Highlights

• The 5-player count in board games often ensures competitive gameplay.
• The Chameleon is a social deduction game that is an excellent icebreaker and a fun choice for any occasion with its quick rounds.
• Betrayal at House on the Hill is a spooky haunted mansion game with a lot of rules and lore, perfect for players who enjoy high stakes and dramatic gameplay.

With board games now becoming a massive and popular hobby, there are thousands of different games to appeal to a variety of tastes, occasions, and player counts. The 5-player gamer count is typically considered to be the borderline sweet spot within the hobby. This is because players can opt for heavier ‘euro’ games that are more complex, or choose to play lighter games that are card-based or party games themselves.

The 5 player count also ensures that more competitive games remain fierce and balanced, with no clear decisive sides forming due to the odd number of players. With so many games to choose from, here are some board games that shine for 5 players.

Updated February 14, 2024 by Alexandra O'Leary: Board games are a brilliant way to socialize. Whether it's heading to a board game café or having friends over, they're a great source of entertainment and can easily get everyone chatting. Some players like games that promote socializing and deduction, while others like one with strategy and tactics - luckily, there is absolutely no shortage of board games available to meet those preferences.

Choosing a game to play with a relatively big group can be a little intimidating since knowing which ones are good for groups of five can be tricky. While many people typically think of board games to be a four-person thing, there's a huge selection that are perfect for game nights with five (and sometimes more) friends. No matter what the group might be after, there's a brilliant board game just waiting to be played.

1 The Chameleon

Blend In With The Group

• Designed by: Big Potato Games
• Released: 2017
• Players: 3-8

The Chameleon is a social deduction board game that has players putting on their best lying faces to fool everyone at the table. Using two dice, a specific word will be chosen from the dozens of different categories - ranging from foods to musical instruments. Then, each player goes around and says one thing that isn't too specific, but undeniably related to the selected word.

The catch: one person is the chameleon, and their job is to say a word that blends in with everyone else at the table. Players then discuss who they think the chameleon is without giving away the secret word, and everyone votes. This is a brilliant icebreaker for game nights where players might not know each other too well. It's also a fun, easy choice for any occasion, and rounds don't usually last too long, so it's not a big investment.

2 Camp Grizzly

Survive Camp With Your Friends

• Designed by: Ameritrash Games
• Released: 2013
• Players: 1-6

Camp Grizzly is a teen slasher-inspired board game that has players taking on different stereotypical roles with special abilities that aid them on their quest to escape camp alive. Otis, the murderer, is stalking Camp Grizzly and attempting to kill players, who will be moving around the board and pulling cards that influence what happens. It's best when there are at least four or five players since it gives the rounds more dimension and higher stakes.

This is a brilliantly fun game for those who love 90s horror and all the tropes that come with it - like the popular girl, the brave scout, and the stranger loner. Each person has specific strengths depending on their trope and can obtain weapons, campers, and other items that will help them fend off Otis and escape camp. Due to the nature of the cards dictating many of the events, this game can be unpredictable but is a very fun and creative play. If players like to role-play, this is a great choice that easily becomes more fun when everyone commits to their role.

3 Betrayal At House On The Hill

Explore A Haunted House With Dark Secrets

• Designed by: Bruce Glassco
• Released: 2004
• Players: 3-6

Betrayal at House on the Hill is a haunted mansion board game where up to six players can explore this mysterious home to discover dark secrets. Players build the house by pulling various tiles as they creep around the environment, encountering events, people, and evil inhabitants.

Eventually, somebody will become the traitor and try to execute their task while the others attempt to stop them. It's a brilliant choice for players who love something spooky or dramatic, and players can even elevate the gameplay by role-playing and building on their characters. It's high stakes, but not time-sensitive, so it's just the right amount of stress. Players who like board games with a few more rules, and a lot of lore, will love Betrayal at House on the Hill.

4 The Great Split

Strategically Collect Treasure

• Designed by: Hjalmar Hach and Lorenzo Silva
• Released: 2022
• Players: 2-7

The Great Split is one of the most beautiful new games with a unique art style that's perfect for five players. In this lavish Art Deco-themed board game, players hustle to gather a prestigious collection of riches. However, players draft their cards and divvy them up, but others get to cherry-pick the lot they like the most.

Players have to split the treasure, and then hold their breath as opponents decide the fate of the stash. While their rivals are pondering their choices, players receive tantalizing offers too. Players must use their negotiating skills and strategize wisely when it comes to their gems, artwork, and tomes if they want to win the game.

5 Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game

Choose A Role And Trust Nobody

• Designed by: Corey Konieczka
• Released: 2007
• Players: 3-6

Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game takes players on a thrilling ride filled with danger and mysteries. Drawing from the renowned TV series, players will be able to step into the roles of their beloved characters, each endowed with distinct strengths and weaknesses.

Players will have to find out who is the lurking duplicitous Cylonsamidst in the crew. However, they'll also have to deal with other issues including fuel shortages, food contaminations, and the constant dread of Cylon assaults. Gamers will have to face new challenges and use their strategic skills while trying to figure out who is trying to deceive them.

