Do you love to play board games at home with family? Playing board games is a great way to have lots of fun with your friends and family. They can help build your relationships and give you happy memories for years to come. We have found that on these occasions, the the average number of players is four. Therefore, we compiled a list of the best 4 player board games to play at your next game night.
Finding the correct board game for you and your friends or family members can be tough. This is especially the case when there are 4 different types of players to please. With lots of options on the market, it is hard to find a game that everyone can enjoy.
There are so many games on the market that will be sure to please any type of board gamer. We narrowed them down to our favorites when it comes to 4 player board games.
Our List of the Best 4 Player Board Games
Here is our list of some of our favorite board games for 4 players. Check out our recommendations to find a board game that is right for you and your board game crew.
1. Shut The Box
Traditionally played in English pubs, Shut The Box is a modern version of a classic game designed for up to 4 players. Fun for all ages, this board game is worth considering. With its focus on math skills, this game has an educational aspect and is suitable for younger players, as well as older players.
To play, the first player rolls two dice. The numbers on the dice are then added together. Next, the player has to knock down any of the rods that add up to this number. The player with the lowest score on the remaining rods wins.
Pros
- Improves maths skills – not only is this game really fun, but it is also educational. With its focus on math, this game will help enhance your addition and subtraction skills. This game also encourages players to use their problem-solving abilities to formulate a strategic plan.
- Party game – this game is perfect to take to parties. It is portable, meaning it can be taken wherever you want. If you want to honor its history, it can even be taken to the pub! However, if you are more interested in playing as a family, it is also a great game to play at home.
- Made from solid wood – made from high-quality stained pine wood, this board game is extremely durable. It should last for years, allowing you to make lots of joyous memories with it.
- Vintage packaging – this game comes in a handsome box. Not only does this protect the game, but its vintage aesthetic makes it seem really stylish. As a result, it is a perfect gift.
Cons
- Does not fold up – unlike other board games, this product does not fold up. This may make it harder to store, as it will require additional storage space. Fortunately, the number rods can be made to lay flat, and they can be easily packed away in their box.
2. Ticket to Ride
One of our favorite games to play that is perfect for 4 players is Ticket to Ride. As a family of four, most of our game nights have consisted of playing multiple rounds of this 4 player board game.
Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure in which players collect and play matching train cards to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. The longer the routes, the more points they earn.
Pros
- Fun and Simple – the rules are simple to pick up, as the game mostly consists of player either picking up a card or playing cards. This makes it a great gateway board game for new players to the hobby..
- Game mechanics – this game offers light strategy and great game mechanics like drafting cards and placing them strategically on the game board.
- Cute game pieces – little trains are the main playing pieces in TTR. Each player will have their own colored trains that they will use to place on the game board.
Cons
- So many expansions – Ticket to Ride has become so popular, they have come out with many expansion packs that map out the entire world. As this may not be a true con, it can be hard to choose and costly when figuring out which version to get!
3. 7 Wonders
7 Wonders consists of players playing cards to build up their civilizations through a series of three rounds. Strategy comes in when players must manage their cards accordingly in order to play production building cards, victory point building cards, and action building cards.
Every round, each player plays one card simultaneously and then must pass the rest of their hand to the person next to them. This mechanic forces you to balance your cards between playability and cards you do not want your opponents having for themselves.
Pros
- Addictive and Strategic – 7 Wonders can be very addicting in the beginning as you adjust your strategy and improve your gameplay.
- Playability – different cards can be swapped out for every play through making each play through unique.
- Detailed Instructions – in the box, you will find a detailed booklet of instructions that will go over every component within the game. This will make it easier to learn and give you the ability to dive deep into your strategy based on different game components.
Cons
- Very intuitive – there are lots of working parts and game components that can make it difficult for new players. You may need to take the time to learn the game or teach it to others.
- Play time – play time can take up to an hour which may not be suitable for all players. For more intermediate board gamers, this may be the perfect amount of time for a board game play through.
4. Trouble
This exciting game is great for 2-4 players. Designed for ages 5 and up, this game can be played by the whole family. It is particularly fun for all ages, making it a great choice if you are having a game night as a family.
The thrilling game is played by pressing the Pop-o-Matic bubble, which makes rolling the die much more entertaining. The players rush to get all 4 of their pieces to the center of the board game. However, if you get bumped, your piece will be sent all the way back to the start of the board.
