5 Games Like Monopoly
There aren’t many people who haven’t heard of Monopoly – and for good reason. This real-estate board game has been around since the beginning of the 20th century.
Monopoly is an economic game involving both strategy and luck. Manage your cards, collect sets, and develop influence across the board. Bid and auction properties, and don’t forget to charge others for stopping on your turf!
Managing financial assets is key, but the luck of the dice also plays a role. Be careful not to go bankrupt or end up in jail! A game of Monopoly shows how capitalism can go well for some – and very poorly for others.
The original Monopoly is based on the streets of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The streets of Park Place and New York Avenue are ingrained in our minds, but Monopoly boards have expanded beyond the classic. There have been over 300 different versions made since, representing various locations, movies, and themes.
Monopoly is not the only game of its kind. There are several games similar in theme or mechanics. If you enjoy Monopoly but want to branch out, try one of these 5 games like Monopoly.
- Viticulture: Essential Edition
- Acquire
- Raccoon Tycoon
- Machi Koro
- Power Grid
Viticulture: Essential Edition
Players: 1-6
Playing time: 45-90 minutes
Head to the beautiful vineyards of Tuscany! Viticulture is the name of this game, and creating a successful vineyard is the objective.
Like Monopoly, you start small – with a plot of land and basic resources – and build up your assets to develop the vineyard of your dreams. Instead of placing houses on properties, you’ll be planting grapes across your farm.
Viticulture also involves both strategy and luck. It’s heavy on worker placement but doesn’t involve the actual exchange of money. Player interaction is less, and Viticulture also has a solo-play option.
Overall, it’s less competitive and more peaceful – a great option for those wine-lovers seeking a light-hearted, economic game.
Acquire
Players: 2-6
Playing time: 90 minutes
Test your business skills in this game of investments and financial strategy. The goal is in the name – acquire the most wealth.
While Monopoly is all about real estate, Acquire is about stocks and companies. However, hotels are a central component as well. Invest in different hotel chains, and watch them grow along with the board. But make sure to sell or trade at just the right time to get the most bang for your buck.
Acquire takes on a different but central theme within capitalism – the merger and acquisition of companies.
Step into that imaginary business suit, set up this board game, and show off your money-making skills!
Raccoon Tycoon
Players: 2-5
Playing time: 60-90 minutes
Raccoons are tenacious creatures – and that’s precisely the quality you need to succeed in this game.
Racoon Tycoon and Monopoly share a similar theme and mechanics. In the bustling, rapidly developing Astoria, animals rule the town. Develop wealth by building railroads, planting crops, and providing luxuries to your fancy fellow creatures. Work off the changing supply and demand to prosper.
This economic game also requires bidding, selling, and understanding marketplace trends. It’s the furry-friendly version of Monopoly!
Machi Koro
Players: 2-4
Playing time: 30 minutes
Welcome to the city of Machi Koro! Where it’s everyone’s dream to be the best mayor this town has seen.
But there can only be one. Like Monopoly, you need to secure your position by gaining a stronghold on the local economy. Increase your own wealth while taking down your opponents!
Solve the problems of citizens and build the city’s infrastructure and entertainment. Collect income, and profit off other players when possible.
Machi Koro does not use a playing board, so it is an easy option for travel and quick setup. It also plays faster than Monopoly. If you’re looking for an on-the-go, speedy version of Monopoly, head to Machi Koro!
Power Grid
Players: 2-6
Playing time: 120 minutes
Power Grid is about manufacturing the most profitable electric system in a region. Another strong but quite different economic theme to Monopoly.
Power Grid is about building networks across the board and placing grids where they are most beneficial. Connect cities, supply power, and upgrade their electric options to get a bigger return on your investment.
Like Monopoly, Power Grid uses currency to drive moves. Resources are limited, and you’ll need to use strategy and clever maneuvers to multiply your wealth. If you want a similar commerce-style game with more engine-building, try Power Grid!
Wrap-Up
We hope you enjoyed our list of 5 games like Monopoly! If you’ve played the old classic to death and are tired of shouting matches with your family, give one of these awesome economic games a try!
If you liked any of these, we just know you’ll also love: Everdell, Scythe, Mariposas, Dominion, Brass: Birmingham, and Pandemic!
Have you tried any of the games on this list? Drop a comment below and let us know what you think, We’d love to hear from you!
