Ready for a couple of fun hours with friends in these 21 best online strategy board games?
Board games have always been a fun way to waste a few hours with some good friends. Since the proliferation of cell phones and computers, however, board games have been turned into virtual tabletop games that can be played against anyone in the world. From RPG-style board games like Armello to card-based strategy games like Northmark: The Hour of the Wolf, we’re going to list off our top 21 picks of online strategy board games. Counting backwards, here’s number 21:
21. Blood Bowl 2
Official Trailer for Blood Bowl 2
Based on the board game and the sequel to Blood Bowl, Blood Bowl 2 ranks at number 21 on our list. This turn-based strategy game made our list because of its delightful mix of blood-soaked brutality and America’s favorite sport, football. As the head coach, players will call plays in an attempt to strategically destroy (literally) the other team. Like any good football match, the team that wins is the team who scores the most touchdowns—all while being as brutal as possible. Those who enjoy dark humor will find Blood Bowl 2 somewhat comedic in the way it presents American football. But don’t get too attached to any of your team members. Deaths can and do happen, and they are permanent. Cue the announcer Jim Johnson, immortal vampire who, I’m fairly certain, has more to do with these deaths than he lets on.
Wouldn’t a Blood Bowl be the worst place for a vampire?
Blood Bowl 2 has been upgraded significantly from Blood Bowl. Aside from improvements in the UI, the sequel is significantly easier to play than its predecessor, in part because the real-time mode from Blood Bowl has been removed. Players can also customize their stadiums and buy/sell team members in the player marketplace. The marketplace is a necessary component of Blood Bowl 2 since you’ll likely find your blood-spattered roster thinning as players get killed.
I’m 70 percent sure he won’t get hurt from kicking that spiked football.
If you’re thinking about playing Blood Bowl 2, now is the perfect time to do so as the developers are releasing new, playable races available as downloadable content. Play as the Norse (released in May), the Undead, Nurgle, or Necromantic, and bring your team to a stunning victory.
Blood Bowl 2 Game Play
20. Armello
Armello Official Trailer
Up next on our list is Armello. Recipient of the Indie Fund and called the Australian Game of the Year by Kotaku, Armello is a beautiful, dark fantasy strategy game. It ranks at number 20 on our list because of its originality in art style, and for its creativity in combining elements from tabletop games, trading card games, and strategy RPGs.
In Armello, players attempt to dethrone the king of Armello, who has been driven into madness by a strange darkness called the Rot. Players can choose to play as one of eight heroes with the opportunity to play as other characters as the developers roll out new downloadable content. My personal preference is for the Forest Sister.
“Don’t mind me. Just passing through, not looking for any trouble.”
Unique to Armello is the day/night system with some characters becoming stronger in the day and some becoming stronger at night. Rival battles, quests, dungeons, and places to capture will randomly generate on the board, which makes Armello feel less like a virtual board game and more like a classic RPG. The hugeness of your hero in relation to everything else is also a nice throwback to the original Armello board game.
Unfortunately, his legs are too short to step over the castle walls.
Armello Gameplay
19. Gremlins, Inc.
Official Gremlins, Inc. Trailer
Coming in at 19 on our list is Gremlins, Inc. Why are we including a gremlins game on our list? Unlike Armello and Blood Bowl 2, Gremlins, Inc. is set up as a traditional board game. The game has no real plot (although it’s gremlins, so we understand), but the purpose of the game is to earn money, power, and prestige—all while making life miserable for the rest of the players on the board. Players can play as one of the 12 capitalist gremlins. Yes, capitalists. Did we mention this game was made by former Soviets?
The most unappealing game board for the most unappealing creatures.
As a capitalist gremlin, you’ll traverse across the steampunk board and gamble, steal, bribe, fight other players, and send people on “unscheduled vacations” (it’s jail). While this game lacks the RPG-feel of games like Armello, it’s incredibly fun to set misfortune upon your corrupt, gremlin opponents.
Okay, a terrible accident is good, but how about a tax audit? Now that's sinister.
One of the unique features of Gremlins, Inc. is you have to be as cutthroat as possible if you want to win. Players who resist hurting their fellow gremlins will end up losing the game, and what a better way to build a friendship with someone than by totally destroying them in an online, gremlins-themed board game?
Gremlins, Inc. Gameplay
18. Endless Legend
Endless Legend Official Trailer
Endless Legend is number 18 on our list not only because of its beautiful setting, but also because of its unique spin on the 4X genre. Once in the land of Auriga, players choose one faction out of the eleven factions available with each faction having their own unique set of skills and abilities. The purpose of the game is to win one of the eight victories available. You can have an Elimination Victory by killing off every other faction. For those who don’t have quite the inclination toward bloodshed, a Scientific Victory can be won by discovering various technologies. We don’t want to give away too many details here, but there are numerous other ways to win the game.
