Game nights are one of the best ways to bond with friends or family. With so many exciting options, choosing the right game for teens can be tricky. Below, we’ve listed the top 15 board games for teens that are fun, strategic, and perfect for different moods.
1
CATAN
The ultimate family game where players trade resources and build settlements. Strategy, negotiation, and expansions make it a timeless favorite.
Pros
- Highly strategic
- Encourages trading
Cons
- Can run long
- Limited for two players
2
Codenames
A word association game where spymasters give one-word clues to help teammates guess secret agents. It’s simple but endlessly replayable.
Pros
- Quick setup
- Great for parties
Cons
- Works best in teams
- Can be tricky for younger players
3
Ticket to Ride
A strategy game where players build train routes across the map to score points. Competitive and engaging, it often sparks friendly rivalries.
Pros
- Award-winning design
- Teaches planning skills
Cons
- Can get competitive
- Requires focus
4
Herd Mentality
A party game where players try to match answers with the group instead of thinking individually. Simple rules and large group play make it chaotic and fun.
Pros
- Great for large groups
- Easy to explain
Cons
- Less fun with few players
- Lacks deep strategy
5
Azul
A tile-placement game inspired by Portuguese art. It’s visually appealing yet requires smart moves, making it ideal for two players or small groups.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Works well for two players
Cons
- Strategy-heavy for some
- Less engaging for large groups
6
Everdell
A civilization-building game with beautiful artwork and rewarding strategy. Players build towns with workers and cards, creating endless possibilities.
Pros
- Stunning artwork
- Strategic depth
Cons
- Takes time to set up
- Longer playtime
7
Machi Koro 2
A dice-rolling city-building game where players expand their towns and compete against each other. Simple yet strategic, it’s a step up from classic dice games.
Pros
- Strategic city building
- Engaging mechanics
Cons
- Relies on dice luck
- Slight learning curve
8
Doomlings
A card game that lets players build traits for survival until the world ends. Fun artwork and replay value make it a hit among teens and families.
Pros
- Multiple editions available
- Highly replayable
Cons
- Rules may confuse beginners
- Limited player interaction
9
Sushi Go!
A quick, travel-friendly card game where players pick and pass sushi cards to score points. Games last about 15 minutes, making it great for short sessions.
Pros
- Fast-paced
- Portable and simple
Cons
- May feel repetitive
- Less strategic depth
10
Exploding Kittens Original Edition
A hilarious card game where players dodge, defuse, or explode. Simple rules and funny artwork make it a party favorite.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Expansion packs available
Cons
- Limited strategy
- Not for very young kids
11
Monopoly: Naruto Edition
Anime lovers will enjoy this Naruto-themed version of Monopoly. It includes custom tokens and references to the series while keeping the same buying and trading mechanics.
Pros
- Great for anime fans
- Familiar rules
Cons
- Lengthy gameplay
- Can cause competitiveness
12
CLUE: Squishmallows
This game reimagines the traditional CLUE with a Squishmallows twist. Players must uncover who ruined the party by stealing Winston’s mac-n-cheese.
Pros
- Fun twist on classic
- Family-friendly mystery
Cons
- Theme might feel niche
- Similar mechanics to original CLUE
13
Scrabble Vintage Bookshelf Edition
A word-building favorite with a stylish vintage design. Perfect for those who enjoy playing with vocabulary while keeping it competitive.
Pros
- Boosts vocabulary
- Classic gameplay
Cons
- Can be slower-paced
- Requires strong spelling skills
14
Trivial Pursuit: Wizarding World Harry Potter Edition
This trivia game is packed with 600 questions from the Harry Potter universe. Fans can challenge each other across different categories, testing their movie knowledge.
Pros
- Perfect for Potter fans
- Many categories
Cons
- Limited to Harry Potter theme
- May not appeal to non-fans
15
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
A thrilling deduction game where players take secret roles and try to identify the werewolf before it’s too late. Bluffing, guessing, and fast rounds make it perfect for groups.
Pros
- Quick to play
- Engaging bluffing
Cons
- Requires multiple players
- Not ideal for small groups
