Fabulously Fun Board Games Like Sorry

Whether you’re looking for a board game like Sorry for the kiddos or more complex choices with some of the same racing vibes or player-bumping mechanics, you’re sure to find these options fit the bill. Classic board games have stood the test of time, appealing to a wide range of players with their simplicity and longevity, making them ideal for family gatherings or casual gaming sessions. From the ancient game of Parcheesi (which Sorry is based on) to the ridiculously silly Camel Up, these’ll please the crowd, whatever the ages and interests of the game night crowd.

The Top 10 Games Like Sorry

Parcheesi

Age: 5+ Players: 2-6 Time: 30 minutes

The original classic board game like *Sorry,*Parcheesi, or Pachisi tops the list for mechanics and moods like the familiar game. In fact, this is the original game the popular Milton Bradley game is built on. The game originated in India in ancient times, but it uses dice instead of cards to move along gameplay. In Parcheesi, players move around the board, bumping off other players’ pieces, creating temporary blockades, and similar options to Sorry, allowing 2 to 4 players to get in on the fun. It’s one of the easiest games on the list to play and teach the rules on, so it remains one of the best options for families with young kids.

Trouble

Age: 4+ Players: 2-4 Time: 45 minutes

Kids as young as 4 can enjoy Trouble, a game like Sorry with the Pop-O-Matic dice roller. The abstract game gives players a set of pawns in a given color, which they move around the board, based on the luck of the roll. Each pawn starts out at the color home base (Start Space), but only when the player rolls a 6 on the die. Then, the pawns move around the board, racing each other “home” to the finish line. Player pawns may bump other pawns, returning the bumped pawn to their Home Space.

A comprehensive rule book is essential for beginners to understand the various game rules, including specific features and modifications.

For those looking for a little advanced play, instead of pawns being bumped to home, they can be bumped to their Start space. The first player to make it home with all their pawns to the Finish line wins the game.

Aggravation

Age: 6+ (Community 5+) Players: 2-6 Time: 45 minutes

Another game great for kids 5 and up, Aggravation is a classic racing game with mechanics similar to that of Sorry. Players each have 4 pawns to race around the board, aiming to beat opponents from Start to Home. The game, though, has some shortcuts that other games like Sorry may not include, like speedier paths that bump pawns ahead. The hangup, though, is that players cannot pass their own pawns, so only one pawn of a given player at a time can race ahead. This helps even out some of the gameplay for younger kids, too, especially if they’re still learning to take wins and losses well. Landing on anyone else’s piece sends that landed-on pawn back to Base. Whoever gets all four pawns Home first wins.

Formula D

Age: 8+ Players: 2-10 Time: 60 minutes

For a bit more advanced game like Sorry, look to Formula D for some racing fun. Movement on the board is projected forward through dice rolls, like in Parcheesi, but each move is based on gear settings which impact the speed at which players move their pieces. The dice for the game represent the various gears players can “shift” their pawns into to race around the track. But beware: going too fast could result in overshooting corners or not being able to brake in time – sp play isn’t solely based on fast gears. Landing your car on another player’s also won’t help your race like it will in Sorry, but positioning yourself in front of them will and can force their cars off the tracks instead.

The game doesn’t have significantly more complex rules than Sorry but has a more specific theme (Formula One racing) and tosses in some unique mechanics that keep it easy to play but a bit more interesting for older kids and grownups alike. Formula D also requires a bit more planning than other games like Sorry do – players have to rely on both luck and their strategy to win the game. Playing cards are also used to control riders and strategize movements, emphasizing the importance of card management in achieving victory as players race to cross the finish line.

Galaxy Trucker

Age: 10+ Players: 2-4 Time: 60 minutes

Every game of Galaxy Truckers includes two races. The first race is meant to give players the opportunity to gather spaceship component tiles with which to build their spaceships for the second race in the round. Not all the pieces in these ships will line up, though – and that’s where the fun comes in. The second race in each round is where the game feels a bit like Sorry with wild racing fun, trying to beat out other Galaxy Truckers for their spots along the delivery route. Pieces may go flying, though, so watch out as you drive!