Contrary to popular belief, those are boundary lines, not science-defying lava.
What makes Endless Legend unique is the formation of its map, which is broken up into regions. Each player begins the game in a separate region and has the chance to build up their city. Since only one region can host one city at a time, players need to fortify their city walls while ensuring that they’re taking care of their people. Each faction must collect different resources—like food—in order to grow.
And here we have the infamous Trojan Boat.
Expansion packs have been released for Endless Legend, so if you last played this game when it came out in 2014, it might be worth playing again.
Endless Legends Gameplay
17. Civilization VI
Civilization 6 Official Trailer
Number 17 on our list is Civilization VI. Like Endless Legend, this game is a 4X strategy game that requires players to grow their settlements from huge civilizations. While the game has no real plot, players can win by taking over the planet by growing their civilization. Like all civilization building games, players will establish settlements and then expand them by gathering resources. However, players will also have to manage other parts of their civilization, such as diplomatic relations and developing technology.
Pew, pew, pew.
While Civilization VI has modified and built upon the gameplay from Civilization V, the developers also added several new elements that are unique to Civilization VI. One element is the civics tree, which will help players attain a cultural victory. Another element is the addition of historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt or Cleopatra. However, these AIs all have hidden agendas and it’s the player’s job to figure out what these agendas are.
Their secret agenda is to destroy this peaceful scene.
16. Thea: The Awakening
Thea: The Awakening Official Trailer
Thea: The Awakening comes in at number 16 because it uses Slavic lore and mythology to create an interesting and unique gameplay experience. In this game, players choose one of eight Slavic gods or goddesses, and then lead their pack of human survivors through the dangerous realm of Thea.
Particularly sneaky in Thea are the day/night turns. During the night, your group of survivors (and whatever walls city they’ve built) will be exposed to all sorts of horrible things, from hungry beasts to sicknesses.
You'd think that, as a god, you'd be able to clear all that fog in a second.
However, players should keep in mind that even if a hungry beast does come knocking down your village’s front door, they have the option of talking to the beast instead of slaying it. While being diplomatic doesn’t always work, it does require players to put more thought into how they handle various encounters.
Lady gamers may want to choose Mokosh as she's the protector of women's work.
Thea: The Awakening also has excellent replay value because each map is randomly generated. If you’ve played Thea before and want to play again, we challenge you to explore every map with a different god or goddess every time.
Thea: The Awakening Gameplay
15. Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III
Age of Wonders III made number 15 on our list because it gives equal focus to both it its multiplayer and single player modes.
Since Ages of Wonders III is actually the fourth game in the series, players not familiar with the franchise may want to spend some time reading the involving storyline. By the time the fourth installment begins, the Commonwealth Empire, run by humans, is attempting to assimilate all the races. The Elven Court opposes their plans and decides to rally together all the races to fight the humans.
They were more afraid when they thought this monster was a giant spider.
When the game begins, players can choose their leader, their class, and then can further customize their character’s skills. The classes and skills you select will change the way your leader and your empire are shaped. Players also have the option to align themselves with good or evil based on their choices and based on what they absorb into their empire.
Not much you can do about a giant creature wielding an axe.
Because the direction of Age of Wonders III changes based on each player’s unique play-style, it has a high replay value.
Ages of Wonders III Gameplay
14. Shadowrun Returns
Shadowrun Returns Official Trailer
Up next on our list is Shadowrun Returns. This game takes the number 14 spot because of its throwback style art and simple, but fun, gameplay. At the start of this game, players discover that Sam Watts, another shadowrunner, has been murdered.
But your motive for solving the murder isn’t purely altruistic—there’s a large sum of money involved, one that your character only knows about thanks to a dead man’s switch inside Sam’s body. Players who like the option of customizing their character will be pleased to know that Shadowrun Returns allows for the customization of gender, race, and class (or no class at all).
Ahh, the sweet smell of the ghetto.
For fans of the Final Fantasy series, Shadowrun Returns offers a similar, turn-based combat system. Using AP (Action Points), players can cast spells, use items, fire weapons, reload weapons, or move. Those who choose the Shaman class will have the ability to summon spirits. However, the summoning system is unique in that the longer a spirit is summoned, the more likely it is that the spirit will turn wild and either attack your team or run away. With this system in place, players will have to quickly modify their tactical strategy should their spirit turn violent.
