Top 10 Longest Board Games In The World
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive deep into the world of board games that require not just skill, but also a serious time commitment? If you're a board game enthusiast who loves a good challenge and has hours (or even days) to spare, then you're in the right place. Let's explore the top 10 longest board games that will test your endurance and strategic thinking. So, grab your snacks, gather your friends, and prepare for some epic gaming sessions!
1. The Campaign for North Africa
When we talk about long board games, The Campaign for North Africa undoubtedly takes the crown. This behemoth is infamous for its incredibly detailed simulation of the North African theater during World War II. Designed for up to five players, each taking on roles such as the Axis forces (Germany and Italy) and the Allied forces (Britain and the United States), this game aims to recreate the historical challenges faced by both sides with stunning accuracy.
So, what makes it so long? Well, just about everything! The rulebook alone is massive, and the level of detail is mind-boggling. We’re talking about accounting for supply lines, vehicle maintenance, and even the morale of individual units. Movement is meticulously calculated, and combat resolution involves numerous modifiers and dice rolls. The game simulates everything from logistics to weather conditions, ensuring that players must consider every possible factor in their strategic decisions.
The estimated playtime for a full campaign can range anywhere from 1,200 to 1,500 hours. Yes, you read that right! This isn't a game you can knock out in an afternoon. It's more like a long-term project that requires dedication and a consistent gaming group. Many who start The Campaign for North Africa never actually finish it, and completing it is considered a badge of honor among hardcore board gamers. Because of its complexity and time commitment, it’s more of a historical simulation than a casual game.
If you’re thinking about tackling The Campaign for North Africa, be prepared to dedicate significant time to understanding the rules and planning your strategies. It’s not just about moving pieces on a board; it’s about immersing yourself in a complex historical scenario. This game is truly for the most dedicated and patient board game enthusiasts out there.
2. War in the Pacific
Next up on our list is War in the Pacific, another grand strategy game that simulates the entire Pacific Theater of World War II. Published by GMT Games, this game is renowned for its scope, detail, and, of course, its length. War in the Pacific is designed for two players, one controlling the Allied forces and the other the Japanese Empire, and it covers everything from naval battles to island hopping campaigns.
Like The Campaign for North Africa, War in the Pacific involves a massive rulebook and a plethora of counters representing various military units, ships, and aircraft. The game focuses heavily on logistics, naval operations, and strategic planning. Players must manage their resources, coordinate their forces, and anticipate their opponent's moves across a vast and complex game board.
The playtime for War in the Pacific typically ranges from 200 to 600 hours, depending on the scenario and the players' experience. While not as extreme as The Campaign for North Africa, it’s still a significant time investment. Many players break the game into sessions, playing a few hours at a time over several weeks or months. The sheer number of units and the complexity of the rules make it a challenging and time-consuming endeavor.
War in the Pacific is highly regarded in the wargaming community for its historical accuracy and strategic depth. If you’re interested in World War II history and enjoy complex strategy games, this one might be for you. Just be prepared to clear your schedule and dive into a truly immersive gaming experience.
3. Advanced Third Reich
Advanced Third Reich is a strategic board game that focuses on the European theater of World War II. Designed for multiple players, it allows participants to control major powers such as Germany, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The game's complexity lies in its detailed economic, political, and military systems, which closely simulate the historical challenges faced by each nation.
Players must manage their industrial production, research new technologies, and strategically deploy their forces across the map. Diplomacy also plays a crucial role, as alliances can shift and change throughout the course of the game. The game's comprehensive rule set covers various aspects of the war, including naval warfare, air combat, and ground operations.
Advanced Third Reich typically takes around 120 to 300 hours to complete. This considerable time investment is due to the game's intricate mechanics and the need for careful planning and coordination among players. While it demands significant time and effort, the game offers a highly rewarding experience for those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay.
If you're a history buff or a fan of grand strategy games, Advanced Third Reich is definitely worth considering. Just make sure you have a dedicated group of friends who are willing to commit to the long haul. The game's depth and complexity make it a truly immersive and engaging experience.
