The best online board games on PC

Hey there, fellow gamers! Remember when we couldn’t meet up for board game nights and had to resort to shouting at each other through our webcams? Well, the times have changed, but our love for board games hasn’t. Now that we can actually cough directly into each other’s eyeballs again (not recommended, by the way), it’s the perfect time to dive into the best online board games on PC.

Digital board games have a ton of perks. First off, no more jenga-ing all those pieces back into the box. Plus, they’re often cheaper, letting you test drive a game before committing to the physical version. And let’s be real – coordinating a game night with friends spread across the globe is a breeze online.

We’ve put together a diverse list of the best online board games for PC. Let’s get into it!

20. D&D Lords of Waterdeep

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Check out Dune: Imperium for more political strategy or Baldur's Gate 3 for a classic D&D vibe.

Lords of Waterdeep is a beloved game where you control the masked rulers of the city. Place agents, gather resources, and complete quests. The game plays over 8 rounds, making it quick and strategic. Keep your identity secret until the end for that extra twist of surprise points!

19. Spirit Island

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Try Stacklands or WitchHand for similar card-based strategies.

Spirit Island flips the colonial expansion theme on its head. You play as deities driving out invaders from a beautiful, modular island. Combo powers, gain abilities, and watch the colonizers panic. The PC version handles all the heavy lifting, letting you focus on the fun of divine retribution.

18. Nemesis: Lockdown

Where can I buy it: Steam, Humble
What else should I be playing: Alien: Isolation for solo space horror.

Nemesis: Lockdown is “Alien” in board game form. Survive on a failing space station filled with hostile creatures. Complete your objectives while avoiding – or betraying – your crewmates. This one’s perfect for fans of brutal, punishing horror.

17. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering for more card game action.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel brings the classic trading card game to PC. It's free-to-play and loaded with features to help newcomers and veterans alike. Build decks, unlock cards, and battle it out with fun, animated effects.

16. Blood Bowl 2

Where can I buy it: Steam, Humble
What else should I be playing: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide for a grim, co-op shooter experience.

Blood Bowl 2 is Warhammer meets American football. Form teams from Warhammer factions and engage in brutal, turn-based matches. The animations are top-notch, and the game’s spirit is as grim and gritty as ever.

15. Magic: The Gathering Arena

Where can I buy it: Direct from Wizards
What else should I be playing: Hearthstone or Slay The Spire for more card-based fun.

MTG Arena brings the world’s biggest trading card game to PC with a slick interface and fast gameplay. Unlock cards, build decks, and compete in various formats. Perfect for both newcomers and long-time fans.

14. Through The Ages

Where can I buy it: Steam, GOG
What else should I be playing: Civilization series or Terraforming Mars for strategic depth.

Through The Ages is a card-based civilization builder where you draft technologies, leaders, and wonders. Manage resources, fend off attacks, and build a thriving empire. The digital version takes care of the setup, so you can dive straight into strategy.

13. Dune: Imperium

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Dune: Spice Wars or the upcoming Dune: Awakening for more Arrakis adventures.

Dune: Imperium focuses on the political and economic aspects of Arrakis. Command agents, gather spice, and build military power. The game is easy to pick up and highly replayable against AI or friends.

12. Colt Express

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Monster Train or Desperados III for more train and cowboy action.

In Colt Express, you rob a train in the Wild West. Secretly choose actions, then watch the chaos unfold as everyone’s moves play out. The PC version retains the stylish look and fun of the original 3D board game.

11. Twilight Struggle

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Fight For Freedom or War On The Sea for strategic war games.

Twilight Struggle is a two-player game set during the Cold War. Influence countries, manage DEFCON levels, and avoid nuclear war. Deep strategy and historical events make this a gripping experience.

10. Splendor

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Antihero for quick strategy games.

Splendor is about collecting gem cards to build your wealth. Plan your moves, collect bonuses, and outsmart your opponents. It’s quick, easy to learn, and incredibly satisfying.

9. Pokémon TCG Live

Where can I buy it: Direct from Pokémon.com
What else should I be playing: Temtem for a Pokémon-like experience.

Pokémon TCG Live lets you play the classic trading card game online. Build custom decks, battle friends, and participate in tournaments. The new crafting system makes it more accessible and fun.

8. Railroad Ink Challenge

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Mini Metro or Mini Motorways for more transport puzzles.

Railroad Ink Challenge combines speed and strategy. Build transport networks, complete challenges, and connect exits. Quick games and random dice rolls keep things exciting.

7. Scythe: Digital Edition

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Iron Harvest for a similar alternate-history vibe.

Scythe is set in a 1920s dieselpunk Europe with mechs. Build your faction, gather resources, and engage in strategic combat. The digital version brings the rich lore and strategy to life beautifully.

6. Flash Point: Fire Rescue

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Overcooked or Phasmophobia for frantic co-op action.

Flash Point has you and your friends as firefighters tackling blazes. Rescue survivors, use special abilities, and manage the spreading fire. The PC version is a blast and keeps the co-op fun intense.

5. Wingspan

Where can I buy it: Steam, GOG, Humble
What else should I be playing: Slay The Spire or Planet Zoo for more chill strategy.

Wingspan is about building a beautiful engine of birds. Collect bird and egg cards, adapt to the environment, and earn victory points. The PC version is award-winning and just as engaging as the physical game.

4. The Lord Of The Rings: Adventure Card Game

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Hearthstone or Slay The Spire for more card-battling.

LOTR: Adventure Card Game lets you build a fellowship and take on Sauron’s forces. Customize your deck, embark on quests, and survive the challenges of Middle-earth. It’s tough, but incredibly rewarding.

3. Gloomhaven

Where can I buy it: Steam, Humble
What else should I be playing: Divinity: Original Sin 2 or XCOM for more tactical RPG fun.

Gloomhaven is a tactical RPG where you lead a band of mercenaries through dungeons. Manage abilities, plan strategies, and survive brutal battles. The digital version captures the depth and challenge of the board game.

2. Tabletop Simulator

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Tabletopia for more virtual board gaming options.

Tabletop Simulator lets you play almost any board game in a virtual space. Create custom games, play with friends, and enjoy a huge library of mods. It’s the ultimate sandbox for board game lovers.

1. Catan Universe

Where can I buy it: Steam
What else should I be playing: Ticket to Ride or Carcassonne for more classic board games.

Catan Universe brings the beloved Settlers of Catan to PC. Build settlements, trade resources, and compete for the largest empire. The digital version is polished and perfect for Catan fans.

There you have it, folks! Dive into these digital board games and get your game night fix without the setup hassle. Happy gaming!