Galaxy Truckers also uses cards like Sorry does, instead of dice, to progress the race, but adds unique pieces that add additional elements to the race around the board. This card game, with its engaging mechanics and interactive gameplay, is perfect for family gatherings and casual settings. After three rounds (6 races), the player with the most credits wins the overall game.

Funny Bunny

Age: 4+ Players: 2-4 Time: 30 minutes

A great option for young kids and families, Funny Bunny plays a bit like Sorry as a race to the top of the hill. The game features fun settings – a bridge, a gate, and a mole – with shiny bunny miniatures to hop around with. The goal: Be the first bunny to the top of the hill.

Every player draws a card that helps them move one of their bunnies along the track or rotates the carrot at the top of the board, which causes holes on the game board to open and close. If your bunny lands in an open hole or a hole opens up underneath them when another player turns the carrot, the bunny drops down. Players must keep at least one bunny on the board to stay in the game.

It’s a great way to teach kids a bit of friendly competition, what the luck of the draw means, and how to lose and win graciously while playing with others.

Tokaido

Age: 8+ Players: 2-5 Time: 45 minutes

Tokaido offers a vibe somewhat similar to Sorry in that players journey around the track and certain actions players take may limit the options of other players. The game has a much more robust and intriguing theme than the more generic Sorry, however, as well as gorgeous artwork, both of which enhance the gameplay for kids and adults alike. Most folks say the game works great for kids as young as 8 and takes about 45 minutes for anywhere from 2 to 5 players to make their way along the track.

To play, players travel along the famous Tokaido Road like tourists might, visiting attractions, trying new foods, and drinking in stunning landscapes. The journey is as much the point of the game as the winning, though, as players may learn a bit about Japan through the unique attractions (think temples and gorgeous panoramas based on real places) while having fun.

In the order of play, the first person to reach certain action spaces can gain advantages, making strategic movement crucial. Players aim to visit and “collect” experiences from the most varied, intriguing destinations along the journey. The action spaces are laid out along a linear track, with each player scoring differently on moves, based on what they collect, which action spaces they land on, and how much money they collect along the way.

Monopoly

Age: 8+ Players: 2-8 Time: 60-180 minutes

One of the most familiar games of all time – with literally dozens of variants – Monopoly remains a popular choice among games like Sorry. The game involves continuous movements around a square track until someone wins, much like Sorry, and every player has many opportunities to thwart fellow players through actions taken or forced.

The premise for Monopoly, for those unfamiliar, is that every player is a landowner attempting to monopolize the real estate world by buying up and developing land around the game board. Every player is represented by classic icons like the top hat and car or more modern additions of the rubber ducky, cat, or dinosaur.

On every turn, players roll two dice and move that many squares forward on the board. When you land on spaces no one already owns, you can buy the property. The ultimate goal is to collect a certain set (or sets) of properties, on which you build up things like hotels and houses. But, of course, as you play, you could land on some property owned by others. When you do, you’ve got to pay rent to the owner according to the value of the land and its buildings. Some places around the board cannot be bought, however, and, instead, require the player to draw action cards. These cards may include things like paying taxes, collecting income, or going to jail. (The “get out of jail free card” pop culture reference comes from this game.) Ultimately, it’s every player’s goal to buy up as much valuable property as possible, develop buildings, and collect money. Whoever still has money at the end wins the game.

Downforce

Age: 10+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-6 Time: 20-40 minutes

Similar to Sorry in some of its racing mechanics, Downforce is another great option for game night. The game involves a bit more planning and less luck of the roll, however, so it tends to be better for kids 8 and older (according to the board gaming community). Players jockey for the best positions to beat out other players in the race – meaning you’ve got to get a bit cutthroat to win.

Card games that share similar gameplay dynamics can also provide a fresh twist for players who enjoy strategic movement and racing mechanics.

To begin, players bid on six cars with which to race. After the cars are won, players play cards from their hands to speed them along the track. As cards are played, though, the cars of opponents may be affected – so you’ve got to plan carefully to avoid acting on those powerful cards too soon.

