Top Worker Placement Board Games Revealed
Something I never thought I'd say as an adult is that work can actually be fun and games. In the world of worker placement tabletop games, this is literally the case. These games involve guiding your team through various tasks and adventures, all while working towards end goals. With a wide array of themes and settings, the choice of game can transport you to different worlds. Here's a curated list of some of my recent favorites, encompassing both new and classic worker placement games.
TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board Games to Play Now
Viticulture
0See it at Amazon
Yokohama
0See it at Amazon
Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at Amazon
Darwin’s Journey
0See it at Amazon
Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games
Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games
Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at Amazon
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at Amazon
If you're not in the mood for detailed descriptions, you can browse all the games in the side-scrolling catalog above. If you want to delve deeper into each game, keep reading.
Viticulture
Viticulture
0See it at Amazon
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 45-90 mins
Viticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier, the mind behind Scythe, takes you on a delightful journey to Tuscany. Here, players inherit a vineyard from their parents and work to build a successful winery. The game revolves around planting grapes, harvesting them, bottling wine, and selling it. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate the seasonal cycle. Spanning multiple years, players develop their wineries and age wine to meet orders. Gather your friends for a competitive or cooperative experience with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).
Yokohama
Yokohama
0See it at Amazon
Ages: 14+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 90 mins
Yokohama transports players to the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan, where you build your business empire. Use your team of workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders. Although the game has a moderate complexity, once you grasp the mechanics, turns flow smoothly. Best played with three players, according to Board Game Geek.
Unconscious Mind
Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store
Ages: 12+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)
Unconscious Mind is a deep Euro game centered around psychology and grief, renowned for its stunning artwork. The gameplay offers complex strategies in movement and timing, enhanced by the Nightmares expansion, which adds more layers for those seeking a challenge. Be prepared for a longer playtime than suggested, as setup and teaching the game can take a while.
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at Amazon
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-90 mins
Wayfarers combines dice and worker placement, offering a fun and rewarding experience once you get the hang of it. The game's decision space can be daunting initially, especially for those new to heavy Euro games. However, the interplay between dice rolls and worker placement provides ample replayability.
Darwin’s Journey
Darwin’s Journey
0See it at Amazon
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-120 mins
In Darwin’s Journey, you step into the shoes of a scientific explorer, racing across three islands to discover nature and science for a museum. The game is easy to learn and offers high replayability. While it's available online, a physical copy is a must-have for its appeal to both seasoned and casual players.
Fromage
Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 40 mins
Fromage is a delightful game perfect for social gatherings or solo play. It involves making and selling award-winning cheeses in France. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds another layer of fun. It's a quick and enjoyable game that's easy to pick up.
The Gallerist
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games
Ages: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120 mins
The Gallerist immerses you in the world of art gallery management. Discover artists, showcase their work, and attract discerning patrons. Be warned, this game ranks high in complexity on Board Game Geek, making it less suitable for beginners.
Septima
Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games
Ages: 12+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 50-100 mins
Septima's striking gothic art is a feast for the eyes. This user-friendly game revolves around building covens, brewing potions, and surviving witch trials. Its expansion adds shapeshifting elements, enhancing the already beautiful artwork. Enjoy it solo or with friends.
Rock Hard: 1977
Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at Amazon
Ages: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 90 mins
Rock Hard: 1977 lets you live the rockstar life, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. With its amp-shaped player board and iconic head icons, this game was a fan favorite at Gen Con. However, be aware of its heavy themes, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at Amazon
Ages: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 50-120 mins
Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire creatives to design your books and race against other players to reach fandom. With its pulpy art, the game is enjoyable even if you're not a comic book fan. It's easy to learn and can be played solo or with up to four players, with three being the optimal number.
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