2024 has brought a wave of exciting new tabletop games, and the fall convention season has been particularly packed with fresh releases. From intense space conquests to strategic battles in fantasy realms, the variety of games this year is as diverse as it is thrilling. Here’s a round-up of the best new games that should be on every tabletop enthusiast’s radar.
Arcs: Conflict & Collapse in the Reach
Players: 2-4 | Age: 14+ | Playtime: 60-180 minutes
From the creator of Root, Cole Wehrle, comes Arcs: Conflict & Collapse in the Reach, a space conquest game like no other. With its innovative card-driven mechanics, reminiscent of trick-taking games like euchre, this game offers a refreshing twist to the genre. The oversized expansion, The Blighted Reach, introduces an ambitious three-session campaign, where asymmetric roles and evolving rules provide a dynamic experience. Perfect for fans of epic space adventures, this game challenges players to expand their empires and shape a galaxy through strategic play.
Burning Banners: Rage of the Witch Queen
Players: 2-6 | Age: 14+ | Playtime: 60-240 minutes
A unique wargame set in a rich, fantastical world, Burning Banners: Rage of the Witch Queen takes players through scenarios featuring highly asymmetric factions vying for control. Compass Games, known for their historical wargames, has crafted a captivating fictional world where players engage in strategic battles that challenge their military prowess and storytelling abilities. With its combination of rich lore and innovative gameplay, this game provides an immersive experience that stands out in the genre.
Dune: War for Arrakis
Players: 2-4 | Age: 14+ | Playtime: 120 minutes
Dune: War for Arrakis from CMON offers a highly thematic, asymmetric experience set in the legendary Dune universe. Players choose to control the mighty Atreides or the ruthless Harkonnens in a battle for control of the desert planet Arrakis. With deep strategy and dramatic moments, the game captures the essence of the Dune saga, with spice harvesting, troop movements, and political intrigue at its core. Whether playing as a team or in the two-player format, Dune: War for Arrakis immerses players in its tense struggle for control.
Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan
Players: 2-6 | Age: 14+ | Playtime: 60 minutes
If you love fast-paced dice rolling and cooperative gameplay, Fateforge: Chronicles of Kaan offers a dynamic alternative to traditional RPGs. Instead of relying on slow, methodical card play, players engage in high-energy dice rolls to determine their actions and unleash powerful abilities. This action-packed game offers a refreshing change of pace, focusing on quick, exhilarating encounters while still delivering a rich, immersive narrative.
Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron
Players: 1-4 | Age: 14+ | Playtime: 45-120 minutes
Maladum: Dungeons of Enveron brings a fresh twist to the dungeon crawling genre. With its unique extraction-style gameplay, players navigate a dungeon full of threats while deciding whether to continue exploring or exit early with their loot. The game allows for solo play or cooperative action with friends, making it versatile and engaging. This creative dungeon crawler features high-quality 3D terrain and offers a unique, flexible experience that stands apart from traditional dungeon games.
SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence
Players: 1-4 | Age: 14+ | Playtime: 60-120 minutes
In SETI: Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, players assume the roles of scientific teams racing to discover alien life. The game elegantly combines card mechanics with a deep, strategic layout that mimics real-world efforts to detect extraterrestrial signals. Players upgrade their equipment and manage probes, striving to unlock the secrets of the universe. If you enjoy sophisticated, thematic games that make you think, SETI is a must-play.
Tower Up
Players: 2-4 | Age: 8+ | Playtime: 30-45 minutes
Not all new games are about epic battles or world-ending missions—Tower Up offers a fun, strategic challenge of building the tallest skyscrapers across a cityscape. While its rules are easy to grasp, the game’s strategic depth emerges as players vie for space and position. A perfect choice for families or casual gamers, Tower Up offers a light but engaging experience with plenty of replay value.
Worldspanner Factions
Players: 2-6 | Age: 14+ | Playtime: 150-240 minutes
Worldspanner Factions is a complex game that pits teams of heroes from across time and history against each other in a battle royale-style quest. This game mixes adventure with intense combat, featuring some of the most outlandish character match-ups imaginable—think Annie Oakley on a motorcycle versus a tree-man wielding boulders. The game’s intricate ruleset and lengthy playtime make it a challenging but rewarding experience for dedicated strategy enthusiasts.
Ready to Add These Games to Your Collection?
2024 has been a stellar year for tabletop games, with releases that cater to every type of gamer—from lighthearted fun to intense strategic depth. Whether you’re looking to explore the cosmos or dive into a fantastical battle, there’s something for everyone in these new releases. Consider adding a few of these to your gaming sessions for unforgettable experiences!
Bonus Pick: If you love a game that’s lighthearted but still packs a fun punch, check out Pick Me Up—a game full of cheesy pick-up lines that’ll have you and your friends laughing in no time!
