By Blaze Aldrich | August 7th, 2024
Top 10 Best Board Games To Play in 30 Minutes
Quick! You only have 30 minutes or less to play a board game what game are you playing? I would argue 30 minutes is not enough time. BUT hey if you got to get your board game fix in these 10 games got you covered. In addition these board games are great filler games, meaning games that can be played before you play a longer game or in between games. Most of these board games are less than $50 and last shorter than 30 minutes. I have listed these games from least to most expensive.
10. Sea, Salt, & Paper | $14.95
In Sea, Salt, & Paper players are organizing their hands, possibly play cards to activate their effects, and then decide whether to conclude the round. Do you believe you have the highest score? You must choose whether to end the round immediately or allow your opponents another turn in hopes they can't surpass you. Is it worth the risk? The game concludes when you reach 30 points (for 4 players), 35 points (for 3 players), or 40 points (for 2 players). Experience the thrill of ending the round to catch your opponents off guard, enjoy playing your effect cards and creating combos, all in this set collection card game reminiscent of Rummy. This moves quick which makes this an excellent game to play with spare time.
9. Lost Cities | $19.95
In Lost Cities players aim to score points by conducting profitable archaeological expeditions based on colored suits. On their turn, players play a card to an expedition or discard it, then draw a new card. Cards in expeditions must be played in ascending order, while handshakes, which are lower than 2, act as investment multipliers. The game ends when the deck is depleted, and players score expeditions based on card ranks and handshakes. Expeditions start at -20 points, requiring at least 20 points of cards to be profitable. A 20-point bonus is given for expeditions with at least eight cards. The game consists of three matches, with total scores combined for the final result.
8. Skull | $19.99
Skull is the ultimate bluffing game where strategy hinges on psychological manipulation. Each player places a face-down card, then takes turns adding more cards to the stack. When someone believes they can reveal a set number of cards showing only roses, they declare their bid. Other players can challenge by claiming they can reveal even more cards. The highest bidder must reveal the claimed number of cards, starting with their own. If all revealed cards are roses, they win; if a skull is revealed, they lose and must remove one of their cards from play. The game is won by successfully challenging twice. Skull & Roses is a game of bluffing and reading opponents rather than luck.
7. That's Pretty Clever | $24.99
In That's Pretty Clever careful dice selection is key to maximizing your score. You place chosen dice into matching colored areas on your score sheet, creating intricate chain-scoring opportunities that can significantly boost your points. However, the dice you don't use are equally important. Any die with a lower value than the one you chose can be utilized by your opponents, ensuring they remain actively engaged in the game. This dynamic keeps the competition intense and strategic, as you must not only focus on optimizing your own scoring but also consider the potential benefits you might be handing to other players with your unused dice.
6. Knarr | $25.99
In Knarr, you lead a group of Vikings to explore new territories, making strategic decisions to enhance your reputation and wealth. You manage the recruitment of your crew and select the most advantageous destinations to visit. Each turn, you can either recruit a new Viking, activate the abilities of those with the same icon, and then acquire another Viking from the central board's matching color, or explore new destinations, which may offer opportunities for trade and increased reputation. Your success in trading and influencing these destinations, combined with the abilities of your Viking crew, determines how you build your reputation and accumulate wealth.
5. Camel Up | $31.99
In Camel Up, up to eight players bet on five racing camels, attempting to predict which will finish first and second in a fast-paced race around a pyramid. Placing early bets can lead to bigger wins, provided your predictions are accurate. The camels' movements are unpredictable, sometimes landing on top of each other and being carried closer to the finish line. The sequence of movements is determined by dice, released one at a time from the pyramid dice shaker when players pause their betting to see who advances. The 2018 edition of Camel Up introduces new artwork, a redesigned game board, an updated pyramid, engraved dice, and new game modes, including rogue camels that run in the opposite direction, adding to the unpredictability of each race.
4. Star Wars Unlimited | $31.99 - $119.99
Star Wars Unlimited is a two player trading card game (TCG) that typically takes 30 minutes or less. Players create their decks before they play and then battle each other. Some mechanics include attacking with ground units and space units to putting bounties on other players units which gives bonuses. The main goal is ultimately achieving the destruction of the other players base. There are also many other mechanics that make the card game streamlined with unique game play. The game is so popular that most booster packs are sold out.
3. King of Tokyo | $34.99
In King of Tokyo, players take on the roles of mutant monsters, gigantic robots, and bizarre aliens, all battling to become the ultimate King of Tokyo by wreaking havoc and defeating rivals. At the start of each turn, players roll six dice showing symbols for Victory Points, Energy, Heal, and Attack. Through three successive rolls, players decide which dice to keep or discard to earn victory points, gain energy, restore health, or attack others to claim Tokyo as their own. The most ferocious player takes control of Tokyo, earning extra victory points but unable to heal while facing attacks from all other monsters. Special cards bought with energy provide permanent or temporary advantages, such as extra dice from a second head, body armor, or a nova death ray. To win, players must either accumulate 20 victory points or be the last monster standing.
2. Potion Explosion | $49.99
Potion Explosion is a game for 2 to 4 players, created by Lorenzo Silva, Andrea Crespi, and Stefano Castelli, and published by Horrible Games. In this game, students face their final exams in the Potions class. The rules are simple: take an ingredient marble from the dispenser and watch the others fall. If marbles of the same color connect, they explode, allowing you to collect them as well. Use the marbles you gather to complete potions and drink them to activate their magical powers. To win the Student of the Year award, you'll need to brew the most valuable potions, not just act quickly.
1. Memoir 44' | $64.99
Memoir '44 is a historical board game where players reenact famous World War II battles like Omaha Beach and Pegasus Bridge. The game features over 15 scenarios on a double-sided hex game board for beach landings and countryside combat, accurately reflecting historical terrain and troop placements. Players use Command and Tactic cards to deploy infantry, paratroopers, tanks, artillery, and resistance fighters strategically. Designed by Richard Borg, the game requires simple yet strategic card play, timely dice rolling, and a flexible battle plan. It includes 144 detailed miniatures, 36 obstacle pieces, 60 Command cards, 44 Special Terrain tiles, and 8 custom wooden dice. While ideal for 2 players, Memoir '44 can support team play and large-scale operations for up to 8 players with the Overlord scenarios. Games last 30 to 60 minutes, encouraging players to command both sides in match play.
Bonus. Lord of The Rings: The Confrontation Reprint
I always enjoy adding little bonuses in each blog. Lord of The Rings: The Confrontation is a very popular 2 player out of print game. Currently, deluxe copies of this game can go for over $200. However, this reprint is planned to be on Kickstarter (Gamefound) this year and most likely being delivered in 2025. This game has mechanics like stratego but each character has special abilities. Super quick game that may take 20 minutes when a player successfully making it on the other side of the board without killing off all their players.
Final Thoughts
If you had 5 hours, you would be able to play all 10 games, wouldn't that be great! But if I had only 30 minutes, I would easily chose to play Skull. Skull doesnt have much components and the game play is super simple which it allows you to play with non-gamers too. Also I love bluffing and tricking people during games while everyone is laughing having a good time. Are there any games that should be on this list? There are hundreds of amazing filler games out there. Happy Gaming!
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