Best 4 Player Board Games of all time

Board games bring friends and family together for hours of fun, laughter, and friendly competition. While there are countless board games to choose from, we have chosen 12 that provide the perfect balance between strategy, interaction, and player dynamics. From classic titles to modern favourites, these games have stood the test of time and continue to captivate players of all ages. So, gather your gaming group, clear the table, and let’s dive into the world of 4 player board gaming bliss.

12 of the best board games for four players

Settlers of Catan

Settlers of Catan is a highly popular board game that has captivated players worldwide. In this game, players take on the role of settlers on the island of Catan, competing to establish thriving settlements and cities. The game revolves around resource management and strategic trading with fellow players. Through dice rolls, players gather resources such as brick, wood, sheep, wheat, and ore, which are then used to build roads and settlements. One of the most exciting aspects of Settlers of Catan is the negotiation and trading element, where players can exchange resources and strike deals. The game offers a perfect balance between luck and strategy, as players must adapt their plans based on the ever-changing availability of resources and the actions of opponents. Settlers of Catan has also expanded with numerous expansions and variants, providing even more opportunities for exploration and competition. 

Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is a beloved board game known for its accessible gameplay and captivating theme. In this game, players embark on a railroad adventure, competing to build train routes across various destinations on the game board. The objective is to connect cities and complete destination tickets to earn points. Ticket to Ride features a straightforward gameplay mechanic of collecting coloured train cards and strategically placing them to claim routes. Blocking opponents and seizing crucial routes adds a thrilling element of competition. The game offers different map variations, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s building the Trans-Siberian Railway or conquering the European network, Ticket to Ride delivers an engaging experience for players of all ages and skill levels.

Pandemic

Pandemic is a cooperative board game that immerses players in a thrilling race against time to save humanity from deadly diseases. In this game, players work together as a team, each assuming a specialized role, to prevent global outbreaks and find cures. The game board represents various cities, each susceptible to infection. Through strategic coordination and careful resource management, players travel, treat infections, and share knowledge to combat the diseases. Pandemic offers a unique and intense gameplay experience, where every decision matters, and collaboration is key. The game balances the challenge of containing outbreaks with the excitement of discovering cures, creating an immersive and suspenseful atmosphere. Pandemic’s cooperative nature makes it an excellent choice for fostering teamwork and communication among players.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a tile-laying game that combines simplicity with strategic depth. In this game, players take turns placing tiles to build the medieval landscape of the French city of Carcassonne. As the game progresses, players have the opportunity to claim cities, roads, monasteries, and fields by placing their meeples on the corresponding features. Points are earned by completing these features or through clever tile placement. Carcassonne’s elegant mechanics make it accessible for casual players, while its strategic depth allows for tactical decision-making. The game also offers expansions that introduce new tiles, additional features, and increased complexity, providing fresh gameplay experiences. Carcassonne’s blend of simplicity, strategic choices, and engaging competition has made it a beloved classic among board game enthusiasts.

Dominion

Dominion revolutionized the deck-building genre when it was first released, and it continues to be a favourite among gamers. In this game, players start with a small deck of basic cards and gradually build a more powerful deck by purchasing new cards from the central supply. These cards can provide various benefits such as generating resources, granting actions, or generating victory points. The goal is to efficiently build a deck that maximizes point generation and strategic combinations. Dominion’s modular card sets allow for a wide variety of gameplay experiences, making each session unique. With different card combinations and strategies to explore, each game of Dominion offers a fresh and engaging experience. The game strikes a balance between long-term planning and adapting to changing circumstances, making it a favourite for fans of strategic deck-building games.

Codenames

Codenames is a thrilling word association and deduction game that challenges players to communicate effectively and decipher clues. In this game, two teams compete to uncover their agents hidden among a grid of words. Each team has a spymaster who provides one-word clues to guide their teammates in guessing the correct words. However, the challenge lies in providing clues that relate to multiple words while avoiding clues that could lead to the opposing team’s agents or the dangerous assassin. Codenames is a game of strategic communication and deduction that keeps players on the edge of their seats as they decipher the hidden meanings behind each clue. The game offers different versions and variations, such as Codenames Pictures or Codenames Duet, providing additional options and gameplay twists.

Scrabble

Scrabble is a classic word-building game that has stood the test of time. In this game, players take turns forming words on a grid using letter tiles. Each tile has a specific value, and players strategically place their tiles to maximize their scores. Scrabble requires a combination of vocabulary skills, strategic tile placement, and the ability to create high-scoring words using limited resources. The game offers an engaging challenge as players strive to outwit their opponents and create words with the highest point values. Scrabble is not only a fun and competitive game but also a great way to expand vocabulary and exercise linguistic creativity.

Read our full Scrabble blog here >

Rummikub

Rummikub is a tile-based game that blends luck and strategy. Players aim to be the first to place all their tiles on the table by forming sets or runs. Sets consist of three or more tiles of the same number but different colours, while runs are sequences of consecutive numbers in the same colour. Rummikub requires players to manipulate and rearrange existing melds on the table to create new combinations. The game strikes a balance between making strategic moves and seizing opportunities that arise from the changing landscape. With its simple rules and exciting gameplay, Rummikub offers an enjoyable experience for players of all ages and skill levels. It has become a beloved classic that continues to entertain and engage generations of board game enthusiasts.

