Board games have always provided a fun and engaging way to spend time with friends and family. With the rise of mobile technology, board game enthusiasts can now enjoy their favorite games on-the-go through various applications available on Android and iOS platforms. These apps offer a wide range of board games that can be played alone or with multiple players, with some even allowing users to play with people from all over the world. In this article, we will explore some of the best board game apps for Android and iOS, highlighting their features and gameplay mechanics.
We have compiled a list of 8 Best Board Game Apps For Android & iOS for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
8 Best Board Game Apps For Android & iOS
1. Talisman
Talisman: Digital Edition is a mobile board game app that is based on the magical quest game from Games Workshop. It features 14 unique characters that players can choose from, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities. The game’s objective is to race against opponents through a perilous realm, while avoiding obstacles such as dragons, serpents, and the deadly curse of the Hag, to find the Crown of Command, and win the game.
The app has been well received by both board game enthusiasts and mobile gamers alike, with a 4/5 rating on BoardGameGeek, and being included in Pocketgamer.co.uk’s Top 10 Board Games on Android. The game is officially licensed by Games Workshop, and features Revised 4th Edition rules with official artwork.
Talisman: Digital Edition is fully expandable, with additional content available for purchase via in-app purchases. Expansions such as The Reaper, The Frostmarch, The Dungeon, The Highland, The Sacred Pool, The City, and The Nether Realm are currently available, with more coming soon. The app also includes local multiplayer options and real-time online multiplayer mode for 2-6 players, allowing players to compete against their friends or anyone in the world.
The app features an interactive tutorial and online rulebook, as well as optional House Rules, AI speed settings, turn log, and XP leveling system that unlocks special Runestone cards exclusive to the digital edition. The app is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Polish, and requires a Google+ account for online play, leaderboards, and achievements. It is recommended to play the game on screens at least 4″ in size.
One of the frequently asked questions is whether it is possible to play with friends by passing the device around, and the answer is yes. Players can race against each other to the Crown.
2. Card Crawl
Card Crawl is a dungeon crawler video game that has a solitaire-style gameplay using a modified deck of standard cards. The objective of the game is to eliminate 54 cards from the dungeon by using item-cards, defeating monsters, and managing the inventory. Players can use five ability-cards per run which are mini decks that provide unique skills. They can also unlock 35 more ability-cards using gold to access new tactics and achieve higher scores.
The game offers four single-player modes: normal, constructed, daily, and delve. These modes are enhanced by Google Play which allows players to compare their scores and the associated decks. A typical game lasts two or three minutes, making it a perfect “one more game” experience while waiting in line or commuting.
Moreover, Card Crawl comes with several features such as the dungeon deck editor that allows players to build and share custom dungeon decks. There are also 35 unlockable ability-cards and mini deck building available. Google Play integration is also included, providing high score comparisons, challenges with friends, and access to new achievements. Each game lasts two to three minutes of playtime, providing a quick and easy gaming experience.
To learn more about Tinytouchtales and Card Crawl, visit their official website at www.cardcrawl.com.
3. Galaxy Trucker
Galaxy Trucker is a board game adaptation that has won awards and is available for digital play. Players build their own space ships, dodge meteors, and fight off enemies in order to earn the most cosmic credits. The game has received high ratings from critics such as Pocket Tactics and BoardGameGeek.
Features of the game include official adaptation, family-friendly gameplay for all ages, the ability to build your own ship from different tiles, local multiplayer on a single device, online competition with the ability to play multiple games at once, and real-time or turn-based modes. Additionally, there is a campaign mode, special ship parts, and exclusive content for the digital version.
The game offers a unique and challenging experience where players must use sewer pipes to build their ships and face obstacles such as meteors, pirates, and smugglers. Good pay, a diverse crew, and a dynamic work environment are also promised, with bonuses for prompt delivery.
Vlaada Chvátil, the creator of successful board games such as Mage Knight, Through the Ages, Dungeon Lords, Space Alert, and Galaxy Trucker, returns to his computer-gaming roots with this adaptation. Interested players can visit czechgames.com or galaxytrucker.com for more information, or follow the game on Facebook and Twitter.
4. RISK: Global Domination
RISK Global Domination is a digital version of the classic Hasbro board game that offers strategic warfare against various opponents, such as the Axis Powers in WWI or undead zombies. Players can also battle on fantasy, futuristic, and sci-fi maps. The game can be downloaded for free.
Players have the option to build their armies and use diplomacy to gain allies in their quest for victory. Commanding troops on the battlefield, engaging in combat, and protecting allies while conquering enemies are all key elements of the game. Strategic thinking is required to lead an army to victory.
