The Best Three-Player Board Games Worth Playing in 2025

The world of board games offers a diverse selection, including numerous two-player board games and even solo board games. But what about when you have a group of three? Contrary to what you might think, three players can actually enhance your game night experience. This number strikes a perfect balance, providing more dynamic gameplay than two-player games while maintaining a brisk pace with minimal downtime between turns. It's the ideal fusion of the best elements from both two-player and four-player formats.

TL;DR: The Best 3-Player Board Games

### Clank! Catacombs

0See it at Amazon### Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

0See it at Amazon### Star Wars: Outer Rim

0See it at Amazon### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

0See it at Amazon### Dune: Imperium - Uprising

0See it at Amazon### Wingspan

0See it at Amazon### Anachrony: Essential Edition

0See it at Amazon### Azul Board Game

0See it at Amazon### Cascadia

0See it at Walmart### Cthulhu: Death May Die

0See it at Amazon### Lords of Waterdeep

0See it at Amazon### Lost Ruins of Arnak

0See it at Walmart### Raiders of the North Sea

0See it at Amazon### Splendor

0See it at Amazon### Viticulture

0See it at Amazon

Finding the right games for three players can be a challenge, but we've curated a list of titles that shine with this player count. Whether your fourth cancels last minute or you're looking to expand your game night with a few extra friends, these games ensure an exceptional experience. And if you end up with more players, don't worry—we've also got you covered with the best 6-player games.

Contributions by Samantha Nelson and Charlie Theel.

Clank! Catacombs

### Clank! Catacombs

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 13+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 45-90 minutes

The Clank! series offers thrilling dungeon-crawling experiences where you navigate mazes using a deck of cards you build and expand during gameplay, adding a strategic layer to your journey. However, move too hastily, and you'll add noise cubes to a bag, increasing the chances of waking a dragon and facing its wrath. This tension heightens the excitement. Catacombs introduces a modular map, enhancing variety and exploration. With three players, the game strikes a balance—two feels too head-to-head, while four can drag on a bit too long.

If you enjoy this style, explore our guide to the best dungeon-crawler board games for more adventures.

Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

### Through the Ages: A New Story of Civilization

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 14+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 120 minutes

This unique civilization game unfolds without a map, guiding your culture from the Bronze Age to the present day. Engage in resource management and population growth, with a dynamic card system tempting you to overpay for upgrades. Military engagements are direct and swift, and the absence of a map prevents ganging up, making it an ideal strategic challenge for three players.

Star Wars: Outer Rim

### Star Wars: Outer Rim

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120-180 minutes

Set in the iconic Star Wars universe, this game lets you embody a galactic rogue striving for fame through trading, hunting, and smuggling. Upgrade your ship, gain skills, and encounter legendary characters. Three players ensure a rich, interactive experience without overstaying its welcome.

For more Star Wars-themed fun, check out our recommendations for other great Star Wars board games.

Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

### Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-120 minutes

Gloomhaven has made waves in recent years, and Jaws of the Lion offers a more accessible entry into this RPG-in-a-box. Cooperate with friends to conquer dungeons and defeat enemies, utilizing unique character decks to optimize your strategy. This campaign game is best enjoyed with a small group, enhancing the sense of achievement and camaraderie.

Explore more with our list of the best RPG board games currently available.

Dune: Imperium - Uprising

### Dune: Imperium - Uprising

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 13+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 60-120 minutes

For fans of the Dune universe, this game blends military might with political maneuvering as you build a deck from a public market and manage resources. Three players create a competitive yet balanced environment, pushing you to adapt to the ever-changing board. For more on the original, check out our review of Dune Imperium.

Wingspan

### Wingspan

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 40-70 minutes

This popular nature-themed game has you collecting birds to create a thriving sanctuary. With stunning illustrations and engaging components, each bird offers unique abilities that interact with your habitat. Three players strike the perfect balance, fostering competition without slowing down the game.

Discover more about Wingspan and its dragon-themed spin-off, Wyrmspan, in our detailed reviews.

Anachrony: Essential Edition

### Anachrony: Essential Edition

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 14+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30 mins per player

An asteroid threatens Earth, and you must prepare to lead humanity. Deploy workers with unique abilities, including mech pilots, and use Time Rifts to borrow resources from the future. The game offers multiple paths to victory and high replayability. For added complexity, consider the Future Imperfect and Fractures of Time expansions.

Azul

### Azul Board Game

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 8+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30-45 mins

Azul is perfect for introducing newcomers to board gaming. Draft tiles from the market to create a stunning mosaic, scoring points for connections and sets. The tactile experience of placing beautifully detailed pieces adds to the enjoyment. Check out our hands-on review of Azul and explore its various expansions.

Cascadia

### Cascadia

0See it at Walmart

Age Range: 10+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-45 mins

This soothing family board game invites you to build an ecosystem inspired by the Pacific Northwest. Each game offers different scoring goals, rewarding strategic placement of animal tokens and terrain tiles. Drafting pinecones adds another layer of strategy. Dive deeper with our Cascadia board game review.

Cthulhu: Death May Die

### Cthulhu: Death May Die

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 14+
Players: 1-5
Play Time: 90 mins

In this cooperative Lovecraftian horror game, the Elder Gods have already arrived. Your mission is to arm yourself and confront these monsters. With varied investigators and threats, three players provide a good mix of characters without extending the game too long. Be cautious, as the game ends if any investigator is eliminated before the Elder God is summoned.

Lords of Waterdeep

### Lords of Waterdeep

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 12+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 1-2 hrs

This game offers a great introduction to worker placement, especially for D&D fans. As secret Lords of Waterdeep, recruit adventurers to complete quests, balancing immediate boosts with long-term scoring. Build new locations to benefit from your rivals' moves. For a more competitive experience, consider the Scoundrels of Skullport expansion.

Lost Ruins of Arnak

### Lost Ruins of Arnak

0See it at Walmart

Age Range: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30 mins per player

Combining worker placement and deckbuilding, this game challenges you to uncover the secrets of a mysterious island. With various ways to score points, the game remains balanced for three players. Explore, fight guardians, research, and improve your deck or recruit assistants. A solo variant is available for practice or solo play.

Raiders of the North Sea

### Raiders of the North Sea

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 12+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60-80 mins

Embark on Viking raids, gathering resources and crew members to attack settlements. Crew bonuses and the risk of death add strategic depth. Convert plunder into offerings for the chieftain, but keep your favor secret until the game's end. Choose your actions wisely as the game can end quickly.

Splendor

### Splendor

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 30 mins

This family-friendly game is easy to learn yet satisfying for all ages. Build a jewelry empire by collecting gem tokens to purchase developments and attract nobles. Plan efficiently and anticipate your opponents' moves to secure victory.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 13+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 45-90 minutes

Transform an inherited Tuscan vineyard into a thriving business over multiple seasons. Plant vines, build structures, and sell grapes in summer, then harvest and age wines in winter. Develop complex grape varieties and fulfill orders to improve your vineyard. Enjoy a glass of wine as you learn about its production through gameplay.