With between 3,000 to 5,000 new board games being released each year, we’ve got to start somewhere. Our team is sharing our 24 most anticipated releases that are scheduled for 2024. Obviously, some of these releases will slip to next year and it doesn’t include any crowdfunding projects that launch this calendar year. Without further ado, here are some games that have us pumped for the year ahead.
Paperback: 10th Anniversary Edition
Publisher: Fowers Games
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ric
Paperback is one of my favorite games ever, and I was a big fan of the expansion. Really, I’m a fan of most anything that Fowers Games puts out, like Burgle Bros. So when the 10th anniversary edition of Paperback was announced on Kickstarter, I knew I had to back it.
Paperback is best explained as a word-building deck builder. It was a pretty unique concept back when it was first released, but since then, a few other games have come out with their own spin on the idea. I’ve played several of these, and I’m a firm believer that Paperback still does it best. It does a good job of striking the right balance between word creation from a handful of letters with the deck management to maximize your points.
The artwork by Ryan Goldsberry was a huge draw for the original game and he’s back with all new illustrations. A few other artists have also been enlisted for some novel covers. For the gameplay, new card types and new variants are being thrown into the mix. I haven’t been able to get this game to the table as often as I would like, but with the new edition, maybe we’ll get around to playing it more frequently. Here’s hoping!
Donut Shop
Publisher: 25th Century Games
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Everyone
There are a few prototypes that we’ve had to send back over the years that made us very sad. One of those was Donut Shop from 25th Century Games. This delicious tile placement game from Jeffrey D. Allers is one of the best dessert-themed games that has hit our table.
Players are placing donut tiles in order to earn money and gain bonuses by boxing up donut orders. The table presence of the game is incredible as you pull tiles from a donut display case and gain order cards from a retro menu holder. Donut Shop is a game that draws people in and then makes everyone hungry with the fantastic donut illustrations throughout. This game is a must-own for families and has enough strategy to hit the table on game night with your friends.
River Valley Glassworks
Publisher: Allplay
Release Window: Q3-Q4 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
The team behind Motor City Gameworks has been teasing this game for a couple of weeks, and it looks incredibly cute and strategic. Players are collecting glass that is found in the local river and adding it to their inventory. The glass is collected from the market or river tiles and can fit into only specific parts of the players’ boards.
Some have described the game as Azul-like, which is a big positive. With creature artwork from Andrew Bosley, River Valley Glassworks seems like a game that would be a huge hit for our family.
The Vale of Eternity
Publisher: Renegade Games
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Bob
I got a chance to play this at PAX Unplugged because my friend Ryan from Man vs. Meeple had a copy. He told me I HAD to play this game and he was really excited to get it out on the table and teach us. The game gives me some Res Arcana engine building vibes, with the addition of a round by round open draft for cards. It has a small compact table presence, beautiful looking cards, and lots of midweight strategy. I will definitely be picking this one up as soon as it comes out!
Joyride: Survival of the Fastest
Publisher: Rebellion Unplugged
Release Window: Q3 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Joyride was a Kickstarter project that I had a tough time pulling the trigger on. I ultimately didn’t back it, but I have watched the updates over the past few months. I’m a big fan of car combat games since I grew up on Twisted Metal and Vigilante 8 on the Playstation. Joyride seems to capture this sense of chaos and destruction with demolition derby style gameplay.
Somehow we’ve amassed a nice collection of racing games and Joyride would fit nicely into our collection. The component quality and artwork look phenomenal, and it’s a game that I really want to experience. The price has given me some hesitation and is ultimately why I didn’t back the game in the first place. I’m hoping that when I do get to play the game there is enough in the box to warrant a purchase later this year.
