Board games can take the adventures of treasure hunting to the tabletop! And as a site on Treasure Hunts, and a collector of games, I thought I definitely needed to create a list of the Top Ten Treasure Hunting Board Games. They can make the winter time lull or summertime rain nights much more exciting.
There is treasure to be found all year round through the fun of games!
(Games are listed from younger to older and to the more complex- click on titles to see them on Amazon.com)
1) Race to the Treasure
For 2-4 players, ages 5 and up, approx.. game time is 20 mins, Co-operative style
The race is on! Get to the treasure before the ogre does, by creating a path from START to END! As you venture down the path, collect three keys to open the treasure. Pick up the ogre snacks to try and distract the ogre in order to get there first! Win the game by getting to the treasure before the ogre!
2) Incan Gold: The Race for Ancient Artifacts
For 3-8 players, ages 8 and up, approx.. game time 20-40 mins., family or group game
Incan Gold is a quick, fun game of bluff and daring in which explorers push their luck while exploring an old Incan temple in search of gold and treasure. You decide when to delve deeper into the temple, adding to your riches, or retreat to camp!
3) Carcassonne Gold Rush Board Game
For 2-5 players, ages 8 and up, approx. game time 40 mins., tile laying game style
Carcassonne Gold Rush is a take-off on the original and truly remarkable Carcassonne board game. This game version is set in the Wild West. An unknown frontier stretches out before the players. Construction of the first railroad lines has begun. The tireless work of the settlers is finally paying off as they leave their tents behind to prosper in the thriving cities which they helped to build. There is gold in the hills. Watch Out! Everyone is looking to get rich quick. Everyone wants to get to the mountains before the others mine them dry.
Carcassonne Gold Rush is a stand-alone edition. Plays similar to the original game which includes tile laying and occupying areas for points. Gold Rush has interesting new game effects with its mining tokens and tents. Cowboys (meeples) when played become Railwayman, Gold Miner, Merchant or Farmer.
4) Saboteur: The Duel
For 1-2 players, ages 8 and up, approx. game time 30 mins., SOLO version
Do unto others! both dwarves have to choose: will they build their tunnel together or will they try on their own? in either case, you will have to try to sabotage your opponent at the right time. Play a broken pickaxe, a rock slide in the tunnel, or a locked door – the clever dwarf will gain the crucial advantage and gain the gold. The player who has collected the most gold nuggets after three rounds wins. This two player version of the classic card game is sure to please fans of the original, as well as those seeking a quick, humorous two player duel. And if you can’t get your hands on a second dwarf, you can always try your luck at the solo game. Will you be able to build an efficient tunnel and avoid all obstacles?
5) Treasure Hunter
For 2-6 players, Ages 8 and up, playing time approx. 40 mins., easy to learn
In this card drafting game of Treasure Hunter players put a team of adventurers together, in order to claim the most lucrative treasures. Instead of investing in treasures, they might want to get abilities, which give them extra rewards. The treasures may be hidden in the frost mountains, the jungle and in some lava caves. But players have to make a wise choice while selecting their cards, because the sneaky greedy goblins are just waiting to steal the hard earned treasures. Get treasures, fend off goblins and amass the most gold to win in this fast paced drafting game for the whole family.
6) Loot Card Game
For 2-8 players, ages 10 and up, approx. game time 20-30 mins., strategic card game
Set sail for an exciting adventure of strategy and skullduggery in this captivating card game. Storm your opponents’ merchant ships and seize valuable treasure. But watch your back, matey — plundering pirates are out to capture your ships as well! The player with the most loot rules the high seas.
7) Forbidden Island
For 2-4 players, ages 10 and up, approx. game time 30 mins., Co-operative play style
Your team of adventurers must work together to keep the Forbidden Island from sinking as you seek the four treasures hidden within. The mission is carried out using different combinations of Flood, Treasure, and Adventurer Cards on the 24 tiles that make up the Forbidden Island. Once you’ve captured each treasure using the appropriate cards, you must make it to Fools’ Landing and escape by helicopter in order to win. If the island sinks before you complete your tasks, the mission ends in defeat.
8) Dragon’s Hoard card game
For 2-4 players, ages 10 and up, game time approx. 30 mins, strategic card game
In Dragon’s Hoard, each player plays a dragon hunting for treasure. Collect chromatic sheep from the farmer’s fields and use them to acquire marvelous treasures, but watch out! Other players will send angry mobs and wizards your way to stop you. Defend yourself and battle your way to riches.
Draft cards from a common draw pile before taking actions each turn. Purchase as many treasures as possible using the cards in your hand. Dragons buy treasures with sheep that they’ve collected, while opponents will play terrible actions against you to keep you from tending those sheep. Battle to keep your treasure, while preventing your opponents from doing the same.
At the end of the game, the player with the most victory points from treasures and bonuses wins!
9)Relic Runners
For 2-5 players, ages 10 and up, approx. game time: 60 mins., Strategy is key
In Relic Runners, each player takes on the role of a character keen to exploit and acquire relics that have been unearthed in a long lost part of the jungle. Each would-be archaeologist has a colorful past – retired university professor, former army captain, etc. – and wants to be the first to get their hands on the precious loot to earn the most victory points.
The players earn large victory points for collecting relics of different types (set collection) and players can also earn bonus points for creating long routes and traveling along these to collect relics.
10) Tortuga 1667
For 2-9 players, ages 12 and up, approx. game time 30 mins., family or group game
Tortuga 1667 is a pirate game of mutiny, plunder, and deceit for 2-9 players. Each player holds a secret loyalty to the British or French and is trying to have the most treasure in their team’s holds before the Spanish Armada arrives. Use vote cards to attack the galleon for treasure, mutiny against selfish captains, or brawl against your fellow pirates. Reveal event cards such as the Letter of Marque, Black Spot, or Albatross to maroon your enemies and to help your friends. But be careful about who you decide to help – not all pirates claiming to share your loyalty can be trusted. Tortuga 1667 is a standalone game in the Dark Cities series by Facade Games.
Play a game today!
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