Maybe the spirits go to this warehouse after they've turned on you.
If you’ve never played this game before, play Shadowrun first so you can enjoy all the Easter eggs in Shadowrun Returns.
Shadowrun Returns Gameplay
13. Expeditions: Conquistador
Expeditions: Conquistador Trailer
Expeditions: Conquistador comes in at 13 on our list because its historical setting does not dictate how the storyline pans out. In this game, players get to live through the eyes of a Spanish conquistador.
As you lead your expedition to Hispaniola and Mexico in the year 1518, you’ll work to gain both power and gold. The decisions players make will ultimately change the fate of the lands their exploring, which means players can choose to not slaughter a bunch of Native Americans all while assuming the role of a god (but hey, you can if you want).
Conquistadors love watching squires stab each other.
Unique to Expeditions: Conquistador is the lack of a leveling up/EXP system and the inability to engage in combat as the main character. Players can heal, hunt, lead, engage in tactics, and engage in diplomacy. Although there isn’t any way to level up the player character in this game, in-game events and bonuses can change your character, and your stats will dictate how events are influenced (for example, players can alter how battles start to gain an advantage over their enemies).
"Let's start the battle near these fruit stands so I can throw stuff."
Expeditions: Conquistador Gameplay
12. Hitman GO: Definitive Edition
Hitman: GO: Definitive Edition Trailer
Developed by Square Enix Montreal, Hitman: Go: Definitive Edition comes in at 12 on our list. This visually-stunning, turn-based puzzle game is on our list because it offers a creative and original approach to the popular Hitman franchise. As Agent 47, players move through each level with the intended purposes of either killing people or just passing through. Each level becomes more and more difficult to solve as new puzzles—and new mechanics—emerge.
Agent 47 is assassinating these people because they don't have a bathroom in their home.
Players move Agent 47 around the board via lines and nodes. After each turn, all the enemies NPCs will move at once, which makes the game move at a faster pace. To assassinate enemies, you just have to move Agent 47 onto the proper node and he’ll take care of the rest—like any true Hitman would. Players should be aware, however, that Agent 47 can also be killed if an enemy moves onto his node.
Here we see lots of creepy people stalking the outside of some poor family's home.
Fans of the Hitman series will either hate this game or love it. We think it breathes new life into the Hitman franchise.
Hitman: GO: Definitive Edition Gameplay
11. Panzer Corps
Panzer Corps Official Trailer
Number 11 on our list is Panzer Corps, a turn-based strategy game. This game is on our list because of its brilliant simplicity. Set on a hex-shaped battlefield and during World War II, players face off against each other in an attempt to complete their objective in a set number of turns. Because Panzer Corps doesn’t have complicated menus or instructions, players will have to rely on their ability to quickly strategize.
Ahh, the U.S.A. Always overdoing it with their military expenses.
With so many units in the game, and with each having their own set of unique skills, players could spend hours playing this game. Panzer Corps can also be played on varying degrees of difficulty because instead of having a hard/normal/easy mode, there is a sliding bar instead. Terrain and weather will change as you fight and ransack various countries, which means players must be ready to quickly change their tactics and strategies.
The dry, sandy terrain means a lot of sand in your soldiers’ boots.
Panzer Corps also gives players the option to play as Germany or any of the Western Allies, adding various new campaigns and fresh challenges. If you haven’t played Panzer Corps before, try it! We’ll see you in a few hundred hours.
Panzer Corps Gameplay
10. Crusader Kings II
Crusader Kings II Official Trailer
At 10 on our list is Crusader Kings II. This grand strategy game and dynasty simulator is set in the Middle Ages. We included this game on our list because of the amount of strategic decisions one has to make in order to gain victory.
As the leader of a Medieval dynasty, your job is to strategically marry, assassinate, and wage war in order to become the greatest dynasty. History buffs will enjoy the number of historical figures that appear throughout the game, such as Charlemagne and Alfred the Great.
Off with her head! ... Okay, maybe just release her.
Because the only real object in the game is to obtain as much success, power, and piety points, the outcome of the game is up to the player. However, the game will end if one of three conditions are—no heir, all land titles have been stripped from the player, or the game reaches the year 1453.
Marriages are also tricky because of the game’s genetics/education system. Under this system, players will have to walk a fine line between finding someone with desirable traits—ones that can be passed to a suitable heir—and finding someone with whom marriage won’t stop war or an undesirable alliance.
Ahh, the Pants Act. My favorite moment in history.
It’s worth nothing that Crusader Kings II also has a number of expansion packs and the latest expansion, Conclave, was just released in February of this year.