Splendor

Splendor is a gem-themed game that combines resource management and engine-building. In Splendor, players collect gem cards representing different types of precious stones. These gems can be used to purchase development cards, which provide ongoing bonuses and victory points. The game revolves around strategic decisions regarding resource allocation, card acquisition, and point accumulation. Splendor’s elegant gameplay mechanics and simple rules make it easy to learn and accessible to players of all skill levels. The race to build a formidable gem-trading empire creates a captivating and immersive experience. With its beautiful components and engaging gameplay, Splendor has garnered widespread acclaim and is often regarded as a modern classic.

7 Wonders

7 Wonders takes players on a journey through different civilizations as they compete to construct magnificent wonders of the world. In this game, each player represents a civilization and must make strategic decisions to develop their city, gather resources, and build structures. The game offers a unique card-drafting mechanism, where players choose cards from a common pool and pass the remaining cards to their neighbours. This adds an element of anticipation and adaptability as players must plan their strategies based on the cards they receive. 7 Wonders offers multiple paths to victory, including scientific advancements, military prowess, and cultural achievements. With its engaging gameplay, multiple-player interactions, and stunning artwork, 7 Wonders has become a staple in the board gaming world.

Azul

Azul is a visually stunning tile-placement game that combines strategic planning with a touch of artistic flair. In Azul, players take on the role of artisans decorating the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora with vibrant ceramic tiles. The game revolves around drafting tiles from various factory displays and strategically placing them on individual player boards. Points are earned by completing specific patterns and sets of tiles. Azul’s elegant gameplay mechanics, intuitive rules, and beautiful components make it a standout game. The strategic decision-making involved in choosing the right tiles while also considering the moves of opponents adds a layer of depth and interaction. With its accessible gameplay and stunning aesthetics, Azul has quickly gained popularity and won numerous accolades within the board gaming community.

Scythe

Scythe is an epic, immersive board game set in an alternate-history 1920s Europe. It combines elements of resource management, area control, and engine-building in a sprawling world of mechanized warfare. In Scythe, players represent factions vying for control over the land using giant mechs and their unique abilities. The game offers multiple paths to victory, such as military conquest, economic dominance, technological advancements, or even peaceful exploration. Each player must balance their actions, managing resources, deploying units, and advancing their faction’s capabilities. Scythe’s richly thematic setting, stunning artwork, and deep strategic gameplay create an engrossing experience that captivates players for hours. With its intricate mechanics and vast strategic possibilities, Scythe has become a favourite among enthusiasts of immersive and challenging board games.

It’s play time!

Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or new to the world of tabletop gaming, these best 4-player board games offer an array of engaging experiences that are sure to delight. From the strategic trading of Settlers of Catan to the cooperative race against diseases in Pandemic, and from the word-building challenges of Scrabble to the immersive alternate history of Scythe, there’s a game to suit every taste and preference. So gather your friends, set up the game boards, and embark on a memorable night filled with laughter, competition, and camaraderie. Discover the joy of these timeless classics and modern gems, and let the adventures unfold on your tabletop. Get ready for an unforgettable game night that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next gathering!

Tips on how to make the most out of game night

1. Choose the right board games

If you’re not sure what games your friends enjoys, ask them! There are plenty of board games out there that cater to a variety of interests.

2. Set some ground rules

Some things you may want to consider include how long each player can take their turn, how many pieces each player can move at once, and what happens if someone accidentally knocks over the board!

3. Make sure you have enough space

Board games can often be quite large, so it’s important to make sure you have enough space to play them. If you don’t have a lot of space, consider choosing a board game that can be played on a smaller board or playing a card game instead.

4. Take your time

One of the best things about board games is that they can be enjoyed at any pace. If someone is in a hurry, they can take their turn quickly and move on. However, if someone wants to take their time and think through their moves, they can do that too. Board games provide the perfect opportunity for friends to spend time together and relax.

5. Determine who goes first

One of you will need to roll a dice to determine who goes first. The player who rolls the highest number will go first. Or take turns.

6. Follow the rules of the game and have fun!

You want to have fun, but it’s important to make sure you follow the rules. This will help ensure that the game is enjoyable for everyone. If someone isn’t enjoying the game, feel free to take a break or try something else. Board games are supposed to be enjoyable for everyone involved. So next time you’re looking for something to do, play a board game with a friend! You might just have the best time ever.

And a final thought…

Playing games can foster bonds, alleviate stress, and provide enjoyable ways to pass the time. So the next time you find yourself searching for an activity, consider grabbing a board game and inviting a friend to join you. You’ll discover the joy of shared experiences, laughter-filled moments, and the thrill of friendly competition. So go ahead, dive into a new board game, and prepare for an incredible time.