Looking for some fun and easy board games to play with friends or family? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 10 must-try quick-setup board games that are perfect for any game night. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment without the hassle of complicated setup. From strategy games to party favorites, there’s something for everyone on this list. Get ready for some epic game nights full of laughter, competition, and memorable moments as you discover these exciting quick-setup board games.
1. Patchwork
Mechanics
Patchwork is a two-player competitive board game that revolves around tile placement and resource management. It is a quilting-themed game where players take turns buying and fitting different shaped patches onto their individual boards. The goal is to strategically fill up as much of their board as possible while maximizing points.
Setup Time
Setting up Patchwork is a breeze. The game comes with a central time track, a starting patch, 33 patches, five special patches, and buttons (the in-game currency). The patches are shuffled and placed into a circle around the central time track, with the five special patches randomly distributed among them.
Gameplay
In Patchwork, players take turns clockwise, with the player furthest behind on the time track going next. On their turn, a player has two options: buying a patch or advancing on the time track to collect more buttons. Buying a patch involves paying the number of buttons indicated on the patch and adding it to their personal board. The patch must be placed adjacent to the starting patch or already placed patches on the board.
The game continues until both players reach the end of the time track. At that point, they count up their buttons and each unfilled space on their personal board with negative points. The player with the most points wins!
Number of Players
Patchwork is specifically designed for two players, making it an excellent choice for couples or friends looking for a competitive game night.
Difficulty Level
Although Patchwork has simple rules, it requires strategic thinking and planning. Players must carefully consider the sizes and shapes of patches available, their costs, and how they fit into their personal boards. There is also a spatial element to the game, as players need to plan their patch placements to maximize points and minimize negative spaces.
Play Time
A typical game of Patchwork lasts around 30 minutes. Its quick setup and playtime make it an ideal choice for a satisfying gaming experience without dedicating hours to a single session.
Recommended Age
Patchwork is recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger players might find the strategic elements challenging, but it can still be an enjoyable game for families to play together.
Availability and Price
Patchwork is widely available in both physical and online board game stores. Its popularity has led to its availability in many countries. The game’s price ranges from $10 to $30, depending on the edition and retailer.
Review and Ratings
Patchwork has garnered critical acclaim and positive reviews since its release. It has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 on BoardGameGeek, reflecting its popularity among board game enthusiasts. Players praise its unique theme, clever mechanics, and accessible gameplay.
Variants and Expansions
Patchwork has a standalone expansion called “Patchwork Doodle,” which adds a roll-and-write element to the game. The expansion introduces a new drafting mechanism, where players roll dice and choose patches to fill their boards. It offers a fresh twist on the original gameplay and provides additional replayability.
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2. Sushi Go!
Mechanics
Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card drafting game where players aim to create the most delicious sushi combinations. As they pass their hand of cards around the table, players must strategize and collect different types of sushi to earn points.
Setup Time
Setting up Sushi Go! is quick and straightforward. The game includes 108 cards featuring various sushi dishes, pudding, and special action cards. The cards are shuffled and evenly distributed among the players.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Sushi Go! revolves around three rounds, with players choosing and simultaneously revealing cards from their hands. Each player starts with a hand of cards and selects one card to keep before passing the remaining cards to the next player. This drafting process continues until all the cards have been played.
Different types of sushi cards offer varying point values and special abilities. For example, collecting a set of sashimi cards grants a high number of points, while pudding cards only award points at the end of the game. The player with the most pudding cards at the end of the game receives a bonus, while the player with the fewest pudding cards loses points.
Number of Players
Sushi Go! can accommodate 2 to 5 players, making it suitable for both small gatherings and larger game nights.
Difficulty Level
Sushi Go! features simple rules and mechanics, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. While there is an element of strategy in selecting the most valuable sushi combinations, the game’s light-hearted nature ensures a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Play Time
A typical game of Sushi Go! lasts around 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick game session during a lunch break or while waiting for dinner.
Recommended Age
Sushi Go! is recommended for ages 8 and up. Its charming artwork and easy-to-understand rules make it a hit with families and younger players.
Availability and Price
Sushi Go! is widely available in both physical and online stores. Its popularity has led to multiple editions, with variations such as Sushi Go Party! offering additional cards and increased player count. The price of Sushi Go! ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the edition and retailer.
Review and Ratings
Sushi Go! has received rave reviews from players and critics alike. It has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 on BoardGameGeek, showcasing its widespread appeal. Players appreciate its delightful artwork, quick gameplay, and the tension created during the card drafting process.
Variants and Expansions
Aside from the Sushi Go Party! edition, which expands the card variety and allows for customizable setups, Sushi Go! does not have any official expansions. However, its straightforward gameplay and card drafting mechanics make it an excellent gateway game to explore more complex drafting titles such as 7 Wonders or Bunny Kingdom.
(Note: Remaining games and sections of the article will be continued in a new response due to character limitations.)
