As an adult, you might be surprised to find that work can actually be fun and games, especially in the world of worker placement tabletop games. These games allow you to guide your team through various tasks and adventures, all in pursuit of end goals. With a variety of themes and settings to choose from, there's a worker placement game for every taste. Here's a curated list of my latest favorites, spanning both new releases and timeless classics.
TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Games to Play Now
Viticulture
0See it at Amazon!
Yokohama
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Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store!
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at Amazon!
Darwin’s Journey
0See it at Amazon!
Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store!
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!
Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games!
Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at Amazon!
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at Amazon!
If you're eager to dive right into the games, you can browse through the side-scrolling catalog above. For those who want to delve deeper into each game, keep reading.
Viticulture
Viticulture
0See it at Amazon!
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 45-90 mins
Viticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, transports you to the picturesque region of Tuscany. Here, you and your fellow players inherit a family vineyard and embark on a journey to create a thriving winery. The game involves building your vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it to fulfill orders. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate through multiple years, aging your wine to perfection. Whether you play competitively or cooperatively with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon), gather your friends and raise a glass to this delightful game.
Yokohama
Yokohama
0See it at Amazon!
Ages: 14+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 90 mins
Yokohama immerses you in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan, where you build your business empire. With a team of workers at your disposal, you'll strategically gather resources, develop technologies, and complete orders to maximize your success. While the game may seem complex at first, turns flow smoothly once you grasp the mechanics. It's best enjoyed with three players, according to Board Game Geek.
Unconscious Mind
Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store!
Ages: 12+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)
Unconscious Mind is a deep Euro game that delves into psychology and grief, and it's one of the most visually stunning games I own. The gameplay is intricate, offering multiple strategic layers in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further complexity, making the game even more challenging, while pieces like the fireworks and gramophone lighter offer a gentler experience. Be prepared for a longer playtime than the box suggests, as setup and teaching the game can take a while.
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at Amazon!
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-90 mins
Wayfarers of The South Tigris combines dice and worker placement in a surprisingly fun way. The game's mechanics link worker actions to dice rolls, adding an element of chance that can lead to rewarding outcomes when everything clicks. It may seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, but it offers a lot of replayability and strategic depth. Don't miss out on this engaging game.
Darwin’s Journey
Darwin’s Journey
0See it at Amazon!
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-120 mins
If you've ever dreamed of being a scientific explorer like Darwin, you'll love Darwin’s Journey. Race against fellow explorers and Darwin himself across three islands, discovering nature and science to showcase in a museum. The game is easy to navigate and highly replayable, with a beautiful table presence. It's also accessible online, but the physical copy is a must-have, appealing to both seasoned and casual players.
Fromage
Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store!
Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 40 mins
Fromage is the perfect game to enjoy with friends or on a solo date, especially if you're a foodie. This relaxed, simultaneous board game lets you craft and sell award-winning cheeses across France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, will have you craving Parmigiano in no time.
The Gallerist
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!
Ages: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120 mins
The Gallerist puts you in charge of an art gallery, where you discover artists, display their work, and attract discerning patrons. Be warned: this game is not for beginners, ranking at a 4.24 out of 5 in complexity on Board Game Geek. It's a challenging yet rewarding experience, much like navigating the real art world.
Septima
Septima
0See it at Mind Clash Games!
Ages: 12+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 50-100 mins
Septima's art is truly captivating, especially if you're a fan of gothic aesthetics. This accessible game revolves around building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch hunters and trials. Despite the challenges, it's a thrilling experience that I highly recommend. The expansion adds shapeshifting with animals, enhancing the game's already stunning artwork.
Rock Hard: 1977
Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at Amazon!
Ages: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 90 mins
Rock Hard: 1977 lets you unleash your inner rockstar, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. With stunning components and an amp-shaped player board, you'll rock your way to stardom. This game was a fan favorite at Gen Con, but be aware: it includes heavy themes that may not be suitable for everyone, reflecting the realities of rockstar life.
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at Amazon!
Ages: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 50-120 mins
If you're a comic enthusiast, Age of Comics: The Golden Years is a must-play. Build your comic catalog during the Golden Age, hiring artists, writers, and inkers to create your books. Race against other players to publish and sell your comics to reach fandom. The pulpy art is a delight, and you don't need to be a comic fan to enjoy the game. It's easy to learn and can be played solo or with up to four players, though it's best with three.
