Top Worker Placement Board Games Reviewed

Something I didn’t expect to say as an adult is that sometimes, believe it or not, work can be fun and games. In worker placement tabletop games, they literally can be. In this form of gameplay, you guide your team through various tasks and adventures as you work towards your end goals. There are numerous worlds and themes to explore, depending on the game you select. This list showcases some of my latest 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 AmazonIf you're looking for a quick overview, you can see all the games in this article in the handy side-scrolling catalog above. If you want to dive deeper into each game, just keep on reading.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, transports you to the picturesque region of Tuscany. Here, you and your fellow players take on the role of families inheriting a vineyard, striving to build a successful winery. The game involves planting vineyards, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate through the seasons. Players progress over multiple years, aging their wine and fulfilling orders. Viticulture can be enjoyed competitively or cooperatively with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon), making it a versatile choice for game night.

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsYokohama immerses you in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan, where you build a business empire. Your team of workers helps you gather resources, develop technologies, and complete orders. The game offers a moderate level of complexity, but once mastered, turns flow smoothly. Ideal for 2-4 players, Yokohama shines best with three, according to Board Game Geek.

Unconscious Mind

### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a deeply engaging Euro game that delves into psychology and grief. Its stunning artwork adds to the immersive experience. The gameplay is complex, offering layered strategies in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion introduces additional challenges or softer elements, such as fireworks and a gramophone lighter. Be aware that this game requires significant setup and playtime, often exceeding the box's estimates, so prepare for an extended gaming session.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers combines dice and worker placement in a surprisingly fun and rewarding manner. The worker placement mechanics are tied to dice rolls, adding an element of chance to your strategic decisions. Though it can seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, it offers immense replayability. I was initially intimidated but thoroughly enjoyed it once I played a three-player game. With tight resources and multiple decision points, Wayfarers is a game you won't want to miss.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsIf you've ever dreamed of exploring like Darwin, this game is for you. Race against fellow explorers and Darwin himself across three islands, discovering nature and science for your museum. Darwin's Journey is easy to learn and highly replayable. Its appealing design is also available online, but the physical copy is a must-have, beloved by both seasoned and casual players alike.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsFromage is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo. This game revolves around crafting and selling award-winning cheeses in France. Players build structures, tend to livestock, and fulfill orders in this engaging, quick-play board game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds a delightful twist that'll make you crave more than just cheese.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsThe Gallerist challenges you to manage an art gallery, discovering artists, showcasing their work, and attracting patrons. Be warned: this isn't a game for beginners, with a complexity rating of 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek. It mirrors the real-world art scene's challenges, making it a rewarding yet demanding experience.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's captivating art and theme of witchcraft make it a standout. Players build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and survive witch trials. Despite the emotional challenge of losing allied witches, I highly recommend this game for its immersive experience. Playable solo or with friends, the expansion adds shapeshifting with animals, enhancing the game's already stunning visuals.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsRock Hard: 1977 lets you live out your rockstar dreams, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. With its amp-shaped player board and head icon, it's a visually striking game that was a fan favorite at Gen Con. However, be aware of its heavy themes, which may not be suitable for everyone, reflecting the darker sides of rockstar life.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsIf you're a fan of comics, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build your own comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to create your books, racing other players to publish and sell. The game's pulpy art and straightforward gameplay make it enjoyable for comic fans and newcomers alike. Playable with up to four players, it's best with three and can also be enjoyed solo. It's one of the easiest games on this list to learn, making it a great addition to any collection.