Getting ready for a game night but have an odd number? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back with this list of the 10 best game boards for 5 players. You’ll find plenty of themes, gameplay styles, genres, and more in this list. A few games on the list may require multiple playthroughs to fully grasp their complexities and strategies.
Try your hand at unicorn racing, solve murder mysteries, or catch Jack the Ripper himself. Explore the universe, power the cities, or cure a worldwide plague with these games, suitable for kids as young as 6 and groups of mixed interests and playing styles. Every one comes highly rated for fun from real-world game players who’ve loved the games, reviewed them honestly, and suggested them highly for folks looking for a great time.
What are the Best 5 Player Board Games?
Hansa Teutonica (Big Box)
Age: 12+ Players: 3-5 Time: 45-90 minutes
In Hansa Teutonica, players act as traders who design and build routes and offices to control the cities and develop their merchant and business skills. The historical setting of medieval Germany sets the stage for the unique deck-building game in which traders thrive and cutthroat action wins the title.
Gain prestige points through establishing a network of offices in the cities, occupying entire trade routes, and displacing other players along the way. Each turn permits two actions by players, layered with contested moves. The turns are quick, strategic, and attention-demanding. You could win everything or lose everything by a simple overlooked action by an opponent.
The highly interactive Hansa Teutonic encourages players to engage with one another for a rollicking good time for 45 minutes to an hour and a half. Engage with different strategies each round, deepen your skills, and deviate from your play style to explore the immense game and all its fun for five players. The Big Box edition offers not just the base game but all the expansions, providing the most fun that could be had from the game, so it’s the best recommendation for the game.
Turncoats
Age: 12+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-5 Time: 15-45 minutes
With three warring factions, Turncoats ranks as one of the best board games for 5 players. Each player takes the role of an Aspirant or Interloper with no initial loyalties at the start. As the game plays out, alliances and alignments lead the way through trickery and hidden deeds. The game begins with each player possessing loyalty stones, which they must manage in secret throughout the game to find their pathway to success.
Throughout a game of Turncoats, factions vie against each other in an undefined war. The simple cloth backdrop with hex geography provides the place; the players provide the texture. Through unique gameplay, the game thrives on tiebreakers and shared spaces, though ultimately only one faction can win the war. Players must both seek to help their chosen faction succeed, but they must also wind up with the most stones from their faction by the end to win. So, if you and yours enjoy a good intrigue, you’ll love playing this fantastic game, which is transportable (perfect for camping and travel!) and unusually clever.
These games are all handmade and you can you can order your copy directly from the seller here.
Roll for the Galaxy
Age: 13+ Players: 2-5 Time: 45 minutes
Using dice to determine your destiny, Roll for the Galaxy involves the best traits of dice games, science fiction, space exploration, and civilization building to roll into loads of fun for your group of 5 players. In this game, you’ll find lots of multi-colored dice and tiles to represent the planets and civilizations you’re racing to build.
Each round, players roll their dice behind screens, allocate the dice to match the actions taken, and lock in on one of the actions to take. Only the dice locked in will be viable for the turn and visible to other players. Actions available include five options such as building strategy, space exploration, production-based, shipping, or earning in-game currency or victory points. As the game progresses, players’ strategies evolve, gradually losing action options while increasing the power and efficiency of their engine-building strategy. Settlements give you more dice as you play along and develop your skills and powers as players, as you aim to win Roll for the Galaxy.
Scythe
Age: 14+ Players: 1-5 Time: 90-115 minutes
An engine-building game set in an alternative history of the 1920s, Scythe focuses on farming in times of war and destruction. Five factions from Eastern Europe come into play in this unique take on the world, with each trying to earn their fame and stake claim to land around the Factory. Your mission is to conquer, build, and activate gigantic mechs, enlist recruits, and develop resources. At the top of the game, players begin with power, coins, combat skills, or popularity, and must seek to use these to conquer the terrain.
Players have nearly complete control over their fate in-game, as well, which means every bad decision they make is on them when things go wrong. There’s no blaming bad luck or bizarre mechanics. The quick-paced game is ideal for five players, with no player elimination, no rounds or phases, and plenty of direct conflict and real-time action. In the final round, players must carefully strategize their remaining actions, as earlier decisions significantly impact their endgame. Scythe is the perfect choice for folks looking for a sci-fi-themed game using miniatures, war, and unique gameplay for interactive fun.
