A Collection of the Best Digital Board Games

One of the best ways to play great games has for a long time been taking them to the computer screen. But did you realize that some of the best games out there aren’t video games but actually digital adaptations of printed board games? That’s right – they’re digitized versions of beloved board games that can be played solo or multiplayer across the miles. Many of them solve certain social or mechanical problems of the print games, and reduce both setup and gameplay times, too.

So, drop a message to your best board gaming buddies, link into the network and start playing these awesome digital board games together from anywhere in the world.

What Are Digital Board Games?

In case you’re not totally sure what we mean by “digital board games” – these are the digitized versions of standard print board games you’d be able to find in most game shops. Unlike the physical version, digital board games reduce the complicated setup and rule enforcement, offering a more streamlined experience. So, the names will likely be familiar to board game enthusiasts. The digital versions usually cost less than the print versions and often include solo modes, additional content for more playability, and reduce the complicated setup and rule enforcement for some of the most complex game options out there.

The Ten Most Playable Digital Board Games

Gloomhaven

Enter the world of Gloomhaven, the popular board game made digital for players looking for a change. The same world of the original game calls players to the same adventure and glittering gold treasures in the digital board game version. The tactical RPG takes players through unique strategy choices of the dark fantasy universe, where bands of 2 to 4 mercenaries must explore and find the dungeon to defeat the enemy. The digital version allows for solo play or co-ops of 4, allowing players to choose between 17 unique characters who each bear their own distinctive skills and over 1000 abilities to master.

The game plays in turns, using the decks of cards to explore the world, engage in combat, take on quests, and attend events in-game. Hone your playing abilities throughout the game, as well, with enhancements and perks that let you level up and gain new equipment. The game ultimately offers a branching campaign of more than 95 story missions in either campaign mode or the digital exclusive guild master mode. Combined, both modes offer players over 250 missions (versus the 95 the standard board game offers), with an easier learning curve than the standard game, as well.

In other words, the digital board game version of Gloomhaven is an equally complex game with a less complicated setup and mechanics to more easily draw players into the challenging, dark world of Gloomhaven. Players can also expect new challenges in the form of downloadable content (DLC) that introduces fresh gameplay elements and obstacles.

Tsuro

Looking for a multiplayer digital board game? Then find the gorgeously appointed Tsuro: The Game of the Path. The competitive tile-laying game has that unique cooperative feel while still being competitive, with players placing tiles and sliding stones along the pathways they create. But other players’ paths could cross your own and lead you in the wrong direction – or block you off completely. Paths cross and connect, each step crafted by choices players make with or against each other.

As you play, enjoy the intricate and beautiful artwork from the original board game brought to life with vivid, flowing animations and dazzling lighting effects. The game supports up to 8 players playing on one device or playing separately online. Go solo, competitive or semi-cooperative on desktop, mobile, or VR. The digital board game options include classic Tsuro mode, along with 4 new ways to play: solo, fuse, loop battle, and longest path, with 50 different achievement options for long-lasting replayability. A free trial version is available for players to experience the game before deciding to purchase.

Wingspan

For the ecowarrior in the crowd, head over to Wingspan, the digital card game wherein players run wildlife preserves and aim to attract different species to protect against the ravages of human influence on the world. The straightforward game encourages players to draw birds to one of three habitats: water, field, or forest. The different bird species are native to any of these natural environments and can be obtained through a variety of combinations of eggs and food.

Wingspan in digital board game format involves each player taking a turn in which the player performs one of four simple actions, each of which has different scores. The game continues through several turns, ending after four rounds. Then, scores are tallied to determine the winner.

One of the best things about this board game, both digital and traditional, is the incredibly beautiful, detailed artwork depicting the stunning bird species. In the digital format, though, you can play the bird calls, as well, and learn bonus bits of trivia on each bird on the cards. The game is only mildly competitive, as well, so it suits folks looking for more casual gameplay, especially as the musical soundtrack is relaxing – even soothing – and adds to the pleasant ambiance of a nature-based hobby like birdwatching. The base game is set in North America, but expansions may be purchased to include both European and Oceanic birds.

Mysterium (A Psychic Clue Game)

Mysterium the digital board game is a fairly faithful adaptation of the standard print board game set in the 1920s. The game is a cooperative deduction game in which a ghost guides the group of psychic sleuths to uncover the murderer, the weapon, and the location where the murder took place (yes, a bit like Clue). But in the game, players only have visual clues from the ghost to go on. Players must choose between playing the ghost or one of the psychics in the game.

The digital version includes:

• A Pass and Play mode

• Gorgeous graphics faithful to the original art and vibe

• Solo play options (with AI partners)

• Multiplayer options for up to 7 players using online platforms

• A game variant without the clairvoyance aspects

• Additional cases from expansions in the in-game shop

• Story mode to discover more about the psychic character backgrounds

• Worldwide leaderboards

• Language options – English, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, German, and Italian.

For those looking for another way to play Mysterium, Tabletop Simulator offers a great alternative platform.

Root

One of the most beloved board games of all time, Root is available in digital board game format. The well-known game puts two players into a battle against each other for control over a stunning, vast wilderness. The evil Marquise de Cat wants control of the woodlands and all its resources. The other forest dwellers, though, don’t love her rule and have banded together to defy the warlord kitty’s reign. Players may become the Marquise de Cat, the Alliance, the Eyrie, or the Vagabonds in the game and move through the universe in their unique character-based ways.

