Popular Strategy Board Games 2019

Looking for some fun and challenging games to add to your collection? Look no further than the world of popular strategy board games 2019. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or just looking to spice up your game nights, these top picks are sure to provide hours of entertainment and strategic gameplay.

The year 2019 saw a surge in the popularity of strategy board games, with a wide array of new titles hitting the market and capturing the attention of gamers everywhere. From intense battle simulations to civilization building, there’s something for everyone in this exciting genre.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 5 must-have popular strategy board games of 2019, dive into the mechanics that make these games so engaging, explore different themes and settings, and even discuss the rise of competitive tournaments within the gaming community. So grab your fellow gamers, set up your game table, and get ready to strategize your way to victory.

Top 5 Must-Have Popular Strategy Board Games 2019

Settlers of Catan

Settlers of Catan is a perennial favorite in the world of popular strategy board games 2019. Its combination of resource management, negotiation, and strategic planning has made it a household name among board game enthusiasts. Players must gather resources, trade with other players, and build settlements and cities to earn victory points. With its easy-to-learn gameplay and endless replay value, Settlers of Catan remains a top choice for game nights.

Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is another popular strategy board game that has captured the hearts of players in 2019. The game’s simple yet engaging mechanics involve collecting train cards to claim railway routes across the map. With its beautiful artwork and accessible gameplay, Ticket to Ride is perfect for both casual and serious gamers. Its various expansions and editions also offer different maps and rule variations, adding even more depth to the gameplay.

Pandemic

Pandemic took the gaming world by storm in 2019, as players were drawn to its cooperative gameplay and timely theme. In this game, players work together as members of a disease control team to stop outbreaks and find cures before it’s too late. With its challenging scenarios and multiple difficulty levels, Pandemic offers a unique gaming experience that encourages teamwork and strategic planning.

Terraforming Mars

Terraforming Mars gained popularity in 2019 due to its immersive theme and deep strategic gameplay. Players take on the roles of corporations working together to terraform the Red Planet by raising temperature, creating oceans, and cultivating green areas. The game offers a multitude of strategic options through its card-driven mechanics, allowing for different paths to victory with each playthrough.

Wingspan

Wingspan made waves in 2019 with its innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning production quality. In this avian-themed strategy game, players attract birds to their network of wildlife preserves by collecting food, laying eggs, and running bird-related activities. With its striking artwork and unique engine-building mechanics, Wingspan has become a standout title among popular strategy board games 2019.

These top 5 must-have popular strategy board games from 2019 offer a diverse range of themes, mechanics, and player interactions that cater to a wide variety of gaming preferences across tabletops everywhere.

A Look Into the Mechanics of Popular Strategy Board Games 2019

When it comes to popular strategy board games 2019, there are a variety of mechanics that make these games so engaging and enjoyable for players. From resource management to area control, the mechanics used in these games provide a unique and immersive experience for all who play them.

Here are some of the most common mechanics found in popular strategy board games 2019:

1. Worker Placement: This mechanic involves players strategically placing their pieces on different locations on the game board to take specific actions. Games like “Lords of Waterdeep” and “Agricola” utilize this mechanic to create a sense of resource management and competition among players.

2. Deck Building: In deck-building games such as “Dominion” and “Terraforming Mars,” players start with a basic deck of cards and gradually build it up throughout the game by acquiring new cards with unique abilities. This mechanic adds an element of customization and long-term strategy to gameplay.

3. Area Control: Popular strategy board games 2019 often incorporate the area control mechanic, where players compete for control over specific regions or territories on the game board. Games like “Risk” and “Blood Rage” use this mechanic to create intense player interaction and strategic decision-making.

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These mechanics, along with others such as hidden information, simultaneous action selection, and engine building, contribute to the diverse and engaging gameplay experience offered by popular strategy board games 2019. Whether you enjoy complex resource management or fierce competition for control over territory, there is a game out there that will suit your preferred style of play.

How to Choose the Best Popular Strategy Board Games 2019 for Your Game Night

When it comes to choosing the best popular strategy board games for your game night in 2019, there are several factors to consider. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the world of strategy board games, finding the right game for your group is essential for a successful game night. Here are some tips on how to choose the best popular strategy board games 2019 for your next gathering:

  • Player Count: Consider the number of players who will be participating in your game night. Some popular strategy board games 2019 are designed for smaller groups, while others can accommodate larger gatherings. Be sure to choose a game that suits the size of your group.
  • Game Complexity: Take into account the experience level of the players in your group. Some popular strategy board games 2019 are known for their complex rules and mechanics, while others are more beginner-friendly. It’s important to choose a game that will be enjoyable for everyone involved.
  • Game Length: Determine how much time you have available for your game night. Popular strategy board games 2019 come in various lengths, from quick and simple games that can be played in under an hour to longer, more involved gaming experiences.

By considering these factors when choosing popular strategy board games 2019 for your game night, you can ensure that everyone has an enjoyable and engaging experience.

In addition to the above factors, it’s also important to consider the themes and settings of popular strategy board games 2019. Whether you’re interested in medieval warfare, space exploration, or political intrigue, there’s a wide variety of themes and settings to choose from. By selecting a game with a theme that appeals to your group, you can enhance the overall gaming experience and make it more immersive and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Lastly, don’t forget about expansions and add-ons when choosing popular strategy board games 2019 for your game night. Many modern board games offer additional content that can enhance gameplay and provide new challenges and experiences. Be sure to research whether any popular strategy board games 2019 have expansions or add-ons available, as this could add significant replay value to your gaming sessions.

