As an adult, I never thought I'd say this, but sometimes work can be as fun as games. In the world of worker placement tabletop games, this is literally true. These games allow you to guide your team through various tasks and adventures, working towards end goals. With a variety of themes and settings, you can immerse yourself in different worlds depending on the game you choose. Here’s a curated list of my favorite worker placement games, featuring both new and classic titles.
TLDR: The Best Board Worker Placement Games to Play Now
### Viticulture
0See it at Amazon
### Yokohama
0See it at Amazon
### Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee Store
### Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at Amazon
### Darwin’s Journey
0See it at Amazon
### 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
0See it at AmazonIf you prefer to dive straight into the games without reading detailed descriptions, you can explore all the games in this article via the side-scrolling catalog above. For those who want to delve deeper into each game, keep reading.
Viticulture
### Viticulture
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier, the mind behind Scythe, offers a delightful journey to Tuscany. Here, players inherit a family vineyard and work to create a successful winery. The game involves building a vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. You'll need to manage your workers efficiently during each season. Players progress over multiple years, developing their wineries and aging wine to fulfill orders. Gather your friends and enjoy Viticulture, which can be played competitively or cooperatively with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).
Yokohama
### Yokohama
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsSet in the bustling port city of Yokohama, Japan, this game challenges players to build their trading empire. Utilize your workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and complete orders. While the game has a moderate level of complexity, turns flow smoothly once you get the hang of it. It's best played with three players, according to Board Game Geek.
Unconscious Mind
### Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a deep Euro game that explores themes of psychology and grief. Its stunning artwork sets it apart, and the gameplay offers complex strategic options in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further depth, making the game more challenging or offering a lighter experience with pieces like fireworks and the gramophone lighter. Be prepared for a longer session, as setup and playtime exceed the box's estimates.
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
### Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers combines dice and worker placement in a fun and complex way. The game's mechanics blend chance and strategy, making each decision rewarding when executed well. Initially intimidating, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, it offers significant replayability. Don't miss out on this enjoyable game.
Darwin’s Journey
### Darwin’s Journey
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsExperience the thrill of scientific exploration in Darwin’s Journey. Race against fellow explorers and Darwin himself across islands to uncover nature and science for your museum. The game is easy to navigate and highly replayable, with beautiful components that enhance the tabletop experience. It's also accessible online, but the physical copy is a must-have for its appeal to both seasoned and casual players.
Fromage
### Fromage
0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsIf you're looking for a fun game to enjoy with friends or on a date, Fromage is perfect. This light-hearted game involves crafting and selling award-winning cheeses in France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fulfill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, will have you craving more.
The Gallerist
### The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsThe Gallerist lets you run your own art gallery, discovering artists, displaying their work, and attracting patrons. Be warned, this is not a game for beginners, with a complexity rating of 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek. It mirrors the challenging nature of the real art world.
Septima
### Septima
0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima captivates with its extraordinary art, especially appealing to fans of gothic themes. This accessible game centers around building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch hunters and trials. Despite the challenges, it's a rewarding experience. The expansion adds shapeshifting with animals, enhancing the already stunning artwork.
Rock Hard: 1977
### Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsUnleash your inner rockstar with Rock Hard: 1977, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. The game features stunning components, including an amp-shaped player board and favorite head icons. It was a fan favorite at Gen Con. Be aware, though, as the game includes heavy themes that may not suit everyone, reflecting the rockstar lifestyle.
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
### Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsFor comic enthusiasts, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to design your books and race against other players to publish and sell to fans. The game's pulpy art is appealing, and it's easy to learn, making it suitable for both comic fans and newcomers. It's best with three players but can be enjoyed solo as well.