Crusader Kings II Gameplay
9. Hearts of Iron IV
Hearts of Iron IV Official Trailer
Hearts of Iron IV is number 9 on our list. We chose the 4th installment because it has an open world, unlike the other games in the franchise. Released in June of this year, Hearts of Iron 4 is a strategy game with a focus on World War II. Like Crusader Kings II, this game also allows player to change historical events.
As the game begins, players can choose which nation they want to command during the war. Choose one of the big powers, like Germany or the U.S., or choose a smaller nation, like Poland, to see how events unfold for the smaller, weaker countries.
Or play as the U.S.A. and smoke the competition.
Though Hearts of Iron IV lacks an objective other than winning World War II, players will undoubtedly enjoy engaging in not only battles, but also in political and diplomatic relations, such as finding non-violent means to procure resources. You’ll also have the opportunity to develop tanks and airplanes, depending on how technologically advanced and how much experience your country has.
The multiplayer mode is also worth a mention because you can battle up to 32 players at once. Let the bloodshed begin!
Hearts of Iron IV Gameplay
8. The Witcher Adventure Game
The Witcher Adventure Game Official Trailer
Based on the novel series by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher Adventure Game is number 8 on our list. This virtual board game takes the 8th spot because it remains faithful to the tabletop game of the same name. As one of the four main characters from The Witcher (Geralt of Rivera, Triss Merigold, Yarpen Zigrin, or Dandelion), players roam across the board in hopes of becoming the greatest hero of all time (like Highlander, there can only be one).
Where will you choose?
Although the game lacks an interactive tutorial, the game mechanics are smooth and easy enough to figure out. Like any good strategy game, players have the options to gain victory by honest work, charming people, or through diplomatic relations.
Numerous quests will have players slaying beasts, earning gold, and interacting with other characters to either make allies or enemies. Players can also help out their friends, but this should be done sparingly as friends can turn on each other without much notice.
Yarpen isn't going to put up with anyone's crap.
The Witcher Adventure Game Gameplay
7. Space Hulk Ascension
Space Hulk Ascension Official Trailer
Number 7 on our list is Space Hulk Ascension, a 2014 game based on the board game, Space Hulk. This game comes in at 7 because of its significantly reworked campaign structure and the amount of variety the game has to offer. The plot behind Space Hulk Ascension is relatively simple: as a team of Space Marine Terminators, your job is to move through the dark corridors of space to abandoned spaces. In these ships, you and your team go through each area, securing them and then creating a defensive perimeter to keep out alien Genestealers.
Could be a Terminator in space, could just be the most serious rave-goer ever.
With over 100 missions across multiple campaigns, players can look forward to hours and hours of gameplay. The darkness of each abandoned vessel adds a layer of difficulty to this strategy game because players will have difficulty seeing what to do next. By moving perimeters away from enemy lines and recreating them, players will have to rely on their ability to strategize well if they want to progress in Space Hulk Ascension.
Good luck finding thta tiny, dark piece of equipment you need!
Space Hulk Ascension Gameplay
6. The Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan Trailer
The Settlers of Catan, number 6 on our list, allows players to become settlers living on the island of Catan. Based on the board game of the same name, we picked this game as our number 6 choice because the game is easy to learn, but requires great strategizing to win, making it the perfect introduction to strategy games. In this game, players gather and trade resources, and add-on to their settlements in order to win. Whoever is able to amass 10 points first is the winner.
Who knew witches were interested in island settlements?
Because the PC version of the game remains faithful to the board game, players who are familiar with The Settlers of Catan will likely enjoy the computerized version. Each time a new game is started, the map is generated at random, which means players must change their strategies each time they play. Players also have the option to create their own maps. For those playing the game against a computer, beware: it’s pretty clever!
5. Warhammer 40,000: Regicide
Warhammer 40,000: Regicide Trailer
Coming in at number 5 on our list is Warhammer 40,000: Regicide. This chess-like strategy game is a creative and original twist on the Warhammer 40,000 franchise, which is why we’ve ranked it at 5. While this game actually has no plot, it does feature two games in one. The first game is a regular chess game that can be played against either a computer or other players from around the globe. The second game, and the real life blood behind this game, is “Regicide Mode.”
Despite the blood shooting out of his chest, he's still standing.
In “Regicide Mode,” players engage in a regular chess match, but with the addition of points that can be spent to purchase special items after each turn. These special items can be used to deal damage to your enemy or even block attacks. Warhammer 40,000: Regicide amps up the traditional chess movements by having pieces actively slaughter each other in an unnecessary splatter of gore that we’ve come to love and respect.
