The Best Cult Board Games, And Why They Are So Revered?

The Best Cult Board Games, And Why They Are So Revered?

Chances are you have one of the top 10 best family board games in your home – whether it’s Backgammon or Monopoly, Checkers or Chess. But what about Stranger Things or King of Tokyo or perhaps even Twilight Imperium?

Welcome to the world of ‘cult’ board games. No, we don’t mean board games around cults (although they probably exist!) but games that have a cult-like following. Want to learn more, then read on.

What is a Cult Board Game?

There are many ways you can interpret the meaning of a ‘cult board game’. However, for the purpose of this feature, we specifically mean either:

1. Board games that have a devoted fan base that regularly pores over the rules and gameplay, and/or
2. Board games with a cult following – these are usually unpopular with mainstream audiences but have a niche following that is strong and loyal.

Cult board game enthusiasts are a rare breed. They appreciate the finer details of gaming and are often collectors, tapping into the wider gaming community. If this all sounds familiar, or appealing, then you can join the many gaming groups in online forums, conventions and through collector and trade shows.

What makes Cult Board Games so appealing?

There are a few reasons why cult board games have earnt their stripes in gaming circles. From the social aspect of gaming to their niche appeal, let’s take a look at some of these influences:

• Novelty

When you look at some of the top family board games that have reached cult status, there’s a certain novelty appeal to them. For instance, they might be limited edition, or have a fascinating story associated with them. This forms part of the rich tapestry of the product, elevating it from everyday board game to must-have items. For instance ‘Bloc by Bloc; The Insurrection Game’ is one of these, inspired by protests and uprisings in recent times. It’s more than just a board game, in many ways, it’s a piece of history too.

• Being part of an exciting subculture

In every industry from computer gaming to board gaming, a whole subculture can be found, devoted to the art of what makes that genre quite so special. Members of game subculture positively seek out and instinctively know board games that will reach cult-like status, being fully immersed in this subculture themselves. In short, it’s part of a way of life for so many gamers, that the ‘hobby’ and art form of board games makes certain games highly appealing.

• Escapism

Cult board games, like all board games, offer a chance for escapism, as well as entertainment. However, what is particularly appealing about cult games is that it’s like you’re in a little club. There’s something special and inviting about the fact that you’re immersed in a world that not everyone is privy to, and neither has access to. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why lesser-known games have greater appeal than mainstream ones to this community.

• Social side

In case you ever wondered why board games are important, they offer great ways to extend your social circle. This is particularly seen in ‘super fans’ who take board gaming to the next level. Many of these collectors and gamers are fully immersed in social gaming circles, so finding new and unusual games to play against each other, forms part of the rich experience. The more unique or rare the game, the greater the thrill.

• Immersive gaming

Let’s not forget that many board games reach cult status for good reason. Whether it’s Chess or Risk, all the top board games offer a solid gaming experience that is fun to play and have great storytelling too.  And, in many cases, there’s an element of beating an opponent in the process.

• As an investment

It’s true, you can make a fair buck from board game collecting… that’s if you know the right items to invest in. Many of these are rare or hard-to-find games or limited edition versions. For instance, to celebrate Scrabble’s 60^th anniversary the popular family board game teamed up with Swarovski to make a crystal-encrusted version, this was later valued at $20,000!

• Nostalgia

It’s not uncommon for childhood nostalgia to come into play, quite literally! Gamers are surprisingly nostalgic, so the opportunity to rekindle fond memories from childhood are reason enough to invest in a game. Some cult board games that invoke childhood nostalgia include Dungeons and Dragons and Guess Who.

• Rarity

And finally, there’s another reason why some games reach cult-status over others, and that’s their rarity. We’re talking early edition or first edition games, or perhaps limited edition runs. Or even, in some cases, games that no longer exist for one reason or another.

