TheGeekyThings has rounded up the 5 best board games for geeks in 2023 by reviews, so you can find the perfect game for your next game night. From strategy games to party games, these board games are sure to bring out the geek in you. No matter what type of board game you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone in 2023. Whether you’re a fan of classic board games or something more modern and innovative, these are the best board games for geeks in 2023. So grab your friends and get ready for a geeky game night.

• Catan
• Splendor
• Azul
• Ark Nova
• 7 Wonders

Catan, a timeless board game that has captivated the hearts of enthusiasts since 1995, remains a beloved choice among board game aficionados. This multiplayer game, designed for 3-4 players aged 10 and up, immerses participants in the roles of settlers, each striving to construct and expand their domains through astute trading and resource acquisition. As settlements flourish, victory points accumulate, and the first player to reach the customary threshold of 10 points emerges triumphant.

The game unfolds on a captivating board composed of hexagonal tiles, each representing a distinct terrain type, such as lush forests, towering mountains, or verdant pastures. Players commence by situating their settlements, subsequently forging interconnected roads. With each settlement and road constructed, resources are gathered from the surrounding terrain, empowering players to erect additional settlements, roads, and cities, or to engage in shrewd exchanges with fellow participants.

Every turn, players roll two dice, determining the resources produced by the isle. Settlements adjacent to the corresponding hexes reap the bountiful rewards. Resources can be utilized to erect new settlements, roads, and cities, or bartered with fellow players, underscoring the pivotal role of trade within Catan's fabric. The presence of harbor hexes on the board facilitates commerce with the bank, further enriching the strategic tapestry.

The game culminates upon a player reaching 10 victory points. These pivotal points are earned through the construction of settlements, cities, and roads, as well as the attainment of the longest road and the largest army.

Catan's allure lies in its elegant blend of accessibility and depth. Its social nature prompts perpetual interaction among players, necessitating trade negotiations and fostering an engaging atmosphere. Key facets of Catan include meticulous resource management, the art of trading to fulfill one's ambitions, the finesse of negotiation to secure favorable exchanges, and the intricate interplay of luck and strategy that characterizes the game. Success in Catan demands a fortuitous roll of the dice but equally hinges upon the formulation of a cunning plan to foster growth and prosperity.
Embraced by gamers of all ages and skill levels, Catan stands as a testament to its enduring appeal. It challenges and delights in equal measure, offering an immersive experience that transcends boundaries

Splendor has emerged as one of the most popular board games of 2023, capturing the attention of players worldwide. Created by Marc André and illustrated by Pascal Quidault, this multiplayer card-based game takes players back to the Renaissance era, where they assume the roles of gem merchants. The objective is simple yet challenging: accumulate 15 prestige points to claim victory.

In Splendor, strategic thinking is key. Players strategically develop gem mines, establish transportation networks, and open shops to amass prestige points. Each turn offers four actions to choose from. You can acquire gems by either collecting three different ones or two of the same color. Utilize your gems to purchase development cards, which grant permanent gem bonuses and/or prestige points. Alternatively, you can reserve a development card, giving you the option to purchase it on a future turn without paying the full cost. If you possess the required gems, you can claim a noble tile, further enhancing your prestige and providing additional gem bonuses.

Throughout the game, players must carefully manage their gem resources and make strategic decisions about which development cards to acquire. Interaction among players is encouraged, as they can strategically hinder each other's progress by blocking card purchases or noble claims.
Splendor's elegant design, streamlined gameplay, and strategic depth have earned it widespread acclaim. The game offers a relatively simple learning curve, making it accessible to both novice and seasoned gamers. To enhance your Splendor gameplay, consider these tips: prioritize acquiring development cards early on to gain permanent bonuses, reserve cards to secure future purchases, stay mindful of your opponents' actions to strategically impede their progress, and remain adaptable by adjusting your strategy as needed.

With its straightforward rules and captivating strategic gameplay, Splendor continues to captivate board game enthusiasts of all levels. Step into the world of gem merchants and experience the thrill of the Renaissance.

