Are you looking for the best strategy board games for adults 2018? Look no further. The year 2018 saw a significant rise in the popularity of strategy board games among adults, with many seeking engaging experiences that provide mental stimulation and foster social interaction.
Strategy board games offer players the opportunity to challenge their minds while also enjoying the company of friends, making them an ideal choice for game nights and gatherings. In this article, we will explore some of the top-rated strategy board games for adults in 2018, delving into their gameplay mechanics, strategic depth, and overall appeal.
As adults seek more intellectually stimulating forms of entertainment, strategy board games have emerged as a popular choice. These games not only offer a mental workout but also provide a platform for social interaction and friendly competition. Whether it’s devising complex strategies or forming alliances with other players, strategy board games offer a unique blend of cognitive challenges and social engagement. In addition to being entertaining, these games also promote critical thinking, decision-making skills, and strategic planning.
One of the key benefits of playing strategy board games as an adult is the opportunity to engage in deep analytical thinking while having fun. The complexity and depth of these games require players to think critically about their moves and anticipate their opponents’ actions, fostering a sense of intellectual satisfaction.
As we delve into some of the best strategy board games for adults in 2018, we will explore how these games provide a rewarding experience that goes beyond traditional forms of entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of strategy board games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this diverse and engaging genre.
Settlers of Catan
The mechanics of the game revolve around collecting and trading resources such as wood, brick, sheep, wheat, and ore to expand settlements, build roads, and upgrade cities. This resource management aspect adds a layer of complexity and strategic planning to the game, as players must carefully consider their trades with opponents and the placement of their settlements to maximize their chances of winning.
Additionally, the element of randomness introduced by dice rolls for resource production keeps the game exciting and prevents it from becoming purely deterministic.
One of the key strategies in Settlers of Catan involves understanding the value of different resources based on their scarcity in a given game. For example, if wheat is scarce but essential for building cities or buying development cards, players should focus on acquiring as much wheat as possible through trade or careful placement near productive hexes.
Road building is crucial not only for expansion but also for strategic blockading of opponents’ routes or gaining access to valuable resource-producing areas. Overall, Settlers of Catan provides an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience that relies on both luck and skillful decision-making.
| Settlers of Catan Strategy Tips | Information |
|---|---|
| Resource Management | Strategic decisions around collecting and trading resources |
| Road Building | Strategic uses for road building in blocking opponents or reaching valuable resource areas |
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride has solidified its place as one of the best strategy board games for adults in 2018, captivating players with its unique blend of route planning and competitive gameplay. The game’s premise revolves around building train routes across a map of the United States (or other regions, depending on the edition) while trying to complete specific destination tickets.
With simple yet engaging mechanics, Ticket to Ride offers an accessible entry point into strategy board gaming for newcomers while providing deep strategic depth for seasoned players.
Route Planning and Card Management
One of the key strategic elements of Ticket to Ride is the careful planning and execution of routes across the game board. Players must decide which routes to claim with their colored train pieces while also working towards completing their destination tickets, which can earn them additional points at the end of the game.
This requires thoughtful consideration of both short-term tactics and long-term planning, as players must adapt their strategies based on their opponents’ actions and the availability of train cards needed to claim routes.
Blocking Opponents and Resource Management
Another aspect that makes Ticket to Ride an engrossing strategy game is the element of blocking opponents from completing their desired routes. By strategically claiming routes that are crucial for their opponents’ plans or by hoarding specific colors of train cards, players can disrupt their rivals’ progress while furthering their own objectives. This delicate balance between expanding one’s own network and hindering others adds a level of interaction that keeps the gameplay dynamic and engaging throughout.
Staying Power Among Adult Gamers
Despite being released over a decade ago, Ticket to Ride has maintained its popularity among adult board gamers due to its timeless appeal and ability to provide a satisfying blend of accessible gameplay and strategic depth. Its consistent presence at game nights and social gatherings attests to its status as a beloved classic in the world of modern board games.
Whether you’re a newcomer looking for an introduction to strategy board games or a seasoned strategist seeking an immersive gaming experience, Ticket to Ride continues to stand out as a top choice for players seeking challenging, rewarding gameplay.
Pandemic
– Player Cooperation: Pandemic fosters a sense of collaboration among players as they work together to achieve a common goal. Each player takes on a unique role with special abilities that contribute to the team’s overall success.
– Strategic Decision-Making: The game presents players with tough choices regarding how to allocate resources, treat infections, and research cures. These strategic decisions are crucial for preventing outbreaks and ultimately winning the game.
– Tension and Excitement: Pandemic delivers an immersive gaming experience by creating a sense of urgency and suspense as players race against the clock to save humanity. The high stakes and unpredictable nature of the diseases keep players engaged from start to finish.
Tips for Playing Pandemic:
1. Communication is Key: Effective communication among players is essential for coordinating actions, sharing information about infection hotspots, and maximizing each player’s unique abilities.
2. Prioritize Outbreaks: Keeping outbreaks under control should be a top priority in Pandemic. Preventing chains of outbreaks can mean the difference between success and failure.
3. Plan Ahead: Anticipating potential disease outbreaks and planning several steps ahead can help players make informed strategic choices throughout the game.
Overall, Pandemic offers a challenging yet rewarding gameplay experience that promotes teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills – making it a must-have addition to any collection of best strategy board games for adults in 2018.
