8 Best Board Games Like Risk
Surely you have heard of Risk; it is a war game that was created by French film director Albert Lamorisse and was originally released in France under the name of La Conquête du Monde. The Risk board game is one of the most popular games of conquest out there.
If you enjoyed the game of Risk, you are now probably looking for a new game that resembles it to play. Well, there are a lot of Risk-like games out there to choose from. Those games are challenging and, most importantly, fun to play.
Whether you want a game to play in family and friend gatherings, add some fun to your parties, or even to play solo, you can find what you need in our list. In this article, we will mention the 8 Best Board Games Like Risk that you can play to spice up your game nights.
Star Wars Rebellion Board Game
Players : 2-4
Ages: 14+
Game Time: 180-240 minutes
Complexity: High
Release Year: 2016
If you are looking for a fun game that provides a challenging experience, then Star Wars Rebellion Board Game could be a perfect choice. This board game requires intense strategic skills as well as tactical planning to win. It can accommodate up to four gamers, so it is a great choice for friend gatherings.
The game depicts the conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. In this game, each player can be either in control as an Empire commander or take on the role of a rebel hero. The game’s goal is to defeat the other gamers.
If you take the role of the Rebel, you will lead brave strikes against Imperial production facilities or the Death Star itself. In contrast, the Imperial gamer can hire bounty hunters and spread his might across the galaxy to look for the Rebels and end their Rebellion once and for all.
The Star Wars Rebellion Board Game will test your decision-making and strategic skills as you’ll have to create a plan and strategize well to defeat your enemy. You have to command starships, account for troop movements, and organize systems to help you in your cause.
Pros
Well-designed game artwork and components
The game provides the Star Wars feel, whether it is space or land combat
It tests your decision-making and strategic skills.
It features 2 game boards and more than 150 plastic miniatures
A Great game for two players
Cons
It has quite difficult rules
Has a long playing time
Confusing rule book.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a new unique adventure, Star Wars Rebellion Board Game is a perfect choice. You can play it with up to three of your friends and have an exciting time.
This game requires hardcore skills in strategic and tactical planning that will have them on their toes. They will enjoy this game, especially if they are Star Wars fans.
Catan Board Game: Base Game
Players: 3-4
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 60 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2015
The game of Catan resembles Risk; both games require a lot of planning in an effort to gain victory. But in the game of Catan, players don’t wage wars, so it is not normally categorized as a war game. But both games involve a similar strategy that includes the area control element.
Catan is not a game of global domination but rather an island domination one. Also, there is no battle in this game; instead, there is diplomacy and trade. It is a civilization-building game that is perfect for those who are good at leadership and have good business skills.
There are 19 land blocks surrounded by the ocean in this game. Different places produce their own resources, for instance, grain, wool, ores, and brick.
In this game, players will grow crops, construct buildings, trade goods, and settle homes with the aim of becoming the dominant force on Catan island. So to reach your goal, you need to come up with good strategies.
Also, it is recommended for players 10 years and up. So this game might be a good choice for your children to teach them about development and entrepreneurship.
Pros
Accessible board game
Competitive gameplay
Has a lot of expansion sets for those who want more
for both kids and adults
teach children how to build and trade.
Cons
It may be a little difficult for very young players (but there is Catan Junior for kids).
The dice rolls add the luck factor to the game.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a board game that is suitable for children and adults alike, look no further than Catan. It is easy enough for kids to learn but still challenging enough for adults to enjoy.
It is a great way to have quality time with your children. Also, the game playtime is 60 minutes, which is a suitable duration for a family game night.
Twilight Imperium 4th Edition Board Game
Players: 3-6
Ages: 14+
Game Time: 240-480 minutes
Complexity: High
Release Year: 2017
Twilight Imperium is produced by Fantasy Flight Games and designed by Christian T. Petersen. The game was first released in 1997, while this fourth edition was released in 2017. there are a lot of changes between the fourth edition and the previous ones
the fourth edition features a lot of changes from the former ones
This game has a long playtime; it can take from 4-8 hours to finish. But probably it will take more time than this if you are a beginner. The game also has an in-depth strategic mechanism as players will make military, trade, technological, and political decisions.
In this game, you will take command of one of the 17 factions to compete for interstellar supremacy through warfare, uncertain allegiances, trade, and political dominance. Every one of those factions is entirely different from the other. So every time you play this game, you will have a new experience.
