Top Worker Placement Board Games Ranked

As an adult, it's surprising to find that work can indeed be fun and games, especially in the world of worker placement tabletop games. These games allow you to guide your team through various tasks and adventures, all while working towards end goals. With a variety of themes and settings, there's a game for every taste. Here's a curated list of some of my favorite worker placement games, spanning both new releases and timeless classics.

TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board Games to Play Now

### Viticulture

0See it at Amazon### Yokohama

0See it at Amazon### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee Store### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at Amazon### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at Amazon### Fromage

0See it at Allplay Store### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash Games### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at Amazon### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonIf you're eager to dive straight into the games, you can browse the entire collection in the side-scrolling catalog above. For those interested in learning more about each game, continue reading below.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, transports players to the picturesque region of Tuscany. Here, you'll take on the role of a family inheriting a vineyard, striving to build a successful winery. The game involves planting vineyards, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it to fulfill orders. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate through multiple years, aging your wine to perfection. Viticulture offers both competitive play in its original form and cooperative gameplay in the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsSet in the bustling port city of Yokohama near Tokyo, this game challenges players to build a thriving business empire. Utilize your team of workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and complete orders. While the game may seem complex at first, the turns flow smoothly once you grasp the mechanics. Yokohama is best enjoyed with three players, according to Board Game Geek.

Unconscious Mind

### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a deep Euro game that delves into themes of psychology and grief, and it's one of the most visually stunning games in my collection. The gameplay is intricate, offering multiple strategic layers in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further complexity, making the game even more challenging. Be prepared for a longer playtime than the box suggests, as setup and teaching the game can take a while.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers combines dice and worker placement in a surprisingly fun way. The game's mechanics link worker actions to dice rolls, adding an element of chance that can lead to rewarding outcomes. Initially intimidating, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, Wayfarers offers a lot of replayability and strategic depth. Don't miss out on this engaging game.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsIf you've ever dreamed of exploring like Darwin, this game is for you. Race against fellow explorers and Darwin himself across three islands, discovering nature and science to showcase in a museum. Darwin's Journey is easy to learn, highly replayable, and visually appealing. It's available both physically and online, making it a great choice for a wide range of players.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsPerfect for game nights with friends or solo play, Fromage is a light-hearted game about crafting and selling award-winning cheeses in France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fulfill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds an extra layer of fun for cheese lovers.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsIn The Gallerist, you manage an art gallery, discovering artists, showcasing their work, and attracting discerning patrons. This game is not for beginners, ranking at a 4.24 out of 5 in complexity on Board Game Geek. It's a challenging yet rewarding experience that mirrors the intricacies of the art world.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's stunning gothic art is a highlight for any fan of the genre. This accessible game revolves around building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch trials. Despite the challenges, it's a delightful experience that can be enjoyed solo or with friends. The expansion adds shapeshifting elements and more beautiful artwork.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsUnleash your inner rockstar with Rock Hard: 1977, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. The game's components, including an amp-shaped player board, are stunning. While it was a fan favorite at Gen Con, be aware that it includes heavy themes that may not be suitable for all players.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsFor comic enthusiasts, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a catalog of comics during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to create and publish your books, racing against other players. The game's pulpy art is a delight, and it's easy to learn, making it suitable for solo play or groups of up to four, with three being the ideal number.