Free board games are an awesome way to test out new styles of gameplay. Plus, some board games aren’t cheap. And there is nothing worse than paying a lot of money for a game and thinking it’s just okay. Or maybe you want to try a new game before paying, or money is a bit tight at the moment.
Then, free board games you can download are your answer. Indeed, a treasure trove of free printable board games awaits, perfect for family game night fun, one-player game challenges, or game night with friends. Today, we’ll explore fantastic free board games you can try.
Catan: Global Warming
- 8+
- 3-4 Players
- 60-90 mins
Overview
Catan the land of plentiful resources and idyllic spaces prefect for you to settle and expand on the land. However, that comes with certain challenges, like the every growing population and infrastructure. The constant building apon the land will take its toll on you and the land. the destruction of the natural landscape to build new developments will results in greenhouse gases which need to be constantly monitored. Failure to do so could result in castastrophic effects. You need to chose to act sustainably or pursue victory.
Catan: Global Warming, a thrilling twist on the classic strategy board game Catan, introduces the challenges of climate change to the familiar island setting. This engaging game offers a unique blend of strategy and environmental awareness. Click here for the free board game download of Catan board game.
You will also need to see some of the set-up rules from Catan (standard version). These are online here.
Catan: Global Warming has even designed the rules to engage in discussion and education. The rules provide guidelines for use in the classroom as a way to help educate on climate change and provide some discussion points.
Dice Throne
- 8+
- 3-4 Players
- 60-90 mins
Next, prepare for a dice game showdown with this fantasy game of Dice Throne. This dynamic game, available as a free board games download, from PNP Games, throws you into epic duels between unique heroes. Each player chooses a hero with special abilities and dice combinations. Then, they roll dice, activate abilities, and attack their opponents. Furthermore, strategic dice manipulation and calculated risk-taking are key to victory.
Equipment needed: dice. If you don’t have them from other games, these can be picked up cheap in Target, Walmart or the likes of $1 bargin shops .
Note: PNP Games offers a huge variety of free board game downloads, which you can check out here.
Secret Hitler
- 17+
- 5-10 Players
- 45 mins
Overview
Secret Hitler is a social deduction game and also a great party game. In Secret Hitler, players take on the roles of German politicians in a tense environment where they must maintain a fragile Liberal government while dealing with the growing threat of Fascism. Hidden among them are secret Fascists, and one player is Secret Hitler.
At the start of the game, each player is assigned a secret role: Liberal, Fascist, or Hitler. While Liberals have a majority, they don’t know each other’s identities. Fascists must use secrecy and sabotage to achieve their goals. Hitler is part of the Fascist team, and the Fascists know who Hitler is from the beginning. However, Hitler doesn’t know who the other Fascists are and must figure that out as the game progresses.
Liberals win by enacting five Liberal Policies or by eliminating Hitler. Fascists win by enacting six Fascist Policies, or by getting Hitler elected Chancellor after three Fascist Policies have been passed. Each time a Fascist Policy is enacted, the government gains more power, and the President receives a one-time power that must be used before the next round. Presidents, regardless of their team affiliation, might be tempted to enact Fascist Policies to gain these powerful abilities.
Check out this free board games download to play Secret Hitler at home with friends or at the next game night.
Backgammon
- 8+
- 2 Players
- 30 mins
This timeless classic board game, easily found as a free downloadable board game, challenges you to move your checkers around the board and move them off before your opponent. This is one of my favourite games for its balance between luck and strategy.
Players roll dice to determine their moves, strategically blocking their opponent and aiming to capture their checkers. Furthermore, calculated risk-taking and anticipating your opponent’s moves are vital.
How to play Backgammon
Layout the checkers as per the instructions. On your turn, roll the two dice and move your tokens around the board based on the number thrown. The dice numbers can be added together, and one token moves the sum of those dice, or you can move each token separately.
However, you need to weigh up your choices carefully. If you have one token on a triangle, your opponent can land on you and send your token back to the start. If you have two tokens on the same triangle, you are safe, and the opponent cannot land on you. The rules for how to play backgammon are simple, but the game is a great battle with risks and decisions on how to get your token around the board and escape your opponent.
Equipment needed: This free printable Backgammon board doesn’t come with tokens. However, as long as you have two different color tokens, they can be anything, buttons (same color), coins, or counters from other games. Take note you will need 15 of each. If you have printed the board on paper, you will need to place it on a hard surface. If possible, I would recommend printing on an A3 paper over A4. You will also need two dice.
Under Falling Skies
- 12+
- One Player Game
- 20-40 mins
Overview
Finally, defend Earth from alien invaders with Under Falling Skies. This engaging one player game, available as a free board game download, tasks you with managing resources and defending your city from incoming alien ships.
“We don’t know what they are. We don’t know where they came from. We don’t know why they are attacking. All we know is that they’re here, we must find a way to stop them, and time is running out. Under Falling Skies is a solo game of dice management and tough decisions. To win, you will need to defend your city and complete your research before the alien mothership destroys your base.”
Players roll dice to activate actions, aiming to shoot down alien ships and research new technologies. Moreover, careful resource management and strategic dice placement are crucial. Ultimately, you win by completing your research track before your city is destroyed.
A big shout out to Big Potato Games, as they have 7 free download board games just waiting for you. Head over here to check them out.
Your Game Night Awaits: Download and Play.
These tabletop games showcase the variety and excitement available in the world of free board game downloads. Whether you prefer strategic depth, social deduction, or one player games challenges, there’s a printable game waiting for you. So, download, print, and enjoy countless hours of fun with these fantastic printable board games.
However, if you are still looking for inspiration, check out our board games for adults page or head over to the age group page for detailed suggestions for different ages.
I am not affiliated with these companies.
