Let’s look into the near future and check out some of the great board and card games that are coming in the next 12 months. These are twenty of our most anticipated releases. While some of these may not actually hit stores by the end of the year, our fingers are crossed that we will actually get to play these games before a new year comes around.
Making Monsters
Publisher: Sky Lion Games
Designer: Jonathan Gilmour-Long, David Gordon
Release Window: Q3-Q4 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan, Bob, Erin
We previewed Making Monsters last Fall and it’s the mad scientist, bag building game that I’ve always wanted. Players are gathering “ingredients” to bring their heinous creatures to life. Pressing your luck means that you may lose lucrative bonuses or progress on your creature builds. This game is a lot of fun and is going to be one that hits the table year round, not just during Halloween.
Making Monsters gives players plenty of options as they manage their display of creatures while upgrading their laboratory. The game is slightly gross without ever being gory or inappropriate for younger gamers. Making Monsters is going to be a big hit and I cannot wait for its release later this year.
Class of ‘89
Publisher: Paverson Games
Designer: Kory Jordon
Release Window: Q4 2026
Excitement level:
Nominated by: Erin
Class of ’89 looks to be a beautiful and thematic game. It seems that Paverson Games is publishing top quality games, such as Luthier, and this falls right in line. In Class of ‘89 you are president of the yearbook club and you’re trying to create the best yearbook spread with all of the epic moments.
Mechanics include ladder climbing, matching, pattern building, set collection, tile placement and worker placement. There is something for everyone! Paverson has a great track record and this theme is one that I really connect with.
River Market
Publisher: Kids Table Board Gaming (KTBG)
Designer: Roberta Taylor
Release Window: Q3 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Joe
KTBG always surprises with the quality of their game components, art, and gameplay. Set in the same universe as Creature Comforts, River Market has players create and then utilize a rondel together. Players loop around the market completing different actions and build it out making each game different each time it is played.
I really like that idea of building something together in game and then exploring the puzzle of possibilities created. Looking forward to this cozy game!
Trash Dash
Publisher: Shiny Pigeon Games
Designer: Parker Simpson
Release Window: Q1 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Trash Dash is the game that you get when you picture street animals smashed together with Mario Kart. We previewed this critter racing game in 2024 and it was such a fun time. Players are trying to race around a modular, back alley board using cards in their hand. Players can sabotage their opponents or use environmental obstacles to their advantage.
Trash Dash is accessible to new gamers and has a visual style that even some decades old publishers can’t pull off. The modular board and variety of characters and abilities all lend itself to hitting the table often. Anyone looking for a great family racing game that has loads of replayability needs to have Trash Dash on their radar.
Rheinlander
Publisher: 25th Century Games
Designer: Reiner Knizia
Release Window: Q3 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Erin, Ryan
Rheinlander has been around since 1999, but is being republished by 25th Century Games with beautiful artwork by Ian O’Toole. In Rheinlander, Dukes are working to establish duchies along the Rhine River. In this true area control game, players are playing a card out of their hand to claim the corresponding territory on the board.
As players establish their claims, they can continue to gain more land and buildings, such as cathedrals, castles, and cities, in order to give them advantages as they continue in the game. I have had the opportunity to play a few times, and I absolutely love how cut throat it is. Many times I found myself playing “chicken” with an opponent as we went for the same area on the board, which made the game really intense in a great way. Rheinlander is simple to learn, but the way the cards limit you to the corresponding territories give it an edge that adds to the evolving strategy of your game play. This is definitely a game to watch out for!
Grendel: The Game of Crime and Mayhem
Publisher: Off the Page Games
Designer: Alara Cameron, Sen-Foong Lim
Release Window: Q3 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ric, Ryan
While the initial visual style wasn’t my favorite (Ryan), the gameplay really hooked me when I checked this game out at Origins 2025. Players choose a character or faction that all have unique hooks. Not only do the different players have asymmetric abilities, but they have totally unique game mechanics as well.
The gameplay feels totally original as players lock in on their specific mechanics as all parties try to control the streets of New York. I think Grendel is going to be a great release that surprises a lot of people in 2026. If you haven’t dug into this game yet, be sure to check it out.
