Why not give your Airbnb guests something fun to do by providing them with board games? They’re a great way to keep them entertained during their stay.
Here’s a list of board games for various categories to consider stocking in your Airbnb property:
1. Top 5 Classic Board Games for Every Airbnb:
Chess
A Timeless strategy game played on an 8×8 grid. Two players engage in a battle of wits, moving pieces like kings, queens, knights, and pawns to outmaneuver and capture their opponent’s king. Chess offers endless strategic depth, encourages critical thinking, and fosters healthy competition. Guests can enjoy intense matches and improve their chess skills during their stay.
Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic property trading game where players buy, sell, and trade properties to build monopolies and bankrupt their opponents. The goal is to accumulate wealth and drive others into financial ruin. Monopoly is a social game that brings out the tycoon in everyone. It’s perfect for bonding, negotiating, and experiencing the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.
Scrabble
Scrabble is a word game where players create words on a game board using letter tiles, each with a point value. The objective is to score the most points by forming high-scoring words. Scrabble is educational and entertaining. It challenges vocabulary and word-building skills, making it an ideal choice for word enthusiasts and families looking for fun and learning.
Checkers (Draughts)
Checkers, also known as Draughts, is a two-player strategy game played on an 8×8 board with black and white pieces. Players jump over and capture their opponent’s pieces to achieve victory. Checkers is easy to learn and quick to play, making it accessible for guests of all ages. It’s a classic game of tactics and planning.
Uno
Uno is a fast-paced card game where players match cards by color or number while trying to be the first to empty their hand. Special action cards add twists and turns to the game. Uno is a lively and unpredictable game that is perfect for parties and gatherings. Its simplicity and excitement make it a crowd-pleaser, ensuring laughter and camaraderie among guests.
2. Modern Board Games that Wow Guests:
Settlers of Catan
Settlers of Catan is a game of resource management and trading. Players build settlements, roads, and cities on an island, competing for resources like wood, brick, and ore to achieve victory.
Why Guests Will Like It: Settlers of Catan combines strategy and negotiation to create a dynamic and engaging experience. It is easy to learn, yet offers depth that keeps players coming back for more.
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a railway-themed board game where players collect train cards to complete routes across a map of North America. The goal is to complete destination tickets and connect cities efficiently.
Why Guests Will Like It: Ticket to Ride is accessible and visually appealing, making it suitable for players of all ages. It is an excellent way to explore geography and strategy while having fun.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is a tile-laying game where players build a medieval landscape with cities, roads, and fields. They earn points by completing features and strategically placing followers on the tiles.
Why Guests Will Like It: Carcassonne offers a relaxing yet engaging experience. Its simple rules and beautiful artwork make it an enjoyable choice for both casual and experienced gamers.
Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative board game where players work together as members of a disease-fighting team to prevent global outbreaks. Players must strategize to find cures for four deadly diseases.
Why Guests Will Like It: Pandemic fosters teamwork and critical thinking. It is a unique experience where guests must collaborate to save the world, making it both challenging and rewarding.
Splendor
Splendor is a game of economic development where players collect gemstones, purchase cards, and build an economic engine to earn prestige points. The first player to reach a certain number of points wins.
Why Guests Will Like It: Splendor is a visually appealing and intellectually stimulating game. It offers a balance of strategy and simplicity, making it a favourite among those who enjoy resource management.
3. Family-Friendly Board Games for a Cozy Airbnb Evening
Apples to Apples
Apples to Apples is a party game where players take turns being the judge. The judge draws a prompt card, and other players submit word cards that they think best match the prompt. The judge selects the funniest or most fitting response.
Why Guests Will Like It: Apples to Apples encourages creativity and humor. It’s perfect for families and groups looking for laughter and light-hearted entertainment.
Codenames Pictures
Codenames Pictures is a word association game where players give one-word clues to help their team identify pictures on a grid. The goal is to avoid the opponent’s pictures while finding your own team’s agents.
Why Guests Will Like It: Codenames Pictures is a visually stimulating and challenging game suitable for players of all ages. It encourages teamwork and wordplay in a relaxed and friendly setting.
Sushi Go
Sushi Go! is a card-drafting game where players collect sushi dishes to create the best meal. Each type of sushi has different point values, and players aim to score the most points over three rounds.