Throughout the game, players also make secret bets on who they think will win the race – and whoever ultimately has the most money from their prizes, bets, and remaining bank account wins the game. The game works for 2 to 6 players and lasts between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on how wild the betting gets.

Camel Up

Age: 8+ Players: 2-8 Time: 20-30 minutes

One of the silliest, most fun games like Sorry, Camel Up wins the night every time. The bonkers game gets players racing around the track and offers plenty of opportunities to mess with your opponents’ ability to win. In this case, it’s literally building up a pile of camels when one camel lands on the same space on the board. And yes, the pawns are delightfully colorful camels.

The game starts out with everyone betting on five racing camels – aiming to determine who will place first and second as they speed around a pyramid. Placing your bet early on is the best way to move toward a win, so don’t hesitate! But, of course, these are camels you’re betting on, so who knows how they’ll run? They might wobble off, fall over, hop on another camel for a leg-up in speed, or spit and meander.

Players start out by rolling 5 dice to determine the starting positions of the camels. Then, on each leg, players pick one betting card for each colored camel, showing how many coins they’ll win or lose, depending on how the race goes after this leg. The dice then get rolled through the pyramid dice roller, with one die coming out at a time. Each die matches a camel color. As the dice come out, the camels advance. Then, after all 5 camels move, bets are resolved, and the next leg of the race begins. The race keeps running until one camel crosses the finish line. The rule of the game is simple: whoever has the most coins at the end of the race wins the game.

Classic Board Games

Classic board games are a staple of family game nights and social gatherings. They offer a timeless and nostalgic experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Some popular classic board games include Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue. These games have been around for decades and have become an integral part of many cultures.

One of the reasons why classic board games remain popular is that they offer a unique combination of social interaction, strategy, and luck. Players can engage in friendly competition, bond over shared experiences, and exercise their critical thinking skills. Classic board games also provide a break from the digital world, allowing players to disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other.

Also Read: The Best Classic Board Games the Whole Crew Will Love

In addition to their social benefits, classic board games can also be a great way to develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning. Many classic board games require players to think ahead, anticipate their opponents’ moves, and adjust their strategy accordingly. These skills can be transferred to real-life situations, making classic board games a valuable tool for personal development.

Party Games for Social Fun

Party games are designed to bring people together and create a fun and lively atmosphere. They are perfect for social gatherings, parties, and other events where people want to have a good time. Some popular party games include Cards Against Humanity, Jenga, and What Do You Meme.

Party games are often designed to be easy to learn and play, making them accessible to a wide range of people. They can be played in large groups or small teams, and often involve a combination of physical and mental challenges. Party games can also be a great way to break the ice and get people laughing and interacting with each other.

One of the benefits of party games is that they can be played in a variety of settings, from living rooms to bars and restaurants. They are also a great way to create memories and have fun with friends and family. Many party games are also designed to be portable, making them easy to take on the go.

Themed Board Games

Themed board games are designed to transport players to a specific world or environment. They often feature unique artwork, characters, and gameplay mechanics that are inspired by a particular theme. Some popular themed board games include Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings.

Themed board games can be a great way to engage fans of a particular franchise or genre. They often feature characters, locations, and storylines that are familiar to fans, making the gameplay experience more immersive and enjoyable. Themed board games can also be a great way to introduce new players to a particular franchise or genre.

One of the benefits of themed board games is that they can be highly collectible. Many themed board games feature unique artwork and components that are designed to appeal to fans of the franchise. They can also be a great way to showcase a player’s interests and passions.

In addition to their collectibility, themed board games can also be a great way to create a unique gameplay experience. Many themed board games feature custom gameplay mechanics and rules that are designed to fit the theme. This can create a highly immersive and engaging gameplay experience that is unlike other board games.

Conclusion

Every choice in this list makes for a great alternative board game for games like Sorry, based on the age of players, complexity desired, and themes loved by players. Head to outer space for a gallivanting good time in Galaxy Truckers, hit the sand dunes in Camel Up, or head to the famous Tokaido Road in Japan for some scenic racing. Each choice has some game mechanics crossovers with Sorry and loads of fun for all.

FAQ: Games Like Sorry