In this fast-paced digital age, technology is replacing in-person relationships. And as we embrace technology, loneliness and disconnection are bound to grow.
But thanks to board games, social isolation is nothing to worry about if you can gather around a table with your peers and family to play chess or Scrabble.
Board games provide innovative gameplay experiences that offer you and your loved ones ultimate fun. Whether you are a novice or a veteran, there’s something for you.
Here are thirteen easy board games perfect for social interaction.
From classic titles to modern gems, get ready to laugh, have fun, and compete with your friends.
1. Scrabble
In a Scrabble game, you form words from letters. The playing mode for Scrabble is similar to that of a crossword puzzle. Each letter has a value. Your score is the sum of the values of letters you used to form words.
Besides promoting social interaction, Scrabble helps in the following:
- Developing your vocabulary
- Boosting intellectual abilities
- Improving your focus
- Developing tactics and strategies for problem-solving
- Improves your memory
Scrabble is an easy game available on mobile and personal computers. In addition to the benefits above, Scrabble also reduces your stress levels.
You can access Scrabble online for free. Different sites offer a free trial of the game before you purchase. You can also purchase a board game version at retailers everywhere.
2. Ticket-to-Ride
If you love adventure across the country, the Ticket-to-Ride game is for you. It involves cross-country train adventures where players collect train cards to enable them to claim routes.
You can connect to different cities across the country on the map and build your train routes. You earn points for every train route you create.
The benefits of Ticket-to-Ride include:
- It is fast and easy to learn
- Multiple ways to score points
- You experience fun and adventure riding across the country
- Accommodates 2-5 players making it ideal for family and friends
You can purchase this game from e-commerce stores such as Amazon . If you are playing alone, there is also an option for you.
The Play with ALEXA feature enables you to connect to an echo-compatible device and ‘play against ALEXA.’
3. The Captain Is Dead
The Captain is Dead is a frantic game full of fun. It accommodates up to seven players who play the role of crew members in a besieged starship.
You can purchase this game for about $50 and experience tense and exciting cooperative fun.
There are 18 characters in the play, each having different strengths.
The game becomes more complex as you continue playing. This pushes you and your loved ones to work together.
Other benefits of this game are:
- Improves your coordination skills.
- Fosters unity among players.
- Grows resilience as you fight the hostile alien ship.
You can purchase this game from different online shops like Amazon .
4. Codenames
Codenames is an easy game that allows you to play and link with your friends and family. You can connect with others via audio or video chat and have fun playing codenames.
Codenames is both a board game and a free online game. You can access it on the developer’s site and create a room for your friends. Before sharing the link with your friends, you should customize the game to your preferred settings.
You should consider this game because:
- It is easy to set up and play
- Fun-filled with no competitive element
- Improves your communication skills
- The card version of Codename is cheap. You can acquire a set for only $25.
5. Chess
Chess is one of the oldest two-player board games. Players compete on an 8×8 board with alternating light and dark squares representing medieval warfare.
Playing chess is simple. Every piece has a designated direction of movement.
If you place a light piece on a dark square, you lose. While playing, you take turns to defend, attack and capture many pieces to your side.
Chess is ideal for beginners and veterans alike. It’s simple to master the technique and provides entertainment.
Other benefits of chess include:
- Enhances creativity
- Improves memory and IQ
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Helps prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Although chess is among the oldest board games, it remains popular. Experts indicate that it activates the right side of your brain.
6. Pandemic
Pandemic is a cooperative strategy game of 2 to 4 players. It involves doctors fighting diseases.
If you find doctors’ lives dull, this game is an eye-opener. You will discover the doctors’ brighter side and fun by winning or losing.
Every player receives a role card with a nameless character. Each card has the power to win the game on a board that comprises 48 important cities of the world.
The major source of fun for the game is traveling the world to heal a disease spreading in cities. Will you find a cure as you pass your card to other players?
Pandemic is a great game for all players. Besides interaction and fun, it has other benefits, such as:
- Improving your focus
- Enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving
- Players reflect on serious issues
You can purchase this game in e-commerce stores .
7. Carcassonne
We all love beautiful landscapes. If you are keen on adding creativity to your surroundings, Carcassonne is for you.
