Ars Technica’s ultimate board game gift guide, 2021 edition

It’s that time of year again-time to buy more board games than you possibly have time to play. To aid you in your quest, we’ve once again updated our massive board game buyer’s guide for the year by adding new entries (including a bunch of games from 2020 and 2021), pruning some old entries, and bringing things in line with our current thoughts. The list is divided into sections that cater to different audiences, and we think there’s something here for everyone-even those who don’t yet know they like board games. Whether you’re looking to pick up your next cardboard obsession or need a gift idea for your weird cousin who’s always going on about “efficient resource trade routes,” you’re in the right place. Aaron Zimmerman, Nate Anderson, Keith Law, and Tom Mendelsohn contributed to this guide. Ars Technica may earn compensation for sales from links on this post through affiliate programs. Family and new gamers If you’re new to gaming (or simply trying to hook the unconverted), this is your section. Each game below is great for playing with people who are just dipping their toes into the big board game ocean. Colorful pieces, simple rules, and addictive gameplay-they don’t call them “gateway games” for nothing. Splendor Splendor 2-4 players, 30 minutes, age 10+ / $25 at Amazon , , Target Walmart We’ll take any chance we can get to recommend the 2014 classic Splendor . A staple of game nights everywhere, this accessible “engine-building” game tasks players with collecting gems (represented by poker chips) to buy cards, so they can buy cards worth points, so they can be the first to accrue 15 points. You can teach it to almost anyone, and it plays in a breezy and always-escalating 30 minutes. If your giftee doesn’t know the first thing about board games, start here. And if they already have the base game, consider picking up the new expansion . Azul in play-a two-player game in progress. Azul Azul 2-4 players, 30-45 minutes, age 8+ / $27 at Amazon , Target The words “instant classic” are overused in board gaming, but if Azul doesn’t fit the bill, no game does. The title took home the prestigious Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) award in 2018 in Germany, and it has quickly solidified its place in the “gateway” games pantheon. Based on Islamic-inspired Portuguese tiles called azulejos , this family-weight abstract involves collecting sets of similar tiles and slotting them into rows on your personal game board. When a row is completely filled, one of its tiles is moved over into the square pattern to the right, garnering bonuses depending on placement. Turns are quick, and each set of tiles you grab creates both problems and opportunities for other players. There’s a tinge of “meanness” for players who are sensitive to that sort of thing, but it’s essential to Azul ‘s wonderful interactive tension. Gorgeous bakelite-style tiles seal the deal on a beautiful production. Read our review here ....

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