If the chess pieces in Harry Potter were this scary, Ron wouldn't have died.
Warhammer 40,000: Regicide Gameplay
4. Ticket To Ride
Ticket to Ride Trailer
Up next on our list and similar to Settlers of Catan, we have Ticket to Ride. This game sits in the number 4 spot because of its simplicity in gameplay, but impossibility to master. True to its original, this adaption of the board game has players attempting to be the first ones to expand their trains. In the PC version, players can download different maps, from the Europe map to the map of Switzerland to the historical 1910 map of the U.S.A.
Choo-choo! Buckle the hell up and take the train ride of your life.
As the game starts, players are dealt 3 destination cards and 6 train cards. After choosing only 2 of the destination cards, players will have the option to draw another train card or destination card, or they can claim a colored route on the game board. Once a player chooses a route, no other player can claim it. The game becomes even more interesting when playing with 4 or 5 players because double routes can be claimed by two different people. The game ends when players extend their trains, but there are bonuses to win for having the longest route.
The conduct looks nervous because he knows how you operate your trains.
For fans of the original Ticket to Ride board game, the PC version will surely win you over.
Ticket ro Ride Gameplay
3. Talisman: The Horus Heresy
Talisman: The Horus Heresy Trailer
Number 3 on our list is Talisman: The Horus Heresy because of its simplicity and addictiveness. Set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe and based on the original Talisman rules, this game will have players taking control of either a traitor or loyalist, and exploring the vast galaxy while engaging in battles against the enemy. Fans of Warhammer 40,000 will be thrilled to play as some of the familiar characters from the franchise while newcomers to the franchise won’t be as familiar.
To most people, this just looks like Math Blasters.
With up to 4 players per game, the goal is to either end of the Emperor’s reign, or keep it alive and well. As players move around the digital board, they will land on enemy or ally spots. On ally spots, players will have different options about what to do next while landing on an enemy spot will likely result in a battle or death. A permanent bonus can be gained by encountering and reuniting with your faction’s cards in an enemy battle.
While Talisman: The Horus Heresy is fun to play, it’s also a bit random, so don’t be too startled if you can taste the victory, but still end up defeated.
Talisman: The Horus Heresy Gameplay
2. Victory and Glory: Napoleon
Victory and Glory: Napoleon Trailer
Next on our list is Victory and Glory: Napoleon. This game is in our number 2 spot because it is a fast-paced strategy game that forces you to play as the villain. As Napoleon Bonaparte, players attempt to take over Europe. Stopping you from dominating the entire continent is Great Britain along with a handful of allies. The game can be played with friends online or against an AI. Regardless of how you play, you’ll always play as Napoleon.
Napoleon prefers to fly the French flag at a great height, probably due to his shortness.
In six different campaigns, players take turns moving across the board. As you lead France to victory, you’ll also lead land and naval units in battle with anyone who tries to stop you. Event cards grant special abilities while political points can be used for engaging in diplomatic relations (spoiler alert: this diplomacy is just Napoleon declaring war. A lot.). The game ends when Napoleon or his opposing forces win the continent of Europe.
I remember when I defeated Austria. Good times.
Victory and Glory: Napoleon Gameplay
1. Northmark: Hour of the Wolf
Northmark: Hour of the Wolf Trailer
Finally, occupying the number 1 spot on our list is Northmark: Hour of the Wolf. This card-based RPG tops our list because it contains a mix of strategy, card slinging, and story. In this fantastical world, players begin when their lord is nearly assassinated. Wondering who would want your lord dead, you seek out the culprit only to discover something more sinister, and very mysterious, going on in this strange kingdom. What really makes this game fun is the unique side quests that usually involve some form of silly humor (for example, a dwarf who loses his beard).
You helped the dwarf find his beard!
During the game, players will move from different locations to receive new quests, begin side missions, and purchase new cards for their decks using money earned from the arena. In battles, players will use their cards or their character’s ability to damage the enemy.
Unlike most games with card based combat systems, Northmark: Hour of the Wolf does not make use of a casting card, so players always have access to their strongest cards. Some may see this as a downfall of the game, but we see it as a way to quickly slaughter your enemies in this relatively short video game.
The only thing cooler than his sword is his beautiful mane.
Northmark: Hour of the Wolf Gameplay
That’s our list of the top 21 online strategy board games to play. Whether you’re playing with friends, against strangers, or even AI, you’re sure to have a fun and exciting experience. If you think there’s a game that should be included in this list, leave us a comment below.
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