In the Carcassonne game, players draw and place tiles containing Southern French landscapes. The tiles may have a city, vegetation, road, or a combination of features.
The thrill of playing Carcassonne lies in connecting different features, such as roads, cities, and clusters.
It is a game full of possibilities that helps you develop:
- Decision-making skills
- Creativity
- Social relations with other players
Carcassonne is available in different online shops and costs about $25.
8. Monopoly
Monopoly comes in different versions, including Millennials, Socialism, and Game of Thrones.
Monopoly for Millennials is ideal for adults aged 25 to 40 years. The game involves traveling around the board to discover and experience cool places such as eateries.
When the players exhaust all places on the board, the game ends. The one who discovers more places wins the game.
With $40, you can purchase this game and have fun with your peers. Other reasons the game is interesting are:
- You interact through chance and community cards. This improves social interaction.
- It is about experience and discovery. With Monopoly, you can socialize with friends without spending much money.
Monopoly for Millennials and other games from this series are available in online stores.
9. Cards Against Humanity
Do you want to improve your social skills and have fun? If yes, Cards Against Humanity is the game for you.
The Cards Against Humanity game is simple and, therefore, ideal for everyone who wants to socialize. In each round, one of you asks a question from a black card, and the rest respond with a funny white card.
Although this game is simple, it helps in:
- Family bonding
- Initiating conversations
- Learning vocabulary
- Culture review
You can find Cards Against Humanity in retailers everywhere, including Amazon .
10. Splendor
Splendor is a board game where players compete to create lucrative jewelry. The best merchant is the one who builds the most fantastic pieces.
The fun lies in players fighting for gem mines, trade routes, and storefronts. It feels great when you own strategic storefronts and attracts nobles to your business.
Splendor is a game of prestige and power, also:
- It is simple to learn
- Offers you many replay opportunities
- Ideal for family bonding
Amazon and other online shops offer this game for about $35.
11. Sequence
‘Sequence’ is a board game that involves placing a chip in its corresponding space. A sequence comprises five cards in a row.
You win this game when you form a sequence before your opponent. Experts recommend this game for developing STEM skills.
Other benefits are:
- Social interaction
- Learning vocabulary
- Categorization
- Strategizing
You can acquire this game from Amazon and other stores for $13.
12. Clue
Clue is a murder mystery game where players try to find the murderer. Each player in the game becomes a suspect and tries to establish the weapons used, and where the crime took place.
Clue is ideal for everyone. You should add it to your bucket list because:
- It provides quality family time
- Encourages healthy competition
- Encourages problem-solving
- Inculcates patience and acceptance of negative situations, such as failure to find the murderer
Clue is available on Amazon at around $20.
13. Azul
Azul is a board game where players take turns drafting colored tiles from suppliers. They use the tiles to decorate a palace and earn points.
Specific patterns earn you bonus points, while wasted supplies lower your score. If you earn the highest points, you are the winner.
Azul is a great board game for you because:
- The rules are simple
- Having two boards offers a nice variation to play
- The gameplay strategy becomes clear as you play
You can buy Azul on eBay and Amazon .
Parting Shot
Board games play a captivating and entertaining role in families and social groups. By choosing your ideal game, you can connect with your loved ones and make meaningful conversations.
If you are looking for an enjoyable hobby, board games will come in handy. You will not only have fun but also make memories to cherish.
Therefore, pick a game that suits you and experience the joy of board games.
Resources
- https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/Scrabble
- https://www.meeplemountain.com/top-six/top-6-reasons-scrabble-is-good-for-your-brain/
- Days Wonder DO7201 Ticket Ride
- Alderac Entertainment Group AEG 5897AEG
- https://codenames.game/
- https://www.thespruce.com/codenames-game-review-4773913
- https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/171/chess
- Z Man Games ZM7101 Pandemic
- https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/822/carcassonne
- https://www.monopolyland.com/best-monopoly-games-for-adults/
- https://www.ultraboardgames.com/monopoly/millennials-game-rules.php
- https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com/
- Splendor Board Game (Base Game)
- SEQUENCE Original SEQUENCE Game with Folding Board
- https://www.iwantoneofthose.com/brand/cluedo.list
- https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/230802/azul
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/live-long-and-prosper/202210/technology-use-loneliness-and-isolation
