As an adult, it's surprising to find that work can indeed be fun and games, especially in the world of worker placement tabletop games. These games allow you to guide your team through various tasks and adventures as you progress towards your end goals. With a variety of themes and settings, you can embark on different journeys depending on the game you select. Here's a curated list of some of my recent favorite worker placement games, spanning both new releases and classic titles.
TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board Games to Play Now
Viticulture
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Yokohama
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Unconscious Mind
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Wayfarers of The South Tigris
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Darwin’s Journey
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Fromage
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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 looking for a quick overview, you can scroll through the catalog above. For more in-depth details, keep 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 picturesque region of Tuscany. Here, players inherit their family's vineyard and strive to build successful wineries. The game revolves around planting vineyards, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. Strategic use of your workers is key to managing the season's time effectively. Players compete over multiple years, expanding their wineries and aging wine to fulfill orders. Whether you enjoy the competitive original version or the cooperative Viticulture World edition, gather your friends for a delightful gaming experience.
Yokohama
Yokohama
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Ages: 14+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 90 mins
Yokohama immerses you in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan. As a business magnate, you manage a team of workers to build your empire. Strategically gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders to maximize your success. While the game has moderate complexity, turns flow smoothly 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 deeply engaging Euro game that delves into themes of psychology and grief. It's not only one of the most visually stunning games but also offers complex gameplay with multiple strategic layers in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further depth, though it can make the game even more challenging. Be prepared for a longer setup and playtime than indicated on the box, as this game demands significant investment of time.
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 is a delightful blend of dice and worker placement, offering a surprising amount of fun. The game links worker placement with dice rolls, adding an element of chance that, when aligned with your strategies, can be highly rewarding. It may seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, but the depth of decision-making offers great replayability. Don't miss out on this gem.
Darwin’s Journey
Darwin’s Journey
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Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-120 mins
Channel your inner scientific explorer with Darwin's Journey. Race against fellow explorers and Darwin himself across three islands, discovering nature and science for your museum. The game is easy to learn and offers high replay value. Available both physically and online, it's a hit among seasoned and casual players alike.
Fromage
Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store!
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 40 mins
Perfect for a game night with friends or a solo date, Fromage invites you to craft and sell award-winning cheeses across France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fulfill orders in this quick and enjoyable game. For an Italian twist, try Formaggio, which will leave you craving Parmigiano.
The Gallerist
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!
Ages: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120 mins
The Gallerist challenges you to run an art gallery, discovering artists, showcasing their work, and attracting discerning patrons. This game is not for beginners, with a complexity rating of 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek. Just like the real art world, it's demanding but rewarding.
Septima
Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games!
Ages: 12+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 50-100 mins
Septima's stunning gothic art captivates, and its gameplay is equally enchanting. As witches, you build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and navigate the dangers of witch hunters and trials. Despite its challenging themes, it's user-friendly and enjoyable, even solo. The expansion introduces shapeshifting with animals, adding more beautifully designed elements.
Rock Hard: 1977
Rock Hard: 1977
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Ages: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 90 mins
Unleash your inner rockstar with Rock Hard: 1977, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. With stunning components and an amp-shaped player board, this game lets you rock your way to stardom. A fan favorite at Gen Con, it does come with a warning: it includes heavy themes that might not suit everyone due to its depiction 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
For comic lovers, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to create and publish comics, racing against other players to reach fandom. The pulpy art style is a delight, and the game is easy to learn yet engaging. It's playable with up to four players but best with three, and also offers a solo mode.
