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Top Worker Placement Board Games Revealed

by Eric May 13,2025

As an adult, it might surprise you to learn that work can indeed be fun and games, especially when you dive into the world of worker placement tabletop games. In these games, you guide your team through various tasks and adventures, strategically working towards achieving end goals. The beauty of worker placement games lies in their diversity; you can explore different worlds and themes, depending on the game you select. Below is a curated list of my current favorite worker placement games, featuring a mix of both new releases and timeless classics.

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 Amazon!

If you prefer to skip the details and jump straight to the games, you can browse through the side-scrolling catalog above. For those who enjoy a deeper dive into each game, continue reading below.

Viticulture

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 45-90 mins

Viticulture, crafted by the acclaimed designer Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, transports players to the picturesque region of Tuscany. Here, you'll inherit a vineyard from your family and embark on a journey to create a thriving winery. The game challenges you to manage your workers effectively throughout the season, focusing on planting vines, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and fulfilling orders. Spanning multiple years, Viticulture offers a rich experience that can be enjoyed competitively in its original form or cooperatively with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).

Yokohama

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 90 mins

Yokohama immerses players in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan. As a budding entrepreneur, you'll utilize a team of workers to build your business empire. Strategically gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders to maximize your success. While the game may seem complex at first, its mechanics become fluid once mastered. It's recommended for 2-4 players, with Board Game Geek suggesting it's at its best with three.

Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee Store!

Ages: 12+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)

Unconscious Mind is a deep Euro game that delves into the realms of psychology and grief. Not only is it one of the most visually stunning games I own, but its gameplay also offers intricate strategies involving movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds even more complexity, making it challenging yet rewarding. Be prepared for a longer commitment than the box suggests, as setup and teaching the game can take additional time.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-90 mins

Wayfarers combines dice with worker placement in a surprisingly enjoyable way. The game intertwines dice rolls with worker actions, offering a unique blend of chance and strategy. Though it may seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, it rewards players with engaging decisions and high replayability. Don't miss out on the fun this game brings.

Darwin’s Journey

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-120 mins

If you've ever dreamed of exploring like Charles Darwin, Darwin's Journey lets you race across islands, discovering nature and science for your museum. This game is easy to learn yet offers deep replayability. Its beautiful design is complemented by its accessibility, available both physically and online. A must-have for both seasoned and casual players.

Fromage

0See it at Allplay Store!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 40 mins

For those seeking a light-hearted game to enjoy with friends or on a solo date, Fromage offers a delightful experience centered around crafting and selling cheese in France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fill orders in this quick and enjoyable game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds another layer of culinary delight.

The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!

Ages: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120 mins

The Gallerist puts you in charge of an art gallery, where you'll discover artists, showcase their work, and attract discerning patrons. Be warned, this game is not for beginners; it ranks highly in complexity on Board Game Geek. Like the art world itself, it presents a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Septima

0See it at Mind Clash Games!

Ages: 12+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 50-100 mins

Septima's striking gothic art immediately draws you in. This accessible game revolves around the theme of witchcraft, where you'll build covens, collect herbs, brew potions, and navigate witch trials. Despite the challenges, it's a deeply engaging game that can be enjoyed solo or with a group. The expansion adds shapeshifting, enhancing the game's already beautiful artwork.

Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 90 mins

Rock Hard: 1977, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, lets you live out your rockstar dreams. The game's components, including an amp-shaped player board, are designed to immerse you in the rock 'n' roll lifestyle. While it was a fan favorite at Gen Con, be aware that it includes heavy themes that may not be suitable for all players.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 50-120 mins

For comic enthusiasts, Age of Comics: The Golden Years offers a chance to build your own comic book empire during the Golden Age. Hire creatives to design your books and race against other players to publish and sell your comics. The game's pulpy art and accessible gameplay make it enjoyable for both comic fans and newcomers. It's easy to learn and can be played solo or with up to four players, with the best experience for three.

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