Side-by-side breakdowns to help you pick the right game for your group.
The two most-recommended gateway games. Which should you buy first?
Both are iconic trading card games. But they're very different experiences.
Both are beloved, expensive hobbies. They're completely different games.
We're adding more comparisons regularly. Frequently requested: Dominion vs Ascension, Pandemic vs Spirit Island, Chess vs Go, Risk vs Axis & Allies. If you'd like to suggest one, use the feedback form ā
Each comparison covers player count, complexity, time, best group type, and a clear recommendation. We try to answer the actual question: given my group, which should I get?
If neither game in a comparison sounds right for your group, the recommendations section will suggest alternatives. The right game depends more on who you're playing with than on abstract quality rankings.
Frequently searched comparisons we're working on:
Want to suggest a comparison? Use the feedback form ā
1. Match complexity to your group. A game that's perfect for experienced players can be a frustrating slog for beginners. Think about who's actually going to be sitting at that table, not who you wish was sitting there.
2. Check player count carefully. Catan doesn't work with 2 players. Pandemic is great at 2. These aren't minor differences.
3. Consider time commitment. A 2-hour game is only fun if everyone has 2 hours and is willing to spend it. A 30-minute game people want to play again is worth more than a 3-hour game they finish once.
4. When in doubt, go simpler. You can always add complexity by introducing more games. But you can't un-lose people who got overwhelmed.