Why Guests Will Like It: Sushi Go! is easy to learn and quick to play, making it a great choice for families and casual gamers. The adorable sushi-themed artwork adds to the charm.
Dixit
Dixit is a storytelling and deduction game where players use abstract illustrations on cards to inspire creative and imaginative narratives. Players score points by guessing which card matches the storyteller’s description.
Why Guests Will Like It: Dixit sparks creativity and communication. It’s a game that encourages players to think outside the box and appreciate the beauty of abstract art.
Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a fast-paced card game where players draw cards, hoping to avoid exploding kitten cards. Special cards allow players to defuse the kittens, skip turns, or sabotage opponents.
Why Guests Will Like It: Exploding Kittens combines strategy and humor. It’s a silly and exciting game that’s perfect for family gatherings and provides lots of unexpected twists.
4. Strategy Board Games for Enthusiasts
Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a complex strategy game in which players take on the roles of corporations working to terraform and colonize the Red Planet. Players must manage resources, construct infrastructure, and compete for milestones and awards.
Terraforming Mars offers deep strategic gameplay with numerous paths to victory. It is a challenging game that rewards careful planning and resource management.
Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is a two-player card-driven game that simulates the Cold War. Players assume the roles of the United States and the Soviet Union, engaging in political and military struggles around the world.
Twilight Struggle is highly regarded for its historical accuracy and strategic depth. It is a game of tense decision-making, bluffing, and global strategy.
Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a cooperative, campaign-driven dungeon crawler board game. Players take on the roles of adventurers in a dark and immersive fantasy world, embarking on quests, making choices, and battling monsters.
Gloomhaven offers epic storytelling and tactical combat. It is a deep and immersive experience, perfect for players who enjoy character progression and long-term campaigns.
Brass: Birmingham
Brass: Birmingham is an economic strategy game set during the Industrial Revolution. Players build industries, develop networks, and compete to dominate the economic landscape of Birmingham, England.
Brass: Birmingham is known for its deep economic simulation and intricate decision-making. It is a game that requires careful planning and adaptation to changing circumstances.
Scythe
Scythe is a strategy board game set in an alternate history 1920s Europe. Players control factions with unique abilities and compete for resources, territory, and objectives using mechs and workers.
Scythe combines resource management, area control, and asymmetric player powers. It is visually stunning and offers a mix of strategic depth and player interaction.
5. Easy-to-Learn Board Games for Quick Fun
Love Letter
A fast-paced card game that involves delivering a love letter to the princess by strategically playing cards with different abilities and effects. The round ends when all but one player is eliminated, and the player with the highest-ranking card wins the round. Love Letter is simple to learn and play, making it accessible for players of all ages. It’s a quick and light game that provides plenty of fun and excitement.
King of Tokyo
A game where players take control of gigantic monsters and compete to dominate Tokyo. It’s a dice-driven game where players roll dice to attack, heal, or gain points. The aim is to be the last monster standing or reach 20 points first. King of Tokyo combines luck and strategy in a way that’s easy to understand. It’s a fast and engaging game with colorful components that are appealing to players looking for quick, light-hearted fun.
Forbidden Island
An adventure game where players cooperate to retrieve treasure from a sinking island. The game requires players to devise strategies to collect treasure cards and achieve objectives before the entire island sinks. The game is perfect for families and casual gamers, as it is cooperative and easy to play. Players will enjoy the thrilling and collaborative experience that the game offers.
Azul
A board game that involves abstract strategy where players take tiles from a central factory display and arrange them on their personal boards to score points. The objective of the game is to create the most aesthetically pleasing patterns possible.
Guests are likely to enjoy Azul as its rules are easy to understand, and the game features beautiful and tactile components. It is a visually satisfying game that offers a perfect balance of strategy and accessibility.
6. Themed Board Games for a Unique Airbnb Experience
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a horror and adventure game set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Players explore a haunted mansion, but one of them may betray the group, leading to various scenarios and storylines.
Why Guests Will Like It: This game offers a thrilling and immersive experience for fans of D&D and horror. It has unique replayability with its numerous possible betrayals and outcomes.
