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Let’s be honest, sometimes staring at screens all day is just… meh. No doubt, the internet has endless distractions, but when was the last time you actually talked to your family without someone sneaking a peek at their phone? A good board game is an ideal way to pass the time when you’re stuck indoors or need a break from the digital world. They bring everyone together for some old-school fun and a lot of laughs.
But seriously, we’re way over those classic games that drag on for hours, leaving everyone in a bad mood by the end. We’ve all seen Monopoly fights and “who’s going to be the banker” squabbles. So, if you’re ready to up your game night and ditch the classics you already own (yes, we’re looking at you, Scrabble), we’ve got you.
This list features the top family board games of 2025. These games are fun, easy to learn, and, most importantly, guaranteed to get everyone involved. If you’re planning a family game night, need something to entertain the kids on a rainy afternoon, or just want a fun activity that won’t make you reach for your phone, these games will keep you laughing, strategizing, and maybe even learning a thing or two.
Table of contents
MicroMacro: Crime City

If you’re a fan of detectives and love solving mysteries, this game is made for you. MicroMacro: Crime City will keep you hooked. It’s a cooperative game where you team up (or go solo) to solve crimes on a giant city map. You’ll search for clues, crack cases, and find hidden secrets. Think Where’s Waldo, but with criminals to catch. Each case can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour, and it’s a blast discussing your theories with friends. It’s a great pick keep in mind that this game isn’t for younger kids; the cases get pretty intense.
Onitama

This game is best for two people. If you’re after a quick, fun game with a touch of strategy, Onitama is a must-try. This martial arts-inspired game for two players has simple rules. You control a master and four pawns, and the goal is to capture your opponent’s master or reach their temple. It’s quick to learn, but the deeper you get, the more you’ll enjoy the challenge. Perfect for chess lovers looking for something fresh.
Catan

If you want to settle in for a long, exciting game, Catan is a classic that’ll keep you playing all night. You’ll build settlements, trade resources, and negotiate with friends (or sabotage their plans). Every game is different, with plenty of twists and turns. If you’ve played before, expansions like Seafarers offer even more ways to get creative. Just be prepared; it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re this invested.
Harry Potter Final Challenge Chess Set

If you’re a Harry Potter fan and a chess enthusiast, this Harry Potter Final Challenge set is a must-have. Inspired by the magical chess scene in Philosopher’s Stone, this giant set will take up most of your table. The die-cast zinc pieces and huge board make it feel like you’re stepping right into the wizarding world. It’s the perfect blend of magic and strategy for collectors and fans alike.
Ghost in the Attic

Looking for something spooky and fun? Ghost in the Attic will have you solving a chilling mystery in no time. It’s a cooperative escape-room-style game that mixes creepy vibes with tricky clues. You’ll need an internet connection for extra hints, and once you’ve cracked the case, it’s a one-and-done experience. Pass it along to a friend for more eerie fun.
Cat in the Box Deluxe Edition

Think you’ve played every trick-taking game out there? Cat in the Box adds a twist that’ll keep you on your toes. You choose the color of your cards as you go, adding a layer of strategy and surprises. It’s simple to pick up, but there’s always a lot of thinking involved, especially when you start predicting your opponents. If you love card games with a bit of a brain workout, this one’s for you.
Port Royal

In this game, you’re a merchant trying to build your influence in the Caribbean. There is a lot of risk-taking involved, as you recruit crew members, complete expeditions, and capture ships to earn rewards. The game uses a deck of 120 cards that feature various actions like hiring crew, gaining resources, or launching attacks.
The twist comes with the “push your luck” mechanic. Each player draws cards from the deck to build their fortune, but if you draw too many cards in one round, you risk losing all your progress. You have to decide when to stop drawing cards to secure your gains without overextending yourself. This element keeps the tension high and the gameplay unpredictable.
Port Royal is easy to pick up, making it perfect for both new and experienced players. It can be played in about 20-50 minutes and supports 2 to 5 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. There are expansions available to add more variety and complexity to the game.
Hedbanz

This game will have everyone laughing. Hedbanz is about asking questions, drawing cards, and guessing what’s on your head. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for all ages. It’s especially hilarious when everyone starts mixing up their guesses. If you’re looking for a lighthearted way to spend time with family, this game is the way to go.
Telestrations

