Who doesn’t fancy a cozy night in with friends and family annihilating each other over a sociable board game? Perhaps though, (like myself) you have blown the budget a little this month on bills… or more specifically pizza and Doritos.
But don’t fear my cheese-loving friends, you can still find high-quality, engaging gameplay that won’t empty the wallet. You grab the snacks and I’ll run you through 8 fantastic board games that you can get for less than $25.
Table of Contents
🏆 Our Top Picks for Best Board Games Under $25
In a hurry? Take a quick peek before you go.
First Martians: Adventures on the Red Planet
If conquering Earth has been a bit blasé for you lately, First Martians might be just the ticket. Navigate the rocky terrain of Mars as you face the challenging elements of space. Work together to overcome this harsh environment and test out your martian capabilities.
This is a rather unique style of gameplay as you use an app that adapts the campaign as you play. A fun and innovative feature that will keep you and your fellow space cadets engaged for light-years. If you’re a sci-fi fan who enjoyed the highly popular Robinson Cruise: Adventures of the Cursed Island, then this is a sure winner for you.
You may also enjoy:
Best Sci-Fi Board Games | Best Space-Themed Board Games
Codenames
If for some unfounded reason, the CIA or MI6 rejected your application, this year then Codenames could be the perfect alternative for you. Divide up into your two opposing spy networks and discover your undercover agents in the field as fast as you can.
In Codenames, your team leader or spymaster is going to prompt you with words to help you locate the code names for your agents on the table. If you fancy yourself the latest James Bond, this could be your moment.
Crack the code and make sure you don’t happen across the assassin who will eliminate your network. Codenames is the perfect game to get everyone of all ages involved. As it’s such a family favorite they made sure to make the cards as destruction-proof as possible.
Tiny Epic Galaxies
Perhaps you feel like a little exploration around the stratosphere today. Tiny Epic Galaxies is a beautiful game that blasts you off on an exciting space adventure. Unleash your inner Vader and expand your empire while avoiding laying waste to your critical resources.
Each game lasts less than one hour, having you back on Earth in time for tea. This game really comes alive through its eye-catching artwork and strategy-centered gameplay.
You may also enjoy:
Tiny Epic Galaxies Review | Tiny Epic Quest Review | Best Adventure Board Games
Pandemic
Are you still recovering from Aunt Sally’s breakdown during the last great Monopoly war? Then Pandemic could be the trick to reunite the forces.
In a cooperative board game, members need to work together to overcome four separate viruses that have broken out worldwide. What makes this game unique is that you all win or lose together.
The goal in this apocalyptic setting is to balance researching your cure for the virus while treating the infected. Each set-up is challenging in a new way, proving great value for a highly contagious group activity.
If you love Pandemic, be sure to check out:
Best Pandemic Expansions | Best Cooperative Board Games for Families
Kahuna
The perfect option for couples, this two-player game may be a nice outlet for you two after the war of the dishes.
In Kahuna, you must race to destroy your opponent’s bridges while building your own. Utilize your wisdom and magic abilities to gain control of the twelve islands up for grabs. Once you have surrounded an island with your sturdy bridges it is yours for the taking!
Lady Fate plays a big role in this game as you await the cards you will be dealt but the strategy you choose is also key. With beautiful wooden pieces and analytical gameplay, this is a great buy.
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Best 2-Player Board Games | Best 2-Player Card Games
Forbidden Desert
Time to grab your Indiana Jones hat in this daring desert expedition. If you’re not a fan of sand in the nether regions but fancy a sunny adventure, Forbidden Desert is your answer.
You and your fellow adventurers must uncover the mysterious artifacts of the expanse while remembering to stay hydrated! In a scorching environment, you need to survive the elements and navigate a board that changes as the game continues.
This dynamic board with an exciting theme proves a valuable discovery at a sizzling price. The game includes a miniature flying machine that you and your teammates must excavate to escape the hazardous terrain. A fun and exciting game that will keep you and your fellow archaeologists highly entertained.
Rather get stuck on a sinking island? Better check out Forbidden Island too!
Imhotep: The Duel
Consider yourselves a bit of a power couple? Well, then you may fit the roles of Nefertiti and Akhenaten perfectly.
In Imhotep, you play this ancient Egyptian royal couple that ruthlessly vies for the adoration of the people. Unload the tiles from the boats to build imposing monuments for your admiring fans to worship you at.
Don’t be afraid to get ruthless as you try to outshine your opponent. This is ancient Egypt after all, go epic or go home. If like me, you quite like the idea of playing one of the most famous and beautiful queens in history, this game costs a lot less than an Egyptian monument.
Need more duels in the Ancient World? Be sure to pick up a copy of 7 Wonders: Duel as well for more civilization-building action.
Kingdomino
Don’t forget to prepare a banquet for the medieval evening you have planned ahead.
Kingdomino is a highly celebrated board game in which you can build yourself an auspicious kingdom. Pull a card and place your domino-style tiles on the board as you expand your territory as quickly as possible. You then gather shiny crowns and try to outmaneuver the opposing royals.
This is a brilliant game for ages 8 and up that includes some high-quality castles from which to reign. Prepare for some vocal jousting as you compete for renown in this entertaining and colorful game.
Wrap-Up
If you liked this article and enjoy saving money, we guarantee you’ll enjoy these too. Check them out for more awesome board game deals!
We hope you enjoyed our picks for the best board games under $25! These inexpensive games will give you endless hours of entertainment, fun, and family bonding. Which of these board games have you tried? Did we miss any that you think should be on the list? Drop a comment below and let us know!
Looking for other cheap board games? Check out our video below:
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Kendra has always been a hardcore fantasy nerd. Growing up in the worlds of Tolkien, Sanderson, Jordan, and Abercrombie, DnD & board games just came naturally. She and her husband, Bryan, started GameCows.com in 2018 as a fun passion project that just took over their lives. An avid board gamer since childhood and chronic DnD chronicler for more than two decades, she loves to play, write, travel, and learn dead languages. She is also a professional content writer at SlashGear.com