4. Empires in Arms
Empires in Arms is a classic grand strategy game that simulates the Napoleonic Wars. This game allows up to seven players to take on the roles of major European powers, such as Great Britain, France, Austria, Russia, Prussia, Spain, and the Ottoman Empire. Players navigate complex political alliances, manage their economies, and command their armies in an attempt to dominate Europe.
What sets Empires in Arms apart is its intricate blend of military, economic, and diplomatic elements. Players must carefully balance their resources, build and maintain their armies, and negotiate with other powers to form alliances and secure their borders. The game's detailed rule set covers everything from naval warfare to siege operations, ensuring a comprehensive simulation of the Napoleonic era.
The playtime for Empires in Arms generally ranges from 60 to 120 hours. This substantial time commitment is due to the game's complexity and the need for careful planning and coordination among players. While it may seem daunting, the game offers a highly rewarding experience for those who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay and have a passion for history.
If you're a fan of historical strategy games and have an interest in the Napoleonic era, Empires in Arms is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared to invest a significant amount of time and effort into mastering the game's intricacies. The rewards, however, are well worth it for those who enjoy a truly immersive and challenging gaming experience.
5. Here I Stand
Here I Stand is a card-driven strategy game that focuses on the political and religious conflicts of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. Designed for six players, it allows participants to control major powers such as the Habsburgs, England, France, the Papacy, the Ottomans, and the Protestants. The game combines elements of diplomacy, warfare, and religious conversion to create a dynamic and engaging historical simulation.
What makes Here I Stand unique is its use of cards to drive the action. Players use cards to move their armies, influence political events, and spread their religious beliefs. Diplomacy is also crucial, as players must negotiate alliances and manage their relationships with other powers. The game's detailed rule set covers various aspects of the Reformation, including religious debates, wars, and political intrigue.
The estimated playtime for Here I Stand is around 6 to 12 hours, making it shorter than some of the other games on this list, but still a significant time commitment. The game's complexity and the need for strategic planning and negotiation can extend the playtime, especially for new players. Despite the time investment, Here I Stand offers a highly rewarding experience for those who enjoy historical strategy games.
If you're interested in the history of the Reformation and enjoy games that combine strategy, diplomacy, and card play, Here I Stand is definitely worth considering. Be prepared to invest some time in learning the rules and mastering the game's intricacies, but the rewards are well worth it for those who enjoy a challenging and immersive gaming experience.
6. Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition)
Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition) is an epic space opera board game that combines strategy, diplomacy, and warfare on a galactic scale. Designed for three to six players, it allows participants to control various factions vying for control of the galaxy. Each faction has unique abilities and units, creating a diverse and engaging gameplay experience.
The game is renowned for its sprawling map, which is made up of hexagonal tiles that are arranged to create a unique galaxy each game. Players explore new territories, build their economies, and engage in diplomacy and warfare to expand their empires. The game also features a robust technology tree, allowing players to research new technologies and upgrade their units.
Twilight Imperium (Fourth Edition) typically takes around 6 to 12 hours to complete. This considerable time investment is due to the game's complexity and the need for careful planning and negotiation among players. While it demands significant time and effort, the game offers a highly rewarding experience for those who enjoy grand strategy games with a science fiction theme.
If you're a fan of space operas and enjoy games that combine strategy, diplomacy, and warfare, Twilight Imperium is definitely worth considering. Just make sure you have a dedicated group of friends who are willing to commit to the long haul. The game's depth and complexity make it a truly immersive and engaging experience.
7. Mage Knight Board Game
Mage Knight Board Game is a solo or cooperative fantasy adventure game that combines elements of deck-building, role-playing, and tactical combat. Designed for one to four players, it allows participants to take on the roles of powerful Mage Knights who explore a fantasy world, conquer cities, and battle monsters.
What makes Mage Knight unique is its blend of different game mechanics. Players build their decks by acquiring new cards that represent spells, skills, and units. They use these cards to move around the map, fight enemies, and complete quests. The game also features a detailed combat system that requires careful planning and tactical thinking.
