Summary
The classic gameRiskis a staple in many homes. Who can forget the desire to dominate Asia to get the most troops or that one player that camps in Australia andits surrounding sphere of influence to gather strength?
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The impact ofRiskhas not only inspired thematic variations of the same game, but many game designers have come up with their area control wargames that offer more mechanics and different themes. For there is sometimes no deeper satisfaction than to watch one’s units demolish an enemy and claim territory in the name of victory.
Updated Jul 12, 2025, by Via Erhard:While many players dive into the world of strategy board games for that tactile feel and eye contact across the table, there’s an undeniable magic to these adventures that’s ageless and inclusive. For younger players, these games are a gateway into magical tales about pirates, warriors, and treacherous terrains. For adults, they can be a thrilling trip down memory lane that’s also blended with tact and strategy. From strengthening cerebral muscles to providing that much-needed human connection, strategyboard games like Riskare more than just play; they’re often lessons in miniature. No matter if someone is a newbie or an experienced gamer, these board games will surely entertain players while improving their strategic thinking and creativity.
18Azul
Players who love colorful, creative, andbig board gameswill loveAzulfor its gorgeous tiles that become the players' battleground. In this beautiful board game, players carefully select ceramic tiles to complete patterns on their boards, but they have to be careful with their decisions. Every piece they take affects what others can grab, making every choice a strategically important one.
Azulis also ideal for beginners since the rules are fairly simple, and it is all about territory control, so players will have to use their strategic thinking. Gamers who love art and appreciate crafting over conquering continents will surely enjoyAzul’s gorgeously crafted tiles.
17Botanik
Botanikmasterfully blends steampunk elements with botany and immerses its players in a unique world where they can become one-of-a-kind gardeners. This abstract strategy board game’s world is set in a world that’s grappling with rust and toxins and where a brilliant scientist’s botanical inventions might save the world.
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However, she has two ace teams who are battling it out to bring her vision to life, so players can become the captain of one of these teams. Players will have to draft pivotal machine parts and reshuffle the main workshop to weave those tiles seamlessly into their grand machine, among many other fun things, while enjoyingBotanik’s breathtaking aesthetics.
16Mythic Mischief
Mythic Mischiefis one of the best board games likeRiskthat’s a whole lot of fun for the entire family. This charming fantasy game transports its players into a magical world where they can explore an enchanted school library while trying to avoid the Tomekeeper.
Players will get to uncover the secrets of theMythic Manorwhile also getting to use their very own special set of magical moves, including shifting bookshelves to reroute the Tomekeeper and using unique faction powers to outmaneuver rivals; every move is crucial. Beginners and pro gamers can embark together on a fun quest for powerful Tomes scattered across the library to enhance their faction’s abilities and win the game.
15The Girl Who Made The Stars
The Girl Who Made The Starsis one of the most beautifulnew board games like Risk. The game takes players on a celestial journey that’s rooted in a captivating San African myth about the creation of our galaxy, so players can enjoy strategic game-play that’s blended with age-old tales.
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Players will get to become village elders who have to interpret the starlit patterns and offer guidance and wisdom to the villagers. This charming game combines the complexity of tile-laying with worker placement, and players will have to strive to draw constellations and collect resources like fish and fruits, all while also gathering precious stardust and boosting their reputation among villagers.
14War of the Ring: Second Edition
War of the Ring: Second Editionis not just for J.R.R. Tolkien andThe Lord of the Ringsfans but for any gamers who are looking forfantasy-themed board gamesthat’ll transport them into a dark fantasy realm. Thanks to this beautiful and entertaining board game, players can fight against or for the Dark Lord, Sauron.
During their adventures, players will have to fight epic battles while trying to conquer more cities and territories. This novel-based wargame is a perfect choice forRiskboard game lovers who love this classic because of the conflict and conquest they can experience during the gameplay.
13Spirit Island
Spirit Islandis one of the most beautiful mythology-inspired board games likeRiskthat’s a great choice for beginner and more experienced gamers as well. This family-friendly strategy board game not only has an exciting story, but it’s a complex cooperative game that’ll challenge players.
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Players will get to become powerful spirits with unique elemental powers and will have to defend their island from colonizing invaders. Gamers will be able to grow their powers in multiple ways, including by spreading their presence to new territories.Spirit Islandis a fun board game that tests players' strategic skills while immersing them in a unique story.
12Gaia Project
Gaia Projectis one of the most excitingsci-fi board gamesthat’s perfect for Risk players who want to go on an epic space adventure. Thanks to this sci-fi strategy board game, players can explore a unique universe while expanding and researching during their adventures.
Players will have to terraform neighboring planets while competing against other alien species for the territories. However, gamers will have to do a lot to be able to build their territories, including improving the special skills and abilities that each group has.Gaia Projectis a great choice for board game lovers who are looking for a complex and challenging strategy game that’ll take them on a fun space exploration adventure.
11BATTALIA: The Creation
BATTALIA: The Creationis a fast-paced strategy board game that transports its players into a thrilling fantasy realm. Players get to go on an immersive adventure during which they’ll not only have to fight battles but first build their cities and roads so they’re able to send their heroes into battles.
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Gamers will also have to build their territories as the four nations battle for power. During their adventures, players will have to make smart tactical decisions since the game is designed to stimulate analytical thinking.BATTALIA: The Creationis one of the most fun, family-friendly strategy board games that’s a great choice forRiskfans who want to go on a new fantasy-inspired adventure.
10Risk Legacy
Another reimplementation ofRisk, this version, however, differs from the original base game in that each campaign bears the scars of previous conflicts. Players will be able to choose unique factions, making certain territories into strongholds to produce more units or even obliterate territories by placing stickers on the game board.
Although the game has a limited number of campaigns before the map stays as it is,Risk Legacyoffers a wargame experience that is unique to the players that shaped it.
9Kemet
ImagineRiskbut set in the ancient sands of mythological Egypt,Kemetis a wargame that has players fight to control strategic locations on the game board. How it differs fromRiskis that Kemet encourages players to attack one another. Limited troops and actual incentives to fight means that there will be no mass buildup of troops on the borders.
The game also replaces dice with a card combat system in which every player has the same set of combat and defensive cards that add buffs or additional damage. A style that offers more strategy and less dependence on luck. Players also have access to a ‘tech tree’ where they can acquire permanent boons andeven mythological creaturesto fight beside their faction for the rest of the game.
