Best Area Control Board Games of 2025

Defcon Game by Giochi offers an exciting strategy experience set in a dystopian future. Players engage in a battle for supremacy, using military power and managing their international reputation. Each decision affects your standing in the game, making it essential to balance strength and public perception. With multiple paths to victory, you can control territories while considering your opponents’ moves. This streamlined game is perfect for newcomers, providing a modern twist on classic area control mechanics and ensuring engaging gameplay for both kids and adults.

Defenders of the Wild offers a thrilling cooperative adventure where you and your friends unite as animal champions fighting against machines. You’ll enjoy the dynamic gameplay with its modular map, which changes every time you play, ensuring a fresh experience. Each habitat—be it forest, plains, marshes, or mountains—hosts different animal factions, allowing you to strategize based on your chosen character. With four unique factions to select from, you can explore various personalities and play styles. The game also features beautifully illustrated cards and quality wooden components, enhancing the immersive experience as you work together to reclaim the wild.

Lone Wolves by Wonderful World combines area control with trick-taking mechanics for a unique gaming experience. You will enjoy the strategic depth this game offers, as you decide which areas to challenge and whether to win or lose specific tricks. This adds layers of strategy that keep gameplay interesting. Additionally, the dynamic trump suit, which changes during play, keeps you on your toes and adds unpredictability. For those seeking an extra challenge, an advanced game mode is also included, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Sardegna Board Game by Crafty is a compact area control game that packs all the excitement of larger games into a small format. With its stunning design, the magnetic game board quickly unfolds, allowing you to set up in seconds. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-follow, updated rules that make learning the game a breeze. The game features key mechanics like Area Majority and Hand Management, which add strategic depth and keep players engaged. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the genre, Sardegna offers a delightful experience that is both convenient and enjoyable.

The Archona Small Samurai Expansion is an exciting addition to the Small Samurai Empires board game. This expansion allows you to train your samurai into formidable warriors, enhancing your strategy with archers and elite units. You can also engage in thrilling sieges and battles, bringing more action to your game sessions. Importantly, it includes components for a fifth player, making it perfect for larger groups. Remember, you'll need the core game to enjoy this expansion fully.

Ragnarocks is a board game by Grey Fox Games that takes you on a mythological adventure where you control the most territory to win. As a Viking, you will go through a move phase and a summoning phase on your turn. The game is designed for 2-6 players, aged 10 or above. With its area control feature, you can conquer and hold your territories to ensure your victory. The game is perfect for players who enjoy strategy board games and Viking adventures.

Battle of GOG by Crazzybox is a light strategy board game perfect for family game nights. With easy-to-understand rules, you can dive into complex gameplay that challenges your strategic thinking. As you explore the ancient land of Canaan, you'll compete to find five sacred scrolls while weighing your moves against your opponents. The unique game board, created from the bottom of the box, offers endless combinations for varied play experiences. Plus, with multiple winning conditions, each session promises excitement and engagement for all players.

El Grande by Hans im Glück immerses you in the political intrigue of 15th century Spain. As you navigate this strategic area control game, you'll find that the shifting majorities in regions can change the game’s dynamics in an instant, keeping you on your toes. Each turn, you get to select from five action cards using power cards, allowing you to strategically position your caballeros and execute special actions. This edition breathes new life into the classic, enhancing your gaming experience with two exciting mini expansions that add even more depth and fun to your gameplay.

Academy Games 1775 Rebellion is a historical and strategy board game that is perfect for head-to-head or up to 4-player team play. It is the second title in the Birth of America series after 1812 - The Invasion of Canada. The game is easy to learn, making it a great introduction to historical and strategy board games. The game has won multiple awards including the 2014 Origins Wargame of the Year and the 2013 Boardgamegeek Golden Geek Award for Best Wargame. The game is designed for 2-4 players and can be played in 1-2 hours. The game is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Tortuga 2199 by Grey Fox offers an exciting adventure where you can customize your pirate ship with unique powers and crew members, making each game feel fresh and personalized. You will navigate through expansive space, allowing you to claim new territories while battling monsters and raiding other players. The game combines deck-building, exploration, and area control, providing endless opportunities for strategy and replayability. As you expand your influence, you can choose different paths that shape your journey as a pirate captain, enhancing your overall gaming experience.