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

By HannahApr 16,2025

When it's time to unplug, turn off the TV, and reduce screen time, board games are the perfect antidote to satisfy your need for escapism and keep the fun going. Fortunately, there's a wide array of board game adaptations inspired by some of the most beloved video games, and we've handpicked our top choices for you. Whether you're in the mood for an extensive campaign or a quick, easy-to-set-up party game, these board games offer a delightful way to immerse yourself in these captivating universes without relying on 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 recent buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, there's no better time to dive into the Wasteland from the comfort of your own kitchen table. Begin your adventure by selecting from a variety of scenarios that dictate the map setup. Just like Bethesda's iconic open-world RPGs, players will explore the map, enhance their skills, battle irradiated foes, engage with diverse factions, and embark on quests, all in the race to dominate the Wasteland. This game is ideal for those seeking deep, long-term gaming sessions, thanks to its immersive and detailed gameplay.

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 lets players assume the role of one of several heroes and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey up the Spire. Echoing its digital counterpart, players navigate through a series of rooms with unique characteristics—encounters with regular enemies, battles against elites, event-driven scenarios, campfires for rest, treasure chests, merchant interactions, and ultimate boss showdowns. The Roguelike format ensures endless replayability as players experiment with various 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 Bloodborne: The Board Game, players step into the shoes of a Hunter, tasked with eradicating the malevolent forces lurking within Yharnam. This campaign-style game promises endless replay value with its modular map tiles, ensuring no two sessions are the same. With an array of cards, tokens, and game pieces, players will face tough decisions and skill tests as they unravel the mystery of the relentless plague and strive to halt its spread. The game's meticulously crafted miniatures add a layer of immersion, making you feel truly part of the eerie adventure.

Resident Evil 2

### Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 1-4Age Range: 12+Play Time: 90-120 minutesThe success of the Resident Evil 2 board game adaptation has set a high bar for Steamforged Games, inspiring them to recreate the experiences of the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Yet, Resident Evil 2 remains the standout, staying true to its roots. Players collaborate to control either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, navigating through zombie-infested scenarios to escape. Gather weapons, healing items, and keys as you explore, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. You can even use the iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to influence your gameplay sessions!

PAC-MAN

### Pac-Man: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-5Age Range: 10+Play Time: 30 minutesBuffalo Games brings the arcade classic to the tabletop with Pac-Man: The Board Game. Players can enjoy this in either cooperative or competitive modes. The player controlling Pac-Man aims to navigate the maze, gobble up pellets, and collect fruit, while those playing as the ghosts strive to either avoid or capture Pac-Man. The game board, composed of four metal tiles, requires some initial setup, but subsequent games are swift and straightforward. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits its iconic "waka waka" sound!

Tetris

### Tetris Board Game

1See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-4Age Range: 8+Play Time: 20-30 minutesAnother gem from Buffalo Games, the Tetris Board Game pits players against each other in a competitive match where they must maneuver, rotate, and drop tetriminos to score the highest. Just like the video game, the upcoming piece is clearly displayed via a card, allowing for strategic planning. Points are earned by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on the tower, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and short playtime make it an excellent choice for parties and 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 minutesInitially planned as an expansion for the original Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, the Tomb of Giants core set now stands as a standalone adventure perfect for newcomers. Named after the notorious location from the video games, players select a class and gear before navigating the treacherous catacombs, battling skeleton archers, and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, every choice counts. The game remains true to its source, delivering punishing combat and RPG elements through its leveling system. Tomb of Giants introduces new playable characters and over a hundred new cards, all compatible with existing Dark Souls board game products.

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 counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative game where players use dice mechanics to take down bosses. The game's setup is straightforward, as the boss deck structure remains constant. Players choose from four characters—Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle—and navigate through multiple rounds, each comprising five phases, to set up attacks and confront the boss. Timed rounds demand strategic dice rolls! Cuphead offers high replay value, allowing players to improve their scores and upgrade abilities for future runs. See our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review for more info.

The Oregon Trail

### The Oregon Trail Card Game

0See it at AmazonPlayers: 2-6Age Range: 12+Play Time: 30-45 minutesDying of dysentery has never been more entertaining than in The Oregon Trail Card Game. This quick-to-setup and play game challenges players to collaborate and reach Oregon without succumbing to fate. The game's brisk pace means you'll face swift and harsh ends from various Calamity cards. It's a challenging, luck-based experience where victory comes from playing fifty trail cards to the end of the Trail. However, if a player dies on the first turn (a common occurrence), they're sidelined for the session until the group either triumphs or perishes. Despite this, it's a fun and faithful recreation of the source material, guaranteed to elicit some laughs.

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