Telestrations is a hilarious party game that takes the classic game of “Telephone” to a whole new level. Instead of whispering a word down the line, players draw and guess what others have drawn, which leads to some wild and often completely off-the-wall interpretations. You start with a word or phrase, sketch it out, and pass it to the next player. They then try to guess what the drawing represents, write it down, and pass it along. The next player will try to draw that guess, and the cycle continues.
The fun comes from seeing how the word or phrase evolves as it gets passed around the group. By the time it comes back to the original player, the final drawing or guess is often so far removed from the starting point that everyone can’t help but laugh.
The game includes dry-erase boards and markers, so you can easily make new guesses and drawings on each turn. It’s easy to set up and quick to play, making it perfect for parties, family gatherings, or game nights.
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial: Light Years From Home Game

Take a trip back to E.T. with this game. Team up with friends to help E.T. escape the government and find his way home before time runs out. It’s a nostalgic experience that lets you live out your favorite moments from the movie. If you grew up with the film or just love a good story, this game delivers.
You Gotta Be Kitten Me!

You Gotta Be Kitten Me! is a bluff card game that’s about outwitting your friends and having a blast. In this game, each player is dealt a hand of cards featuring adorable, but sometimes sassy, kittens. The goal is to play your cards in a way that gets you the most points, but you can lie about what cards you’re playing.
Players take turns claiming what cards they’re playing, but they can bluff their way through the game by playing cards that don’t match the claimed card. The other players can challenge these bluffs, and if they call your bluff correctly, you’ll lose points. But if they’re wrong, you get to keep your cards, and they lose points instead.
The rules are simple enough to jump right in, but the strategy comes in figuring out when to lie and when to tell the truth. Do you risk bluffing to gain an advantage or play it safe and hope the kittens work in your favor? Each round is full of twists and turns, keeping everyone on their toes.
With its light-hearted humor, adorable kitten artwork, and quick rounds, You Gotta Be Kitten Me! is ideal for parties and casual get-togethers. Players of all skill levels can join in on the fun.
Pandemic

Pandemic is the test of teamwork, where players become disease-fighting heroes racing against the clock. The world’s on the brink of disaster, and only you and your team can stop it. There are four deadly diseases spreading across the globe, and you’ve got to find cures before things spiral out of control.
Each player takes on a unique role like the brilliant scientist, quick-thinking medic, or strategic dispatcher. Your job? Work together, combine your abilities, and take action in a world that’s falling apart. You’ll be treating outbreaks, collecting disease cards, and frantically trying to cure the world before time runs out.
The clock’s ticking, and every decision you make counts. Should you rush to stop an outbreak in an infected city, or should you focus on gathering the resources to find a cure? The pressure’s on, and you’ll need smart strategies and clear communication to stay ahead.
What makes Pandemic even more epic is the endless replayability. With multiple expansions, each game offers new challenges that’ll keep you engaged: new diseases, new objectives, and fresh twists to keep things exciting.
Unplug, Play, and Make Memories
Want to ditch the screens and make some real memories? So, why not hit pause on the usual and grab one of these games for your next family gathering? Get ready for hours of fun and some unforgettable moments! Let the good times roll!
For more fun articles and information on games, visit Inside Tech World today!
FAQs
Which board games are best for larger families?
Games like Catan and Pandemic are great for bigger groups. They support multiple players and offer plenty of interaction to keep everyone engaged.
What if we’re new to board games?
Hedbanz and Telestrations are simple and fun, making them ideal for beginners. They’re easy to pick up and perfect for anyone just starting to enjoy board games.
How can I make game night more exciting?
Add some friendly competition with games like You Gotta Be Kitten Me! or get creative with Telestrations. You can even set up prizes for the winners to keep the energy high.
Are these games suitable for kids?
Yes! Games like Hedbanz, Onitama, and Telestrations are great for younger players, while others like MicroMacro are more suitable for older children or adults.
Can these games be played in teams?
Many of these games, like Pandemic and MicroMacro: Crime City, are perfect for cooperative play, where everyone works together to achieve the goal, making team gameplay a fun option.