Five of the Best Cult Board Games

• Twilight Imperium
• Trivial Pursuit – Stranger Things, Back to the 80s Edition
• Cards Against Humanity, Family Edition
• A Game of Thrones – the Board Game
• King of Tokyo

From the best classic family board games through to modern-day spin-offs, there’s a whole host of board games that have a cult-like following. Whether you’re looking to add them to your collection, or intrigued to find out more, here are five of the best:

1. Twilight Imperium

Age 14+

We’ve already touched on the micro-popularity of Twilight Imperium, now we’re going to tell you why. As its high-end price tag indicates, this is a highly-sought after game that has been entertaining board game enthusiasts for over two decades now. Based on tactical strategy and grand storytelling, this isn’t for the light-hearted, with the average game play lasting between four and eight hours. Before you gasp, don’t forget the object of the fame is to try and rule the universe! While this is not a simple board game for family play, it is intensely brilliant. Good storytelling is at the heart of it, and every move you make will impact and evolve the game, making it quite the shape-shifter. For the die-hard gamer, it offers a rich, immersive experience and one-of-a-kind type of play that makes it quite so revered in the world of board game culture.

2. Trivial Pursuit – Stranger Things, Back to the 80s Edition

Age 14+

One of the main qualities to look out for in a cult board game is its novel and uniqueness. Launched in 2019, the Stranger Things 80s Edition of Trivial Pursuit is already on its way to reaching this cult-like status. The game itself is one based on trivia, with an 80s twist, no less. While not for everyone, the quirky game features ‘portal spaces’ which require you to flip over a panel, and the space-age design about the board make it highly appealing to those with a keen eye for detail. While it’s still available to snap up on Amazon, we recommend hobbyists don’t leave it too long as this is already growing in popularity.

3. Cards Against Humanity, Family Edition

Age 8+

It’s rare for a game to reach cult-like status from the day it’s released, but that’s exactly what Cards Against Humanity achieved, when it launched back in 2011. So much so, that not long after its launch, a family-friendly (slightly toned down!) version was unleashed to the public. Perhaps the genius in this idea, is that it’s a simple family board game that everyone can play and have fun with – plus the rules are simple. Players simply pick up a card and have to respond with the funniest answer with one of their white cards. There’s something about school-age children that love the silliness and wackiness about this. For this reason, and for its enduring word-of-mouth reach, it deserves a place on the list.

4. A Game of Thrones – the Board Game

Age 12+

As with a number of the best family board games with a cult-like following, A Game of Thrones board game is based on the popular TV show. Three to six players do battle, trying to take command of the Great Houses of Westeros. There are also expansion kits and an epic 30-page rulebook (of course) to keep it up-to-date and exciting. Full of backstabbing in a world where science fiction meets fantasy, it ticks all the right boxes for extreme fandom. While you might think gamers are buying this because of the TV show, it stands up as a brilliant game in its own right. That is, of course, if you have a spare six-hours to play it. Nonetheless, with all the detail and intricacies that go with it, you could easily lose a day to understanding the rules.

5. King of Tokyo

Age 8+

When the fun factor is high, you know that you’re onto a winner. Which is why King of Tokyo is everyone’s top family board game that they can’t quite let go of! As well as producing a host of quirky characters, the game is pretty straightforward to understand, even though there’s lots of strategy involved. No spoilers here of course, but the objective is to be the first monster standing, or the first to reach 20 victory points. Exploring themes of power, players embark on a journey that involves defeating other monsters, landing on spaces and even destroying the architecture. You can see its appeal can’t you.

Conclusion

the allure of cult board games is undeniable. Their charm lies not only in their nostalgic value but also in their ability to provide a stimulating and engaging experience that transcends time. These games have cemented their place in the heart of game lovers worldwide.

The best board games serve as a testament to this fact. They capture the essence of strategy, negotiation, and luck, allowing for hours of compelling gameplay. These classic titles remind us that simplicity and depth can coexist, producing enthralling experiences that keep us coming back.

Finally, retro board games encapsulate a sense of history, showcasing how gaming has evolved over the years. They highlight the foundations of game design, standing as proof that innovation and creativity have always been at the core of this beloved pastime. The love for these games continues to be passed down generations, making them an enduring part of our cultural heritage. So, next time you have an evening free, why not dust off one of these classics and relive the magic they offer?