Board games are a great way to spend quality time with your children, bond with them, and even teach them important life skills. However, not all board games are created equal, especially when it comes to strategy games. If you're looking for the best strategy board games for 12 year olds, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll be exploring some of the top picks for strategy games that are both fun and educational.
1. Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is a classic strategy board game that has been around for decades. It's a game of resource management, negotiation, and risk-taking. Players take on the role of settlers who must build and manage their own settlements while competing with other players for resources and territory. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, making it a great choice for kids of all ages.
2. Risk
Risk is another classic strategy game that has been around for years. It's a game of conquest and domination, where players must build and manage their armies while trying to conquer the world. The game is challenging and requires a lot of strategic thinking, making it a great choice for older kids who are looking for a more complex game.
3. Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative strategy game where players must work together to stop the spread of a deadly disease that is threatening to wipe out humanity. The game requires players to work together and communicate effectively in order to succeed, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy teamwork and problem-solving.
4. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a strategy game that involves building and managing a railway network. Players must connect cities and build routes while competing with other players for resources and territory. The game is easy to learn but offers a lot of depth and complexity, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy strategic thinking and planning.
5. Stratego
Stratego is a strategy game that involves hidden pieces and bluffing. Players must use their pieces to capture the opponent's flag while protecting their own flag. The game requires a lot of strategic thinking and careful planning, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy mind games and deception.
6. Chess
Chess is a classic strategy game that has been around for centuries. It's a game of tactics and planning, where players must use their pieces to capture the opponent's king. Chess is a great choice for kids who enjoy intellectual challenges and strategic thinking.
7. Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a strategy game that involves building and managing a medieval landscape. Players must place tiles and build structures while competing with other players for resources and territory. The game is easy to learn but offers a lot of depth and complexity, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy strategic thinking and planning.
8. Dominion
Dominion is a strategy game that involves building and managing a deck of cards. Players must use their cards to gain resources and territory while competing with other players for victory points. The game is easy to learn but offers a lot of depth and complexity, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy strategic thinking and planning.
9. Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island is a cooperative strategy game where players must work together to collect treasures and escape from a sinking island. The game requires players to work together and communicate effectively in order to succeed, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy teamwork and problem-solving.
10. Small World
Small World is a strategy game that involves building and managing a fantasy world. Players must choose a race and special power and use them to conquer and control territory while competing with other players for victory points. The game is easy to learn but offers a lot of depth and complexity, making it a great choice for kids who enjoy strategic thinking and planning.
Overall, these are just a few of the best strategy board games for 12 year olds. Each game offers something different, from resource management and conquest to teamwork and communication. No matter which game you choose, your kids are sure to have a great time while also developing important life skills.