Highlights
- Strategy board games like Risk offer more than just entertainment; they also improve strategic thinking and creativity while providing a human connection.
- Azul is a board game perfect for beginners, featuring beautiful tiles and simple rules that require strategic thinking.
- Mythic Mischief is a fun and charming fantasy game that provides a thrilling quest for powerful Tomes while utilizing unique faction powers.
The classic game Risk is a staple in many homes. Who can forget the desire to dominate Asia to get the most troops or that one player that camps in Australia and its surrounding sphere of influence to gather strength?
The impact of Risk has not only inspired thematic variations of the same game, but many game designers have come up with their area control wargames that offer more mechanics and different themes. For there is sometimes no deeper satisfaction than to watch one’s units demolish an enemy and claim territory in the name of victory.
Updated August 17, 2023, by Via Erhard: While many players dive into the world of strategy board games for that tactile feel and eye contact across the table, there's an undeniable magic to these adventures that's ageless and inclusive. For younger players, these games are a gateway into magical tales about pirates, warriors, and treacherous terrains. For adults, they can be a thrilling trip down memory lane that's also blended with tact and strategy. From strengthening cerebral muscles to providing that much-needed human connection, strategy board games like Risk are more than just play; they're often lessons in miniature. No matter if someone is a newbie or an experienced gamer, these board games will surely entertain players while improving their strategic thinking and creativity.
18 Azul
Players who love colorful, creative, and big board games will love Azul for its gorgeous tiles that become the players' battleground. In this beautiful board game, players carefully select ceramic tiles to complete patterns on their boards, but they have to be careful with their decisions. Every piece they take affects what others can grab, making every choice a strategically important one.
Azul is also ideal for beginners since the rules are fairly simple, and it is all about territory control, so players will have to use their strategic thinking. Gamers who love art and appreciate crafting over conquering continents will surely enjoy Azul's gorgeously crafted tiles.
17 Botanik
Botanik masterfully blends steampunk elements with botany and immerses its players in a unique world where they can become one-of-a-kind gardeners. This abstract strategy board game's world is set in a world that's grappling with rust and toxins and where a brilliant scientist's botanical inventions might save the world.
However, she has two ace teams who are battling it out to bring her vision to life, so players can become the captain of one of these teams. Players will have to draft pivotal machine parts and reshuffle the main workshop to weave those tiles seamlessly into their grand machine, among many other fun things, while enjoying Botanik's breathtaking aesthetics.
16 Mythic Mischief
Mythic Mischief is one of the best board games like Risk that's a whole lot of fun for the entire family. This charming fantasy game transports its players into a magical world where they can explore an enchanted school library while trying to avoid the Tomekeeper.
Players will get to uncover the secrets of the Mythic Manor while also getting to use their very own special set of magical moves, including shifting bookshelves to reroute the Tomekeeper and using unique faction powers to outmaneuver rivals; every move is crucial. Beginners and pro gamers can embark together on a fun quest for powerful Tomes scattered across the library to enhance their faction’s abilities and win the game.
15 The Girl Who Made The Stars
The Girl Who Made The Stars is one of the most beautiful new board games like Risk. The game takes players on a celestial journey that's rooted in a captivating San African myth about the creation of our galaxy, so players can enjoy strategic game-play that's blended with age-old tales.
Players will get to become village elders who have to interpret the starlit patterns and offer guidance and wisdom to the villagers. This charming game combines the complexity of tile-laying with worker placement, and players will have to strive to draw constellations and collect resources like fish and fruits, all while also gathering precious stardust and boosting their reputation among villagers.
14 War of the Ring: Second Edition
War of the Ring: Second Edition is not just for J.R.R. Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings fans but for any gamers who are looking for fantasy-themed board games that'll transport them into a dark fantasy realm. Thanks to this beautiful and entertaining board game, players can fight against or for the Dark Lord, Sauron.
During their adventures, players will have to fight epic battles while trying to conquer more cities and territories. This novel-based wargame is a perfect choice for Risk board game lovers who love this classic because of the conflict and conquest they can experience during the gameplay.
13 Spirit Island
Spirit Island is one of the most beautiful mythology-inspired board games like Risk that's a great choice for beginner and more experienced gamers as well. This family-friendly strategy board game not only has an exciting story, but it's a complex cooperative game that'll challenge players.
Players will get to become powerful spirits with unique elemental powers and will have to defend their island from colonizing invaders. Gamers will be able to grow their powers in multiple ways, including by spreading their presence to new territories. Spirit Island is a fun board game that tests players' strategic skills while immersing them in a unique story.
12 Gaia Project
Gaia Project is one of the most exciting sci-fi board games that's perfect for Risk players who want to go on an epic space adventure. Thanks to this sci-fi strategy board game, players can explore a unique universe while expanding and researching during their adventures.
Players will have to terraform neighboring planets while competing against other alien species for the territories. However, gamers will have to do a lot to be able to build their territories, including improving the special skills and abilities that each group has. Gaia Project is a great choice for board game lovers who are looking for a complex and challenging strategy game that'll take them on a fun space exploration adventure.
11 BATTALIA: The Creation
BATTALIA: The Creation is a fast-paced strategy board game that transports its players into a thrilling fantasy realm. Players get to go on an immersive adventure during which they'll not only have to fight battles but first build their cities and roads so they're able to send their heroes into battles.
