5 Family Games You Should Play in 2024

Since their start, family games have been popular as the go-to options for fun and entertainment for the whole clan. The entire household gets together to enjoy some frenzied action, often involving card drawing, video game consoles, or dice rolling as part of the fun. In addition, family games often get everyone involved, meaning they are fun for kids and interesting for adults.

In 2024, some games stand out as a must-play to help bond the whole family. These games have, through time, proven to be among the best options for every season. While our picks border on simplicity and entertainment for all age groups within the family, they are ultimately the selections that will make each minute together memorable. And Alas! Here are the top 5 family games you should definitely play in 2024.

5. Zombie Dice

Zombie Dice is a fun board game that the whole family can enjoy, thanks to its simplicity. The zombie-themed board game sees 13 players battle each other as zombies. The goal is for each player to eat as many brains (13, to be precise) as possible to defeat the opponent’s count.

However, eating brains is not the only part of the deal. Each chance sets you on a timer within a specified time frame. If it stops rolling before you complete your mission, a shotgun blast will kill you. In essence, the game kills you off, and only fast gameplay earns you points.

A player gets three dice from the dice box in each turn and rolls them. If a dice lands on a brain symbol, then the player gets one point. Landing on footsteps gives you another chance to reroll the dice in question. After each win, you should decide whether to score your earned brain collection or push your luck by trading them for another dice roll.

4. 7 Wonders

The popularity of family board games would be incomplete without mentioning 7 Wonders. The popular card-drawing board game revolves around ancient civilizations, with players representing different dynasties. Each player’s role is to develop the ancient civilization to the best possible outcome and beat their opponents while at it.

The family board game allows up to six players to compete in a 30-minute time frame, drawing cards that determine their next game move. Multiple card sets are available where the cards are spread into three eras, adding variety to the game. Each play sees one person draw seven cards, pick one, and pass the rest to the others.

Winners are determined when players reveal their cards, and you get to compare. Here, each card represents a different strength or ability. For example, if one player or an immediate ancient civilization draws a stronger military strength, they get the power to invade you.

3. King of Tokyo

The King of Tokyo is one of the most popular family board games that almost picked up a reputation close to the likes of Monopoly. The multiplayer game uses custom dice, cards, and boards, with players opting to play as monsters, mutants, aliens, or giant robots. Each game session takes on two to six players, each controlling their character to take over Tokyo in the tabletop game.

What ensues is fun gameplay, with players aiming to whack each other to become the top bosses in Tokyo. In essence, the game works with dice rolls, where each player takes a turn to roll the six dice and play their turn. Each dice roll results in a side offering one of the following: 1, 2 or 3 Victory points, Attack, Heal, and Energy. All players get three successive dice throws and can choose whether to play or skip their chance.

As an extra, the King of Tokyo also comes with unique cards that offer extra energy for better armor, more potent weapons, or body healing. You can use these cards to build up your monster for fights. Remember, the game only ends when you wrestle control of Tokyo, with your monster having the last stand. Achieving 20 points also ends the game and makes you the winner.

2. Ticket to Ride

Another fantastic introduction to the world of family games is Ticket to Ride. As the name suggests, Ticket to Ride is about a cross-country train adventure where multiple players compete through cards. Players take turns collecting train cards or tickets and building routes from where they earn points.

At its core, players act as railway pioneers, expanding the train network through the Ticket to Ride universe. You collect various kinds of cards for the train cars you will use to claim the railway routes.

The goal of each player is to collect enough train cards or tickets to claim a lucrative route, where a longer route guarantees you more points. Similarly, “Destination tickets” earn extra points for connecting two distant cities. Each card draw will, thus, mean you either get a chance for more cards, to claim a new route, or to get more Destination tickets.

1. Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp

For the lovers and owners of Nintendo, Advance Wars 1+2: Re-boot Camp is a family adventure you should not miss out on. The game is a remake of the classic Advance Wars, but with upgrades on the strategic planning of wars, attacks, and defenses. In short, the game is a military strategy game with tanks, helicopters, and soldiers ready to take your orders.

Inside The Advance Wars, players lead three characters, Andy, Max, or Sami, as commanding officers. Your expertise will be called into action, as you need superior strategy skills to lead your crew into battle. Apart from strategy, the COs have special powers that help them navigate the gameplay.

Since it is a multiplayer game, Nintendo allows an online mode for one-on-one battles or a versus mode where up to four players battle. Each player gets a CO for each war campaign, with the ability to customize the gameplay with a variety of options. Overall, it is a fun war game with cartoon characters, making it less violent.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our most anticipated family games of 2024? Let us know what you think through our socials here.