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle
Hogwarts Battle is a cooperative deck-building game set in the Harry Potter universe. Players take on the roles of famous wizards and work together to protect Hogwarts from dark forces while advancing through the seven books.
Why Guests Will Like It: Harry Potter fans will love this game for its immersive storytelling and chance to play as their favorite characters. It’s a great way to bond over a shared love for the wizarding world.
Game of Thrones: The Board Game
Game of Thrones: The Board Game is a strategy game set in the world of Westeros. Players take control of noble houses, engaging in diplomacy, warfare, and negotiation to vie for the Iron Throne.
Why Guests Will Like It: Fans of the Game of Thrones series will appreciate the chance to scheme and plot their way to victory. The game captures the political intrigue and epic battles of the show.
Star Wars: Rebellion
Star Wars: Rebellion is a strategic board game set in the Star Wars universe. One player commands the Galactic Empire, while the other leads the Rebel Alliance in a battle for control of the galaxy.
Why Guests Will Like It: Star Wars enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the iconic universe and recreate epic battles and missions. The game offers a cinematic experience and epic confrontations.
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is a cooperative deduction game where players step into the shoes of Victorian-era detectives. They solve mysteries by following leads, gathering clues, and piecing together the story.
Why Guests Will Like It: This game provides a unique opportunity to test deductive reasoning and detective skills. It’s perfect for guests who enjoy solving intricate mysteries and playing as amateur sleuths.
7. Interactive Board Games for Large Groups
Telestrations
Telestrations is a drawing and guessing game where players draw a word or phrase, then pass it to the next player who guesses what it is. This continues until the original phrase returns, resulting in hilarious interpretations.
Why Guests Will Like It: Telestrations is an interactive game that fosters laughter and creativity. It’s ideal for large groups and guarantees a fun and engaging experience.
Werewolf (or One Night Ultimate Werewolf)
Werewolf is a social deduction game where players take on roles as villagers and werewolves. Players must use deduction, bluffing, and discussion to identify and eliminate the werewolves or protect them, depending on their roles.
Why Guests Will Like It: Werewolf is a highly interactive game that encourages group discussion and deception. It’s a party favorite that keeps everyone engaged and guessing.
Codenames
Codenames is a word association game where players give one-word clues to help their team identify words on a grid. It’s a race to find all your team’s words while avoiding the opponent’s words.
Why Guests Will Like It: Codenames is a fantastic group game that encourages communication and teamwork. It accommodates large groups and offers strategic and social interaction.
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong
Deception: Murder in Hong Kong is a deduction and social game where players work together to solve a murder mystery. One player is the murderer and another is the forensic scientist, providing clues through cards and hints.
Why Guests Will Like It: This game encourages discussion and debate as players attempt to solve the murder. It requires analytical thinking and collaboration, making it an interactive game.
Compact and Travel-Friendly Board Games
Hive Pocket
Hive Pocket is a compact, abstract strategy game for two players. The game features hexagonal tiles with various insect pieces, and the objective is to surround your opponent’s queen bee while safeguarding your own.
Why Guests Will Like It: Hive Pocket is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it perfect for travelers. It doesn’t require a game board, and the sturdy pieces are spill and wear-resistant.
Onitama
Onitama is a strategy game with a martial arts theme, played by two players on a small mat. Players control martial arts masters and their students, using movement cards to outmaneuver their opponent and capture their master.
Why Guests Will Like It: Onitama’s small size and quick gameplay make it perfect for travelers. The elegant design and strategic depth make it a satisfying choice for a quick game on the go.
The Resistance: Avalon
The Resistance: Avalon is a social deduction game for 5-10 players. Players are divided into loyal knights and traitorous minions in the world of King Arthur, and they must complete or sabotage quests.
Why Guests Will Like It: The Resistance: Avalon is compact and easy to pack for travel. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings where guests want to engage in social deduction and intrigue.
Tiny Epic Galaxies
Tiny Epic Galaxies is a space exploration and resource management game for 1-5 players with a small box size. Players aim to expand their galactic empire by colonizing planets, managing resources, and upgrading their empire.
Why Guests Will Like It: Tiny Epic Galaxies is compact and offers a deep gaming experience. It’s great for solo travelers or small groups looking for a space-themed game on the go.
