The roll-and-write genre has exploded in popularity recently. This accessible style of gameplay, inspired by the classic board game Yahtzee, involves rolling dice or flipping cards, then using the results to fill in a personal score sheet. While seemingly simple, this genre offers surprisingly sophisticated gameplay and endless possibilities for creative exploration.
Roll-and-write games are incredibly appealing due to their straightforward rules and immediate gratification. The ability to personalize your sheet adds a creative element, while the core mechanics remain easy to grasp. This winning combination makes them accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of players.
TL;DR: The Best Roll & Write Games
Rolling Realms
Marabunta
The Fox Experiment
Twilight Inscription
Super Skill Pinball: Ramp It Up
Welcome To... Your Perfect Home
My City: Roll & Build
Railroad Ink
Next Station: London
Dinosaur Island: Rawr 'n Write
Cartographers
Long Shot: The Dice Game
Three Sisters
Fleet: The Dice Game
Sagrada Artisans
Motor City
Rolling Realms
Rolling Realms
Available on Amazon. Rolling Realms' realms are inspired by other board games, each offering a unique mini-game triggered by die rolls. Players simultaneously manage three realms across nine rolls, then draw new ones for two more rounds. The cleverly designed realms offer engaging, family-friendly micro-puzzles. For a greater challenge, consider the standalone sequel, Rolling Realms Redux, which adds even more intricate realms.
Marabunta
Available on Amazon. Renowned designer Reiner Knizia brings his strategic prowess to this two-player roll-and-write game. Players compete as ant tribes vying for territory rich in cupcakes and other resources. Dice rolls offer strategic choices: expand influence or gain bonus points. This game masterfully blends spatial and mathematical strategy.
The Fox Experiment
Available on Amazon. Inspired by a real-life Russian fox domestication experiment, this game, from the creator of Wingspan, uses dice to simulate genetic inheritance. Players breed foxes, selecting traits to meet their goals across multiple rounds of selection. A more involved but rewarding experience.
Twilight Inscription
Available on Amazon. A unique entry, Twilight Inscription adapts the sprawling gameplay of Twilight Imperium into a roll-and-write format. This 90-minute experience captures the essence of the 4X genre (explore, exploit, expand, exterminate) through separate sheets representing different aspects of empire building. Strategic choices are crucial as players decide which sheet to focus on each turn.
Super Skill Pinball: Ramp It Up
Available on Amazon. Unlike most roll-and-writes, Super Skill Pinball brilliantly simulates pinball using dice and a pen. Players choose from four tables, navigating their ball through bumpers and targets, with the restriction of not re-using boxes. Strategic planning is key to maximizing your score.
Welcome To... Your Perfect Home
Available on Amazon. A "flip-and-write" game (using cards instead of dice), Welcome To challenges players to plan suburban streets, arranging houses in numerical order while optimizing bonus points for features like pools and parks. A surprisingly strategic and satisfying experience.
My City: Roll & Build
Available on Amazon. Based on Reiner Knizia's My City, this dice game features a rewarding campaign mode across multiple episodes. Each episode introduces new rules, gradually increasing complexity. The game also allows for individual episode play.
Railroad Ink: Deep Blue Edition
Available on Amazon and Target. Players draw transport networks on a grid using custom dice. The challenge lies in linking exits while minimizing dead ends and strategically planning for future connections. Various editions offer thematic variations.
Next Station: London
Available on Amazon. A flip-and-write game where colored pencils represent starting stations. Players draw train lines, aiming to cover districts and landmarks while avoiding line crossings (except at stations). Simple yet surprisingly nuanced.
Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write
Available on Amazon. This game introduces more complexity to the roll-and-write format. Players build a dinosaur theme park, managing resources, attractions, and staff while ensuring a safe tour route. A rich, strategic challenge.
Cartographers: A Roll Player Tale
Available on Amazon and Target. A flip-and-write game with player interaction. Players map a fantasy kingdom, fulfilling scoring challenges while occasionally dealing with monster placements from their neighbors. The resulting maps have a unique sense of world-building.
Long Shot: The Dice Game
Available at Barnes & Noble. A horse racing game with a roll-and-write twist. Players bet on horses based on dice rolls, with options to buy horses and influence the odds. The interactive betting adds excitement and strategic depth.
Three Sisters
Available on Amazon. Players cultivate a garden, using dice rolls to grow crops and purchase tools. The game emphasizes action chaining, allowing for strategic planning and maximizing bonus actions.
Fleet: The Dice Game
Available on Amazon. Players manage a fishing fleet, using dice to buy licenses and launch boats. The game focuses on interconnected choices and maximizing benefits across multiple rounds.
Sagrada Artisans
Available on Amazon. A roll-and-write campaign game where players create stained-glass windows. The campaign adds new challenges across ten sessions without compromising simplicity.
Motor City
Available on Amazon. This game simulates car production, using a dice-drafting mechanic and a blueprint board to coordinate design, engineering, and sales. A strategic challenge emphasizing interconnected actions.
For more gaming options, explore our lists of the best board games and the best puzzle tables.
