7 Must-Have Board Games Inspired by Top Video Game Franchises

Board games modeled after well-known video game series keep narrowing the divide between digital and traditional gaming, giving fans innovative methods to engage with their preferred franchises and settings. These board game versions embody the spirit of their digital counterparts, combining familiar faces, motifs, and gameplay dynamics into captivating tabletop journeys. Whether players fancy cooperative expeditions in _The Last of Us_ or competitive play with a _Cyberpunk_ theme, these board games offer exceptional chances to delve deeper into cherished video game realms.

This article showcases freshly launched board games that have adapted popular video games such as “Metal Gear Solid,” “The Witcher,” and “Dead Cells” from console platforms to tabletop gaming. Each adaptation boasts strategic gameplay, premium materials, and intricate themes, making them ideal for both passionate board gamers and die-hard fans of these specific video games. Keeping up with the ever-growing number of annual releases can be challenging, but here are our top picks among the latest offerings for those seeking to inject a dash of video game magic into their board game evenings.

7. Divinity: Original Sin The Board Game

Divinity: Original Sin is a role-playing game renowned for its immersive storytelling and tactical battles. The board game version authentically preserves the game’s captivating narrative and strategic layers, providing opportunities to tackle intricate situations brimming with choices and character interactions. Gamers can opt for collaborative or adversarial play modes, catering to diverse group tastes in terms of how they wish to experience the game.

As a devotee, I’m eager to share my enthusiasm for the Divinity: Original Sin RPG series, a captivating franchise created by none other than Larian Studios – the same visionary team behind the critically acclaimed, massively popular Baldur’s Gate 3.

As a devoted fan, I can attest that this game offers an unparalleled level of replayability, ensuring every playthrough is unique and captivating. Much like its digital counterpart, it caters to those who crave immersive fantasy journeys, extending the universe of Divinity into the tangible world. Although priced at $250 (originally $275), this board game isn’t the most budget-friendly option; however, the value lies in its intricate miniatures, detailed cards, a myriad of tokens, dice, and other gameplay components that make it a worthwhile investment.

6. Metal Gear Solid The Board Game

Metal Gear Solid is renowned for its innovative blend of stealth and action gameplay, and this essence is preserved in the board game version where we assume the personas of legendary figures like Solid Snake and Otacon. Through 14 intricate missions, we must covertly traverse environments, employing careful planning and flawless execution to overcome challenges. The situations frequently necessitate strategic forethought, with unique boss battles demanding tactical adaptability above all else.

Priced at $109.99, this version comes equipped with brief VR missions, ideal for swift, exhilarating gaming experiences. The renowned board game creator CMON has crafted this tabletop adaptation. Fans longing for the video game franchise or simply enthusiasts of high-quality board games will be captivated by the intricate miniatures and engaging storylines that cater to a range of difficulties, accommodating 1 to 4 players.

5. Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone

Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone transforms the vibrant mayhem of the Cyberpunk world into strategic board game conflicts. As players guide groups of highly-enhanced mercenaries, they engage in diverse confrontations against corporate adversaries. The unique movement and range mechanics ensure that gameplay remains engaging, introducing fresh tactical options with each play, offering new strategic opportunities every time you roll the dice.

This game, though not a direct video game adaption, as it’s based on the Netflix series Cyberpunk 2077, mirrors its universe instead. The game presents two unique factions, enhancing gameplay diversity and providing different tactics and benefits depending on your choice. Players of both cyberpunk genres and tabletop games might find the intricately designed figurines appealing. Currently, Cyberpunk Edgerunners: Combat Zone is available for $79.95, offering a good balance between cost and value.

4. The Witcher Old World Wild Hunt Expansion

The Witcher Old World board game has been boosted with an exhilarating extension called Wild Hunt, introducing collaborative and single-player gaming modes for players. Now, they will encounter powerful Wild Hunt riders and spectral hounds, enhancing the storyline and presenting fresh obstacles. Fundamentally, this expansion delivers a cooperative journey within the intricate Witcher universe.

A comprehensive collection of cards and elements significantly enhances the gaming experience, as it offers players not just the option to select a specific Witcher character, but also decide on their unique playstyle. This expansion is indispensable for fans yearning for additional journeys within the Witcher universe. Priced at $55.99, it’s an effortless decision for those who already own the base game.

3. Dark Souls: The Sunless City Core Set

The intricate difficulty level of Dark Souls makes it an ideal fit for a tabletop game. In the latest The Sunless City Core Set, we take on various character roles like Warrior, Herald, or Pyromancer. A team of one to three players must strategically move through the perilous landscapes and difficult encounters found in Dark Souls. Success in this game relies heavily on resource management and thoughtful decision-making, echoing the original game’s tough but fulfilling mechanics.

For $84.95, you can get this game featuring intricately designed miniatures such as your player characters, common adversaries, and iconic bosses Ornstein and Smough. It caters to both cooperative and single-player gaming, making it ideal for solo adventures or group game nights. Dark Souls enthusiasts will relish its authentic ambiance, rich depth, and formidable opponents, making it a highly recommended addition for those who seek a challenging board game experience.

2. The Last of Us: Escape The Dark

The tabletop game “Escape The Dark” delivers the gritty, post-apocalyptic storyline from “The Last of Us”. In this board game version, players lead characters like Joel, Ellie, and others through hazardous situations involving infected creatures and hostile survivors. This game can cater to groups of up to 5 players or even be played solo, providing flexibility for various gaming configurations. The emphasis in this board game is on narrative storytelling and strategic decision-making, effectively conveying the survival aspect of the original game.

This game offers changing encounter cards and user-friendly crafting systems reminiscent of a popular video game, making it more than just dice rolls. The premium materials and artwork enhance the gaming experience, linking it closely to the video game. If you’re into cooperative survival games, this is a fantastic pick. At the moment, it’s available for $71.49, which is slightly lower than its usual price of $74.95.

1. Dead Cells: The Board Game

In a smooth transformation, the highly praised roguelite video game, Dead Cells, morphs into its board game version. Players traverse ever-changing landscapes, battling against escalating adversaries and formidable bosses. Each gaming session unearths novel features, mirroring the captivating, exploratory gameplay pattern inherent in the video game.

The game offers a single-player option, known as “Solo Mode,” which includes Serenade, your flying sword companion. Reflecting its digital origins, the game showcases artwork and gaming elements that capture the essence of the video game. At the moment, you can grab it on Amazon for $95.04, down from its original price of $99.99.

2025-03-20 19:46