Pros
- Interactive digital content – with the option to download instructions from Hasbro’s website, this game has been modernized.
- Pop-o-Matic bubble – bored of rolling the dice? This board game allows you to pop the dice. Contained in a clear bubble, the Pop-o-Matic will get anyone excited and makes the game really interactive.
- Classic or Power Up – you can choose whether you want to play the classic version of this game or an enhanced version. Using Power Up spaces, this mode is more challenging than the traditional.
Cons
- Luck over Strategy – there is a lot of luck involved as you hope for high number dice rolls. The outcome is usually determined by whoever was the luckiest, rather than who was the most strategic.
5. Age Of Civilization
This board game from Ice Makes is a streamlined adaptation of the game. As a result, it is quick to play, roughly 10 minutes per player. This strategy game is perfect for those who are looking for more challenging forms of entertainment.
If you want your civilizations to thrive and develop, you will have to think about how best to play. Players will have to obtain resources and technologies to build their kingdoms. Prepare for war as your kingdoms clash.
Pros
- Playability – the setup of Age of Civilization means each game will likely be different. As a result, you can replay it over and over. This makes it a more cost-effective product.
- Improves thinking skills – this strategy-based game will require players to create clever plans and to out-think their enemies. If you adore games that test your intelligence, this will likely be of interest to you.
- Quick games – looking for a game that is fast to play? Have a small amount of time you want to kill? If so, this 30-minute game might be the solution.
Cons
- Requires skill – this game likely will not be good for younger players, since it requires a lot of strategy and logic. If you want a simple game for you and your family, there will be better options on the market for you. However, if you are a lover of strategic board games, then this will be the perfect game for you and your friends.
6. Aggravation
Suitable for 4 to 6 players, Aggravation will manage to spice up your game nights. Its vibrant design is fun for all ages and more appealing than plain wood. Easy to set up, this game is suitable for most ages.
The aim of this game is to get all 4 of your marbles from the base to home before anyone else. Make your way around this colorful board and beat your opponents.
Pros
- Quality component – accompanied by 6 precision cut dice that can be stored in a velvet draw bag. This attention to detail is a sign of the game’s quality.
- Simple to navigate – this board is color coded for your convenience, making it much simpler to determine which direction your marbles have to travel in.
- Constructed from hardwood – this board is made to be durable, meaning it can survive being flipped off the table during heated games! It will also make this product long-lasting, allowing you to replay it again and again. This game even comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Detailed instructions – Aggravate comes with instructions that will guide you through the game. These instructions have pictorial representations, making it much simpler to steer your way around this board game.
- Ready to gift packing – this game is a perfect gift for board game lovers.
Cons
- Price – Aggravation is at the higher end of the typical board game price scale. Perhaps this game is better suited to those with a higher board game budget.
7. Pandemic
Set in the midst of a fictional pandemic, this board game places its players in charge of saving the world. The players must search for cures to four different diseases. In this high-stakes game, players must work together to eradicate these threats to humanity.
If you enjoy creating strategies in your games and prefer to player cooperatively instead of competitively, then this may be the product for you. Additionally, if you have a passion for role-playing games, this might also be of interest to you. Perfect for 2 to 4 players, this board game has an average time of 45 minutes. However, it can keep you engaged for several hours.
Pros
- Strategic – if you are a fan of strategy games, this will be right up your alley. If you do not play strategically and consider the strengths of your characters, you risk the disease spreading further.
- Different roles – each player will have a different role, each with their own unique abilities that will aid the team. This immerses players into this fictional world.
- Difficulty settings – if you want to make your game more challenging, you can add more epidemic cards. This allows the players to decide how hard they want this game to be.
Cons
- Players should be at least 8 years old – not only does this board game contain small parts that will be choking hazards for younger players, but the complexity of Pandemic also means that it is not suitable for players below the age of 8. If you are looking for a family game for young children to play, this is not the right option for you.
Buyer’s Guide for Best 4 Player Board Games
Since we have guided you through this wide variety of board games, you might think that you are in a position to start buying. This guide will have given you a rough impression of the qualities to think about when you begin your search. However, there are many other things to look out for.
In fact, there are many factors that you have to consider when you are choosing a 4 player board game. Mercifully, we have articulated some of the primary considerations below. Consider reading this section before you begin shopping.
Price
Most board games can range from around $20 to $50. It is worth considering how much you are willing to pay for a board game before you begin shopping. If you do so, this will prevent you from spending too much.
