As an adult, it's surprising to admit that work can indeed be fun and games, especially in the realm of worker placement tabletop games. These games immerse you and your team in various tasks and adventures, all aimed at achieving end goals. With a wide array of themes and worlds to explore, you can dive into different experiences based on the game you select. Here's a curated list of some of my top picks, spanning both new and classic worker placement games.
TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board Games to Play Now
Viticulture
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Yokohama
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Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store!
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
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Darwin’s Journey
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Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store!
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!
Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games!
Rock Hard: 1977
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Age of Comics: The Golden Years
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If you're eager to dive straight into the games without reading further, you can browse them all in the side-scrolling catalog above. For those who want to learn more about each game, continue reading.
Viticulture
Viticulture
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Ages: 14+ Players: 1-6 Play Time: 45-90 mins
Viticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, transports you to the heart of Tuscany. Here, you inherit your family's legacy and strive to build a thriving winery. The game involves managing your vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate through multiple years, aging your wine to fulfill orders. Enjoy Viticulture competitively in its original form or cooperatively with the Viticulture World edition (available at Amazon).
Yokohama
Yokohama
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Ages: 14+ Players: 2-4 Play Time: 90 mins
Set in the bustling port city of Yokohama near Tokyo, Japan, this game challenges you to build a business empire. Utilize your team of workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders. While the game is moderately complex, turns become smooth once you grasp the mechanics. It's best enjoyed with three players, according to Board Game Geek.
Unconscious Mind
Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store!
Ages: 12+ Players: 2-4 Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)
Unconscious Mind is a heavy Euro game that delves into themes of psychology and grief, and it's one of the most visually stunning games in my collection. With its complex gameplay, it offers deep strategic layers in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds more challenges or can be used to soften the experience with elements like fireworks and a gramophone lighter. Be prepared for a longer playtime than stated on the box, including setup and teaching new players.
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
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Ages: 14+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 60-90 mins
Wayfarers combines dice with worker placement, creating an engaging and rewarding experience. The game links dice rolls to worker actions, adding an element of chance that, when it aligns well, feels incredibly satisfying. Though initially daunting, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, it offers ample replayability. Don't miss out on this fun and challenging game.
Darwin’s Journey
Darwin’s Journey
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Ages: 14+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 30-120 mins
Embark on an adventure as a scientific explorer like Darwin in this game. Race across three islands, discovering nature and science to exhibit in a museum. Darwin’s Journey is easy to navigate and offers high replayability. It's visually appealing and accessible both in physical form and online. A must-have for both seasoned and casual players.
Fromage
Fromage
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Ages: 14+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 40 mins
Fromage is a delightful, simultaneous board game where you craft and sell award-winning cheeses across France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, will have you craving Parmigiano. Perfect for social gatherings or solo play.
The Gallerist
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!
Ages: 12+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 120 mins
The Gallerist immerses you in the world of art gallery management. Discover artists, showcase their work, and attract discerning patrons. Be warned, this game is not for beginners, ranking at a 4.24 out of 5 in complexity on Board Game Geek. It's a challenging yet rewarding experience, much like navigating the real art world.
Septima
Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games!
Ages: 12+ Players: 1-6 Play Time: 50-100 mins
Septima boasts stunning artwork and a witch-themed gameplay that captivated me. Build covens, collect herbs, brew potions, and survive witch hunters and trials. Despite the challenges, I found it immensely enjoyable. The game is accessible and can be played solo or with friends. An expansion adds shapeshifting with animals, enhancing the already beautiful artwork.
Rock Hard: 1977
Rock Hard: 1977
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Ages: 14+ Players: 2-5 Play Time: 90 mins
Rock Hard: 1977, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, lets you live out your rockstar dreams. With components like an amp-shaped player board and head icons, it was a fan favorite at Gen Con. However, be aware that it covers heavy themes and may not be suitable for all players due to its realistic portrayal of the rockstar lifestyle.
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
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Ages: 13+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 50-120 mins
Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to design your books, racing against other players to create and sell comics. The pulpy art adds to the game's appeal, and you don't need to be a comic fan to enjoy it. It's easy to learn and can be played solo or with up to four players, though it's best with three.
