Top Board Games To Showcase Your Table

So, you’ve finally done it. You sifted through the best options online, you took delivery, and now your brand new table is finally set up. 

But what’s the first game you should play on it?  

No matter whether you own a heaving game shelf, a well-maintained collection, or are looking to make some new purchases – deciding what to play first, second, or for the rest of your day with friends can be… tough.

So, here are eight of our favorite games that sing on tables of any size and are perfect for showcasing your (new) stunning dedicated gaming table. 

Starting with- 

A perennial favorite for wargaming nerds everywhere, Memoir 44 is a stone-cold classic. Combining hand management, military tactics, and silky-smooth gameplay; Memoir is an exceptional pick for gamers who love a bit of fun with their military roleplay. When fully set you’re your table is quickly transformed into a war room, with players pushing pieces around and sucking air through their teeth like armchair generals. And if you’re feeling up to it, the stonking Operation Overlord expansion raises the player-count to three-per-side – replicating the fog of war and making the first game a True Event for the ages.   

If you’re going to play something novel on your brand-spanking-new table, it had better look fantastic. And, here, Oceans more than fits the bill. Further refining the mechanics put in place by the evolution series, Oceans lets you and your fellow players plumb the briny deeps and craft the ecosystem of your dreams (or fang and flipper-filled nightmares). A streamlined engine builder, Oceans combines card drafting with careful hand management as you build your food chain. With stunning card art, tense gameplay, and – dare we say it – an educational bent; this game is a joy to play, and a wonder to bring to your new playing surface. 

You could be forgiven for thinking that Twilight Imperium would be winding its way to the top of this list. But when it comes to you and your table, it’s best to pick out something that won’t run the risk of outstaying its welcome.  Best known as Twilight’s smaller, cooler cousin, Eclipse is a 4X spacefaring masterpiece that plays in a fraction of the time and carries a tenth of the intimidation factor. Offering multiple paths to victory, a stunning new design, and refinements to gameplay – the 2nd edition is a brilliant choice for space heads looking to showcase their table.   

Of course, you’ll want to get something that shows off just what you have. And while you can take advantage of a game cellar, modular extras, improved storage, and other fine elements… sometimes you just want to get your friends and play something that really lights the room up. And this timeless classic from Le Scorpion Masqué does just that, splitting players up into two teams and attempting to crack your rival’s code. Playing quick, the game lives on your table – turning your new play space into a debating floor as you try to outwit your opponents. A true joy to play and offering theatricality through the game’s chunky cardboard screens, Decrypto is the perfect start to your next level gaming experience.

A new table means a new start. And it doesn’t get any newer or more exceptional than Jaws of the Lion from the talented Isaac Childres. Offering an extended demo of the Gloomhaven experience -that is its own game- Jaws lets you and up to four other players enjoy a gentle start to the game, offering an insanely generous 25 scenario campaign in one appropriately heavy box. This includes tutorial missions, new monster types, beautifully sculpted minis, and the ability to carry your progress through into the main game. If your group is keen on dungeon delving or marking your new purchase with the new campaign, it’s very, very tough to do better.  

When it comes to breaking in a new table, it’s vital to ask what you value with your gaming experience. Is it sweating over tough tactical decisions? Blasting your way through legions of Stormtroopers? Or is it screaming at your friends and having a wonderful time. If it’s the latter… No Thanks may be the perfect call for your group. Playing quickly and with minimal rules overhead, No Thanks’ approach to set collection and push-your-luck mechanics see players screw each other over, make dodgy bids and deals, and bring the table to life through accusations and treachery. And with a minimal price point, this is the perfect (and cost-effective) way to start your new session on your new table correctly.  

A new table deserves something truly, truly special. Offering you Batman in a box, Gotham lets you create your dream Bat Family superhero team and take on the big guy’s rogues gallery. This plays out across a sprawling miniatures game that encourages you to play like The Dark Knight himself. From the contents of your toolbelt to the backup at your side, to your mission-based tactics: everything is under your control. Looking stunning on any table top, a properly designed gaming table makes your sessions sing – letting you Become The Bat…or allowing your opponent finally discover whose face lies under the mask. Well, before disposing of the body anyway.  

No matter what kind of game you like to play, the only thing that truly matters is having a good time. And if that’s your goal then Mysterium will do. Combining stunning-looking game pieces, fluent play, and an interaction-driven puzzle; Mysterium fills every corner of your brand new table and transforms it into an amazing play space. Putting you in the role of psychics trying to solve a murder – it won’t be long before the laughter starts, questions fly, and the mute ghost player/ game master hides groans of frustration. Offering a unique experience, Mysterium belongs at any table. Especially your new one.

What board games do you play to showcase your gaming table? Tell us in the comments!