6 Cyclades

Build A Mighty Civilization

• Designed by: Bruno Cathala and Ludovic Maublanc
• Released: 2009
• Players: 2-5

Cyclades players can meet some of the most powerful gods in games as they embark on their adventure and learn about Ancient Greece and its many fascinating creatures and deities. This beautiful board game transports its players into a magical version of Ancient Greece.

Board game fans will have to construct two glorious cities in the Cyclades while trying to win the blessings of not one, but five distinct gods. Each deity brings their own flair to the story: Ares wields armies, Poseidon rules the seas, Zeus harnesses the power of temples, and Athena blesses with knowledge. However, gamers will have to be careful because gods are fickle, so players will have to make wise and strategic decisions before they choose which gods they should worship.

7 Power Grid

Cleverly Bring Electricity To Cities

• Designed by: Friedmann Friese
• Released: 2004
• Players: 2-6

Power Grid players will have to heavily rely on their strategic skills as they try to figure out how to navigate the intricate world of energy. Thanks to this challenging but entertaining board game, players get to compete against each other as they try to supply the cities with electricity.

However, Power Grid isn't just about connecting cities, since players will have to try to get their hands on the best power plants. However, there are always new and better models hitting the market, so gamers will have to make their choices wisely. To fuel these powerhouses, board game fans must secure resources like coal, oil, and uranium as well as renewable energy sources.

8 Earth

Use Strategy To Build The New Earth

• Designed by: Maxime Tardif
• Released: 2023
• Players: 1-5

One of 2023's most beautiful board games that is perfect for 5 players is Earth. It's a great choice for players who appreciate great designs and are looking for great strategy games that'll help them learn more about the planet's fascinating ecosystems and habitats.

Players will have to learn how to strategically grow their ecosystem just like the one on Earth. As gamers create a self-supporting engine of growth, they'll learn more about various terrains, as well as all kinds of natural resources, and learn that even their unused plants can help them with future growth if they compost them.

9 Astra

Work Together To Solve The Sky

• Designed by: Patrik Porkolab, Frigyes Schoberl and Eszter Krisztina Sas
• Released: 2022
• Players: 2-5

Astra is one of the most exciting new abstract strategy board games for 5 players. Thanks to this stunning and highly interactive game, players can become curious astronomers whose goal is to understand the constellations of the night sky.

This family-friendly board game lets players work together while sharing their discoveries. Each astronomer has to strive to become the best who will be remembered forever. Astra is entertaining for kids and adults alike, and thanks to its unique gameplay, all players will be able to sharpen their tactical and strategic skills in a fun way.

10 The Wolves

Create The Strongest Wolf Pack

• Designed by: Ashwin Kamath and Clarence Simpson
• Released: 2022
• Players: 2-5

The Wolves is one of the best new board games for animal lovers and has a beautiful design along with great gameplay. This 5-player board game lets players become powerful wolves who have to establish their wolf packs and dominate over the others.

Only one wolf pack can survive, so players have to make strategic choices while trying to build their territories. Players will have to build the largest pack possible by claiming new territories, hunting, and trying to recruit lone wolves to make their packs stronger. However, as players make their decisions, they'll also have to be considerate of others, since their wolves can be turned and recruited to the other packs if they're not careful.

11 Distilled

Manage The Best Distillery

• Designed by: Dave Beck
• Released: 2023
• Players: 1-5

Distilled is one of the most unique new board games for 5 players. It's a great choice for adults who would love to learn more about how their favorite spirits are made. Thanks to this fun strategy board game, players can learn how to craft spirits in a distillery.

Gamers will have to purchase goods to upgrade their recently inherited distillery to eventually become master distillers. Players will also have to learn how to craft the finest spirits and age them in the warehouse to make sure that their spirits' flavor is enhanced, so they can turn an even bigger profit.

12 Ticket To Ride

Tactically Build A Rail Network

• Designed by: Alan R Moon
• Released: 2004
• Players: 2-5

The only gateway game on this list, Ticket To Ride has been a staple and entry point for many veteran hobbyists and casual gamers. It remains a timeless classic due to its simple rules, cutthroat mechanics, and relatively quick playtime.

The game has players compete to score points by building their train networks across the United States (the map can change depending on which expansion players have). However, the game is set up in such a way that players can easily cut off and block routes to deny opponents a swift victory. At 5 players, it becomes intense as players strategically place their railroads whilst denying their rivals at every turn.

13 Modern Art

Get The Best Deals While Dealing Art

• Designed by: Reiner Knizia
• Released: 1992
• Players: 3-5

Another relatively simple game, Modern Art is another timeless classic that has seen multiple reworks and reprints due to its popularity. It’s an economic game where players represent various museums and must handle being both the buyer and the seller, somehow making a profit along the way. Each game features the works of 5 artists, and the value of that artist’s work increases as more works of art are purchased throughout the game.

