5 Board Games for Your First Year into the Hobby
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Fun, Friendly, and Perfectly Beginner-Friendly
Starting your journey in the world of board games is exciting—but it can be overwhelming. With thousands of options, where do you begin?
Here are 5 games that are easy to learn, quick to play, and guaranteed to make you fall in love with modern board games.
1. Ticket to Ride 🚂
Route-Building · 2–5 Players · 30–60 min
Collect train cards, claim routes, and connect cities in this modern classic. It’s the perfect introduction to strategic thinking without being too complex.
Why it’s great for beginners:
✔ Simple rules
✔ Gorgeous board
✔ Light strategy + luck
2. Carcassonne 🏰
Tile Placement · 2–5 Players · 35 min
Build medieval cities and roads one tile at a time. Carcassonne is great for visual learners and teaches you how to make the most out of small decisions.
Why it’s a must-play:
✔ Puzzle-like simplicity
✔ Every game looks different
✔ Easy to teach, fun to master
3. Azul 🎨
Abstract · Pattern Drafting · 2–4 Players · 30–45 min
In Azul, you draft colorful tiles and arrange them on your board to create beautiful patterns. It’s relaxing, satisfying, and endlessly replayable.
Why it hooks first-timers:
✔ Visually stunning
✔ Low conflict
✔ Quick to learn, rich to play
4. Sushi Go! 🍣
Card Drafting · 2–5 Players · 15–20 min
Pass cards around and build the tastiest plate of sushi! It’s fast, light, and hilarious—perfect for families or casual nights.
Why it’s a hit:
✔ Cute and funny
✔ Great for all ages
✔ Teaches hand management basics
5. Kingdomino 👑
Tile Placement · 2–4 Players · 15–20 min
Like dominos—but with kingdoms! You build a 5x5 grid of terrain types while trying to score the most points based on adjacency and multipliers.
Why beginners love it:
✔ Beautiful artwork
✔ Short and sweet
✔ Rewarding for all skill levels
🎯 Final Thoughts
In your first year, it’s all about falling in love with the hobby.
These games are accessible, charming, and perfect for building confidence and connection.
Play, learn, and enjoy the journey—it only gets better from here!