Even in this increasingly digital world we live in, more and more people are finding time to get together with friends over board games. We love the classics, but a new wave of games coming from Europe has also captured our attention. Here are five amazing strategic games that are easy to learn but incredibly addictive:
– Settlers of Catan. One of the most popular European board games, this game of trade strategy takes place on a board that is created anew every time, giving each player different access to resources. It’s cerebral but still fast-moving, and games are exciting all the way to the end.
– Carcassonne. This German board game is a great introduction to strategic gaming, as sessions usually take less than an hour. This game of conquest and defense is incredibly simple to pick up and play but has a remarkable amount of strategic depth.
– Power Grid. A fascinating game of economic power, Power Grid puts each player in control of a utility company looking to supply electricity to an ever-growing network of customers. It features a great sense of risk as players try to grow their networks without collapsing under their own weight.
– Agricola. This game casts each player as a humble subsistence farmer trying to grow their agricultural outpost as well as they can with limited resources. Sound boring? It’s surprisingly fun!
– Puerto Rico. Another interesting historical game, this title casts each player as a colonial governor on the island of Puerto Rico looking to win fame and wealth in the export business. It’s exciting and fast-paced, with lots of twists of fortune.