Mystic Curling Club
Publisher: Asmadi Games
Designer: Chris Cieslik
Release Window: Q2 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated By: Ric
I’m going to be honest: I don’t really know that much about this game. However, I do know that the name alone has got me excited. From the few minutes I watched of a gameplay video, it looks like it’s a fancier version of Caveman Curling which I used to own. Instead of tiny discs, though, you’ll be sliding some 12-sided dice. And instead of just trying to score points by being near the target, you’ll each have different powers and skills that will increase the flexibility of play.
I’m always down for a dexterity game, and the theme and colors on this one are really doing it for me. Also, curling is awesome, and this will keep my excitement going after the Winter Olympics in February.
Pirates of the High Teas
Publisher: Pink Hawk Games
Designer: Emily Vincent
Release Window: Q2 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
I’ve seen Pirates of the High Teas three different times now (at various conventions) and it leaves a memorable impression each time. Each player takes on the role of a pirate who is trying to serve delicious treats and tea to the captain of the ship. You’ll gather ingredients and smash various foods together in order to impress.
Pirates of the High Teas is set collection, drafting, worker placement, and challenges players to shift their strategy when things aren’t going their way. The great artwork and quirky theme is something that immediately drew me in. Pirates of the High Teas should arrive later this year and I’m ready to get on board.
The Game Makers
Publisher: Bezier Games
Designer: Ben Rosset
Release Window: Q3 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan, Joe
I was really amazed when checking out The Game Makers at Origins in 2025. This game is all about building some of your favorite board games and using resources to finally publish your creations. I’m really intrigued with how this game is going to come together and it’s awesome to see so many publishers allowing their games to make an appearance in The Game Makers.
While the price point for The Game Makers kept us from backing the game on Kickstarter in the Fall, I am excited to sit down and play the game later this year. I feel like the variety of the mechanics are going to mesh well together and leaning into a medium complexity level makes sense for a game like this. It may be a game that I’m asking for during the Christmas season this year.
Raas: A Dance of Love
Publisher: Arcane Wonders
Designer: Mihir Shah, Shaleen Harlalka
Release Window: Q2 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
A dice drafting and tableau building game centering on a folk dance in the Gujarat state in India. This game really stands out because of the central board that contains disks connected by a gear mechanism. You’ll gather components to create a beautiful dance with your troupe of performers.
I may not have any dance skills, but this game seems to give me a shot at mastering sweet dance moves (of the cardboard variety). Raas’ theme feels really fresh and the color pallet for this game is solid. I’m interested to see how this game plays when it releases this Summer.
Camp Grizzly: Second Edition
Publisher: Trick or Treat Games
Designer: Rudy Priecinsky
Release Window: Q4 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Camp Grizzly is a co-op horror game that has been out of print for a long time. In 2025, Trick or Treat Studios brought this highly sought after game to Kickstarter. The game has received a face lift, refinement of the rules, and the expansions are now in the box.
I’ve never played Camp Grizzly, but this second edition is a game I’m so excited for. The 80’s slasher, horror vibe is fantastic in this game and I cannot wait for it to ship to backers.
Brass: Pittsburgh
Publisher: Roxley Games
Designer: Gavan Brown, Martin Wallace
Release Window: Q4 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Joe
The previous Brass games are some of my favorite games of all time. They can be a bit cutthroat but, like in most train games, building a route to connect to gain big points is very satisfying. Set in the “Steel belt” of northeast US, Brass: Pittsburgh adds pipelines, steel mills, and oil refineries in addition to the network of railways you can build. The art from Lina Cossette, David Forest, and Damien Mammoliti.
Damien Mammoliti is always amazing as well. Crowdfunding will begin very soon and hoping to see this released later in the year.
Shards of Creation
Publisher: Brotherwise
Designer: Hayden Dillard
Release Window: Q2 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Erin
Hearing about Shards of Creation has made me want to start reading my first Brandon Sanderson novel! Based on the Brandon Sanderson Cosmere, Shards of Creation is a trick taking and set collection game with each “shard” having its own suit with its own unique abilities. Asymmetric trick taking games seem to be hot right now, and hopefully this game will fit right in.
The 8 different shards of the game consist of Autonomy, Devotion, Cultivation, Dominion, Honor, Odium, Preservation, and Ruin. You’re able to put together different combinations and change up your strategy each time you play, which definitely promotes replay ability. I have heard that expansion shards are already in the works!