Slay the Spire: The Board Game
Publisher: Contention Games
Release Window: Q2 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Phil
Slay the Spire as a digital product has been a constant companion to me since its digital release in 2019, seeing over 300 hours of play on PC and Switch. Roguelike deck builders are an easy draw and the original product has been one of my favorite solo experiences. Everything that I’ve seen has shown a considerable amount of care to stay true to the original game, while removing the more complicated math that its digital counterpart handles behind the scenes. All of the core elements appear to be in place from the four character classes, to build defining relics, a familiar arsenal of cards, and variety of enemies. Its run-based nature invites experimentation to let the player feel like an artist, mastermind, and adventuring powerhouse after a few rounds of trial and error.
Where this most notably diverges from its source is the inclusion of up to 4 players in a run. While I am not sure how the addition of more players will impact the game, I look forward to being able to convert my solitary experience as a one-man army into a shared story of a band of heroes.
Luddite
Publisher: Cogito Ergo Meeple
Release Window: Q4 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ric
I found this one on Kickstarter last year, and I was so intrigued that I had to back it. Luddite is a roll-and-write, my current favorite board game mechanic. It’s also a campaign game, which I’m still a huge fan of, even though I can never finish them.
But the icing on the cake? The game is fully incorporated with a graphic novel, providing much more substance to the campaign you’ll be following. The artwork is great, and the few glimpses I’ve gotten of the plot suggest an engaging sci-fi tale.
It’s not scheduled to be released until December 2024, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it slips into 2025. But my fingers are crossed that I’ll see this one on the table this time next year!
Ezra and Nehemiah
Publisher: Garphill Games
Release Window: Q3 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan and Ric
You can pick out a Garphill game from 20 feet away. There is a style and structure to their games that make them unique. Ezra and Nehemiah is their latest title, and it looks incredible and has us intrigued. Devir shocked us in 2023 with their game Ierusalem: Anno Domini. I feel like E&N could be another Biblically-based game that is both enjoyable to play and has a level of polish that games with this theme are not typically known for.
Players are working to earn victory points as they build the temple and walls of Jerusalem that lie in ruin. Using cards, gathering resources, and traveling to neighboring cities all take place over the course of 3 weeks (rounds) in the game. I’ve played more than half a dozen games from this publisher, and I’m confident that they are going to put out an amazing game. I’m excited to see the final product when Ezra and Nehemiah fulfills and hits retail this year.
Call of Duty: The Board Game
Publisher: Arcane Wonders
Release Window: Q3 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Bob
I first played this at the Arcane Wonders booth at Origins in 2023. Being a 15 year fan of the industry-leading video game series, I had my initial skepticism. However, within the first 5-minutes of seeing components, adjusting character abilities, and exercising the main hidden movement mechanism, all skepticism was tossed aside. I backed this Kickstarter the day it launched and never looked back! Gimme! I am definitely looking forward to this early 3rd quarter release.
Forges of Ravenshire
Publisher: B.A. Games
Release Window: Q2 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan and Erin
Being a blacksmith can be a difficult job, unless you’re a highly skilled woodland creature! Forges of Ravenshire is a Kickstarter project that I missed in 2022 but had a chance to play this Summer at Origins. This dice drafting game has a fantastic rhythm to it along with nice table presence.
We spent just under an hour with the game and it immediately clicked for both Erin and I. I’m excited to see the game in its final form when it fulfills in the Spring. Forges of Ravenshire is a game I’m absolutely going to pick up once it hits retail later in the year.
Scoville (reprint)
Publisher: Trick or Treat Studios
Release Window: ?? 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Scoville is one of my “grail games.” This pepper farming game has been on my list to hunt down for years but it just hasn’t happened. When TMG (the original publisher) went out of business, the reprinting rights were picked up by Trick or Treat Studios.
In 2023 Trick or Treat put out some great games, and the line up for this year looks amazing. Scoville seems like an odd fit for this horror focused publisher, but I’m really excited to see what they do with the game. This might be my best opportunity to pick up a game that has been on my wish list for the past 5 years.
Thiefdom
Publisher: Karma Games
Release Window: Q3 2024
Excitement:
Nominated by: Ric
There are so many games that get me excited when I see them on Kickstarter, but it’s just impossible to back all of them. Thiefdom is one that I’m really sad I missed out on during the campaign this past year.
