Something I didn’t expect to say as an adult is that sometimes, believe it or not, work can be fun and games. In worker placement tabletop games, they literally can be. In this form of gameplay, you take your team through different tasks and adventures as you build toward end goals. There are many different worlds you can choose to embark on, or themes to try, depending on the game you choose. This list has some of my latest favorites, including both newer and older worker placement games.
TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board 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 don't need no stinkin' blurbs, you can see all the games in this article in the handy side-scrolling catalog above. If you do want to read about the games, however, just keep on reading.
Viticulture
### Viticulture
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, offers a delightful journey to Tuscany, where players take their family's inheritance to create successful wineries. The game involves building a vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. To succeed, you’ll need to use your workers wisely during the season. Players play across multiple years, building their wineries and aging wine to fulfill orders. Gather your friends and raise a glass to Viticulture, which is playable competitively in its original iteration or as a cooperative board game in the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).
Yokohama
### Yokohama
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsYokohama is a board game set in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan. Players manage a team of workers to build their business empire. Strategically gain resources, develop technologies, and complete orders to achieve optimal success. The game is moderately complex, but turns flow smoothly once you understand the mechanics. It can be played with two to four players, though it's best with three 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 heavy Euro game centered around psychology and grief, and it's one of the most visually stunning games I own. The gameplay is complex, offering layered strategies in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further complexity, making the game more challenging or more accessible with pieces like fireworks and a gramophone lighter. Be prepared for a longer playtime than the box suggests, as setup, teaching, and gameplay can take a while.
Wayfarers of The South Tigris
### Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers is a complex yet rewarding combination of dice and worker placement. The worker placement is tied to dice rolls, adding an element of chance to your actions and decisions. The game offers a lot of decision space, which can be intimidating at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games. However, once you dive in, the fun and replayability are well worth it. Don’t miss out on this engaging experience.
Darwin’s Journey
### Darwin’s Journey
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsIf you've ever wanted to be a scientific explorer like Darwin, you'll enjoy Darwin’s Journey. Race fellow explorers and Darwin himself across three islands to discover nature and science for your museum. The game is easy to navigate and highly repeatable, with lovely table presence and online accessibility. A physical copy is a must-have, as it's a hit with both seasoned and casual players.
Fromage
### Fromage
0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsIf you’re looking for a game perfect for sharing with friends or dates, Fromage is a great choice. This relaxed simultaneous board game involves making and selling award-winning cheeses across France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, will have you craving Parmigiano even more.
The Gallerist
### The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsThe Gallerist is a challenging board game about running an art gallery. Discover artists, display their art, and attract patrons with exquisite tastes. Be warned: this is not a beginner-friendly game, ranking at a 4.24 out of 5 in complexity on Board Game Geek. It's a bit like the real art world—difficult to break into but rewarding once you're in.
Septima
### Septima
0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's art is extraordinary, especially for those who appreciate a colorful gothic style. This accessible game focuses on witches, involving building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch hunters and trials. Despite the challenges, I loved it and highly recommend it. You can also play it solo, and the expansion adds shapeshifting with animals, enhancing the beautifully designed artwork.
Rock Hard: 1977
### Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsRock Hard: 1977 lets you unleash your inner rockstar. Created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, the game features stunning components and an amp-shaped player board. It was a fan favorite at Gen Con. However, be aware that it includes heavy themes and sad content that may not be suitable for everyone.
Age of Comics: The Golden Years
### Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsIf you love comics, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to design your books and race other players to publish and sell comics. The pulpy art is a highlight, but you don't need to be a comic fan to enjoy the game. It's easy to learn and can be played solo or with up to four players, though it's best with three.
