Need some last minute ideas for that tabletop gamer in your life? Look no further, these are some things we have been excited about this year:
Party Games
Dadada
A game where everyone at the table is collaboratively making a new language?? Yes, it sounds crazy, but amazingly it works, and is one of the most unique gameplay experiences we’ve had in some time.
BUY IT NOW!
Caution Signs
One of our Best of Gen Con 2024 winners, Caution Signs is the best expression of the draw & guess genre we’ve seen in some time. With only 20 seconds to visualize the combination of two cards, this is one drawing game that’s actually just as fun when guessing correctly as it is when the guess is way off.
https://amzn.to/4g9xB5v
Things in Rings
Venn diagrams aren’t just for power point presentations anymore! A “knower’ will place cards within (or without) three rings, each representing a different rule: word, attribute and context, while the players take turns placing cards in the rings to figure out what each ring is. This one is a bit more on the “thinky” side
Card Games
The Gang
Who thought co-operative poker could be this fun? Each round players select numbered chips they feel correspond to their hand strength relative to everyone else. As the flop, river and turn come out on the board, that number may fluctuate based on their potential five card hand, and the only way to win the round is if everyone gets the hand order correct. This one has resulted in many jump-for-joy moments at our table in recent months.
Flip7
In this blackjack with a twist game, players press their luck by trying to score high each round towards the goal of 200. The cards number 1 through 12, and the number on the card is also the number of cards that bear that number. Players ask for another card or pass and hold on to their current points. Get another card of the same number and you bust, getting no points for the round. Get seven or more cards with different numbers, however, and you score bonus points. Throw in a few wacky effects cards like multipliers or freeze another player so they can’t get anymore cards, and you’ve got a game, baby!
Magic: The Gathering Foundations Beginner Box
A love letter to everything Magic, Foundations is a set designed to be the quintessential Magic set. Whether someone is looking to learn the game, return from a long hiatus, or just wants a bit of nostalgia, Foundations has something for Magic players old and new.
Solo Games
Gloomhaven Buttons & Bugs
This pocket-sized Gloomhaven spin-off may be one of the best solo gaming experiences you can get for $25. Frankly, it’s rather amazing that the Gloomhaven series has not only one of the largest game boxes on the market, but also the smallest.
Legacy of Yu
A solid Shem Phillips worker placement/deck management game, but also a solo campaign??? With a narrative based on the legendary Chinese hero of the Xia Dynasty, Legacy of Yu is all about building canals to stem the flooding of the Yellow River, while fending off the barbarians intent on destruction. This one is a blast to play and easy to reset and play again…
2 Player Games
Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle Earth
Relive the adventures of your favorite inhabitants from Middle Earth as you and another opponent battle to control the land. Add cards to your side to influence different factions, control the outposts of Middle Earth, or complete the Quest for the Ring. If you are looking for a relatively quick playing head to head adventure in the world of Tolkien, this one is for you.
REVIEW | BUY IT NOW!
Confusing Lands
Build a land of villages, animals, and wilderness as you compete with another player to create the best floating island. Using only 18 cards, Confusing Lands has players trying to build islands to meet both public and individual scoring objectives to earn the most points after four rounds. Tiny box, big game, low play time.
boop the Halls
The third boop from Scott Brady is Christmas themed, and the added victory condition of knocking your opponent’s ornament off the tree board (which is now a pyramid) may make this version of boop our favorite yet!
Family Games
Gnome Hollow
Cute mushrooms, cute gnomes, cute pathways, high strategy. Gnome Hollow is a game of building paths and collecting mushrooms to sell at the market. Players will strategically place tiles to try and trade in mushrooms for loot before their opponents beat them to it. Starts light, but quickly ramps up in difficulty, bringing you along with it. Sure to be a hit with gamers of varying skill (heck, we gave it a 100!)
Landmarks
Landmarks is a fun word-guessing game that works everywhere. There’s enough meat here for long-time gamers, but the game is simple enough for everyone in the family to join. In addition, Landmarks has both a cooperative and competitive mode depending on how your holidays are going. :)
River Valley Glassworks
This adorable game is great for everyone. This game is a simple package of collecting glass for their colors and if you need more complications the tiny expansion adds six new ways to add variety. The vibrant artwork and amazing components are also a joy to play with and add a wonderful tactile feel.
Medium Games
Windmill Valley
Hike the Bloeman Route to find the best tulips for your farm. Using an upgradable action wheel, players will plant, build, hire, and trade to earn points and become the best farmer of them all. With gorgeous colors and fantastic combos, Windmill Valley is perfect for those wanting great gameplay and a lovely theme.
Reef Project
Who knew cleaning and exploring the reef was so competitive. In Reef Project, players will control rival crews looking to capitalize on cleaning up the reef. Hire crew, drop buoys, and exert your influence on the water all while exploring and upgrading your tech to be the best conservationist on the ocean.
Escape from the Dark Sector
This game is a blast to spring on your table. With tension around any turn, Escape from the Dark Sector is the perfect compliment to your TTRPG group when they want a break.