The game has a solid pedigree. Juma Al-JouJou, the designer of the renowned Clans of Caledonia, has partnered with Simon Schmieder to bring this one to life. Players are working as a thief guild, stealing from the rich to prove their mettle.
I love a stealing game, so that immediately got my attention. The artwork has been done by The MICO, known for the North Sea and West Kingdom games. There’s also a lot of adjustability to the game, meaning you’ll get lots of replay value. Maybe I can make a friend who will pick this title up. I should start practicing my social skills…
Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game
Publisher: CMON
Release Window: Q2 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan and Phil
Board games built on video game IPs are a mixed bag. The Metal Gear Solid board game is finally getting published by CMON this Spring, after its original cancellation at IDW. The 14-mission campaign supports up to 4 players and features some fantastic miniatures. The license and number of miniatures also means the price tag for the game is a little high at $110.
Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game was designed by Emerson Matsuuchi (Century series, Spector Ops, Halloween) which gives me a lot of hope. The game was available for pre-order over the Summer with a shipping date in Spring of 2024. I’m excited to see how the game turns out while still being hesitant about the final product.
Milkman
Publisher: Dice Hate Me Games
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Bob
Cow meeples! Cowples? Custom cow dice! That’s it. Oh, I need to say more? Fine. This is a really cute looking pick up and deliver milk delivery game, where you are managing your farm to final neighborhood delivery. This was a 2022 Kickstarter campaign that immediately drew me in when it launched. Very nice looking screen printed meeples and unique theme. I can’t wait for this to be delivered!
Windmill Valley
Publisher: Board&Dice
Release Window: Q2-Q3 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Windmill Valley is a new game from Board&Dice that has me intrigued. Described as a light-weight, action selection game from the designer of Barcelona, this game is something I’m looking forward to checking out. The rotating action selection system is tied to the rotation of the windmills on the board, which makes the game intriguing.
Just seeing the artwork, and the little amount of info that is available right now, has Windmill Valley on my watch list. I trust the pedigree of the publisher and it’s a game that I’m looking forward to checking out later this Summer.
Heat: Heavy Rain
Publisher: Days of Wonder
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan, Erin and Bob
We’ve played a lot of Heat in our home! This 2022 release from Days of Wonder still regularly sells out when it gets restocked at local game stores. This year we’re getting the first expansion for the game which has us super excited.
In Heat: Heavy Rain, we’re getting two new race tracks from Japan and Mexico. The game also increases the player count to 7 with an orange car. The expansion will introduce some new track elements, event cards, and upgrades that will give players a new way to mitigate heat. Heat: Heavy Rain is an expansion we’ve been looking forward to and cannot wait to get our hands on.
Charcuterie: The Board Game
Publisher: Th3rd World Studios
Release Window: Q3-Q4 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Phil
Throughout 2023, multiple charcuterie boards, books, fancy toothpicks and tiny spoons appeared in my home. Charcuterie board creation is dancing on the line between a hosting glow up and passion project for my household. After exploring the finest meats and cheeses in all the (local) land, I was happy to see a collision of hobbies, bringing food and entertainment together.
Presenting as a relatively light split and pick game, I am interested to see what Charcuterie brings to the table. At first glance, it seems like a great candidate for a gateway into tabletop for my friends and family, applying a familiar and delicious concept to less familiar and delicious mechanics. Now to arrange the perfect board to pair with Charcuterie…
Harvest (reprint)
Publisher: Keymaster Games
Release Window: Q3-Q4 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Harvest is a game that flew under the radar for too many years. The original print from TMG never found an audience, and it’s getting new life at Keymaster Games. This farming game has players tending their fields, adding buildings to increase efficiency, and expanding their crops.
The new reprint adds new mechanics and keeps asymmetric player powers. It’s also got a completely new coat of paint with animal illustrations and a new color palette. Keymaster Games is a publisher that I often gravitate toward. In this case, the price of the game during the Kickstarter campaign was an issue. I’m really excited for people to play Harvest, maybe for their first time. I’m not super convinced that it’s worth the purchase since we already own the original.
