Family game night is a tradition in many households, bringing people together for hours of fun, laughs, and a little friendly competition. But if you’ve been sticking to the same classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Uno, it might be time to shake things up. While the classics hold a nostalgic charm, there’s a whole world of unique board games out there waiting to be discovered. These games not only bring something fresh to the table but also challenge you to think in new ways, work together, or simply laugh until your sides hurt.

This article highlights some standout board games that are worth adding to your game night lineup. Whether you’re into strategy, storytelling, or fast-paced fun, there’s something here for everyone. By the end, you’ll have plenty of reasons to expand your game collection and try something new with your family.

1. Codenames

If your family loves word games and light competition, Codenames is a must-try. This game is all about communication and clues. Players split into two teams, with each team choosing a “spymaster” who has to lead their teammates to the correct “agents” on a grid of words by providing one-word clues.

The catch? Each clue must connect to multiple words on the grid, making you think outside the box. The game’s clever balance of strategy, creativity, and teamwork ensures that everyone will want to play another round as soon as the first one ends.

2. Ticket to Ride

For families who love a good mix of strategy and luck, Ticket to Ride is a game night favorite. The goal is to build train routes across a map, connecting cities to complete your secret “destination tickets” for points. The game involves careful planning, a bit of risk, and a dash of luck as you try to claim routes before others do.

There are various editions of the game, including regional maps like Europe, Asia, and even smaller versions for younger players.

3. Exploding Kittens

If you like games that are quirky, unpredictable, and guaranteed to make you laugh, Exploding Kittens is a perfect choice. It’s essentially a card-based version of Russian Roulette but with kittens, lasers, and absurd humor. Players draw cards, hoping to avoid the dreaded Exploding Kitten card. You can use various action cards to skip turns, defuse kittens, or force others to pick extra cards.

It’s quick, chaotic, and packed with silly fun, making it an ideal pick for families with younger kids or those who don’t want a super serious game experience.

4. Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players build a medieval landscape of cities, roads, farms, and monasteries. Each turn, you place a tile and decide how to use your followers to claim points. Will you build up a massive city or try to block someone else’s plans? It’s a game of strategy and adaptability, as the board changes with every new tile.

This game is especially fun for families who enjoy a mix of strategy and creativity. Plus, its beautiful artwork makes it a standout addition to any game shelf.

5. Just One

If you’re looking for a cooperative game that’s packed with laughs, Just One is a fantastic option. The goal of the game is simple: help one player guess a word by writing down one-word clues. The catch? Any repeated clues are removed, so you have to find a way to be creative without being too obvious.

This game encourages teamwork and has the added bonus of being quick and easy to learn, making it ideal when you want something lighthearted.

6. Pandemic

If your family enjoys working together toward a common goal, Pandemic is a thrilling and highly engaging choice. Players take on the roles of scientists and specialists trying to stop the spread of diseases around the world. You’ll need to collaborate to treat infections, gather resources, and find cures before time runs out.

The tension builds as you face new challenges each turn, making it one of the most satisfying games for families who love strategy and teamwork.

7. Kingdomino

Kingdomino is a twist on the classic game of dominoes but with a colorful kingdom-building theme. Players take turns drafting tiles to create their own kingdom, matching pieces based on terrain types and hunting for high-scoring combinations.

It’s easy enough for kids to grasp but interesting enough to keep adults engaged, making it a fantastic choice for mixed-age game nights.

8. The Resistance

The Resistance is a game of social deduction, lies, and deception. Imagine a bigger, more intense version of “Werewolf” or “Mafia.” Players are divided into two secret groups, and the goal is to complete missions while figuring out who among you is secretly sabotaging the effort. It’s a thrilling game that encourages observation, bluffing, and a little detective work.