As an adult, I never thought I'd say it, but work can actually be fun and games, especially in worker placement tabletop games where you literally manage tasks and adventures to achieve end goals. With a variety of themes and worlds to explore, these games offer endless enjoyment. Here's a curated list of some of my top picks, spanning both new and classic worker placement games.
TLDR: The Best 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're eager to dive right into the games, you can check out the side-scrolling catalog above. For those interested in learning more about each game, read on.
Viticulture
### Viticulture
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsEmbark on a delightful journey to Tuscany with Viticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame. In this game, you inherit a vineyard and work to create a successful winery. Manage your workers to plant vines, harvest grapes, bottle wine, and sell it to meet orders. Play across multiple years, aging your wine and expanding your estate. Viticulture offers both competitive and cooperative gameplay, with the cooperative version available in 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, near Tokyo, this game challenges you to build a trading empire. Strategically deploy your workers to gather resources, develop technology, and fulfill orders. While the game has a moderate level of complexity, turns flow smoothly once you grasp the mechanics. 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 visually stunning and intellectually engaging Euro game centered on psychology and grief. Its complex gameplay offers deep strategic options in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds more layers, making it even more challenging, or you can opt for softer elements like fireworks and a gramophone lighter. Be prepared for a longer playtime than the box suggests, as setup and teaching the game 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 minsExperience the rewarding blend of dice and worker placement in Wayfarers of The South Tigris. This game integrates dice rolls with worker actions, creating exciting decision points. Though initially daunting, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, it offers immense replayability. The tight resources and multiple decision paths make for a deeply satisfying experience.
Darwin’s Journey
### Darwin’s Journey
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsChannel your inner explorer in Darwin's Journey, racing across islands to discover nature and science for your museum. Easy to navigate and highly repeatable, this game is both visually appealing and accessible online. However, a physical copy is recommended as it's a hit with both seasoned and casual players.
Fromage
### Fromage
0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsSatisfy your appetite for fun with Fromage, a relaxed simultaneous board game about crafting and selling award-winning cheeses in France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds an extra layer of flavor for cheese enthusiasts.
The Gallerist
### The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsDive into the art world with The Gallerist, where you manage an art gallery, discover artists, and attract discerning patrons. Be warned: this game is not for beginners, with a complexity rating of 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek. It mirrors the real challenges of breaking into the art scene.
Septima
### Septima
0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsThe stunning art of Septima will captivate you, especially if you're drawn to gothic themes. This accessible game revolves around witches, where you build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and navigate witch trials. Despite the challenges, it's a rewarding experience, enhanced by an expansion featuring shapeshifting with animals.
Rock Hard: 1977
### Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsUnleash your inner rockstar in Rock Hard: 1977, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. With stunning components and an amp-shaped player board, this game lets you rock your way to stardom. Be aware, though, it includes heavy themes 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 minsComic enthusiasts will love Age of Comics: The Golden Years, where you build a catalog of comics during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to create and publish books, racing against other players. Even if you're not a comic fan, the game is easy to learn and enjoyable, offering both solo and multiplayer options, best with three players.