Dracula vs Van Helsing
Publisher: 25th Century Games
Release Window: Q2-Q3 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
I had to have a spooky game on this list somewhere. Dracula vs Van Helsing is a two player hand management game with players having unique objectives. The Dracula character is working to convert villagers into vampires on the central board. The Van Helsing character is trying to wound Dracula 12 times before a section of the village is converted.
Dracula vs Van Helsing debuted at Essen from Mandoo Games and will come to the US through 25th Century Games this year. Erin and I love our two player games and the artwork from Weberson Santiago (one of our favorite artists) is stunning. This looks like a head-to-head game that will get a lot of play in our home.
Manhattan Project: War Machine
Publisher: Grail Games
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Bob
Another Kickstarter I am very excited for and, oddly enough, accidentally came across as it had under an hour left to fund. I immediately smashed the back button once I quickly read the words “worker-placement,” “engine-building,” and “dice-selection.” Manhatten Project: War Machine also features custom dice! You know it’s hard for me to stay away from custom dice.
French Quarter
Publisher: Motor City Gameworks
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan and Phil
The team at Motor City Gameworks knows how to make complex and satisfying roll-and-write games. In 2023, we previewed French Quarter and found that this release felt the most thematic in their series of “Loaded Roll and Writes.”
French Quarter feels like you’re taking a trip to the city of New Orleans. The game does an excellent job of giving you the vibe of this unique city condensed into a 45 minute playtime. Like in their previous games (Three Sisters, Fleet the Dice Game, Motor City), this game has lots of combos to keep you engaged in each round.
Foundations of Metropolis
Publisher: Arcane Wonders
Release Window: ?? 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan
Foundations of Rome is a game that I’ve heard nothing but great things about. The size and price of this game has kept me away, but it looks like there will be an affordable edition of the game coming in 2024. Foundations of Metropolis is a modern retheme of this award winning game from designer Emerson Matsuuchi.
The move from the large plastic buildings to cardboard polyomino buildings is going to open this game up to a new audience, including our family. I’m a huge fan of city building games, and modernizing the theme will be an added bonus to me. While there’s no definite release date for this game, I’m excited to know that it’s on the horizon.
Águeda: City of Umbrellas
Publisher: 25th Century Games
Release Window: Q1 2024
Excitement:
Nominated by: Ric and Erin
We’re getting a little tired of the same ol’ themes showing up in our board games. Dungeons, fantasy, space, and… mushrooms, for some reason? So a game about umbrellas is quite refreshing.
While the game has you decorating the streets with beautiful umbrellas, it’s really about set collection and tile placement. You’ll have to make decisions each turn on how many umbrellas to take, as well as which row they should be placed in. There are different scoring conditions each time you play, so you’ll need to adjust your strategy accordingly.
Águeda is one of those games that’s more thinky than it seems, while also still being a fairly laid back experience. It works well for a quick session with casual gamers, or as a quick starter or closer for a longer game night. It’s versatile, pretty, and easy to teach. Just go play it!
Wondrous Creatures
Publisher: Bad Comet Games
Release Window: Q4 2024
Excitement Level:
Nominated by: Ryan and Erin
Last year we previewed Wondrous Creatures. This stylish worker placement game from Bad Comet has players seeking out unique species of creatures as they lead a crew of dragons and dinosaurs. Bad Comet does a phenomenal job with the production in everything they do. This worker placement game reminds me a lot of hunting down a certain line of creatures made popular by Nintendo (::cough::POKEMON::cough::).
This game is going to appeal to adults and older kids, and the complete package is really fun. Dual-layered player boards, asymmetric player powers, and meeples that ride on dinos make this a game that really turns heads. Wondrous Creatures is a game that impresses us every time it’s hit the table.
If you made it to the bottom of this post, we want to know what game you’re most excited for in 2024! Drop it in the comments below.
Oh, so many …
Wondrous Creatures
Undergrove
Nocturne
Unconscious Mind
Cascadero