Mysterium
Age: 10+ Players: 2-7 Time: 45 minutes
Picture an amnesiac ghost, a collection of astrologers, and a mysterious old house in the 1920s in Scotland. You’ve got the cast and setting for the incredibly fun mystery game Mysterium now, and you’ve got just about all you need to know if this 5 player game is for you or not. Now, though, add on the layer that the ghost cannot talk, and you and your medium pals have only 7 hours to solve the great mystery and save the day. The ghost must communicate through you, the mediums, via visions represented by cards. As the visions come, you must discern their meaning and help him remember how he died, where the crime took place, and what weapon was used.
The highly cooperative game is loads of fun as mediums and the ghost play their way through the murder mystery game with a sand timer tracking the “hours” they have to solve the crime. At each turn, the ghost reveals which medium had the correct visions, and players advance their tokens forward. New vision cards come out and the next turn happens, with everyone attempting to work together to solve the crime. The fun playing Mysterium comes from the enjoyment and camaraderie involved in solving the mystery together. If players fail the mission, the ghost vanishes and the game of Mysterium ends.
Unicorn Fever
Age: 14+ (Community 10+) Players: 2-6 Time: 40 minutes
If you love silliness, absurdity, and magic, you’ve found the right game in Unicorn Fever. The ridiculously adorable mythical beings are bent on racing on rainbows and you, the citizens of the fairy realm, are bent on profiting off their frenzied yearning for prismatic arches. Take on the persona of a wealthy wagerer and earn the title of most skillful gambler of the Unicorn Racing Championships. Buy up contracts and hire the fairy folk for services so you can turn the odds in your favor, use your magic cards to fix the races, and try to save all that hard-won gold across four races. If you fail, you may seek loans from the Elf Mob or get into serious fairy trouble…
Watch as the races unfold, thanks to the AI mechanism that sends the unicorns running across the board. Cheer on your rainbow racer and see who wins the race after each action round. The game length of 40 minutes fits perfectly within a typical gaming session, allowing for multiple rounds without feeling fatigued. Ultimately, the wagerer with the most Victory Points and gold at the end of Unicorn Fever earns the crown.
Mansions of Madness Second Edition
Age: 14+ (Community 12+) Players: 1-5 Time: 120-180 minutes
A fully cooperative, fast-paced game, Mansions of Madness; Second Edition is a delightful app-driven board game centered on mystery and horror in the same universe as a few other games: Eldritch Horror and Elder Sign themed on Lovecraft’s world of mayhem and monsters. The immersive app guides players through Innsmouth and Arkham, where cursed mansions await with mystery, horrific sights, and creepy creatures.
Put on the persona of investigators seeking answers in the cursed town where evil lurks in every corner and the possibility of insanity, devastating wounds, and dark mysteries await. The intricate game play mechanics enhance the overall experience, allowing players to engage strategically and enjoyably without combative elements. Confront four scenarios riddled with fear, and collect tools, information, and weapons while you solve puzzles and fight off monsters and death. Uncover clues to learn your objectives in time to save the town in two phases. The first phase gives players two actions per turn, while the second phase gives the app the lead to lay out what happens next in Mansions of Madness.
Pandemic: The Cure
Age: 8+ Players: 2-5 Time: 30 minutes
If you’re looking for a quick, fun game to play out in roughly 30 minutes, check out Pandemic: The Cure. The dice-based game for 5 players deals with four diseases threatening to take out the world’s population. The players must save humanity by keeping hotspots in check, researching cures, and treating patients across the globe.
Roll the dice on each turn to determine the actions available to you, then set off for your adventures in six high-population regions of the world. Collect samples, treat the disease, and discover cures as you use the specific skills assigned to your role. Roll the custom dice as often as you need but remember: The longer it takes to land that perfect roll, the more the plague spreads. And don’t roll that biohazard, or you’ll increase the infection rate and spread the epidemic. Pandemic: The Cure comes highly recommended for those who love an uproarious game, want simple rules for fast fun, and for new players who will pick up on the gameplay easily and quickly. The excitement and challenge awaiting players in the next game ensure that strategies must evolve with each playthrough, enhancing replayability.