The game offers several pathways to achieve victory. You can overrun your foes with military might or negotiate your way to victory; it is up to your choice.
If you prefer board games that can last for hours, then Twilight Imperium is what you are looking for. Due to its depth and complexity, this game is a great choice for expert and veteran players.
Pros
Sci-fi strategy board game.
Great for expert and veteran gamers
High-quality board game
High Replayability.
Players can win by various methods.
Cons
You need a lot of space to play.
it has long gameplay that might bore some gamers
Quite complex rules
Final Thoughts
If you are a sci-fi fan, then the Twilight Imperium board game is a great choice for you. It is a galactic conquest version of Risk. It is a quintessential political war game; it encourages negotiation and provides many pathways to achieve victory. You need a long time to play this game and also a big tabletop as the package comes with too many pieces.
Dominion: 2nd Edition
Players: 2-4
Ages: 14+
Game Time: 30 Minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2016
Dominion is a deck-building board game that can be a great introduction to the deck-building mechanics for new gamers.
This strategy board game will test the player’s abilities as a king. In this game, you take the role of a king who will try to acquire all the available land in order to expand the size of your kingdom. Since it is a competitive game, you will race with other players for the same goal.
There are endless strategies and thousands of deck combinations you can use in this game. So although the game’s general concept will be the same, you can make every game more exciting and unique.
Another advantage is that card games are easy to carry and transfer and can be played on a small tabletop. So it is easy to take them during camping trips, while traveling, or even to your friend’s house.
This game includes everything from the standard War Game, which makes it an alternative to Risk. It is a fun and engaging board game where you will try to build your own kingdom.
These games test your creativity and strategic thinking skills. Also, there are a lot of expansion sets available for those who want more.
Pros
Portable board game
Quick game, ideal to be the first game for beginners
The second edition is even better than the first one
Affordable
Strategy game
Cons
Packaging is a bit flimsy-check for damage
Reports of sets with missing cards
Final Thoughts
Dominion is a kingdom-building game, so if you enjoy developing and building thrones and kingdoms, this game is a great choice. The game mechanics and rules make it an ideal choice for first-time board game players. Also, the game has 30 minutes of playing time, making it a great choice for a quick game night or to play during lunch breaks.
Small World Board Game
Players: 2-5
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 40-95 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2009
Small World is an area control game like Risk, but it also has some nice extras. As it is indicated from the game name, your goal is to conquer a world that is too small to fit everyone, like small world domination.
The game comes with 20 unique special powers and 14 different races that you can choose from; this will make the gameplay experience more interesting. Also, the variety of races and abilities will give you a little different experience every time you play the game. This game comes with a good replay value.
Small World is also a civilization game where the gamers conquer regions with their race to gain prizes like Victory Coins. At the end of the game, the player with the most coins will be the winner. So you have to come up with good strategies in order to reach your goal.
This game is for 8 years old and above, so it is also an ideal choice for kids. The game involves magical creatures such as giants and wizards, so children will surely love this game and have a wonderful time playing it.
Pros
Great product quality and artwork
Easy to learn and very accessible
Plenty of expansions available
A civilization game that is for both kids and adults
The game comes with 14 races and 20 special abilities
Cons
Not suitable for children who are easily bored or distracted
Final Thoughts
If you are a parent who enjoys bonding with your children over board games, then the Small World board game is a great choice for you. This game’s rules are easy enough for kids to learn, and the gameplay is challenging enough for adults. It is a great way to have quality time with your kids. Since it can accommodate up to 5 players, there is a place for the whole family to join the fun.
Blood Rage Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 14+
Game Time: 60-90 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2019
Blood Rage is another exciting board game like Risk. The gameplay includes a lot of player conflict and a high degree of player interaction.
But the strategic element in this game differs a little. In the battle, you do not just overwhelm the other players with a larger army. In order to achieve victory, you need to carefully play the battle cards. So during the game, you need to choose your strategies carefully and be ready to adapt and react to the strategies of your opponents.
At the beginning of the game, each player selects a clan sheet. All of them have the same abilities, but as the game goes on, you can upgrade your clan and create your own strategies and strengths.
In this game, players control Viking clans; they will fight for control of ancient Viking territories, summon monsters from Norse legends, and complete valuable quests. The aim is to earn as much glory as they can before Ragnarök. The game consists of three rounds; at the end of the game, the player with the most glory points will be the winner.
