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The 35 Best Board Games for Family Game Night
Wired has published an updated guide to the best board games for family game night, curated by a writer drawing on years of weekly game sessions with their own children. The list deliberately excludes well-known classics such as Monopoly, Cluedo and Risk, focusing instead on lesser-known titles suited to bringing families together, alongside practical tips for running a successful game night.
The July 2026 update adds titles including Sell Me a Sasquatch and Boss Fighters QR, includes a mention of In a World, removes some older entries and refreshes pricing. Featured games span various styles, from the maze-based Labyrinth and trading game Catan to the cooperative card game The Crew: Mission Deep Sea. The guide also offers general advice, such as watching video tutorials to learn rules, preparing snacks beforehand, banning phones during play, setting time limits, and opting for cooperative games with highly competitive family members.
In short
- Wired updates its family board game guide for July 2026.
- New additions include Sell Me a Sasquatch and Boss Fighters QR.
- Guide also offers tips for running a good game night.
Explained simply
Board games are tabletop games played by multiple people, typically for entertainment and socialising. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as families seek activities that allow them to spend quality time together without relying on screens.
Wired, a magazine covering technology and culture, publishes guides recommending board games for different situations and audiences. These guides serve a practical purpose because thousands of board game titles exist, making it challenging for people to decide which ones to buy and play.
This particular guide stands out by focusing on lesser-known board games rather than famous classics like Monopoly or Cluedo. The recommendations come from a writer with extensive personal experience playing games with their children, and the guide includes practical tips for running successful game nights, such as learning rules in advance and managing competitive dynamics within families.