Letters from Whitechapel
Age: 14+ (Community 12+) Players: 2-6 Time: 90 minutes
Enter Whitechapel, London, 1888, when Jack the Ripper roams the alleyways, seeking his next victim. Here, in Letters from Whitechapel players find themselves taking on the role of Jack, the “wretched” – or victims – or one of the police detectives out to hunt him down. The murderer seeks to take out five victims while the rest of the players must work together to catch him.
Overall, the rules are relatively easy to follow, with the game split into four rounds – possibly ending sooner if the police catch Jack earlier. Each round is split into two phases, with mini-phases setting the pace. As the game progresses, players’ strategies evolve, requiring careful planning to optimize their actions and resources. Variants can be found throughout, as needed, to adjust the difficulty of play or to match your players’ style. The compelling Letters from Whitechapel makes for the perfect game for five players with its stimulating steps and phases, opportunities for clever strategies, and brain-challenging tricks and turns.
Power Grid: Recharged
Age: 12+ Players: 2-6 Time: 120 minutes
Buckle up for some network-building fun when you pull out your copy of Power Grid: Recharged. Your objective? Supply the most cities with electricity before your opponents beat you. Pre-existing routes for the grid come into play, along with bidding wars, newly developed plants putting old ones out of the running, and resource gains that keep the action pumping for up to 2 hours with this unique take on network growth games. The game length of 120 minutes fits well within a typical gaming session, allowing for an engaging experience without feeling fatigued. Plus, if you’re feeling unhappy about the traditional power grid, you can build renewable plants using wind farms and solar power.
The classic game engages with economic strategy, efficiency, and route planning – with stiff competition among the best of 5 players for your top gaming experience. The Recharged Version comes from an update after the original 2004 release. The updated version provides a few minor tweaks that make the game even better, while the randomizing of power stations helps to make the game uber replayable, while everyone’s strategies make each game different.
El Grande
Age: 12+ Players: 2-5 Time: 90 minutes
Dive into medieval Spain with El Grande, a classic area control game that’s all about strategy and smarts. You’ll play as powerful caballeros, competing for control over different regions while trying to influence the King’s court.
Each turn, you’ll need to think carefully about how to use your limited actions to move your caballeros, grab new territories, and dominate the most valuable spots on the board. The intricate game play balances complexity with accessibility, allowing players to engage strategically and enjoyably without combative elements. The game unfolds over several rounds, and you’ll score points for controlling areas, making smart placements, and pulling off clever moves.
With its smooth mechanics and deep strategy, El Grande offers a fun experience and plenty of tactics, so no two games are ever the same. Plus, its rich gameplay and historical theme make it a great pick for both seasoned players and newcomers!
Conclusion
Are you fired up for some amazing game time? Well, this list of the ten best games for 5 players should get you that way. From racing unicorns bent on rainbow runs to curing the world of plagues, the collection offers some of the most ridiculous, most beautiful, and most challenging options out there.
Enjoy the variety and collect them all or do a deep dive on topics and themes you and yours love for the ultimate collection. Either way, these board games for five players are sure to win the title for best times to be had.
Board Games for 6 Players ->
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best games for five players?
The best games for five players include titles like Mansions of Madness, Pandemic: The Cure, Letters from Whitechapel, and Power Grid: Recharged. These games are designed to accommodate five players while providing engaging gameplay, varied themes, and unique mechanics. Additionally, Stonemaier Games, known for their high-quality board games, offers Wingspan, which is celebrated for its beautiful artwork, top-notch materials, and thorough research, making it a standout choice for five players.
What is the game length for these board games?
Game durations vary by title. For example, Mansions of Madness can take a couple of hours, while Pandemic: The Cure is quick, lasting around 30 minutes. Games like Letters from Whitechapel usually run for about 90 minutes, and Power Grid: Recharged may take around 120 minutes.
Are these games suitable for new players?
Yes, many of the games listed are suitable for new players. Each offers straightforward rules and mechanics that are easy to learn, particularly Pandemic: The Cure, which is designed to be accessible for those new to board gaming.
Can these games be played with fewer than five players?
While these games are optimized for five players, they can often be played with fewer participants. Some may require adjustments to gameplay or rules to ensure a balanced experience with a smaller group.
Where can I purchase these board games?
You can find these board games at local game stores, major retailers, or online platforms such as Game Nerdz. Always check for the best deals and availability.