Grinivil
Publisher: RUDY3 Publishing
Designer: Rudy Priecinsky
Release Window: Q2 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Facebook ads have me pegged. Somehow, they know I love city building board games. Through these ads I found out about Grinivil, a game where players are building out a community together. Players still compete, but every action taken on the central community board is felt.
Resident cards seem to drive the decision making as you try to please those who are moving into the community. This game seems to check a lot of boxes for me even though I’m not wild about the art direction of the game. Hopefully Grinivil is one that I’ll get to check out before the end of the year.
Marvel Remix: The Cosmos
Publisher: Wizkids
Designer: Bruce Glassco
Release Window: Q2 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
We’ve played a lot of Marvel Remix since its release a couple of years ago. Something we’ve always wanted was an expansion, further adding to this incredible hand management game. Well, it looks like 2026 is our year!
There are little known details surrounding Marvel Remix: The Cosmos except for some box art. With the naming of this expansion, I imagine that we’ll see comic book staples like The Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, Guardians of the Galaxy and more. We’ve waited years for new content for this simple card game and I’m hoping that this new release from Wizkids comes to stores sooner than later.
WishLand: The Card Game
Publisher: Lost Games
Designer: Carlos Michán Amado
Release Window: Q3 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Apparently WishLand: The Card Game is based off of an amusement park game from a couple years ago. This one caught my eye because of the bright, colorful cards and how all the players are contributing to the display of cards in the center of the table. Specific cards will score based on where they fall in the grid as the amusement park is being built out.
The gameplay is just simply laying down a card on your turn. The 5 different card types all score in different ways, requiring players to be wise with their placement during the 10 rounds of the game. I love the amusement park theme and I’m always up for a quick playing card game. WishLand: The Card Game is one I’ll be looking out for.
Tag Team: Arthur’s Legacy
Publisher: Scorpion Masqué, Hachette Games
Designer: Gricha German, Corentin Lebrat, Florian Sirieix, Benoit Turpin
Release Window: Q3 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan, Erin
Tag Team is a gem of a card game and on so many Top 10 lists from 2025. This autobattling card game has players pairing up two fighters to find synergies and defeat their opponent. It’s not only a fantastic 2-player game, but the game takes less than 20 minutes to play. It’s common to play two or three games in a sitting.
Tag Team is getting six new fighters this Summer and they are all based on Arthurian lore. These new fighters are going to be a welcome addition to the twelve fighters that were released in 2025. This is a card game that I hope has a long life because we are so excited for more content.
FLOE
Publisher: Pika Games
Designer: Henry Audubon, Jonny Pac, Yoma
Release Window: Q2 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Erin, Joe
FLOE looks beautiful, that’s what initially caught my eye. Andrew Bosley did the artwork (I’m a big fan) and I like many of Henry Audubon’s previous designs. FLOE is an adventure strategy game where players are exploring and completing quests in an icy environment. The entire theme of the game centers around the cold and being able to stay warm.
I believe you have to spend “warmth” for everything you do outside of the village. FLOE has a “region to region” movement system that seems really interesting. Seems expensive at around $90, but hopefully it will live up to the cost!
Joyride: Full Throttle
Publisher: Rebellion Unplugged
Designer: Duncan Molloy, Pete Ward
Release Window: Q3 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Joyride was an unexpected hit for us when Survival of the Fastest was released in 2024. This car combat, open track design works really well once you understand the movement of the cars. Full Throttle has new maps, more cars, more explosives. All things that I really dig.
Rebellion Unplugged ran a Gamefound campaign for Joyride: Full Throttle in 2025 and is expanding this car combat universe. This version has a new team mode along with portals that will have cars moving around the map in new ways. I’m especially excited for the 3D modeled cars that were part of this campaign. If you have never checked out Joyride, this may be the one to pick up when it releases later this year.
Movers and Shakers
Publisher: Quined Games
Designer: Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro, Paulo Soledade
Release Window: Q4 2026
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Erin
Movers and Shakers takes place in 19th Century Bengal and focuses on railway expansion. Players are moving cargo from one area to another, fulfilling contracts, and earning and investing money. I love that this is an economic game!
Movers and Shakers seems to be very interactive. Players are able to connect with not only their own trains, but their rivals trains as well, to help fulfill contracts. The game takes place over a course of two rounds. Seems expensive at 110 Euros, I’m curious to find out if it’s worth the money!
What games are you most excited for in the coming year?
