Thematic Games
Browse all Thematic board games in the Meeple Pulse database.
Styles
Themes
AbstractAdventureAncientAnimalsArtBusinessCard GameCo-operativeComic BookCooperativeCrimeEconomicEnvironmentalismExplorationFantasyHistoricalHorrorHumorIntrigueLiteraryMagicMarvelMedievalModernMuseumMysteryMythologyNatureNauticalPoliticalPress Your LuckSatireSci-FiSocial CommentarySocial InteractionSpaceSuperheroesThematicTravelWarWesternWord-Guessing
Mechanics
3D PlacementActingAction / DexterityAction DraftingAction Point AllowanceAction Point Allowance SystemAction Point SystemAction PointsAction ProgrammingAction QueueAction RetrievalAction SelectionAction/EventAlliancesAlternate ActivationApp-AssistedApp-DrivenArea ControlArea InfluenceArea MajorityArea Majority / InfluenceArea MovementArgumentationAsymmetricAsymmetric FactionsAsymmetric GameAsymmetric PowersAsymmetrical PowersAuction & BiddingAuction/BiddingAuctioningBag BuildingBettingBetting and BluffingBetting and WageringBetting and WagersBiddingBingoBlind BiddingBluffingCampaign / Battle Card DrivenCampaign / LegacyCampaign / Legacy GameCampaign / Mission-basedCampaign / ScenariosCampaign GameCampaign PlayCard DraftingCard DrawingCard DrivenCard Driven ActionCard Driven CombatCard Driven Dice AllocationCard Driven MovementCard ManagementCard PlayCard Play / Hand ManagementCard Play Conflict ResolutionCard SheddingCard-Driven MovementCharacter CreationCharacter ProgressionChit-Pull SystemCo-op PlayCo-operative GameCo-operative PlayCode-breakingCombat ResolutionCombo ChainCommand CardsCommodity SpeculationCommunication LimitsContract FulfillmentContractsCooperative GameCooperative GameplayCooperative PlayCooperative Trick-takingDebateDeck BuildingDeck ConstructionDeck, Bag, and Pool BuildingDeck-BuildingDeductionDexterityDice DraftingDice PlacementDice RollingDiplomatic InfluenceDraftingDynamic Battle SystemEnclosureEnd Game BonusesEngine BuildingEngine-BuildingEscape RoomEvent DrivenExplorationFarmingFlip and WriteFollowFollow ActionGrid CoverageGrid MovementHand ManagementHex-and-CounterHexagon GridHidden MovementHidden RolesI Cut You ChooseIncomeInfluence / Area MajorityLadder ClimbingLegacyLegacy ElementsLegacy GameLegacy SystemLimited CommunicationLine DrawingLine of SightMancalaMap MovementMarketMarket DraftingMarket ManipulationMarket MechanicMarket SpeculationMatchingMeasurement MovementMemoryMission ObjectivesModular BoardModular Board ConstructionMovement TemplatesMulti-Use CardsMulti-use CardsMultiple ScenariosMust FollowNarrative ChoiceNarrative Choice / ParagraphNegotiationNegotiation MechanicsNetwork & Route BuildingNetwork BuildingNetwork and Route BuildingOne vs ManyOne vs. ManyOpen DraftingPaper-and-PencilPartnershipsPattern BuildingPattern RecognitionPick-up and DeliverPlayer EliminationPlayer InteractionPlayer JudgePoint SaladPoint to Point MovementPolyominoesPush Your LuckPush-Your-LuckPuzzlePuzzle-LikePuzzle-SolvingRaceReal-TimeRecipe FulfillmentResource ManagementRole PlayingRole SelectionRoll / Spin and MoveRondelRoute BuildingRoute-BuildingRoute/Network BuildingSanity SystemScenario / Campaign PlayScenario / Mission / Campaign GameScenario / Mission FunctionSecret Unit DeploymentSemi-Cooperative GameSet CollectionSheddingSimulationSimultaneous ActionSimultaneous Action SelectionSimultaneous Hidden AllocationSocial DeductionSocial InteractionSolo / Solitaire GameSpace ExplorationStat Check / Skill CheckStock HoldingStorytellingStrategic PlanningTableau BuildingTactical Decision-MakingTake ThatTargeted CluesTeam PlayTeam-Based GameTeam-Based GuessingTeamworkTech TreesTech Trees / Tech TracksTechnology & Armament TracksTechnology TreeTension & Aggression TracksTile DraftingTile LayingTile PlacementTime TrackTime TravelTower DefenseTrack MovementTradingTrick-takingTug of WarTurn Order: PassTurn Order: Stat-BasedUnit PlacementVariable Phase OrderVariable Player PowersVariable Set-upVariable SetupVictory Point TracksVotingWord AssociationWord GameWord GuessingWord-GuessingWord-guessingWordplayWorker Placement

RANK #28
In Clank! Legacy: Acquisitions Incorporated, 2-3 players take on the roles of adventurers and entrepreneurs in a fantasy world, seeking to build their own companies and claim the title of 'Best Company'. This legacy game combines deck-building with worker placement, allowing players to manage their resources, hire employees, and explore new territories. Each playthrough creates a unique story as players make choices that impact the game's progression and ultimate outcome.
2-3 60m⚖️ 4.0