Heavier Games
Dune Imperium: Uprising
If you know anyone who is a fan of the first Dune Imperium and has been hesitant to take the plunge into the sort-of sequel Dune Imperium: Uprising, they will likely thank you for the gift of making that decision for them. A tighter, more balanced version of the game with new characters and totally compatible with all of the expansions, Uprising should be a welcome treat under the tree for experienced and inexperienced DI players alike!
TTRPGs
Pathfinder Beginner’s Box
Start adventuring in the world of the Lost Omens with the remastered Pathfinder Beginner’s Box. Players will find everything they need from dice, to pre-made characters, monsters, and an adventure into the depths of the city of Otari to experience the world of Pathfinder. Guides will help the beginner gamemaster and player learn the mechanics of the Pathfinder system and serve as a launching pad for the larger world.
Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook 2024
If you have a D&D player in your life who’s been hesitating to get the new core books, surprise them with this excellent update to the Fifth Edition Player’s Handbook. There’s plenty of new stuff in here, but by far the best part of this edition is how usable the book actually is, with better organization and even an index!
The One Ring
I’ve been in a One Ring campaign for a year, and I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface of the content that happens between the major stories in the world of Middle Earth. TOR and it’s expansions are rich with opportunities to create fantastic tales and adventures. Or, just roleplay eating like a Hobbit. This game can handle it all.
Hobby Tools & Supplies
Army Painter Fanatic Paints Most Wanted set
Even nearly a year later, this paint set is fantastic. The coverage, variety of tones, shades, and even the special effects paints are simply perfect. I use these on every project. Well worth a few bottles or if you can spring for it, a set.
Redgrass Gamers Wet Palette
I’ve started using the Redgrass palette, and it’s basically replaced my old Masterson. The portability, the pre-cut papers, and even the sponge seems to be of a great quality. Paint will stay moist for DAYS because of the elastic band that keeps the palette closed. I want a bigger one!
Chronicle Brushes
For the last year, I’ve been using Chronicle Brushes Wolf line on my competition and display projects, and each brush is just as good as the day I opened them. The quality of these brushes is worth the cost.
Artis Opus Drybrushes
For 2 years now, I’ve been using Artis Opus Drybrushes, and it’s really changed how I approach drybrushing. The type of brush & methodology they recommend are really a game changer. If you’re really looking to step up the speed and quality of a drybrush, their sets are perfect.
Gear and stuff
Bag of Holding
We’ve been big fans of this bag since Rollacrit told us about it a couple of years ago, and in fact if you see any GamingTrend folks at any convention chances are you’ll see a Bag of Holding hanging from their shoulders. It is practically part of the team uniform! Seriously, though, this decked out messenger bag is sturdy as hell and perfect for carrying games, TTRPG books, or just about any nerdy thing you can imagine. Make sure you check out the various accessories and a variety of themed bag straps!
Levity Game’s sticker upgrades
For those that love to bling out their games but don’t necessarily want to wholesale replace their wooden bits, Levity has a wide array of beautifully designed stickers and decals that elevate and in some cases, even aid gameplay (We love Dune Imperium but it’s nice to have denominations on the spice and solari). Better go check out their Etsy store while its still around, though, because owner and designer Ammon Anderson keeps making awesome games and probably won’t have much time to do this anymore!
Iron Clays
Game currency is always one of the first things we replace, typically with metal coins themed to specific games, which is awesome but can get kind of pricey, and only get used with that one game. Roxley’s Iron Clays are well constructed and designed poker style chips that are a joy to ruffle in your hand during just about any game where money changes hands.
Mike Dunn is the old man of Gaming Trend, having cut his teeth on Atari consoles and First Edition Advanced Dungeons & Dragons back in the day. His involvement with Gaming Trend dates back to 2003, and he’s done everything from design and code to writing and managing. Now he has come full circle, with a rekindled passion for tabletop gaming and a recent debut as Dungeon Master (nearly forty years after he purchased the original DMG).
Dan is an educator from Colorado. Growing up as an Air Force dependent gained him lots of new perspectives on the world and a love for making new friends, especially over a good board game. When not at school or playing a board game, Dan is probably at the gym, attending a local sporting event, or performing or attending theater. Dan loves heavy euros, deck builders, living card games, and great solo rules.
Randy is a designer, nerd, and mini painter. He's been painting since 2015, and has learned a lot in his time! Come with him as he continues to push his craft forward, always down to try new techniques, tools, and paints!
John Farrell is an attorney working to create affordable housing, living in West Chester Pennsylvania. You can listen to him travel the weird west as Carrie A. Nation in the Joker's Wild podcast at: https://jokerswildpodcast.weebly.com/ or follow him on Bluesky @johnofhearts
A life long video gamer, Mark caught the Tabletop itch in college and has been hooked ever since. Epic two player strategy games are his favorites but he enjoys pretty much everything on the tabletop, just no Werewolf please. When he gets a break from changing diapers and reading bedtime stories he can usually be found researching new games or day dreaming about maybe one day having time for a ttrpg. Some of Mark's favorite games are Star Wars: Rebellion, A Feast for Odin, and Nemesis.
Chris began tabletop gaming in college and quickly fell into the addictive world of cardboard. Beginning with D&D and Catan he became an enthusiast of all things gaming; analog or digital. Chris, now a relapsed MtG player, loves connecting with people via gaming through RPGs, board games, and video games. A particular favorite is testing friendships through social deduction games.
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