Terraforming Mars
One of the key strategic elements of Terraforming Mars is resource management. Balancing the generation and expenditure of credits, steel, titanium, plants, and energy is crucial to executing long-term plans effectively. Players must carefully consider which resources to prioritize based on their corporation’s unique abilities and the current state of terraforming efforts. This tactical decision-making adds layers of depth to the gameplay and keeps participants engaged throughout the entire experience.
In addition to resource management, competition for milestones and awards introduces another compelling strategic aspect to Terraforming Mars. These objectives offer additional ways for players to earn points beyond standard terraforming activities. Identifying which milestones and awards are attainable based on current game conditions becomes a critical part of formulating winning strategies. Successfully navigating this competitive landscape can often make the difference between victory and defeat in this challenging yet rewarding board game.
| Terraforming Mars | Best Strategy Board Games for Adults 2018 |
|---|---|
| Complex Resource Management | Captivating Gaming Experience |
| Competition for Milestones & Awards | Strategic Depth |
Strategy Tips and Tricks
When it comes to playing the best strategy board games for adults in 2018, honing your strategic thinking and decision-making skills can make all the difference between victory and defeat. Here are some practical tips and tricks to help elevate your gameplay and outmaneuver your opponents.
Analyzing the Board State
One of the most crucial aspects of excelling at strategy board games is the ability to thoroughly analyze the current state of the game board. Take stock of available resources, assess your opponents’ positions, and anticipate potential future developments. Understanding the dynamics of the game board will allow you to make well-informed decisions and plan effective strategies.
Planning Ahead
Successful players of strategy board games always have a plan in mind – not just for their immediate moves, but also for future turns. By looking several steps ahead, you can anticipate how your decisions will impact the game as it progresses. This long-term planning allows you to set up favorable positions for yourself while disrupting your opponents’ plans.
Adapting to Opponents’ Moves
Flexibility is key in strategy board games, as you must be prepared to adjust your plans based on your opponents’ actions. Pay close attention to their strategies and adapt accordingly, identifying opportunities to capitalize on their weaknesses and counter their strengths. Being able to pivot when necessary is an essential skill for achieving victory in these challenging games.
By honing these strategic thinking skills and implementing them into your gameplay, you’ll be better equipped to tackle some of the best strategy board games for adults in 2018 with confidence and finesse. Whether it’s resource management or long-term planning, these tips will help you elevate your gaming experience and enjoy greater success at the tabletop.
Honorable Mentions
When it comes to the best strategy board games for adults in 2018, there are several notable titles that offer unique gameplay mechanics and strategic depth. These games have garnered a strong following among adult gamers due to their engaging gameplay and challenging decision-making opportunities. Here are some honorable mentions that deserve recognition for their contributions to the world of strategy board games:
- Scythe: This game has gained acclaim for its immersive alternate history setting and innovative combination of resource management, area control, and engine-building mechanics. Players must carefully balance expansion, combat, and economic development as they seek to lead their faction to victory.
- Through the Ages: A civilization-building game that challenges players to guide their societies through history, making critical decisions about technology, culture, military power, and infrastructure. The game rewards thoughtful long-term planning and strategic adaptation as players strive for dominance.
- 7 Wonders: Known for its accessible yet deep gameplay, 7 Wonders has become a staple of modern board gaming. Players draft cards representing buildings and wonders of the ancient world, strategically building their civilizations while interacting with neighboring players’ cities.
Each of these games offers a distinct experience with its own set of strategic considerations. Whether it’s the grand scope of building an empire in Through the Ages or the tense decision-making in Scythe’s alternate reality setting, these titles stand out as some of the best strategy board games for adults in 2018. While they may differ in theme and mechanics, they all share one common trait: they provide an intellectually stimulating and socially rewarding gaming experience.
As adult gamers continue to seek out challenging and thought-provoking experiences at the gaming table, these honorable mentions demonstrate the diverse range of options available within the genre of strategy board games. With opportunities for deep strategic thinking and engaging player interactions, these games exemplify why strategy board gaming has captured the attention of adult audiences seeking intellectually stimulating leisure activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the rising popularity of strategy board games among adults in 2018 can be attributed to the engaging and intellectually stimulating nature of these games. The benefits of playing these games extend beyond mere entertainment, as they provide mental stimulation and opportunities for social interaction.
From Settlers of Catan to Ticket to Ride, Pandemic, and Terraforming Mars, these top-rated strategy board games offer a diverse range of gameplay experiences that cater to different interests and skill levels. Whether you enjoy resource management, route planning, cooperative play, or complex decision-making, there is a game out there for every type of strategist.
For adults looking to sharpen their strategic thinking and decision-making skills, diving into the world of strategy board games is an excellent way to do so. Analyzing the board state, planning ahead, and adapting to opponents’ moves are essential skills that can be honed through gameplay. Whether you prefer competitive or cooperative gameplay, there are plenty of options available among the best strategy board games for adults in 2018.
As we look back on the year 2018, it’s clear that strategy board games have made a mark on adult gamers. With notable titles like Scythe, Through the Ages, and 7 Wonders also gaining recognition for their unique gameplay mechanics and strategic depth, it’s an exciting time to be a fan of strategy board games.
So why not gather some friends or family members and dive into the world of strategy gaming? These top-rated games offer a challenging and enjoyable gaming experience that is sure to provide countless hours of fun and excitement for all involved.
I love playing all kinds of games – from classics like Monopoly to modern favourites like Ticket to Ride.
I created this blog as a way to share my love of board games with others, and provide information on the latest releases and news in the industry.
