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

When it's time to step away from screens and digital distractions, board games offer the perfect escape, tapping into your need for adventure and play. Fortunately, there's a rich selection of board games inspired by some of the most iconic video games, allowing you to dive into these beloved worlds in a new, tangible way. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick, fun party game, these board game adaptations bring the thrill of video games to your tabletop. Here's a curated list of our top picks that promise hours of immersive fun, perfect for when you need a break from technology.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games

FalloutSlay the SpireBloodborneResident Evil 2Pac-ManTetrisDark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of GiantsCuphead: Fast Rolling Dice GameThe Oregon TrailFallout

### Fallout: The Board Game

1$69.99 save 36%$44.49 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 2-3 hoursWith the buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, there's no better time to venture into the Wasteland from the comfort of your home. This board game lets you choose from a variety of scenarios, each shaping the map differently. Much like Bethesda's open-world RPGs, players explore, develop skills, combat mutated foes, engage with factions, and undertake quests, all in a bid to dominate the Wasteland. Its detailed and immersive gameplay makes it ideal for long, engaging sessions.

Slay the Spire

### Slay the Spire: The Board Game

9See it at Contention GamesPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 45 minutesArguably the most fitting video game to transition to the tabletop, Slay the Spire keeps its digital essence intact. Players select a hero and embark on a Roguelike journey up the Spire, building their deck as they go. The game offers a variety of rooms—encounters, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure, merchants, and boss fights—each with unique effects. The replayability is immense, as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items.

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

Bloodborne

### Bloodborne: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 14+Play Time: 60-90 minutesIn this gripping adaptation, players embody Hunters combating the dark forces in Yharnam. Bloodborne's campaign mode ensures no two games are the same, thanks to its modular map tiles. With an array of cards, tokens, and meticulously crafted miniatures, players will test their skills and decision-making while uncovering the mysteries of the plague. The game excels in immersion, making players feel like true Hunters.

Resident Evil 2

### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 90-120 minutesThis tabletop adaptation captures the essence of Resident Evil 2, setting the stage for further adaptations by Steamforged Games. Players can choose to control Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, navigating through zombie-infested scenarios to escape Raccoon City. Collect weapons, health items, and keys, solve puzzles, and manage your resources with the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters, all while staying true to the source material.

PAC-MAN

### Pac-Man: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesFrom Buffalo Games, this tabletop version of the arcade classic offers both cooperative and competitive play. Pac-Man players must navigate the maze, gobble pellets, and collect fruit, while ghost players aim to catch them. Played on an assembly of four metal tiles, the game requires some initial setup but is quick to start subsequent games. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits its signature "waka waka" sound!

Tetris

### Tetris Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAnother hit from Buffalo Games, this competitive Tetris board game challenges players to strategize and score points by maneuvering tetriminos. Like the video game, players can plan ahead with the visible next piece. Earn points by completing lines, matching symbols, and achieving goals, making it perfect for quick, engaging play at parties or with younger players.

Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants

### Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-3Age Range: 14+Play Time: 90-120 minutesOriginally planned as part of the Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, Tomb of Giants is a standalone adventure perfect for newcomers. Players select a class and gear, navigating the catacombs and facing skeleton archers while making strategic choices with limited actions. Its faithful recreation of the video game's punishing combat and RPG elements, along with new characters and over a hundred new cards, ensures a challenging and rewarding experience.

Cuphead: Fast-Rolling Dice Game

### Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game

3$59.99 save 22%$46.88 at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 30-45 minutesMirroring its digital inspiration, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative challenge where players aim to defeat bosses using dice mechanics. Quick to set up with a fixed boss deck structure, the game offers multiple rounds with timed phases, requiring strategic dice rolls. With high replay value through score improvement and character upgrades, it's a thrilling tabletop experience.

The Oregon Trail

### The Oregon Trail Card Game

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesExperience the humorous side of pioneer life with this card game, where players team up to reach Oregon without succumbing to misfortune. Fast-paced and luck-driven, players advance by playing trail cards but must beware of Calamity cards that can end their journey abruptly. Despite the risk of early exits, the game captures the essence of the classic video game and promises plenty of laughs along the way.