2020 was a bad year. Nobody can argue with that. But here we are, a pandemic, an election, and some wildfires later – you don’t even remember those anymore, do you? – and we can say that we have survived. However, when our grandchildren ask us if 2020 was complete garbage or not, we at The Guild Hall will say that it wasn’t. Why? Because some AMAZING games graced our tables. And here they are, the top 5 Board Game releases of 2020 (in my humble opinion).

5. Small World of Warcraft

I want to preface this by saying I am incredibly biased. As it stands, I am in love with World of Warcraft and have way too many characters at high levels. That being said, Small World of Warcraft impressed the hell out of me! At its core, it holds onto the fantastic game that is Small World, which is then improved both thematically and mechanically by some WoW twists. If you’re looking into some light strategy game for game night with your family or casual board gamers, this game took up the crown in 2020.

4. Calico

Calico has cats. Of course, cats are not the reason this game is excellent, but they do help. Calico can be summed up as a perfect blend of Azul, Sagrada, and Patchwork. It is easy to learn yet surprisingly complex and, you know… cats! Throughout the game, you’ll have to build up a beautiful blanket. As you are trying to figure out the best combination of color and pattern, you have to consider some rules that change every game. In my opinion, this is the best family board game you can buy as of right now.

3. The Search for Planet X

At first glance, I thought I’d hate The Search for Planet X. It just seemed to be a way to flex your logic muscles. To put it mildly, I thought it was just Space Sudoku. Boy, was I wrong! This game is nothing like the bland experience of Sudoku, but rather a Space Odyssey. Although the only elements are you, the sky, and the app (which is excellent, by the way!), this game is brilliant because of its replayability. It is incredibly flexible. You can play on a standard board or an expert one with even more numbers to figure out. You can add more or fewer clues, and you can play with kids and give them more clues too! The Search for Planet X is a deceptively welcoming game, despite its initial logic maze appearance. And for that reason, it made our top 5.

2. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Baker Street Irregulars almost makes this year worth it. This is because the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective series is easily my favorite board game ever. The original, released in 1982, still holds up to this day. Its concept is so simple yet unique, adding an immersive narrative experience to board gaming unlike anything else on the market. Whether you’re a group of friends, a couple, a family, or whatever, this game is perfect for everyone. It will make you feel stupid in the best of ways and it will challenge you to become more attentive than ever before. I could not say enough good things about it. The only issue with it is that… well, although this is a stand-alone game, it is not new, per se. In the interest of that, I chose a brand new game to top off our list.

1. Fort

If you’ve talked to me in the past month, it is very likely I rattled your ear off about this game. It is marvelous. It is so good it genuinely makes me question whether Root is the best game Leder Games have created. For those who haven’t heard about it, Fort is a deck-building, card drafting game about building a playground fort with your friends. It is flavourful and cutesy beyond imagination. The art is something to die for and the mechanics are just plain perfect. Every turn, you’ll be faced with numberless possibilities and thought-provoking decisions. Do you want a secure action, or do you want to focus on this combo piece to have it for your late game deck? The possibilities are endless, and the game is a complete joy.

And those are the 5 absolute best board game releases of 2020, in my opinion. I hope I convinced you to get your hands on some! If I did, be sure to check out our online shop and buy whatever suits your fancy. It’s sure to last you past this awful year.