The playtime for Mage Knight Board Game typically ranges from 1 to 4 hours per player. A full game with multiple players can therefore take a significant amount of time, especially for new players who are still learning the rules. Despite the time commitment, Mage Knight offers a highly rewarding experience for those who enjoy solo or cooperative games with a strong fantasy theme.
If you're a fan of fantasy adventure games and enjoy games that combine deck-building, role-playing, and tactical combat, Mage Knight is definitely worth checking out. Be prepared to invest some time in learning the rules and mastering the game's intricacies, but the rewards are well worth it for those who enjoy a challenging and immersive gaming experience.
8. Arkham Horror: The Card Game
Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a cooperative living card game set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. Designed for one to four players, it allows participants to take on the roles of investigators who are trying to unravel mysteries and stop ancient evils from awakening.
What sets Arkham Horror: The Card Game apart is its narrative-driven gameplay. Each scenario tells a unique story, and players must work together to solve puzzles, fight monsters, and make crucial decisions that impact the outcome of the game. The game also features a deck-building element, as players can customize their investigators' decks with new cards that represent skills, weapons, and allies.
The playtime for a single scenario of Arkham Horror: The Card Game typically ranges from 1 to 2 hours. However, a full campaign can take much longer, as players must complete multiple scenarios in order to unravel the overarching story. The game's replayability is high, as different investigators and card combinations can lead to unique experiences.
If you're a fan of Lovecraftian horror and enjoy cooperative games with a strong narrative focus, Arkham Horror: The Card Game is definitely worth considering. Be prepared to invest some time in building your decks and learning the rules, but the rewards are well worth it for those who enjoy a thrilling and immersive gaming experience.
9. Gloomhaven
Gloomhaven is a cooperative dungeon-crawling board game with a persistent campaign. Designed for one to four players, it allows participants to take on the roles of mercenaries who are completing quests, battling monsters, and exploring a vast fantasy world. The game is known for its intricate scenarios, strategic combat, and character progression system.
What makes Gloomhaven unique is its campaign system. Players make permanent choices that affect the world around them, unlocking new scenarios and changing the course of the story. The game also features a card-based combat system, where players use cards to determine their actions and abilities in battle. The game's complexity and depth have made it a popular choice among board game enthusiasts.
A single scenario in Gloomhaven usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete, but a full campaign can take dozens of hours. The game’s persistent nature means that your choices and actions have long-lasting consequences, making each playthrough a unique and immersive experience. Gloomhaven offers a deep and rewarding gaming experience for those willing to invest the time and effort.
If you're a fan of dungeon-crawling games and enjoy persistent campaigns with a strong narrative, Gloomhaven is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for a significant time investment and a steep learning curve. The rewards, however, are well worth it for those who enjoy a challenging and immersive gaming experience.
10. Eldritch Horror
Eldritch Horror is a cooperative board game set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. Designed for one to eight players, it allows participants to take on the roles of investigators who are traveling the world to stop an ancient evil from awakening. The game combines elements of investigation, exploration, and combat to create a thrilling and suspenseful experience.
What sets Eldritch Horror apart is its global scope. Players travel to different locations around the world, encountering unique events and challenges. The game also features a variety of monsters and ancient ones, each with their own special abilities and effects. Players must work together to gather clues, solve mysteries, and defeat the ancient one before it's too late.
The playtime for Eldritch Horror typically ranges from 2 to 4 hours. This makes it a relatively shorter game compared to others on this list, but it still requires a significant time commitment. The game's complexity and the need for strategic planning and coordination among players can extend the playtime, especially for new players.
If you're a fan of Lovecraftian horror and enjoy cooperative games with a strong theme, Eldritch Horror is definitely worth considering. Be prepared to invest some time in learning the rules and mastering the game's intricacies, but the rewards are well worth it for those who enjoy a challenging and immersive gaming experience.
So there you have it, folks! The top 10 longest board games in the world that will test your patience, strategic skills, and endurance. Whether you're a hardcore wargamer or a fan of epic fantasy adventures, there's something on this list for everyone. Just remember to clear your schedule, gather your friends, and prepare for some truly unforgettable gaming sessions!
