The current 32 Best list, as it stands today. Last updated April 2026.
Games are in tier order, not strict rank order — within a tier the order is approximate.
Tier S — top of all-time
- Brass: Birmingham — best Euro of the modern era. Asymmetric scoring, brutal economic decisions.
- Twilight Struggle — the cold war, in 3 hours, two players. Uniquely tense.
- Through the Ages — civilization-builder that actually works. Weight is high but rewarding.
Tier A — exceptional
- Concordia — clean, fast, deep. Best gateway-to-Euro game made.
- Spirit Island — co-op done right. Asymmetry that feels earned.
- Terraforming Mars — flawed but irreplaceable.
- Gloomhaven (campaign) — peak of the legacy/campaign genre.
- Race for the Galaxy — most replayable card game ever printed.
- El Grande — old but still untouched at what it does.
In progress (10–32)
The remaining 23 slots are open. Reviews and additions coming as I work through the queue. Current contenders being evaluated:
- Wingspan
- Scythe
- Caverna
- Agricola
- Power Grid
- Pandemic
- Cosmic Encounter
- Inis
- Blood Rage
- Le Havre
- Tigris & Euphrates
- Imperial
- A Feast for Odin
- Antiquity
- Container
- Food Chain Magnate
- 18xx (Steam Over Holland)
If you think I’m missing something obvious, write to me — but check the about page for my biases first.