Players must then decide to either sell that artist’s work or buy it themselves to hopefully earn more at the end of the round. Though the game can be played by 3 or 4 players, the game thrives at the 5-player count as the game features an auction system. That means more people squabbling and shouting over each other to get the best deal. Absolute chaos - who doesn’t like that?

14 Century Spice Road

Tactically Become Ruler Of The Spice Trade

• Designed by: Emerson Matsuuchi
• Released: 2017
• Players: 2-5

Similar to Modern Art, Century Spice Road is another economic game that is centered around spice traders along the Silk Road. Players must create specific spice combinations to satisfy different spice orders which score them points. But to do that, players must first acquire cards that allow them to get those particular spices themselves.

The game can become a very intricate engine builder as players get or play cards to get various spice combinations. At higher play counts, players will race against one another to finish spice orders first. However, don’t worry, should players not be quick enough, there are always new orders to fill and more opportunities to score points.

15 Chinatown

Be The Best Business Tycoon

• Designed by: Karsten Hartwig
• Released: 1999
• Players: 3-5

Imagine Scrabble combined with Monopoly - that’s sort of what Chinatown is like. Players take on the role of various business owners in 1960s New York Chinatown and are competing to become the biggest business tycoon within the area. Players will receive tiles that denote sections of the city block and then place down tiles that represent businesses onto the map itself.

However, players will score points and gain more money by having adjacent tiles added to these businesses. The only way to do that is to trade, barter, and make counteroffers to generate more money and ensure success. Negotiation is key to winning in this game, and with 5 players, that’s where the real fun begins.

16 Ethnos

Takeover The Fantastical Land Of Ethnos

• Designed by: Paolo Mori
• Released: 2017
• Players: 2-6

Quick, easy to learn, and insanely addictive, Ethnos is a card drafting game that also has elements of area control where players must acquire bands of mercenaries to control the various regions of the fantasy land of Ethnos. Players will draw cards and add different mercenaries (of various fantasy races) to their hands, but mercenaries will only work together if they’re of the same race or from the region.

Players must decide on whether to increase their presence in the various regions of Ethnos or acquire more cards to play bigger bands of mercenaries (2 conflicting strategies). However, they must be quick to decide before the 3 black dragons come out of the deck!

17 Kemet

Free-For-All Battle For Power

• Designed by: Jacques Bariot and Guillaume Montiage
• Released: 2012
• Players: 2-5

At the sacred number 5, Kemet plays similarly to Risk but with a key difference, the game replaces dice with a card system and encourages players to attack one another! Set on the sands of Egypt, players must choose a faction and lead it to victory by fighting battles and controlling various strategic locations on the map (temples).

The game also features a technology tree that will allow players to acquire more powerful units, defensive capabilities, or spiritual abilities to boost their faction and tip the scale of battle in their favor. This game was designed and is meant to be played with 5 players, as players deploy their troops and constantly fight to control the shifting sands of Egypt.

18 El Grande

Take Over Spain With Strategy And Strength

• Designed by: Wolfgang Kramer and Richard Ulrich
• Released: 1995
• Players: 2-5

Another area control war game similar to Kemet and Risk but set in Renaissance Spain, El Grande has players assume control of Spanish warlords vying for control of Spain in political chaos. Players will raise Cabelleros (Spanish knights) to seize control of as many regions across Spain as possible (there are 9) but they must be aware of the King’s pawn (as nothing can move in or out of that region with the pawn).

A deeply strategic and Machiavellian war game, El Grande delivers a satisfying experience with 5 players seeking to destroy one another both on and off the battlefield.

19 Pax Pamir 2nd Edition

Tactical Takeovers And Political Plots

• Designed by: Cole Wehrle
• Released: 2019
• Players: 1-5

Speaking of Machiavellian, Pax Pamir 2nd Edition takes the fight away from 14th century Spain and into 19th century Afghanistan. As the former empire is plunged into chaos, British, Russian, and Afghan political remnants struggle to assert their dominance over a fractured land. Meanwhile, players assume the role of minor Afghan chiefs, aligning with one of the great powers to compete to become the next most powerful and influential chieftain.

Playable actions include fighting to control provinces of Afghanistan, taxing rival players, and deploying spies to hold enemy characters hostage (assassinating them too). Players may also switch their allegiances at the right moments to seize an opportune moment for victory. A perfect game for gamers who enjoy tactical flexibility and going for the jugular.

20 Scythe

Obtain Territories With Careful Control

• Designed by: Jamey Stegmaier
• Released: 2016
• Players: 1-5

Post-WW1 but with mechs. In Scythe, players represent powers from an alternative 1920s Europe (known as Europa) who must acquire the lands around an important region. Players will cement their claim over territories, enlist soldiers, gain resources and villagers, as well as activate gigantic mechs.

It's more accurate to say that Scythe is a "cold war" game, as fighting has bad repercussions on players who engage in prolonged combat (locals don't like war). Players must engage in engine building and choose their fights carefully to become the dominant power within the region.