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Tabletop games have always stood the test of time. When there are power outages, awkward tensions that needed to be broken, or needed because friends were coming over, tabletop games will always be an option. Most times, the simplest of tabletop games can make for the most interesting and fun. This also allows for endless replayability and portability, allowing them to be played anywhere at any time. With International Tabletop Day occurring on June 11, here are some timeless and new games for anyone to try at affordable prices. Most stem from early childhood, but others provide new experiences for anyone to enjoy.
1. “Loteria”
Growing up in a Mexican/Guatemalan household, my introduction to bingo came in the form of “Loteria.” “Loteria” is essentially a game of bingo where instead of numbers and letters being drawn, cards are drawn with a specific character. Once you reach a straight or diagonal line consisting of characters, you win Loteria (lottery). These characters range from El Boracho (The Drunk), La Sirena (The Mermaid), La Calavera (The Skull), and El Sol (The Sun). With the game existing for a long time, there are some offensive cards that should be noted since they are outdated and inaccurate or feature diminishing portrayals of Black and Latinx people. Because of this, artists like Mike Alfaro have created an updated version of the game called “Millennial Loteria,” which includes updated imagery that can be seen as more inclusive and up-to-date to its predecessor.
What makes this game one of my favorites is how it can transition from a friendly game of bingo to a gambling game where money is actually at stake. Now as a kid, I didn’t spend my time gambling actual money but my parents and relatives would. Like many of the games on this list, adding that gambling element is what can draw in more audiences and make the game ‘more’ interesting for those who consider themselves risk-takers.
2. “Jenga”
Staying on the theme of simplicity, “Jenga” falls perfectly in line with the objective of the game being based strictly on survival. Just remain patient and strategically select the wooden blocks that will least likely tilt the tower over. But if you’re like me, then you’ll go for the block that will most likely disrupt the next player’s move. “Jenga” simple concept allows for children and adults to both participate. “Jenga” has even reached the point of becoming a drinking game as even third-party companies have released their own interpretations that have certain instructions when a block is selected. One of these is “Tipsy Towers,” which includes a set of blocks and shot glasses to get any adulthood party started. The only negative I see with “Jenga” is having to go back and stack the tower, which can become tedious after a few rounds.
3. “Uno”
“Uno” has continuously stood the test of time. The game’s original concept is simple, the goal being to call “Uno!” after having one card remaining and making sure you’re able to set it down to win. What makes “Uno” special is that it takes the concept of “Go Fish” and adds variations for a long and competitive game. This, along with the addition of the Wild and Plus cards, alters the game by changing the color being played as well as forcing your opponents to draw additional cards. All rules allow for quick rematches and endless fun!
“Uno” has also maintained its relevancy through collaborative efforts with musical artists and franchises. Some being BTS, Star Wars, The Office, and Hello Kitty. Their collaborations allow them to reach wider audiences and add a collective element to the cards, thus making Uno a universal game that anyone will likely encounter at least once in their life.
4. “Ravensburger WWE Legends Royal Rumble Card Game”
Ravensburger is currently one of the leading companies releasing multiple games and puzzles with widely known franchises. They have released games themed around Disney (specifically Disney Villains), Frozen, Back to The Future, Harry Potter, Marvel, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). “Ravensburger WWE Legends Royal Rumble Card Game” stays true to WWE’s traditional Royal Rumble matches. The game includes thirty WWE legends which are randomly assigned to players, with the objective of the game being to eliminate any wrestler in your way and remain the last player remaining.
If you’re not a wrestling fan, the game’s easy to pick up on for anyone invested in testing their survival skills. This game incorporates action cards that feature actual photography of the attack being utilized, allowing players to visualize or imagine the move they’re performing against their opponents. With a limit of ten players and a minimum of two players, anyone who plays this game is guaranteed a fair chance of winning depending on the attacks, support, and finishing move cards that they draw. If you’re looking for a newer released game and a fan of wrestling, it’s sure to give you that nostalgic feeling and provide a fun atmosphere without having to follow too many instructions.
5. “Azul”
Going back to the theme of simplicity, “Azul” offers players a fun experience and a chance at showcasing their artistry through the form of a board game. The game follows a bingo-like format that requires some strategy. In this game, players have to selectively pick their tiles from designated factory displays where they match each title on their game board to pattern lines that need to be filled. Then players fill their bingo-like board.
The players score points based on the pattern they have created with their tiles and through completing specific sets, as wasting supplies lowers the score. The player with the most points wins the game. This draft-like concept allows for a fun, creative, all-around competitive game that allows for multiple rematches and a quick clean-up.
In The End, Game On!
The following games are not ordered in a ranking format but instead pay homage to the wonderful world of tabletop gaming that I’ve come to experience. While these games may not feature dice or iconic pieces like the shoe from “Monopoly” or offer otherworldly adventures like “Dungeons and Dragons,” they are at most easy to play and offer replay-ability at short times. This allows for multiple rematches and easy transitions to switch to different games simultaneously. Along with these pros, most of these games remain affordable, making them more accessible for anyone looking to try something new or reinsert themselves into the world of tabletop games.
While one doesn’t need to grab the officially licensed version of “Uno” or “Jenga,” there are always third-party or less widely-known companies releasing the same game under a different title. In the end, this makes these tabletop games worthy of anyone’s table, couch, bed, floor, and carpet!