Azul, designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Plan B Games in 2017, is a captivating tile-laying game. Set in 16th-century Portugal during the reign of King Manuel I, players take on the task of adorning the walls of the Royal Palace of Évora with exquisite tiles. Each player's board features a 5x5 grid with various scoring patterns. Strategic placement of tiles becomes paramount as players earn points for creating color-matched vertical and horizontal rows or enclosing tiles with the same color. However, caution must be exercised, as unused tiles result in point deductions.

Throughout the game, players take turns selecting tiles from the central market, carefully considering their choices to maximize their scoring potential. Azul's simplicity belies its strategic depth, encouraging players to think tactically and make shrewd decisions. With its vibrant tiles and intricate scoring patterns, Azul captivates both visually and intellectually. This remarkable game has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2018 Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award, and has earned praise for its elegant rules, strategic complexity, and stunning aesthetics. components.

Ark Nova is an engaging strategic board game, designed by Mathias Wigge and published by Capstone Games in 2021. It accommodates up to four players, who assume the role of zoo directors. Their mission? To construct and manage a contemporary, scientifically-driven zoo. The game unfolds on a central board representing the zoo, while each player maintains a personal board to track their zoo's progress. Through strategic card drafting, players execute a range of actions, including building enclosures, acquiring animals, hiring specialists, and supporting conservation projects.

Animals, each with unique requirements, are represented by cards. Factors like enclosure size and climate must be considered when acquiring animals. Meticulous planning is crucial to accommodate the desired animals within the zoo's layout and enclosures. Specialists, also represented by cards, offer players various advantages, such as enhanced breeding rates or reduced construction costs. Conservation projects, represented by their cards, enable players to earn conservation points.

The game concludes when a player's conservation and appeal markers intersect, triggering the end. Points are earned through individual final scoring cards and victory points, with the latter derived by subtracting the appeal points from the conservation points.
Ark Nova is both complex and challenging, but its rewards are abundant. Striking a balance between zoo appeal and conservation efforts is pivotal to achieving victory. The game encompasses a vast array of animals, specialists, and conservation projects, affording players considerable flexibility in managing their zoos.

Critically acclaimed for its strategic depth, captivating theme, and high-quality components, Ark Nova has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Golden Geek Award for Best Game of the Year in 2021.

7 Wonders is an acclaimed card drafting game for 2-7 players, crafted by Antoine Bauza and published by Repos Production in 2010. It has since gained widespread popularity and numerous accolades, solidifying its position as one of the most beloved board games ever created. In this captivating game, participants assume the roles of leaders overseeing the seven magnificent cities of the Ancient World. Throughout three ages, they strategically selected cards to shape their city's economy, military might, and cultural prowess. Moreover, they endeavor to construct their city's wonder, one of the legendary Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

At the beginning of each age, players are dealt a hand of seven cards. They meticulously choose one card to retain and pass the remainder to their neighboring player. Simultaneously, all players reveal their cards and resolve their effects. Some cards grant valuable resources like wood, brick, and stone, while others facilitate the construction of essential establishments such as mines, markets, and libraries. Additionally, certain cards bolster military strength or yield precious victory points.

After each age, players compare their military might with that of their neighbors. If a player possesses less military strength compared to their neighbor, they suffer a loss of victory points. Ultimately, after the third age, participants tally their victory points, and the player with the highest score emerges triumphant.

7 Wonders captivates with its fast-paced gameplay and strategic depth, offering an accessible learning curve while presenting a challenge to master. It caters to players of all skill levels, making it an ideal choice for engaging game nights with friends and family.
If you seek an engaging and thought-provoking board game to enjoy with geeky friends, I wholeheartedly endorse 7 Wonders.

In conclusion, board games are a great way to have fun and challenge yourself. TheGeekyThings is set to impress with the next lists of popular board games . Whether you're a board game geek or just looking for a fun way to pass the time, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment. So grab your friends and family and get ready to explore the world of board games!