The Rise of Popular Strategy Board Games 2019 in the Gaming Community

Community Events and Meetups

The rise of popular strategy board games in 2019 has also led to an increase in community events and meetups dedicated to these games. With the growing popularity of games like “Gloomhaven,” “Wingspan,” and “Terraforming Mars,” gaming enthusiasts are coming together to share their love for strategy board games. Many local game stores and cafes now host regular game nights and tournaments, providing players with a chance to meet like-minded individuals and engage in friendly competition.

Online Communities and Forums

In addition to in-person events, the gaming community has also seen a surge in online communities and forums focused on popular strategy board games 2019. Platforms such as BoardGameGeek, Reddit’s r/boardgames, and various Facebook groups have become hubs for players to discuss game strategies, share custom scenarios, and even organize virtual game nights through platforms like Tabletop Simulator or Tabletopia.

These online communities have further contributed to the growth of the strategy board game community by fostering a sense of camaraderie among players regardless of geographical location.

Influence on Mainstream Entertainment

The influence of popular strategy board games 2019 has extended beyond dedicated gaming circles and into mainstream entertainment. Television shows such as “Stranger Things” prominently feature characters indulging in classic board games like Dungeons & Dragons, while movies like “Game Night” playfully incorporate elements of strategic gameplay into their storylines. This integration of board gaming culture into mainstream media has helped raise awareness about popular strategy board games 2019 outside the traditional gaming demographic, bringing new players into the fold.

Popular Strategy Board Games 2019

When it comes to popular strategy board games in 2019, there is a wide range of game themes and settings to choose from. From fantasy worlds to historical settings, these games offer players the opportunity to immerse themselves in different universes while testing their strategic skills.

One of the most popular themes in 2019 is the fantasy genre, with games like “Gloomhaven” and “Root” captivating players with their rich storytelling and intricate gameplay mechanics. These games often involve exploration, combat, and character development, allowing players to truly feel like they are part of an epic adventure.

On the other hand, historical settings have also seen a rise in popularity within popular strategy board games in 2019. Games like “Wingspan” and “Watergate” take players back in time, offering a unique blend of educational value and engaging gameplay. Whether it’s managing a wildlife preserve or unraveling a political scandal, these games provide a refreshing change of pace for those looking for a more grounded experience.

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Finally, science fiction settings have also left their mark on the popular strategy board games of 2019. Titles like “Terraforming Mars” and “Gaia Project” transport players to distant planets and future societies, challenging them to build thriving civilizations and exploit available resources. The futuristic themes and technologies featured in these games provide an exciting backdrop for strategic decision-making.

Overall, the variety of game themes and settings available in popular strategy board games 2019 ensures that there is something for every type of player. Whether you prefer high fantasy, historical accuracy, or futuristic worlds, there are plenty of options to explore within the world of strategic board gaming.

Game TitleTheme/Setting
GloomhavenFantasy world with deep lore
WingspanNatural habitats and bird watching
Terraforming MarsFuturistic terraforming challenges on Mars

The Competitive Scene

One of the most notable tournaments for popular strategy board games in 2019 is the annual “StrategicCon,” which features a wide range of games such as Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Pandemic. This event draws in hundreds of participants from around the country, all vying for the top spot in their favorite game. Similarly, other major gaming conventions like Gen Con and Essen Spiel have dedicated sections for competitive play, featuring a variety of popular strategy board games.

In addition to these larger events, many local game stores and community centers host regular tournaments for popular strategy board games throughout the year. These smaller-scale competitions provide amateur players with an opportunity to test their skills against others in a more intimate setting. The increase in organized play for popular strategy board games reflects the growing demand for competitive opportunities within the gaming community.

Popular Strategy Board Game TournamentsLocation
StrategicConNationwide
Gen ConIndianapolis, IN
Essen SpielEssen, Germany

The Future of Popular Strategy Board Games

As we look into the future of popular strategy board games, it is clear that the gaming community’s passion for these games will continue to grow in 2020 and beyond. With the increasing popularity of tabletop gaming, there is no doubt that new and innovative titles will be released, further expanding the options available to players.

Game designers are constantly pushing the boundaries and coming up with fresh and exciting concepts, ensuring that there will always be something new to discover in the world of popular strategy board games 2019.

One of the trends that we can expect to see in the coming years is a greater emphasis on digital integration in popular strategy board games 2019. With advancements in technology, many game publishers are exploring ways to incorporate digital components into their board games, offering a new level of interactivity and immersion for players. This fusion of traditional tabletop gaming with digital innovation opens up endless possibilities for creating unique and engaging gameplay experiences.

Furthermore, we can anticipate an even larger and more diverse range of themes and settings across popular strategy board games 2019 in the future. From historical battles to futuristic outer space conflicts, there will be something to capture the imagination of every type of player.

As game designers continue to explore different genres and storytelling techniques, players can look forward to experiencing a wide variety of immersive worlds through their favorite strategy board games. The future looks bright for popular strategy board games 2019 as they continue to evolve and captivate players with their strategic depth and engaging gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Was the Most Popular Board Game in 2019?

The most popular board game in 2019 was “Catan,” also known as “The Settlers of Catan.” This game has been a favorite for years and continues to attract new players with its strategic resource management and trading mechanics.

What Are the Most Popular Strategy Board Games?

Some of the most popular strategy board games include classics like “Chess” and “Go,” as well as modern favorites like “Ticket to Ride” and “Pandemic.” These games require careful planning, decision-making, and tactical thinking to outsmart opponents and achieve victory.

Which Game Is Famous in 2019?

In 2019, “Wingspan” gained fame for its unique theme centered around birdwatching and its beautiful artwork. This engine-building game captured the attention of gamers with its elegant gameplay and strategic depth, making it a standout hit for the year.