The "January slump" does not have to mean giving up one of the best ways to have fun at home: board games. In fact, there are plenty of affordable, replayable options that are easy to bring to the table and offer hours of fun for very little money. Whether to play as a couple, with family, with friends or even to carry in your backpack, choosing a good budget board game is a smart decision: you pay little, you play a lot, and it is a perfect plan to switch off without screens.
Why choose affordable games (without giving up the fun)
In this guide we have gathered a selection of cheap board games that work very well whether you are just starting out or already have experience. They are ideal as board games for beginners (simple rules and quick games), but with enough depth not to get old after a couple of afternoons.
A selection of the best affordable board games
If you are looking for the best cheap board games to treat yourself without regrets, to give as a gift without blowing the budget, or to expand your collection with safe bets, here is a list of highly recommended options. And if you want to discover similar games, save your favorites or even sell board games you no longer play, you can rely on Meeplay to organize games, explore recommendations and keep your collection up to date from your phone or the web.
A selection of the best board games for this January slump
Castle Combo
Cards · 2-5 players · Age 10+ · 10-25 min
A card-placement game in which you have to create the best combos within a 3×3 grid. Every decision counts, since once all players complete their matrix, you move straight to scoring based on each card's effects. It works especially well with 2 players, with snappy games of about 20 minutes, perfect for playing several in a row.
Cortesanos
Cards · 2-5 players · Age 8+ · 20-30 min
A game that will test your friendships. Each turn you receive 3 cards that you must play: one on the Queen's table, to manipulate a Family's influence, one in your Domain, and the last in an opponent's Domain. These cards can give or take points depending on each Family's position at court. In addition, each player has secret goals that determine which families they want to support… or sabotage. Lots of interaction and constant backstabbing.
Mythicals
Cards · 2 players · Age 8+ · 15 min
A strategic game exclusively for two players. Each turn you draw cards by color to create combinations that earn you mastery tokens, the main source of points. It requires short- and mid-term planning, anticipating your rival's goals and deciding when to reinforce your options or block theirs. Simple rules, high interaction and quick games that deliver an intense yet very accessible duel.
Azul Duel
Strategy · 2 players · Age 10+ · 30-45 min
In this two-player version you have to decorate the ceiling of the Palace of Sintra with tiles. The game focuses on tile drafting and pattern building over five rounds. You will select groups of the same color to complete rows, score by moving them to the final pattern, and managing space well to avoid penalties will be key. If you usually play with more than two, you can always turn to the classic Azul.
La Tripulación (The Crew)
Cooperative · 2-5 players · Age 10+ · 20 min
A cooperative game in which you have to complete 50 missions… without being able to talk. It is a trick-taking game with cards numbered by color, where each mission usually requires a specific player to win a specific trick. Difficulty increases gradually and, although verbal communication is forbidden, each player has a communication token to give a small hint about their hand. Ideal for groups that enjoy cooperative challenges.
Do you already own any of these games, or are you going to try one this January? On Meeplay you can log your plays, save your collection and find people to play them with.