Board Games that Promote Local Culture and History
Ticket to Ride: Various Regional Editions
Ticket to Ride has different regional editions set in various parts of the world, such as Ticket to Ride: Europe, Ticket to Ride: Asia, and more. Each version incorporates historical and cultural elements of the respective region.
Why Guests Will Like It: These editions provide an entertaining and educational way to learn about the history and geography of different regions. They offer a thematic and immersive experience.
Tokaido
Tokaido is a board game set in ancient Japan, where players take on the roles of travelers journeying along the East Sea Road (Tokaido). They experience Japanese culture by visiting inns, temples, and encountering locals.
Why Guests Will Like It: Tokaido offers a glimpse into Japanese culture, history, and aesthetics. It’s a visually striking and relaxing game that immerses players in the beauty of Japan.
7 Wonders Duel: Pantheon
– Description: 7 Wonders Duel is a two-player civilization-building game, and the Pantheon expansion adds mythological elements inspired by various ancient cultures. Players can benefit from the powers of different gods and goddesses.
– Why Guests Will Like It: The Pantheon expansion introduces mythology and gods from various cultures, making it an educational and culturally rich addition to the game.
Freedom: The Underground Railroad
Freedom: The Underground Railroad is a cooperative board game that focuses on the history of the Underground Railroad. Players work together to help slaves escape to freedom while facing various challenges.
Why Guests Will Like It: This game provides an opportunity to learn about an essential part of American history. It encourages teamwork and empathy by allowing players to experience the challenges faced by those seeking freedom.
Viticulture
Viticulture is a worker placement game set in the world of winemaking. It explores the culture and history of winemaking regions, such as Tuscany and the Rhine Valley.
Why Guests Will Like It: Viticulture offers insights into the history and traditions of winemaking. It’s a thematic and strategic game that can enhance guests’ appreciation for wine culture.
Other Noteworthy Games That You May Want to Check Out
Party Games – Charades
Charades is a classic party game that involves acting out a word or phrase without speaking while others try to guess what it is within a time limit.
Why Guests Will Like It: Charades is a fun and interactive game that encourages creativity and communication. It’s perfect for breaking the ice and bringing people together at social gatherings.
Trivia Games – Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit is a trivia board game that requires players to answer questions in various categories to collect pie-shaped pieces and complete their pie.
Why Guests Will Like It: Trivial Pursuit is a mentally stimulating game that promotes knowledge sharing and friendly competition. It’s great for trivia enthusiasts and learning new facts.
Card Games – Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity is a party card game where players complete fill-in-the-blank statements with humorous, offensive, or absurd phrases. A designated “Card Czar” selects the funniest or most shocking response.
Why Guests Will Like It: Cards Against Humanity is known for its irreverent humor and is perfect for groups looking for a risqué and humorous game night.
Outdoor Games – Cornhole (Bean Bag Toss)
Cornhole is an outdoor lawn game where players take turns throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in it. The goal is to score points by getting the bean bags through the hole or landing them on the platform.
Why Guests Will Like It: Cornhole is a fun and casual outdoor game suitable for picnics or gatherings in open spaces. It encourages friendly competition and outdoor enjoyment.
Cooperative Games – Pandemic: The Fall of Rome (Board Game)
Pandemic: The Fall of Rome is a cooperative board game where players work together to prevent the fall of the Roman Empire. They must gather supplies, treat diseases, and build roads to protect the empire.
Why Guests Will Like It: This cooperative game promotes teamwork and problem-solving as players collaborate to save Rome. It’s an immersive and challenging experience that encourages group dynamics.
Dice Games – Liar’s Dice (Bluff)
Liar’s Dice is a dice-rolling and bluffing game where players roll dice in secret and make bids on the total number of dice with a specific value. Players can challenge bids if they suspect a bluff.
Why Guests Will Like It: Liar’s Dice combines strategy and deception, making it a social and engaging game. It’s perfect for gatherings where guests enjoy outwitting each other.
Conclusion
Offering a range of board games in your Airbnb can greatly improve the guest experience. you can create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. Whether it’s classic favorites or modern innovations, the right board games can make your Airbnb unique and leave lasting memories for your guests.