RANK #30
In Lost Ruins of Arnak, 2-3 players take on the role of archaeologists seeking to uncover the secrets of a mysterious island. On each turn, players can choose to excavate new ruins, manage their resources, and complete quests to earn victory points. The game is known for its unique combination of worker placement, deck-building, and engine-building mechanics, which allow players to customize their strategy as they explore the island. As players delve deeper into the ruins, they'll uncover hidden temples, ancient artifacts, and treacherous traps that will challenge their skills and test their resolve. Will you be the first to uncover the secrets of Arnak and claim victory?
2-3 60m⚖️ 4.0

RANK #31
In Great Western Trail: Second Edition, you're a rancher trying to build the greatest cattle empire in the Wild West. Drive your wagon across the country, purchase and trade cattle, sheep, and horses, and sell them at market to earn points. With each step, you'll need to balance resources, risks, and opportunities to succeed. But beware – rustlers, diseases, and other challenges will try to thwart your progress. Can you outmaneuver your opponents and build the most prosperous ranch? The game ends after five rounds, when the player with the most points is declared the winner.
1-3 60m⚖️ 3.5

RANK #32
In Arkham Horror: The Card Game, you take on the role of investigators trying to uncover the mysteries and horrors lurking in the shadows of Arkham. As you delve deeper into the mysteries, you'll encounter terrifying creatures and try to survive long enough to save the world from an impending doom. This cooperative card game challenges you to make tough decisions and manage your resources carefully as you navigate the dangers of the Cthulhu Mythos.
1-4 30m⚖️ 3.5

RANK #34
Root
2018In Root, 2-3 players take on the roles of woodland creatures vying for control of a forest. Players build armies and employ clever strategies to outmaneuver their opponents, all while navigating the ever-changing landscape. The game's unique appeal lies in its modular board, which allows each playthrough to be distinct, and its blend of tactical gameplay and storytelling.
2-3 60m⚖️ 3.5

RANK #35
Terra Mystica
2012In Terra Mystica, 2-3 players take on the roles of magical clans seeking to expand their mystical influence across a mystical board. Each player builds and manages their own territory, placing tiles to create a unique landscape while utilizing various magical abilities to outmaneuver their opponents. The game's objective is to be the first to achieve a set amount of mystical power, earned through strategic tile placement, resource management, and clever use of magical abilities.
As players navigate the mystical realm, they'll encounter ancient ruins, mysterious artifacts, and rival clans vying for dominance. With each turn, players must balance their own needs with the changing landscape, adapting to new opportunities and challenges as they arise.
Terra Mystica is a game of strategic planning, clever resource management, and magical might, appealing to fans of area control, engine-building, and strategic gameplay.
2-3 60m⚖️ 3.5

RANK #36
Orléans
2014In Orleans, you are a merchant trying to rebuild the city after a devastating flood. You'll collect and trade resources, build structures, and manage your workers to restore the city's prosperity. This game combines worker placement and engine building mechanics with a unique auction system. As players progress, they'll unlock new buildings and improvements, increasing their chances of winning.
1-3 60m⚖️ 3.0

RANK #37
Too Many Bones
2017In Too Many Bones, 1-4 adventurers embark on a perilous journey to defeat the evil Overlord Xazu and his minions. Players collect and trade resources, manage their characters' abilities, and make tactical decisions to overcome challenges. As they progress, they'll unlock new skills, upgrade their gear, and face increasingly formidable foes. Will you emerge victorious and claim the title of greatest hero?
1-4 60m⚖️ 3.0

RANK #38
Wingspan
2019In Wingspan, you build a wildlife reserve by collecting and trading bird cards, each representing a unique species with its own abilities. Place eggs in nesting sites to attract birds, optimize your engine-building through insect tokens, and use end-of-round bonuses to maximize your score. As you play, you'll discover new strategies and interactions with the game's rich ecosystem. With 170 unique bird cards and multiple paths to victory, Wingspan is a captivating experience for players of all skill levels.
1-5 60m⚖️ 3.0

RANK #40
Barrage
2019In Barrage, 2-3 players take on the role of artillery commanders, competing to destroy enemy forts and capture strategic locations. Each player has a unique set of abilities and weapons at their disposal, which they use to place shots and outmaneuver their opponents. The game is all about strategy and timing, as players must carefully plan their moves to maximize their chances of success. With its fast-paced gameplay and high replayability, Barrage is a thrilling addition to any board game collection.
2-3 30m⚖️ 3.5

RANK #41
In Hegemony: Lead Your Class to Victory, you'll guide your student body as they navigate the complexities of high school politics. This game is all about strategy and social engineering as you build relationships, form alliances, and make deals to further your own agenda.
As the leader of a prestigious boarding school, you'll need to balance academic achievement with extracurricular activities, manage campus events, and even deal with the occasional prank gone wrong. It's up to you to keep your students happy, healthy, and on track for graduation while also competing against other student leaders to earn the most prestige points.
Hegemony is a game that requires both short-term thinking and long-term planning, as well as clever negotiation and social manipulation. Will you emerge victorious, or will another student leader steal the show? The fate of your school is in your hands.
2-4 45m⚖️ 3.5
