Board gaming can be a thrilling yet pricey hobby, especially with all the expansions, deluxe editions, and miniatures available. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to build an impressive collection of tabletop games.
While many modern board games retail for over $100, there are many excellent choices available for under $25. Whether you want a compact card game for a celebration or a laid-back board game for family night, options abound.
Top Affordable Board Games Under $25
In curating this list, we reflected on our most enjoyable board game moments over the years. While some may favor competitive and strategic games, others might lean towards casual fun.
To cater to diverse preferences, we’ve compiled a selection of 12 games across various genres, encompassing both board and card formats. Each of these budget-friendly options offers unique mechanics and engaging themes that promise substantial replayability and ensure a lively game night.
1. Trails
Best Nature Card Game
- Players: 2-4
- Playtime: 20-40 minutes
- Ages: 10+
- Price: Varies
- View at Amazon
Trails invites you to discover beautiful vistas while exploring U.S. National Parks. As you navigate through nature, earn points by spotting wildlife and collecting resources like acorns and rocks. Exchange these for badges, and capture photos to accumulate victory points before sunset. The stunning artwork enhances the experience and encourages players to visit these iconic locations in real life.
2. The Resistance: Avalon
Best Medieval Fantasy Card Game
- Players: 5-10
- Playtime: 30 minutes
- Ages: 14+
- Price: $24.80 (€23.49)
- View at Amazon
In Avalon, players receive secret roles that dictate alliances. As members of Arthur’s court, you’ll need to successfully complete quests, while those aligned with Morgana must covertly sabotage them. This social deduction game excels with larger groups, creating memorable tensions and unexpected turns.
3. The Crew: Mission Deep Sea
Best Trick-Taking Card Game
- Players: 3-5
- Playtime: Varies
- Ages: 10+
- Price: $14.95 (€13.91)
- View at Amazon
For a captivating cooperation experience that won’t strain your wallet, The Crew: Mission Deep Sea offers a thrilling quest to uncover a forgotten continent. The non-linear objectives bring fresh challenges to every session, enhanced by a difficulty scale that suits seasoned gamers.
4. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
Best Card Game Based on a Popular Franchise
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 30 minutes
- Ages: 14+
- Price: $14.95 (€13.91)
- View at Amazon
Experience the tension between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire in Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game. Engage in head-to-head battles to weaken each other’s bases while obstructing your rival from acquiring powerful cards. Iconic characters from the original trilogy like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker participate, but strategic diversity is key to victory.
5. The Fox in the Forest
Best Two-Player Card Game
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 30 minutes
- Ages: 10+
- Price: $15.99 (€14.66)
- View at Amazon
The Fox in the Forest is an exciting trick-taking game for two, featuring characters with unique powers for strategic play. Watch out for the penalty if you win too many tricks; the game’s enchanting theme and beautiful illustrations keep it engaging and unpredictable.
6. Love Letter
Best Social Deduction Card Game
- Players: 2-6
- Playtime: 20 minutes
- Ages: 10+
- Price: $14.99 (€13.81)
- View at Amazon
A riveting mix of strategy and bluffing awaits you in Love Letter. You aim to deliver a letter to the princess while using character cards in your hand to eliminate competitors. The goal is to outlast opponents and hold the highest-valued card at the end of each round for favor.
Each game takes around 20 minutes, but various strategies and card combinations ensure high replay value.
7. One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Best Fast-Paced Card Game
- Players: 3-10
- Playtime: 10 minutes
- Ages: 8+
- Price: $24.95 (€23.32)
- View at Amazon
For an engaging blend of social deduction and quick action, One Night Ultimate Werewolf provides an entertaining experience. Each player assumes a secret role while trying to uncover the werewolves among them. The game’s fast-paced nature keeps players engaged as they vote on whom to eliminate at the end of each round. An accompanying app streamlines the night phase, enhancing gameplay.
8. Skull
Best Cheap Board Game with Unique Gameplay
- Players: 3-6
- Playtime: 30 minutes
- Ages: 10+
- Price: $19.99 (€18.43)
- View at Amazon
Skull is a gripping party game that challenges your bluffing abilities. Players take turns placing tiles face down, leading to a bidding showdown. The highest bidder attempts to reveal tiles without hitting a skull, earning points for successful turns. The gameplay is exhilarating, ensuring plenty of laughs and fierce competition.
9. Decrypto
Best Team-Based Card Game
- Players: 3-8
- Playtime: 30 minutes
- Ages: 12+
- Price: $24.90 (€23.07)
- View at Amazon
If you enjoy games centered around strategic guessing, Decrypto will excite you. Players assign codes to a series of random word cards, and teammates must decipher them through word clues. Engage both your team’s creativity and your opponents’ deduction skills for an unforgettable experience.
10. Bang! The Dice Game
Best Card Game with Dice
- Players: 3-8
- Playtime: 15 minutes
- Ages: 8+
- Price: $17.99 (€16.68)
- View at Amazon
Bang! The Dice Game immerses players in a Wild West shootout. Choose your character and role, each having unique objectives, creating a dynamic gameplay experience. Will you be the sheriff defending order, or the outlaw seeking revenge? The various character combinations make each session unpredictable and enjoyable.
11. Here to Slay
Best Fantasy Strategy Game
- Players: 2-6
- Playtime: 30-60 minutes
- Ages: 14+
- Price: $20.00 (€18.43)
- View at Amazon
Recruit magical heroes and conquer mythical beasts in Here to Slay, a whimsical dice-rolling challenge. The blend of unique character abilities and chaotic card effects creates thrilling gameplay. With captivating artwork and diverse expansions, this game promises endless fun and excitement.
12. Happy Little Dinosaurs
Cutest Card Game
- Players: 2-4
- Playtime: 30-60 minutes
- Ages: 8+
- Price: $19.82 (€18.30)
- View at Amazon
Happy Little Dinosaurs is a charming game centered on avoiding humorous catastrophes to be the last dino standing. With its playful scenarios like encountering meteors or fancy spa days gone wrong, players must strategize to overcome various challenges while enjoying the cute and lighthearted style.
FAQs About Affordable Board Games Under $25
What are the best budget board games?
Some of the best budget board games include Trails, The Resistance: Avalon, and Decrypto, all of which offer exciting gameplay without breaking the bank.
Are there board games for families under $25?
Yes, there are many family-friendly games under $25, such as Happy Little Dinosaurs and One Night Ultimate Werewolf.
What games are best for parties under $25?
Games like Skull and Love Letter are excellent choices for party settings due to their fun and engaging mechanics.
How many people can play these games?
The number of players varies by game; many can accommodate small groups (2-4) while others like The Resistance: Avalon can host larger groups (5-10).
Does playing online affect the fun of board games?
While online gaming can provide broader access to players, many enthusiasts find that in-person gatherings enhance the social interaction and enjoyment of the games.