How To Build Your Ideal Board Game Collection

Board games have long been a source of entertainment, education, and social interaction, bringing people together around a table to experience a wide range of emotions---from intense competition to creative collaboration. Whether you are an experienced gamer or just starting, building an ideal board game collection is an exciting and fulfilling journey. It allows you to create a personal library of games that perfectly suits your tastes, needs, and social settings.

In this article, we will explore the essential steps involved in building the ideal board game collection. From understanding your preferences and identifying the games you'll love to managing your collection in a way that keeps it fresh and exciting, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to help you curate your very own set of games.

Define Your Gaming Preferences

Before diving into purchasing board games, it's important to reflect on what kind of games you enjoy. Are you more into strategy games that require deep thinking, or do you prefer party games that get everyone laughing and socializing? Understanding your gaming preferences is the foundation for building your ideal collection. Consider the following questions:

• Game Length: Do you prefer quick 30-minute games, or are you more drawn to epic multi-hour sessions?
• Player Count: How many players do you typically play with? Some games are best with two players, while others shine in larger groups.
• Mechanics : Do you like strategy-heavy games (like Catan or Ticket to Ride ) or those that involve more luck and randomness (like King of Tokyo )? Or maybe you enjoy hybrid mechanics that combine strategy with storytelling, like in Betrayal at House on the Hill.
• Theme: Are you drawn to fantasy worlds, historical settings, or abstract designs? Some players are very particular about the theme of a game.
• Complexity: How deep do you want your games to be? Do you enjoy the complexity of resource management and intricate rule sets, or do you prefer simpler games that are easy to pick up and play?

1.1 Types of Games to Consider

To build a well-rounded collection, aim to have a mix of different types of games that fit various situations and player types:

• Strategy Games : These games challenge players' decision-making and planning abilities, often involving resource management, tactical movements, and long-term thinking. Examples include Terraforming Mars , Scythe , and Puerto Rico.
• Party Games : These are ideal for casual gatherings and larger groups, with a focus on fun and lighthearted competition. Popular titles include Codenames , Dixit , and Telestrations.
• Cooperative Games : These games require players to work together toward a common goal, emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving. Examples include Pandemic , Gloomhaven , and Forbidden Island.
• Abstract Games : These games typically have minimal thematic elements and are based on abstract mechanics and strategy. Azul , Hive , and Go are examples of abstract games.
• Deck-Building and Card Games : Games like Dominion , Marvel Legendary , and Exploding Kittens rely on cards and deck management to create an evolving strategy over the course of the game.

1.2 Know Your Group

The type of board games you buy will also depend heavily on who you plan to play with. A collection that works for a group of friends might not suit family members or children. Consider the following:

• Friends and Family: Games that are easy to teach and suitable for various ages can be great for gatherings. Avoid overly complex games unless everyone in your group enjoys deep strategy.
• Solo Play : If you enjoy playing solo, you'll want to add solo-friendly games to your collection. Games like Mage Knight , Friday , and The Lost Expedition are designed with single-player experiences in mind.
• Casual vs. Hardcore Gamers: If you play mostly with casual gamers, you might want to focus on lighter, more accessible games. Hardcore gamers might prefer more complex, thematic games with long play sessions.

Research and Discover Games

Once you have a clear understanding of your preferences and your gaming group, it's time to start researching. The board game market is vast, with thousands of games to choose from. Fortunately, there are many resources to help you discover the best games that match your interests.

2.1 Online Resources

There are many online platforms where you can find in-depth reviews and recommendations for board games:

• BoardGameGeek (BGG): This is the ultimate resource for board game enthusiasts. It's a community-driven platform that offers reviews, ratings, forums, and lists of the best games in different categories. You can find detailed discussions on almost every board game ever created.
• YouTube : Many YouTubers specialize in reviewing board games, offering unboxing videos, gameplay tutorials, and reviews. Channels like Shut Up & Sit Down , The Dice Tower , and Rahdo Runs Through are excellent sources for discovering new games.
• Social Media: Board game communities on platforms like Reddit (e.g., /r/boardgames) or Facebook provide opportunities to engage with others, ask for recommendations, and read about recent releases.

2.2 Testing Games

Before committing to purchasing a game, it's often helpful to test it out. You can:

• Attend Game Nights: Many game stores or hobby shops host game nights where you can play games before buying them. Check out local game cafes or community events.
• Demo Games: Some conventions, such as Gen Con or Spiel, have opportunities to try games before they're released or to play a game with the creators.
• Try Digital Versions: Some games offer digital versions or app versions that let you play them online. These are a great way to get a feel for a game before investing in the physical version.

Build a Diverse Collection

A well-rounded collection should include a variety of games that cater to different play styles and group sizes. Here's a recommended breakdown for an ideal collection:

3.1 Essentials for a Balanced Collection

• A Big Strategy Game : This could be something like Twilight Imperium , Eclipse , or Catan. These games provide rich, strategic gameplay and will be your go-to for long, immersive sessions.
• A Party Game : You'll want something quick and easy for larger groups or casual settings. Party games like Codenames , Telestrations , and Just One are great choices.
• A Cooperative Game : These games emphasize teamwork and can be a nice break from the competition. Pandemic , Gloomhaven , and Spirit Island are excellent options.
• A Card or Deck-Building Game : Games like Dominion and Ascension are highly replayable and offer an entirely different gaming experience based on managing cards and resources.
• An Abstract Game : These offer a change of pace from traditional thematic games. Azul or Go might be excellent additions that work well with any group.

3.2 Niche Games

If you have room in your collection for more specific interests, you can branch out with niche games that might cater to particular preferences:

• Legacy Games : Pandemic Legacy and Gloomhaven are popular examples. These games change and evolve over time based on the decisions you make in previous sessions.
• Eurogames : If you're a fan of deep, economic strategy, games like Agricola or Le Havre might be appealing.
• Thematic Games : If you love rich stories and immersive worlds, Arkham Horror , Descent , and Star Wars: Imperial Assault are great choices.

Manage Your Collection

A board game collection is more than just a set of games---it's a carefully curated library that you'll need to manage over time. As your collection grows, you may need to make decisions about what to keep and what to trade or sell.

4.1 Space Management

Storing board games efficiently is crucial, especially if you have limited space. Consider using shelves with adjustable heights to accommodate games of various sizes. Some board game enthusiasts even use special organizers or plastic bins to keep everything in order.

4.2 Rotation and Accessibility

One way to keep your collection exciting is by rotating games in and out of play. This prevents games from gathering dust and ensures that everyone's favorite titles get their time in the spotlight. Keep games that you play regularly easily accessible, while storing less frequently played ones out of the way.

4.3 Trading and Selling

Not every game will stand the test of time, and that's okay. If you find that a game isn't being played or doesn't suit your group anymore, consider trading it with other collectors or selling it online. Many online communities and stores offer buy/sell/trade services for used games.

Evolve Your Collection

As your gaming tastes evolve, so should your collection. Stay informed about new releases and periodically review your collection to see what's missing or needs updating. New expansions, variants, or reprints of your favorite games might also add new layers of enjoyment to your collection.

Conclusion

Building the ideal board game collection is an ongoing process that requires patience, reflection, and a bit of research. By understanding your preferences, researching the right games, and balancing your collection with diverse options, you can create a library that will provide countless hours of fun for you and your friends or family.

Ultimately, the perfect collection is one that matches your gaming style and fosters memorable experiences. Keep playing, exploring new games, and evolving your collection---it's all part of the fun!

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