As an adult, it's surprising yet refreshing to admit that work can indeed be fun and games, especially in the realm of worker placement tabletop games. In these games, you guide your team through various tasks and adventures, striving to achieve your end goals. With a plethora of themes and settings to explore, there's a world for every type of gamer. Here's a curated list of some of my favorite worker placement games, spanning both recent releases and timeless classics.
TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board 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
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Darwin’s Journey
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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
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If you're eager to dive right into the games without the details, you can browse through the side-scrolling catalog above. However, if you're curious about what makes each game special, continue 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 players to the heart of Tuscany. Here, you inherit your family's land and embark on a journey to build a thriving winery. The game involves managing your vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it to meet orders. As you play across multiple years, you'll age your wines and expand your winery. Viticulture offers both competitive play in its original form and cooperative gameplay in the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon). Gather your friends and celebrate the art of winemaking with this delightful game.
Yokohama
Yokohama
0See it at Amazon! Ages: 14+ Players: 2-4 Play Time: 90 mins
Yokohama immerses players in the bustling port city of Japan, where they build their business empire. With a team of workers at your disposal, you'll strategize to gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders. Though the game has a moderate level of complexity, turns become smooth once you grasp the mechanics. It's best enjoyed with three players, according to Board Game Geek, making it a great choice for a small group.
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 in my collection. The gameplay offers complex strategies involving movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds even more layers, making the game more challenging or, with certain pieces like the fireworks and gramophone lighter, more accessible for those seeking a softer experience. Be prepared, though: the game requires significant time for setup, teaching, and play, often exceeding the stated time on the box.
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 way that surprised me with its fun factor. The game integrates dice rolls with worker actions, offering rewarding outcomes when everything clicks. It may seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, but it's well worth the learning curve. The game's tight resource management and numerous decisions ensure high replayability. Don't skip this one; you'll miss out on a lot of fun.
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, Darwin’s Journey is for you. Race other explorers and the legendary Darwin himself across three islands, uncovering nature and science for your museum. The game is easy to navigate and highly repeatable, making it a hit with both seasoned and casual players. While it's accessible online, a physical copy is highly recommended for the full experience.
Fromage
Fromage
0See it at Allplay Store! Ages: 14+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 40 mins
Fromage is the perfect game to share with friends or enjoy solo, especially if you're a foodie. In this game, you make 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 even more.
The Gallerist
The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games! Ages: 12+ Players: 1-4 Play Time: 120 mins
The Gallerist lets you run an art gallery, discovering artists, displaying their works, and attracting patrons with refined tastes. Be warned: this game is not for beginners, with a complexity rating of 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek. It's a challenging but 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 artwork is a visual feast, especially if you're a fan of gothic themes. This accessible game centers around building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch trials. Despite the trials, I found the game deeply enjoyable and recommend it to anyone looking to explore witchcraft. The expansion adds shapeshifting and more stunning artwork, enhancing the experience further.
Rock Hard: 1977
Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at Amazon! Ages: 14+ Players: 2-5 Play Time: 90 mins
Rock Hard: 1977, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, lets you live out your rockstar dreams. With an amp-shaped player board and iconic head icons, the game was a fan favorite at Gen Con. However, be aware: it includes heavy themes that might not suit everyone, reflecting the sometimes dark 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 lover, Age of Comics: The Golden Years will let you build your own comic catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to create your books and race against other players to publish and sell your comics. The art is full of pulpy goodness, but 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, making it a versatile addition to any game night.