Gamers will also have to build their territories as the four nations battle for power. During their adventures, players will have to make smart tactical decisions since the game is designed to stimulate analytical thinking. BATTALIA: The Creation is one of the most fun, family-friendly strategy board games that's a great choice for Risk fans who want to go on a new fantasy-inspired adventure.
10 Risk Legacy
Another reimplementation of Risk, this version, however, differs from the original base game in that each campaign bears the scars of previous conflicts. Players will be able to choose unique factions, making certain territories into strongholds to produce more units or even obliterate territories by placing stickers on the game board.
Although the game has a limited number of campaigns before the map stays as it is, Risk Legacy offers a wargame experience that is unique to the players that shaped it.
9 Kemet
Imagine Risk but set in the ancient sands of mythological Egypt, Kemet is a wargame that has players fight to control strategic locations on the game board. How it differs from Risk is that Kemet encourages players to attack one another. Limited troops and actual incentives to fight means that there will be no mass buildup of troops on the borders.
The game also replaces dice with a card combat system in which every player has the same set of combat and defensive cards that add buffs or additional damage. A style that offers more strategy and less dependence on luck. Players also have access to a ‘tech tree’ where they can acquire permanent boons and even mythological creatures to fight beside their faction for the rest of the game.
8 Blood Rage
Similar to Kemet but with a Viking theme, Blood Rage has players fight to the death as Ragnarok has come. How it differs is that the game offers several paths to victory, and players can align themselves with different gods.
Winning battles also isn’t everything either as certain boons and abilities from gods such as Loki can benefit the loser more. Players can observe their opponent’s actions and allegiances to effectively counter them and come out on top. Thus players must decide when they must win or lose battles to be awarded the most glory.
7 Axis And Allies
The classic and epic WW2 experience in a box, Axis And Allies has players step into the shoes of the major powers during the 2nd World War. Players will team up with their respective allies to capture key territories, including ‘victory cities’ to secure victory.
During the game, players will purchase/recruit new units, develop research, initiate repairs, and engage in combat. Combat has several types that denote the specific type of combat (land, sea, etc.), and dice are used to determine the results. Expansive and engaging on an epic scale, fans of Risk will delight in playing Axis And Allies.
6 Rising Sun
Set in a mythological version of Japan, players will assume leadership of various clans with unique playstyles to become the master of Japan. The game has players engage in war, diplomacy, and political subterfuge to further their aims. The game also features Kami (or gods) that players can interact with and receive favors and boons from.
Fans of Risk will appreciate the aesthetics of Rising Sun, as well as the additional mechanics and intricacies that flesh it out into a balanced and very strategic war game.
5 Inis
A beautiful area control game where players compete to become the next Inis (King of the island) of a mystical land inspired by Celtic mythology and history. Players will receive cards every round and must manage, bluff, and master the art of timing to acquire the right balance of power that will win them the game.
Throughout the game, players will also receive deeds and secure territories that have sanctuaries. Although a wargame, Inis departs from the normal experience of outright eliminating one's foes.
4 Star Wars Rebellion
Star Wars Rebellion is an epic experience where players recreate the classic struggle between the Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance. An asymmetric cat-and-mouse wargame where the overwhelmingly powerful Galactic Empire must search for the Rebel base across a span of planets. The Empire player wins by discovering and eliminating the base, whilst Rebel players win if they ‘hold out’ long enough by completing objectives.
Players will recruit iconic characters such as Boba Fett and Chewbacca to carry out actions to aid their respective factions and undermine the other. Tense, thematic, and with beautiful miniatures, fans of Risk will relish the experience that is Star Wars Rebellion.
3 Twilight Imperium: 4th Edition
An epic wargame that has players compete to become the supreme power of the entire galaxy, Twilight Imperium 4th Edition is an epic experience for any Risk fan. The game encourages negotiation and offers several pathways to achieving victory, making it the quintessential political war game.
With several classes of ships, ground troops, and death machines known as ‘War Suns,’ not to mention technologies that can be researched to improve how combat is waged, Twilight Imperium doesn’t shy away from the inevitable clashes between mega empires.
2 Rurik: Dawn Of Kiev
With the death of Vladimir the Great in 1015 of the Kievan Rus, players don the role of a potential successor who must win the hearts of the people to become king. Players must build, tax, fight, and ultimately accomplish great deeds in a game that features area control, resource management, and action programming.
Players will also openly bid for advisors to further their influence but must decide carefully. Weaker advisors go faster in order but earn fewer benefits whilst stronger advisors can perform great actions but will take longer to do so. Strategy, timing, and guile will determine the victor and fans of Risk should not miss out on Rurik.
1 Sekigahara: The Unification Of Japan
Sekigahara has players recreate the climactic battle that saw the prominent rise of the Tokugawa shogunate, a dynasty that would rule Japan for the next 250 + years. 2 players will assume the role of either Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s most powerful daimyo in 1600, or Ishida Mitsunari, the defender of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s heir and rightful ruler of Japan. Historically, Sekigahara was a campaign that saw many loyalties tested as several daimyos refused to fight or even switched sides mid-battle.
The game faithfully attempts to recreate this sense of distrust and apprehension as players have to cultivate and secure the loyalty of their troops and allies before going into combat. Players will also work to gain defections from the ranks of their opponents. All moves executed require planning and skill, as fighting is based on a card-based system (no dice). Tense and riveting, Risk fans can celebrate this historical recreation of events.