Top 10 Games to Start a Collection

The Top 10 Board Games to Start Your Collection in 2025

If you’re new to board gaming and looking to trade up from those old, dusty classics collecting cobwebs in your closet, you’ve landed in the right place. Welcome to a guide crafted just for you—today, we’re diving into the 10 best board games to kickstart your collection. These aren’t your typical Monopoly or Clue suspects; instead, they’re modern gems perfect for beginners, budget-friendly, and adored by the board gaming community.

I’m Eda Adrian from What Can I Play, a channel dedicated to finding the perfect board game for every occasion. While we’ve previously explored gateway games to introduce new players to the hobby, this time we’re focusing on the must-have titles that deserve a spot on your shelf. There might be some overlap with those gateway picks, but stick around—I’d love to hear if you agree with my list!

How I Built This List

To make this as objective as possible, I crunched the numbers from 23 sources—including YouTube reviews, blog posts, and Reddit threads (yep, I miscounted in the video and said 18, but it’s actually 23!). For the Reddit posts, I tallied up the most-mentioned games in the comments and aggregated them into a master list. I didn’t thank each source individually this time (my bad!), but you’ll find all the credits and the full list of 77 games mentioned in the description below.

The ranking formula? It’s a blend of:

• Popularity (40%): How often a game popped up across sources—if gamers rave about it everywhere, it’s a must-know.

• Cost (30%): Prices are updated from Amazon as of March 2025 in USD, because affordability matters.

• Complexity (15%): Beginner-friendly is key.

• Playtime (10%): Shorter games = more fun, faster.

• Player Count (5%): Versatility gets a bonus.

This gave each game a collection score out of 100, and trust me, the top 10 are pure gold. Before we dive in, a quick heads-up: this is part one of a two-part series. Here, I’ll reveal the list and how it came to be. In part two, I’ll challenge myself to play only these games for 30 days—subscribe if you want to see how that goes!

The Top 10 Board Games for Your Collection

#10: Love Letter (Collection Score: 65.38)

Kicking things off is Love Letter, a quick, portable game perfect for high player counts. It’s simple, affordable, and a fantastic icebreaker before diving into meatier titles. Think of it as the appetizer to your gaming night.

#9: King Domino (Collection Score: 66.15)

At just $20, King Domino is a steal. Mentioned by four sources, this tile-laying game has you building kingdoms in 15-20 minutes. It’s gorgeous, strategic, and ideal for 2-4 players—a beginner’s dream.

#8: Catan (Collection Score: 68.94)

A classic that needs no introduction, Catan lands at $25 with nine mentions (six from bloggers!). This trade-and-settle game runs 60-120 minutes for 3-4 players. It’s a step up in complexity, rewarding newbies ready to level up their skills.

#7: Just One (Collection Score: 69.86)

Priced at $25, Just One is a party hit loved by YouTubers. This cooperative word game takes 20 minutes and shines with its simple yet hilarious mechanic: everyone gives a one-word clue, duplicates cancel out, and the guesser deciphers the rest. Perfect for game nights!

#6: Cascadia (Collection Score: 70.46)

With a $40 price tag and six YouTuber nods, Cascadia offers a chill tile-laying vibe. Build habitats for wildlife in 30-45 minutes for 1-4 players. Its relaxing combos make it a stellar intro to modern board gaming.

#5: Sushi Go! (Collection Score: 73.41)

At just $12, Sushi Go! is the budget-friendly drafting card game you can toss in your bag. Bloggers adore its 15-minute rounds for 2-5 players. It’s fast, fun, and a strategic starter with low complexity.

#4: Codenames (Collection Score: 74.44)

Codenames splits you into two teams, delivering one-word clues to uncover spies. It’s simple, brilliant, and a surefire hit for all ages. Bring it out, and watch the table light up.

#3: Azul (Collection Score: 79.47)

Priced at $31 with 14 mentions, Azul is a tile-laying masterpiece. Decide where to place your tiles for maximum combos—it’s strategic, beginner-friendly, and downright gorgeous.

#2: Carcassonne (Collection Score: 82.24)

For $25 and 14 mentions (five from Reddit), Carcassonne is tile-laying brilliance. Build medieval landscapes in 30-45 minutes for 2-5 players. Simple rules and endless replayability make it a must-own.

#1: Ticket to Ride (Collection Score: 87.48)

Topping the list is Ticket to Ride, a beginner-friendly strategic gem. At $25-$40 (depending on the version), this train-building game runs 30-60 minutes. Connect stations, mess with friends, or chase your goals—it’s the perfect start to your 2025 collection.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the top 10 board games to launch your collection in 2025! If you’re new to the hobby, grab any of these titles, or check the full list of 77 games in the description below. Did I miss your favorite starter game? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your picks! And don’t forget to subscribe for part two, where I’ll test these games over 30 days to crown my personal favorites. Happy gaming!