from the various Calamity cards waiting to spell your doom. Oddly challenging and heavily reliant on luck, you win by playing fifty trail cards to reach the end of the Trail. One downside is that if a player dies on the first turn (which happens more often than you might think), they must sit out the entire session until the party either wins or all die. Nonetheless, it's a great recreation of the source material and is sure to elicit a few laughs.