RISK Global Domination offers real-time battles and the option to play with classic or custom rules. Solo and multiplayer games are available, with over 60 maps to choose from. The game also allows players to compete against millions of other players, with the potential to climb the ranks to Grandmaster status.
It is important to note that RISK is a trademark of Hasbro, and all rights are reserved to the company.
5. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a classic board game that has been re(discovered) and can now be played with friends and family. The objective is to be the quickest in linking up cities and reaching destinations. It is a strategy game suitable for all ages, with different tactics to try, including blocking competitors’ lines and taking over routes. The game offers the opportunity to travel the world, passing through Europe, India, and legendary China while facing new challenges.
There are several game-play options available, including single-player, online multi-player against the whole world, or local multi-player with friends. The official adaptation of Ticket to Ride, created by Alan R. Moon, has sold over 8 million copies. The game is easy to play, and no two games are the same, providing a unique experience with each replay. There is also a series of add-ons available with special maps and rules to discover.
In addition to the base game, expansion packs are available, offering additional cards with their own special rules. Players can challenge others all over the world in cross-platform mode. The game also features a tutorial to teach players the rules and allow them to head off quickly on their adventure. In summary, Ticket to Ride is a strategy game with a wide range of options for game-play, suitable for all ages, and provides a unique experience with each play-through.
6. Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is a strategy game based on the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, spanning from the 1950s to the 1990s. Players take on the role of one of the two global superpowers, using political influence and coup attempts to gain allies and regional control of the world. Triggering nuclear war results in game over. The game is designed by Ananda Gupta and Jason Matthews.
The game’s event cards are based on actual historical events, allowing players to experience the real struggles between the United States and the Soviet Union. The game includes events such as De-Stalinization, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War.
The game offers immersive strategy gameplay, allowing players to hone their skills against an AI opponent before taking their game online with asynchronous or real-time play. Other features include pass-and-play multiplayer, an in-game tutorial, and a rating system.
Twilight Struggle has received numerous awards, including the 2006 Golden Geek Best Wargame Winner and the 2011 Lucca Games Best Boardgame for Experts. An internet connection and Playdek account are required for online play. Age restrictions apply for the use of the Playdek online games service. Contact support@playdekgames.com for game support.
7. Carcassonne: Official Board Game
Asmodee Digital has released a new version of the tile-based board game, Carcassonne, which now features 3D graphics and improved AI. Players draw and place tiles to build a medieval city, while placing followers, known as meeples, to control territory and gain points. Strategic thinking is key to success in this game.
Carcassonne has received high praise from game experts such as Tyler Nichols of Board Game Quest, who describes it as a great fit for any game group. The Board Game Family also speaks highly of the game’s mechanics, pieces, and fun factor, while Pocket Gamer has lauded the recent Android re-release and its new exclusive features.
The game includes six expansions, such as The River and The Abbot, which offer players new ways to play and gain points. The Inns & Cathedrals expansion doubles or even triples points, while the Traders & Builders expansion focuses on trading commodities and building faster. The Winter Edition adds a snowy cityscape and a Gingerbread Man bonus, but players must be wary of the Dragon in the Princess and the Dragon expansion.
Carcassonne’s accessibility and tactical gameplay have been adapted from the award-winning board game. The game can be played with up to six players, either against the computer in solo mode, with friends in Pass and Play, or with players from around the world in online mode. Players can choose from four different AI behaviors, with the Conqueror AI posing the strongest challenge. The game also features an aerial top view and additional strategic layers, such as the field view and remaining tile list.
Carcassonne is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Asmodee Digital can be followed on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
8. Agricola
Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small is a two-player board game that has been adapted into a digital game. In this game, players are responsible for growing their farm from scratch by sending workers to the village market to barter for goods and livestock. The game involves breeding various animals and constructing special buildings, and players eventually compete against each other to determine who has the best farm. Each player only has three workers in each of the eight rounds, making decisions crucial. Players can play against AI opponents or engage in cross-platform multiplayer matches with players worldwide.
The game features a faithful conversion by the same studio that created Le Havre: The Inland Port and Patchwork, and players are encouraged to focus on breeding the largest and most varied livestock. The Playback feature allows players to review their best games and learn new strategies, while AI opponents provide a challenging experience.
Asmodee Digital, the company behind Agricola: All Creatures Big & Small, can be found at http://www.asmodee-digital.com. Players experiencing issues or in need of support can contact the company at https://asmodee.helpshift.com/a/asmodee-net/. The company can also be followed on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and You Tube, with links provided for each platform.