Board games based on popular video game franchises continue to bridge the gap between digital and physical gaming experiences, offering fans new ways to interact with their favorite franchises and universes. These board game adaptations capture the essence of their digital counterparts, blending familiar characters, themes, and gameplay mechanics into engaging tabletop adventures. Whether players prefer cooperative adventures in The Last of Us or intense Cyberpunk-themed competitive play, these board games provide unique opportunities to immerse themselves in beloved video game worlds.
This list explores recent board game releases that bring acclaimed video games like Metal Gear Solid, The Witcher, and Dead Cells from consoles to tabletops. Each adaptation features thoughtful gameplay designs, high-quality components, and additional thematic depth, making them perfect additions for both avid board gamers and dedicated fans of these particular video games. With several new ones released every year, it is also hard to keep up with the newest innovations, upgrades, and expansions for existing games. Here are our favorites among the more recent additions for those who want to spice up their game nights with video game-inspired board games.
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7 Divinity: Original Sin The Board Game
Divinity: Original Sin is an RPG known for its deep storytelling and engaging combat. Its board game adaptation faithfully captures the game’s rich narrative and strategic depth, allowing us to navigate complex scenarios filled with decision-making and character-driven encounters. Players can choose cooperative or competitive gameplay modes, offering various ways to play the game that match different group preferences.
Divinity: Original Sin is an RPG series developed by Larian Studios, a game developer also responsible for the immensely popular, award-winning Baldur's Gate 3.
Its extensive replayability ensures each game session is fresh and engaging, offering new experiences for multiple sessions. This game, like its digital counterpart, is ideal for those who appreciate immersive fantasy adventures, expanding the world of Divinity to the physical realm. Priced at $250, currently discounted from $275, the game definitely isn't the cheapest board game, but to make it worth it, Divinity: Original Sin includes beautifully crafted miniatures, detailed cards, numerous tokens, dice, and other gameplay elements.
6 Metal Gear Solid The Board Game
Metal Gear Solid is celebrated for pioneering stealth-action gameplay, and its board game adaptation maintains this strategic focus. In it, we take on the roles of iconic characters like Solid Snake and Otacon, stealthily navigating through 14 challenging missions. Scenarios often demand pre-planned strategies and impeccable execution, particularly in unique boss encounters requiring adaption.
Available for $109.99, this adaptation also offers short VR missions perfect for quick, intense gaming sessions. CMON, known for quality board games featuring some of the most legendary video game franchises, is behind this tabletop adaptation. Both long-time fans of the video game franchise and those who simply appreciate a well-done board game will enjoy the detailed miniatures and interesting scenarios that offer a good amount of challenge for 1 to 4 players.
5 Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone
Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone translates the neon-lit chaos of the Cyberpunk universe into tactical board game battles. Players lead teams of cyber-enhanced mercenaries through dynamic encounters against corporate foes. Innovative movement and range systems keep gameplay fresh even after several sessions, offering new strategic possibilities with every play.
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While not exactly a video game adaptation, as it is based on the Netflix show, this game shares the world with Cyberpunk 2077. The game includes two distinct factions, adding variety to gameplay and offering separate strategies and advantages based on the selection. Fans of both cyberpunk and tabletop games are also likely to appreciate the detailed figurines. Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone is currently priced at $79.95, offering decent value.
4 The Witcher Old World Wild Hunt Expansion
The Witcher Old World board game has received an exciting expansion with Wild Hunt, adding cooperative and solo gameplay options. Players now face off against the formidable Wild Hunt riders and spectral hounds, deepening the game's narrative and adding new challenges. At its core, this expansion offers players a cooperative adventure set within the rich Witcher universe.
An extensive list of cards and components makes gameplay more exciting, allowing us to not only choose one of the Witchers but also pick the way to play the character. This expansion is essential for fans eager for more adventures in the Witcher world. Retailing at $55.99, it is an easy choice for those with the base game.
3 Dark Souls: The Sunless City Core Set
Known for its extremely challenging gameplay, Dark Souls translates perfectly into a board game. In the new The Sunless City Core Set, we assume roles of different character classes, such as Warrior, Herald, or Pyromancer. The party of one to three players carefully navigates Dark Souls' dangerous environments and challenging encounters. In this game, resource management and careful decision-making are critical, mirroring the original game's punishing but rewarding mechanics.
Available at $84.95, the game includes detailed miniatures, including not only the player characters and regular encounters but also the legendary bosses Ornstein and Smough. It offers both cooperative and solo gameplay, which makes it excellent for single-player experiences and game nights. Fans of Dark Souls will appreciate the authentic atmosphere and depth alongside authentic opponents, making it a must-have for those who enjoy a challenging board game.
2 The Last of Us: Escape The Dark
Escape The Dark brings the tense, post-apocalyptic narrative of The Last of Us to the tabletop. In this board game, players guide Joel, Ellie, and other iconic characters through dangerous encounters with infected and hostile survivors. The game supports up to 5 players with an option to play alone, making it a versatile option for different player setups. This board game adaptation emphasizes storytelling and strategic decision-making, accurately capturing the game's survival theme.
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This game features dynamic encounter cards and intuitive crafting mechanics inspired by the video game, which makes it more than just rolling the die. The high-quality components and artwork deepen the immersion while tying it in with the video game. For fans of cooperative survival, it is an excellent choice. Currently priced at $71.49, it is also slightly cheaper than its normal $74.95 price tag.
1 Dead Cells: The Board Game
Dead Cells, a critically acclaimed roguelite video game, transitions seamlessly into its board game form. Players explore dynamically changing environments, fighting against evolving threats and powerful bosses. Each game session uncovers new elements, recreating the addictive, discovery-driven gameplay loop from the video game.
The game also includes a solo mode featuring Serenade, the flying sword companion. Visually true to its digital inspiration, the game features artwork and gameplay components that evoke the spirit of the video game. Priced at $95.04, the board game is currently discounted on Amazon from $99.99.
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