Top Video Game-Themed Board Games Worth Playing

When it's time to step away from the digital screen and engage in some analog fun, board games provide the perfect escape while still satisfying your gaming cravings. Fortunately, there's a wide array of board games inspired by popular video games, and we've handpicked some of the best ones for you. Whether you're in the mood for an extended campaign or a quick party game, these selections will keep you immersed in beloved virtual worlds without the need for a screen.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Video Game Board Games

Fallout
Slay the Spire
Bloodborne
Resident Evil 2
Pac-Man
Tetris
Dark Souls the Board Game: Tomb of Giants
Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game
The Oregon Trail
Fallout

Fallout: The Board Game

Price: $69.99 save 36% $44.49 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 2-3 hours

With the buzz around Amazon's Fallout series, now is the perfect time to venture into the Wasteland from the comfort of your kitchen table. Begin by selecting from various scenarios that will dictate your map setup. Much like Bethesda's iconic open-world RPGs, players will explore the map, enhance their skills, battle against irradiated foes, engage with different factions, and embark on quests, all while vying for control over the Wasteland. This game is designed for immersive, long-term sessions, perfect for those who love detailed and expansive gameplay.

Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire: The Board Game

See it at Contention Games
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 45 minutes

Arguably the most fitting video game to transition to a board game, Slay the Spire captures its digital essence by allowing players to choose a hero and embark on a Roguelike deck-building journey up the Spire. Similar to the video game, players will navigate through different rooms, each with unique effects—encounters with regular enemies, elite battles, events, campfires, treasure, merchant interactions, and boss fights. The nature of Roguelikes ensures countless hours of fun as players experiment with different characters, builds, and items. For a deeper dive, check out our Slay the Spire: The Board Game review.

Bloodborne

Bloodborne: The Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 60-90 minutes

In the Bloodborne board game, players assume the role of a Hunter, fighting to eradicate the malevolent forces within Yharnam. As a campaign-style board game, Bloodborne offers endless replayability, with each session uniquely shaped by modular map tiles. With hundreds of cards, tokens, and game pieces, this haunting adventure challenges players' skills and decision-making as they unravel the mystery of a relentless plague and strive to stop it. The game's detailed miniatures enhance the immersive experience, making you feel truly part of the world.

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2: The Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes

The success of the Resident Evil 2 tabletop adaptation led to similar games for the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Yet, much like the video games, Resident Evil 2 stands out as the best entry. Staying true to the source material, players cooperate, taking control of either Leon S. Kennedy or Claire Redfield, battling through zombie hordes to escape in various scenarios. Collect weapons, healing items, and keys while navigating the environment, evading the undead, and solving puzzles. Use iconic ink ribbons and typewriters to influence your game sessions!

PAC-MAN

Pac-Man: The Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-5
Age Range: 10+
Play Time: 30 minutes

From Buffalo Games, the arcade classic makes a triumphant return to the tabletop. Enjoy this game in cooperative or competitive modes, where the player controlling Pac-Man aims to navigate the maze, eat pellets, and collect fruit, while ghost players try to avoid or catch Pac-Man. Played on four metal tiles that form the game board, it requires initial assembly but subsequent games are quick to start. The electronic Pac-Man figure even emits its iconic "waka waka" sound!

Tetris

Tetris Board Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 20-30 minutes

Also from Buffalo Games, the Tetris board game is a competitive experience where players maneuver, rotate, and drop tetriminos to achieve the highest score. Much like the video game, the next piece is displayed as a card, allowing strategic planning. Score points by completing lines, matching pieces to symbols on your tower, and achieving specific goals. With its quick setup and short playtime, this game is ideal for parties and younger players.

Dark Souls: The Board Game - Tomb of Giants

Dark Souls The Board Game: Tomb of Giants

See it at Amazon
Players: 1-3
Age Range: 14+
Play Time: 90-120 minutes

Originally planned as content for the original Dark Souls board game Kickstarter, the Tomb of Giants core set stands alone as an adventure suitable for newcomers, named after the notorious location from the video games. Players choose a class and gear, then navigate the catacombs, facing skeleton archers and resting at bonfires. With limited actions, strategic choices are crucial. This game remains faithful to its source with its challenging combat and RPG elements, including a level-up system. Tomb of Giants introduces new playable characters and over a hundred new cards, all compatible with existing Dark Souls board game products.

Cuphead: Fast-Rolling Dice Game

Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game

Price: $59.99 save 22% $46.88 at Amazon
Players: 1-4
Age Range: 8+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Mirroring its digital version, Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game is a fast-paced cooperative experience where players aim to defeat bosses using dice mechanics. The setup is straightforward, with a consistent boss deck structure. Choose from four characters—Cuphead, Mugman, Ms. Chalice, or Elder Kettle—and navigate through five phases per round to set up attacks and confront the boss. Timed rounds add urgency to your dice rolls! With high replay value, you can improve your score and upgrade abilities for future runs. For more details, see our Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game review.

The Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail Card Game

See it at Amazon
Players: 2-6
Age Range: 12+
Play Time: 30-45 minutes

Dying of dysentery has never been more entertaining. This quick-to-setup card game challenges players to reach Oregon without succumbing to the perils along the way. Expect quick sessions with a high likelihood of early demise due to Calamity cards. Though luck plays a significant role, the goal is to survive by playing fifty trail cards. A downside is that if a player dies on the first turn, they must sit out the rest of the session. Nevertheless, it's a fun and faithful recreation of the classic video game, sure to elicit plenty of laughs.