Blood Rage is a game where players will try their best to gain glory for their clan. The game offers a variety of ways to do that, such as winning battles, completing quests, pillaging, or dying a hero.
To win this game, it is not necessarily to be the player who conquers the most territory. For instance, some cards can give you points when you lose units in battle.
If you want a game like Risk but with a nice twist in strategy, then this game is a great choice. The game story, the miniatures, and the gameplay combine together to make a great theme.
Pros
Very high player interaction
Strategy board game
Beautiful components and the miniatures are amazingly detailed
Great theme
The game plays very well with 3-4 gamers.
Cons
The 2 player game can lack the same tension degree.
Final Thoughts
Blood Rage is a strategic war board game that will only take 60-90 minutes to finish. It provides enough depth that can keep any strategic gamer entertained while allowing more casual gamers an exciting gameplay experience as well. So if you want a strategic game that will not take too long to play, this one is a great choice.
Eclipse Board Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 14+
Game Time: 90 minutes
Complexity: High
Release Year: 2011
After the ruthless Terran–Hegemony War (30.027–33.364), all major spacefaring species employ a lot of effort to ensure that those terrifying events will not occur again.
So to enforce the valuable peace, the Galactic Council was formed. This Council has done a great job in its mission as it has an undeniable effort to stop the malicious acts escalation.
However, there is a lot of discord and tension in the Council itself and among the 7 main species as well. Secret, overhasty diplomatic treaties are made, and old alliances are breaking up. It seems that the confrontation of the superpowers can not be avoided; the only thing that remains to be seen is the outcome of this conflict. So which one of the factions will be the winner and command the galaxy under his rule?
Eclipse is a war board game that has conflict and strategy elements but on a galactic scale. The game comes with seven 7 various species to choose from; every one of those species has its own unique abilities and features.
Since the seven species differ in strength, when planning your own strategy, you need to keep in mind your species’ weaknesses and strengths and also the endeavors of other civilizations.
In this game, the players will control a huge interstellar civilization; they will compete with each other to lead their species to victory. You will build spaceships to wage war with, research technologies, and explore and colonize new star systems in order to expand your civilization.
This game also includes the resource management factor. As on the common game board, you will explore space and colonize new areas, while on your own player board, you will do all the production and resource management conveniently. At the end of the game, the player who gains the most Victory Points will be the winner.
Pros
Very high replayability
You can select from seven unique and interesting species
Very deep strategy
High-quality production
Provide an epic experience.
Customizable ships
Cons
It is a fairly complex game, not suited to younger or new gamers.
Final Thoughts If you want an exceptional war game that takes place on a galactic scale, then the Eclipse Board Game is a great choice. In this game, each player will control a unique species and aim to expand his influence across the galaxy. It is a fairly complex game with a very deep strategy, so this game is a great choice for strategic and experienced game players.
Scythe Board Game
Players: 1-5
Ages: 14+
Game Time: 115 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2016
Scythe is also a great choice for Risk lovers who are searching for a new game to play. It is an area control board game set in an alternate-history 1920s period. In this game, each player will take the role of a fallen leader who is struggling to stand up on his feet after the First Great War.
There are many factions in this game for players to choose from. Each one of those factions differs from the others. Each player aims to lead his faction to its former glory and repair his reputation. In order to reach your goal, you will have to conquer territory, cultivate resources, enlist new recruits, gain villagers, and utilize mechs around the center called The Factory.
All the players start the game with various resources such as power, coins, and popularity. Also, each player will have a different starting location and a hidden goal.
This game is like a continuous battle going on; it has no rounds or phases. Players take turns one after another, and every card offers the gamer various choices to select from. This helps to decrease downtime between turns and keep the gameplay at a fast pace.
To win this game, you have to think strategically and come up with good plans. At the end of the game, the player with the most points wins.
The game can take up to 5 players, so it is a great choice for family and friend gatherings. Also, the game can be played with one player, so it suits those who enjoy solo gameplay.
Pros
The combat element makes the game more exciting.
challenging game mechanics
The board game has a solo mode
Strategy board game
A lot of choices in engine building.
High-quality game
Cons
The game may be difficult for very young children.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a board game to spice up your next party, then Scythe Board Game is a great choice. It is a multiplayer game that can take up to 5 players and is recommended for ages14 years old and up. Also, everyone will be part of the fun until the end, as there is no elimination in this game.
