Unlike other thematic settings and subgenres, the topic and era of Vikings have only become more popular with hundreds of games, TV shows, and books set in that epoch. With a growing global tabletop community, it’s no surprise that game designers have created board gaming experiences that make players feel like unstoppable Vikings.
With so many options on the table, players can jump helm first into Viking-themed games steeped in Norse mythology or engage in economic and historical tabletop experiences that try to realistically portray the era of that era. Whether it's all about the primal/warlike aspect of Vikings or the myth and legends of the Norse religion, or even something more true to what the Vikings were as a people, there is a game out there that will hook and appeal to any board gamer and Viking fan.
7 878: Vikings: Invasions Of England
878: Vikings: Invasions of England is a 1v1 or 2v2 area control game that tries to authentically recreate the early skirmishes between Viking raiders and the English before the Treaty of Wedmore (which separated Wessex from the Danelaw). Similar to Risk in that the game involves dice, 878: Vikings start with the English player/s controlling all land territories and the Viking player/s invading from the seas. Players will attempt to outsmart one another by employing various strategies and utilizing their leaders that allow for special actions.
The game features an enlarged map of England and miniatures denoting the strength of the powers at play. What makes this game interesting is the asymmetrical victory conditions. English players must force Vikings off their territories whilst Vikings must secure 14 territories. However, if the Treaty of Wedmore is signed, Vikings will only need to hold 9 territories. The English only need to stop the Vikings from attaining that number to achieve their victory condition. All in all, 878 is a great war game for any fans of history and area control.
6 Nidavellir
The Dwarven Kingdom of Nidavellir is in danger. Fafnir the mighty dragon, looms ever closer to the kingdom and all seems lost. As venerable retainers of the King, players are tasked with assembling the best team of might Dwarves to fend off and slay the dragon.
Essentially a bidding game, players will spend their turns competing against each other for the best heroes to join their squad, and each class of Dwarf will score differently as players gather blacksmiths, warriors, miners, hunters, and more. Featuring tight resources and fierce competition, players will enjoy this interesting fantasy recruitment game that remains unique among the other Viking-themed games.
5 Pax Viking
Another Viking game that tries to stay true to history, Pax Viking focuses on the Vikings that traveled eastward towards Persia and the Black Sea. Historically the Vikings did more trade than pillaging and that is exactly what Pax Viking attempts to explore. Part of the famed Pax series, the game emphasizes Tableau and card management whilst highlighting interesting historical narratives. It allows players to engage in politics, negotiation, economics, and battle to achieve their aims.
Densely packed with strategies and tactics, Pax Viking is a historical delight than will enthrall players with a different perspective of the Vikings.
4 Raiders Of The North Sea
It’s pillage season and as warriors seeking to impress the chief, settlements must be ransacked and looted. In Raiders of the North Sea, players must assemble crew and provisions to take on settlements and take the plunder.
In true worker placement fashion, players will compete for areas to take the necessary resources to acquire victory points (the game also features dice!). Once players have met the correct requirements, they can then raid the unsuspecting harbors, outposts, monasteries, and fortresses to acquire further points. Featuring valkyries that allow for more options and being a game that’s easy to teach, Raiders of the North Sea is a great game for both newcomers and veterans of the tabletop hobby.
3 Champions Of Midgard
Another worker placement that features dice, Champions of Midgard is a colorful game in which players compete against one another to become the next Jarl. To become the next Jarl, players must assemble warriors and embark on quests to slay various monsters, trolls, undead, and mountain giants.
Whilst the base game is fun to play, the Valhalla expansion adds another dimension to the game. As the game has a large emphasis on luck due to dice rolling, any slain warriors will go to Valhalla. The souls of the dead can then be used to purchase upgrades, bonus-scoring cards, and even points, essentially turning bad dice rolls into strategic opportunities. Fun, intense, and easy to teach, Champions of Midgard is a light game that packs a ton of fun.
2 A Feast For Odin
Perhaps the ultimate Viking-themed worker placement game, A Feast For Odin is a saga in itself. Players take control of a tribe that must farm, hunt, craft, and explore to acquire victory. Each village will have a central hall that can fit around 86 or so tiles. It’s here that players will get an element of Tetris as they attempt to fill up the hall with various tiles that include food and various trophies.
Sounds simple but it’s quite complex as the game offers over a staggering 61 options to choose from. As the game continues, players will activate other Viking workers that are considerably more powerful. Players who enjoy puzzles, engine building, pushing their luck, and deep strategy will appreciate this masterpiece. The game is ranked amongst the top 30 board games of all time on Board Game Geek.
1 Blood Rage
One of the most beloved area control board games of all time, Blood Rage is a wargame unlike any other. In Blood Rage, Ragnarok has come and the remaining clans must go down in a blaze of glory to enjoy the comforts and boons of Valhalla. The game features card drafting instead of dice and allows players to customize their clan abilities and recruit powerful monsters and creatures to do their bidding.
What makes this game unique is that apart from winning conflicts, losing battles is also an effective strategy to win the game. The game is played in 3 rounds before the world finally comes undone and warriors sent to Valhalla can score points for the player. Showcasing awesome miniatures and offering multiple strategies, Blood Rage is a must-play for any board gaming aficionado or newcomer. The game is ranked amongst the top 40 best board games of all time, according to Board Game Geek.