Yep, this is the part of the list that is basically an excuse for me to have twelve games on my list and still call it a top ten. Because let us face it, whittling a list down to just ten suggests I am disciplined.

Ready, Set, Bet – A fantastic game that I was absolutely spoiled by on my first play with the deluxe edition. It is a fun and frantic horse racing game that will have you cheering and shouting with your mates. The only reason it is not in the top ten is because it has not been as easy to get to the table as I would have liked.

Star Wars: Battle of Hoth – This sits in the pantheon of great Star Wars games, but the reason it has not quite hit the 10 spot is because it is essentially Memoir ‘44. I love that game and this is just as great, but I need more time with it to appreciate that it is more than just Memoir ‘44 with a Star Wars skin. I am sure it will rise with more plays, especially once I have properly played that campaign mode. If I ever do a retrospective of this list, then I am sure I will be berating past me for not putting it on the list of my Top Ten Games of 2025.

Top Ten Games of 2025

10. Cretaceous Rails (Spielcraft Games)

Iiiiiiin 10 (there is my British TV reference for this list), Cretaceous Rails won me over with its clever action system. Each round, you take the action tiles, shuffle them, and lay them out in a grid. To take an action, place your pawn between two of the tiles and take both actions. It is unique, and the fact that the grid changes each round keeps the game fresh. Couple that with its fun decision space and cool look and theme, and we have one of the better dinosaur park games. It is currently at number 10 purely because I have only had one play, but I can easily see this rising with more.

9. Trio (Cocktail Games)

Trio clocked in as my most played game last year, and there is a reason. It is a quick, easy-to-learn card game in which players try to get sets of cards by asking players what their highest and lowest cards are, similar to something like Go Fish. It is easy to throw into the bag on game nights and is great to throw in at any point of the night. Like a lot of the great card games, it is easy to get caught in the “one more game” loop.

8. The Mystery Agency: The Bookshop Murder (The Mystery Agency)

The first book in this brilliant series was number three on my list last year, but do not let its position on this year’s list lead you into thinking that the quality has dropped. This brilliant mix of single puzzles interwoven into an overarching story is still just as wonderful as its predecessor and a worthy follow-up that leaves you begging for the next one.

7. Thunder Road Vendetta (Restoration Games)

This is another one that, with a few more plays, I can see being higher because it is utter, chaotic fun. This is a “race” game in which the race aspect feels more like an alternative way to end the game, more like a suggestion, if you will. We all know, though, that the best way to win the game is by wiping out your opponents’ cars by shooting them or crashing into them and watching the beautiful chaos play out. I was lucky enough to grab a copy when it came back into stock on one site for a split second, and now I am just looking forward to how much chaos I can cause in the future.

6. Wyrmspan (Stonemaier Games)

I will admit to being a bit sceptical when this was first announced. I was not sure if it would be different enough from Wingspan to warrant owning it just for the different theme. Then I played it, and oh boy, was I wrong. The changes made give this game more bite and more of that combo-tastic gameplay, and that makes it all the more satisfying. I love the flexibility in how many actions you can have. I even wondered if the guild board would do much when I first saw it, but I found myself planning a lot of turns around it. I have certainly been enjoying it even more than its avian predecessor. It is not in the collection yet, but I have a feeling it may just make its way in at some point.

5. Castle Combo (Hachette, Catch Up Games)

A satisfying combo is one of my favorite things in games, so a game with “Combo” in the title has got to be a shoo-in for a top games list. It is a game that has consequences from the very first card you play. Even though it feels like you have the freedom to play your cards anywhere in your 3×3 grid at the start, you really need to be thinking a few steps ahead to be truly competitive. It also has a lovely little nod to The Princess Bride in the artwork, and that alone would earn it a place in this list. It is just a bonus that the gameplay is also brilliant.

4. General Orders: Sengoku Jidai (Osprey Games)

The first General Orders game was a brilliant mix of war game and worker placement game and served as a brilliant, tight, and tense two-player game. This new edition takes that core gameplay and manages to improve upon it simply by taking the fight to the seas as well. This simple change really opens the game up strategically. I love the artwork and the new theme, which I think will appeal more to those who do not like game themes around the world wars. Just like the Undaunted series (by the same designers), this series is one to watch in the future.

3. Andor: The Family Fantasy Game (KOSMOS)

I have always enjoyed the Andor series, but this version brings the adventure to a wider audience. It simplifies the rules without losing the core feeling of a cooperative adventure. The artwork is beautiful, and the game flows very smoothly. It is a great entry point for families who want to try a more complex board game without getting overwhelmed. I have played this several times with my family, and it has been a hit every time.

2. The White Castle (Devir Games)

This game is a masterpiece of efficiency. You have very limited actions, and every single one counts. The artwork is stunning, and the gameplay is tight and crunchy. It is a euro-game that does not feel bloated. You are trying to score points by placing your workers in the castle, and the puzzle of where to put them is incredibly satisfying. It is a game that makes you think, and I have found myself replaying turns in my head long after the game is over.

1. Sky Team (Ludonaute)

This is my number one game of the year. It is a cooperative dice placement game where you and one other player are pilots trying to land a plane. You cannot talk to each other about your dice rolls, which adds a layer of tension and communication that is unique. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master. Every roll of the dice feels important, and the feeling of successfully landing the plane is unmatched. It is a brilliant two-player game that I cannot recommend enough.