Top Video Game-Inspired Board Games You Must Play

When it's time to unplug, shut off the TV, and reduce screen time, board games are the perfect solution for those still craving an escape and the thrill of gameplay. Fortunately, there are numerous board game adaptations of popular video games, and we've gathered some of the best ones here. Whether you're looking for an extended campaign or a quick party game, these board games will let you continue your adventures in these beloved worlds without relying on technology.

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% - Now $44.49 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours

With the buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, there's no better time to delve into the Wasteland from the comfort of your kitchen table. Start by selecting from various scenarios that dictate the map setup. Just like the beloved Bethesda RPGs, players will explore the map, enhance multiple skills, battle mutated foes, engage with different factions, and undertake quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game is perfect for immersive, long-term gaming sessions.

Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

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

Arguably the most fitting video game on this list to transition to a board game, Slay the Spire captures the essence of its digital counterpart. Players take on the role of a hero and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey through the Spire. Similar to the video game, you'll navigate through various rooms, each with unique attributes, including encounters with regular and elite enemies, events, campfires, treasures, merchants, and bosses. With the inherent replayability of Roguelikes, Slay the Spire offers endless hours of fun as you experiment with different characters, builds, and items.

You can read our detailed review of Slay the Spire: The Board Game for more insights.

Bloodborne

Bloodborne: The Board Game

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

In the Bloodborne board game, players assume the role of Hunters fighting to eradicate the evil lurking within Yharnam. As a campaign game, it offers endless replay value with its modular map tiles ensuring no two sessions are the same. With a vast array of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this dark adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they unravel the secrets of the relentless plague and strive to stop it. The game's detailed miniatures enhance immersion, making you feel truly part of the action.

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

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

The success of the Resident Evil 2 tabletop adaptation led Steamforged Games to explore similar experiences with the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. However, Resident Evil 2 remains the standout entry. Staying true to its source material, the game has players work cooperatively, controlling either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, as they navigate through hordes of zombies to escape in various scenarios. Gather weapons, healing items, and keys as you explore, evade the undead, and solve puzzles. You can even use iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to influence your sessions!

PAC-MAN

Pac-Man: The Board Game

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

From Buffalo Games, this tabletop version of the arcade classic allows for both cooperative and competitive play. As Pac-Man, navigate the maze, eat pellets, and collect fruit, while the players controlling the ghosts aim to catch you. Played on four metal tiles that form the game board, initial setup requires assembly, but subsequent games are quick to start. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits his iconic "waka waka" sound!

Tetris

Tetris Board Game

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

Also from Buffalo Games, Tetris is a competitive game where players maneuver, rotate, and drop tetriminos to score the highest. Just like the video game, the next piece is displayed on a card, allowing for strategic planning. Earn points by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on your tower, and achieving specific goals. Its quick setup and short playtime make it ideal for parties and younger players.

Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants

Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants

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

Originally part of the Kickstarter campaign for the original Dark Souls board game, the Tomb of Giants core set is a standalone adventure perfect for newcomers. Named after a notorious location from the video games, players choose a class and gear before navigating the catacombs, facing skeleton archers, and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. The game stays true to its source with its challenging combat and RPG elements, including a level-up system. Tomb of Giants introduces new 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

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

Mirroring its digital counterpart, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative challenge where players use dice to defeat bosses. Setup is straightforward, with the boss deck's structure remaining constant. Choose from Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle, and play through multiple rounds consisting of five phases, where you'll strategize attacks and confront the boss. With timed rounds, careful dice selection is key. The game boasts high replayability as you strive to beat your score and upgrade abilities for future runs. Check out our review of Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game for more information.

The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail Card Game

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

Dying of dysentery has never been more entertaining. In this quick-to-setup and play card game, players cooperate to reach Oregon without succumbing to various calamities. The game is challenging and luck-based, with victory achieved by playing fifty trail cards. A major downside is that if a player dies on the first turn—a frequent occurrence—they must sit out the session until the group either reaches Oregon or everyone dies. Despite this, it's a fun and faithful recreation of the source material that's sure to elicit laughs.