Top Video Game-Inspired Board Games You Must Try

When it's time to step away from the screen and indulge in some classic tabletop fun, board games offer a perfect escape. Fortunately, many of the most beloved video games have been transformed into engaging board game experiences. We've rounded up some top picks that let you dive into these iconic worlds, whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick party game.

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

• Fallout
• Slay the Spire
• Bloodborne
• Resident Evil 2
• Pac-Man
• Tetris
• Dark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of Giants
• Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
• The Oregon Trail

Fallout: The Board Game

Price: $69.99 (save 36%) - $44.49 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours

With the buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, it's the ideal time to venture into the Wasteland from the comfort of your home. Begin by selecting from a variety of scenarios that dictate the map setup. Much like the open-world RPGs by Bethesda, players uncover the map, enhance their skills, battle irradiated foes, engage with diverse factions, and undertake quests, all while striving for control over the Wasteland. This game is perfect for those who enjoy immersive, long-term gaming sessions.

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

See it at Contention Games
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes

Arguably the video game on this list most suited for a board game adaptation, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital counterpart. Players choose from various heroes to embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey through the Spire. Similar to the video game, players navigate different rooms, each with unique effects: encounters with enemies, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure rooms, visits to the merchant, and showdowns with bosses. The nature of Roguelikes ensures endless replayability as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items.

For more insights, check out our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.

Bloodborne: The Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 60-90 minutes

In Bloodborne: The Board Game, players assume the role of Hunters combating the sinister forces within Yharnam. As a campaign game, it offers substantial replay value with its modular map tiles ensuring no two games are the same. With an array of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this dark adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they unravel the mystery of the plague and strive to stop it. The highly detailed miniatures enhance the immersive experience, making you feel truly part of the game.

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes

The success of Resident Evil 2's tabletop version has inspired further adaptations of the series. Staying true to its source, players cooperate as either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, battling through zombie hordes to escape in various scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys as you navigate the environment, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. The game even incorporates the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters, adding a nostalgic touch to your gaming sessions.

Pac-Man: The Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-5
Age Range: 10+
Play Time: 30 minutes

From Buffalo Games, the arcade classic Pac-Man makes its way to the tabletop. Enjoy it in either cooperative or competitive modes, with the player controlling Pac-Man navigating the maze to eat pellets and collect fruit, while ghost players aim to catch or avoid Pac-Man. The game board is assembled from four metal tiles, requiring initial setup but allowing for quick subsequent games. The electronic Pac-Man figure adds to the fun with its iconic "waka waka" sound.

Tetris Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes

Another Buffalo Games creation, Tetris is a competitive game where players rotate, maneuver, and drop tetriminos to score the highest. Just as in the video game, the next piece is visible, allowing strategic planning. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on the tower, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and playtime make it ideal for parties and younger players.

Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants

See it at Amazon
Players: 1-3
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes

Originally a part of the Dark Souls board game Kickstarter campaign, Tomb of Giants is a standalone adventure perfect for newcomers, drawing its name from the video game's infamous location. Players choose a class and gear before navigating the catacombs, facing skeleton archers, and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. True to the video game, it features challenging combat and RPG elements, including a level-up system. The set includes new characters and over a hundred new cards, compatible with other Dark Souls board game products.

Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game

Price: $59.99 (save 22%) - $46.88 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Mirroring its digital version, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative experience where players aim to defeat bosses using dice mechanics. The setup is straightforward, with a consistent boss deck structure. Choose from Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle and progress through rounds with five phases, setting up attacks and confronting bosses. Timed rounds add urgency to your dice choices. With high replay value, you can strive to beat your scores and upgrade abilities for future runs. For more details, see our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review.

The Oregon Trail Card Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Experience the thrill and peril of The Oregon Trail in this card game. Players collaborate to reach Oregon without succumbing to the trail's dangers. Quick to set up and play, the game's Calamity cards can lead to swift, humorous demises. While challenging and luck-based, victory is achieved by playing fifty trail cards. A notable downside is that if a player dies early, they sit out until the group's fate is decided. Despite this, it's a fun and faithful adaptation of the classic game, sure to bring laughter and excitement.