Introduction
Board games have come a long way from Monopoly and Scrabble. Today, there are thousands of board games available, each with its unique set of rules and gameplay mechanics. Strategy games, in particular, require players to think critically and plan ahead to outmaneuver their opponents. If you're a fan of strategy games, you'll want to check out BoardGameGeek (BGG). BGG is a website that features a database of over 120,000 board games and allows users to rate and review games. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best strategy games on BGG.
1. Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is a two-player game that simulates the Cold War. Players take on the roles of the United States and the Soviet Union and must compete for influence in various regions of the world. The game uses a card-driven system that allows players to make strategic decisions and react to their opponent's moves. Twilight Struggle is highly rated on BGG and has won numerous awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Wargame.
2. Terra Mystica
Terra Mystica is a game of colonization and expansion where players take on the roles of different fantasy races. The game features a unique mechanic where players must terraform the land to make it suitable for their race. Terra Mystica is known for its depth and replayability and has won several awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Strategy Game.
3. Scythe
Scythe is a game of resource management and area control set in an alternate 1920s Europe. Players take on the roles of different factions and compete for territory and resources. The game features unique player boards and a combat system that allows for multiple strategies. Scythe is highly rated on BGG and has won several awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Board Game.
4. Dominion
Dominion is a deck-building game where players compete to build the most efficient deck of cards. The game features a wide variety of cards that can be combined in different ways to create unique strategies. Dominion is known for its replayability and has won numerous awards, including the Spiel des Jahres.
5. Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization
Through the Ages is a civilization-building game where players take on the roles of different leaders throughout history. The game features a card drafting mechanic and allows players to develop their civilization through technology, culture, and military might. Through the Ages is highly rated on BGG and has won several awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Board Game.
6. Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative game where players work together to prevent the spread of deadly diseases across the globe. The game features a unique mechanic where players must balance their resources and prioritize which diseases to contain first. Pandemic is highly rated on BGG and has won numerous awards, including the Spiel des Jahres.
7. Agricola
Agricola is a game of resource management and farming where players must build and manage their own farm. The game features a unique action selection mechanic that forces players to prioritize their actions and plan ahead. Agricola is highly rated on BGG and has won numerous awards, including the Spiel des Jahres.
8. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a game of route building and set collection where players compete to build the most extensive railroad network. The game features a simple set of rules and is easy to learn for beginners. Ticket to Ride is highly rated on BGG and has won numerous awards, including the Spiel des Jahres.
9. Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham is a game of economic strategy set during the Industrial Revolution. Players take on the roles of different entrepreneurs and compete to build factories, develop industries, and transport goods. The game features a unique card-driven mechanic and is known for its depth and complexity. Brass: Birmingham is highly rated on BGG and has won several awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Board Game.
10. Spirit Island
Spirit Island is a cooperative game where players take on the roles of different spirits and defend their island from invaders. The game features a unique power growth mechanic that allows players to unlock new abilities and react to their opponents' moves. Spirit Island is highly rated on BGG and has won several awards, including the Golden Geek Award for Best Strategy Game.
Conclusion
BoardGameGeek is a great resource for finding new board games and learning about different gameplay mechanics. The strategy games listed above are just a small sample of the thousands of games available on the site. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a beginner, there's sure to be a game that suits your interests and skill level. So why not give some of these games a try and see which ones become your favorites?