Players drive the narrative of the story, through strategy and choices, using their characters’ abilities to shift the story through multi-use cards and the asymmetric mechanics. The digital version engages with dice rolls and cards, as well, and encourages interactions and unique gameplay over about an hour to 90 minutes, depending on how players make their choices. Additionally, players can expect new challenges in the digital version, introducing fresh gameplay elements and obstacles.

Spirit Island

A cooperative board game turned into a digital board game, Spirit Island becomes even more accessible with its complex gameplay mechanics and setup. Instead of exploring colonization from the colonizer’s perspective like most games, Spirit Island turns players to the locals’ perspective as the characters aim to banish the colonizers from their beautiful world. Players take on the roles of Spirits who must defy the European settlers aiming to claim their island as their own. The game is roughly set in the 1700s, in an alternate history/world scenario.

Each Spirit in the game has its own unique powers and skills, which players may combine for unique gameplay to drive out the invaders. Players can also expect new challenges in the digital version, with downloadable content (DLC) that introduces fresh gameplay elements and obstacles.

The polished PC game makes the standard board game a bit less intimidating for many folks (Spirit Island easily earns a badge for being one of the best complicated board games out there!), meaning it’s the perfect digital board game choice for folks looking for complexity without complication.

Terraforming Mars

Players take on the role of corporations bent on taming the red planet with technologies that will make the planet inhabitable. You’re Terraforming Mars with new oceans, human-compliant temperatures, and oxygen levels that make the planet viable for human life. The digital board game version of the game is extremely faithful to the original, except for one great feature: it plays faster. Most players seem to love the solo play best, but the multiplayer version is great for folks willing to manage a few bugs still being worked through.

Players note that the Prelude expansion is a must, and it offers even faster play times and additional cards and corporations for a great expansion that makes the game even more exciting and worthwhile. The digital version also introduces new challenges, providing fresh content and different gameplay elements to enhance the experience.

Ticket to Ride Deluxe Edition

One of the most beloved board games of all time has gone digital! Ticket To Ride Deluxe Edition remains one of the most played board games and the digital version makes it easier than ever to play – with or without other players. The base game enables players to explore North America with six different characters, six carriages, and seven trains to choose between. Go up in scale with the Round the World Ticket expansion (included in this Deluxe version) and play the Europe Expansion, Nordic Expansion, Legendary Asia Expansion, India Expansion, Switzerland Expansion, or the San Francisco City Expansion.

You’ll also get two Ticket Packs – USA 1910 and Europe 1912, which both add more tickets and game modes for playing. You’ll play Ticket to Ride like never before – all in this single digital board game package. Players can also expect new challenges with the downloadable content, introducing fresh gameplay elements and obstacles.

Also Read: Ticket to Ride Board Game Review

Pavlov’s House: The Battle of Stalingrad

Dive into the full recreation of Pavlov’s House: The Battle of Stalingrad as a digital board game. In the game, players must weather the storms of battle until the defenders of Pavolov’s House are tasked with attacking a vital German strongpoint in the Battle of Stalingrad. The game uses a deck of cards representing elements of the 6th Army of Germany. The name comes from the fortified apartment building that had been used as a strongpoint by the Soviet 62nd Army during World War II. Here, troops held out for nearly two months during a near-constant assault by German troops.

This story became one of the key Soviet propaganda pieces and makes for a fascinating digital board game today. Learn the game through an engaging tutorial, playing against four different levels of complexity and difficulty, ranging from Basic to Elite. The comprehensive rules themselves are fully dealt with by the game so that you can focus on strategy via tough decisions that equate to challenging consequences. The game is extremely replayable, with new twists and turns every time, enhanced by the original soundtrack composed by the talented Gabriel Berger. Players can also expect new challenges in the digital version, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.

Twilight Struggle

Immerse yourself into the Cold War in Twilight Struggle, a subversive, under-the-radar battle between the U.S. and U.S.S.R. The game accommodates two players, who must then respond to events around the world, according to their intel from agents dumping information on the enemy. You’ve got to find out where to put the pressure on the opponent to win.

The game uses real events and historical figures from the era to create unique, alternative history actions played out to help recreate – and reshape – history through conflict. Folks say this digital board game version is highly playable and easy, with a quick, easy learning curve. Players can also expect new challenges in the form of downloadable content (DLC) that introduces fresh gameplay elements and obstacles.

Online Play and Multiplayer

Online play and multiplayer capabilities are key features of digital board games, allowing players to connect with others from around the world. Many digital board games offer online multiplayer modes, including competitive and cooperative play, making it easy to find and play with others. Some popular digital board games also offer features such as matchmaking and chat functionality, making it easy to communicate with other players and find games. This connectivity not only enhances the gaming experience but also allows players to enjoy their favorite games with friends and new acquaintances, no matter where they are.

Playing Board Games Virtually with Friends and Strangers

Playing board games virtually with friends and strangers is a great way to enjoy digital board games. Many digital board games offer online multiplayer capabilities, making it easy to connect with others and play games together. Players can also use online platforms and communities to find and connect with other players, making it easy to find games and build relationships with other gamers. Whether playing with friends or strangers, digital board games offer a convenient and accessible way to enjoy board games from anywhere with an internet connection. This virtual play not only brings people together but also opens up new opportunities for fun and competition.

Conclusion

Even if you own the print versions of these digital board games, you’ll find each option has enhancements, expansions, or other features that make them great games and a great investment. Plus – bonus! – they don’t take up space in the board game closet. You can play them with friends anywhere in the world, too, in many cases, or play solo when otherwise the game might not have that option. Try them out and see which ones are best kept in your collection. Happy gaming!

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