You should also think about how much the game appeals to you. If a game seems like you will really enjoy it, you might feel better about spending more money on it. However, if you are unsure if a board game will entertain you, it is probably better to spend a price that is at the lower end of the scale.
Also keep a look out for sales. Amazon always has great deals on board games at random times throughout the year.
How Easy It Is To Play
If you are a more experienced board game player, you will likely not be entertained by really easy games. On the other end of the scale, if you are more of a novice board game player, you will likely want to search for easy to play board games.
Some games come with more convoluted instructions that might not be suitable for less experienced players. It is, therefore, worth researching how easy or difficult a game is to ensure that it is the right level of challenge for you. Ensure that you read instructions carefully before you play to gauge the level of difficulty.
How Easy It Is To Set Up
When you are eager to play a brand-new board game, the last thing you want to do is spend ages having to set it up. If a board game is complicated and time-consuming to set up, it might not be the best option for impatient players. Games that are hard to set up are also notoriously difficult to put away.
If a game looks like it has a lot of components, such as coins, cards, or counters, you should probably look into how long it will take to set up and put away.
What Age Range It Is Targeted At
It is certainly worth looking into what age range a board game product is marketed towards. If you plan to only play your board games with adults, games aimed at younger audiences will likely not suffice. You will probably find these games boring, childish, and too easy.
Depending on your gaming group, you may want to play games geared towards drinking and partying. Therefore, you may want to find games to host a drunk board game night.
Meanwhile, if you are buying a game for children or a family, it is better to find a board game designed with a younger audience in mind.
Games aimed at children tend to be easier. You can also identify them by the fact that they tend to be more colorful and vibrant. Board games often come with age ranges on them, which should make identifying products much simpler. You should not buy games with small pieces for young children, as these can become choking hazards.
Storage
Many board games come in boxes that make them easy to store. Traditionally, these boxes are designed to store not only the board but also any additional pieces. If you have limited storage space in your home, it is paramount to find a game that can be easily stored, taking up as minimal space as possible.
Check out some of our tips on how to organize board games in the best way possible.
Space To Play
Some games contain very large boards. If this is the case, then they will require a lot of space to be played on. Board games are best played on flat and steady surfaces, such as a table or the floor. If you do not have a large area to play a board game, it will be best to find one that comes with a small board.
Consider purchasing a folding table that you can set up specifically when you have guests over for your 4 player board game night.
Who Are You Playing With
While a game might interest you, if you are joined by three other members, then you will have to consider if they will like the game too. This will require some knowledge of the other players. Not only will you have to take into consideration their age, but also their personal tastes.
If you are buying a board game as a gift for someone else, you will also have to spend some time reflecting on whether a game will appeal to them. If the other players will be children, it is a good idea to get something that is colorful and exciting yet simple.
Competitiveness
Lots of people enjoy getting competitive while playing board games. Doing so can add to the thrill and intensity of the game. Establishing a rivalry with one of your opponents can really drive you to want to win.
If this is the case, you will likely want quite an intense game. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere to your playing experience, it is potentially better to invest in a more calm game with lower stakes or some comfort board games.
Are you a bit anxious to get into more strategic board games? Check out our thoughts on how to get better at strategy board games.
Number Of Players
As the title suggests, we have devised this list with the intention of finding games that require 4 players. When shopping, you must check the number of players to see if all your friends and family can play too.
If a game says it can only be played by 2-4 players, you will struggle if 7 members of your family want to play. Be sure to look for this information, which is often featured on the outside of the game’s box or listed in its online description.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Best 4 Player Board Games
Here are some frequently asked questions about board games in general, that also include our favorite 4 player board games.
What Is The Best-Selling Board Game?
Most would agree that chess is the best-selling board game of all time. Other popular board games include Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue.
What Is The Oldest Board Game?
There is no definitive answer to this question since historical records are limited. An Ancient Egyptian board game, called Senet, is believed to be one of the oldest board games. The Royal Game of Ur is also an ancient board game. Chess itself is very old, dating back to the 7th century. The oldest American board game is called The Travellers Tour Through the United States, invented in 1822.
What Are The Parts Of A Board Game Called?
Board games tend to come with a lot of different pieces. These are often referred to as components or equipment. Common board game components include cards, dice, pawns, and counters. Less common pieces of equipment include spinners, pegs, timers, and coins. The pieces that are included will depend on the board game.