Joseph works as an editor in one of the magazines dedicated to video games. Here, at RecRoomPick, he’s given the opportunity to enjoy the reverse of the medal – the no less engaging world of offline games.
Ryan knows everything when it comes to gaming, both online and offline. Since his early years he’s been in love with arcades, air hockey, and foosball. Finally, he’s given the opportunity to share his knowledge and opinion on the hobby of his life (and even get paid for it!).
Last updated: March 21, 2024
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In this age of virtual gaming, are board games still relevant? Absolutely. Board games are extremely fun and engaging. If you are looking for a group activity, then six is the perfect number of players. Most of these games can also be played by two or three people, but it is great to always have an opportunity to expand if more people would like to join.
We scoured the market for the best 6-player board games that you can play as a group, and there are so many things to consider before you make your pick. The genre and the plot of the board game will determine the gameplay and its duration. The recommended age is also an important concern because everyone in your group should be comfortable during the game. Make sure that you buy a game that allows for the participation of the number of players in your group.
"A famous strategy game with plenty of rewards and new graphics.Available with the 5–6-player extension.60–120-minute gameplay time.10+ recommended age."
"A game based on George Martin’s series of fantasy novels, which allows you to experience Westeros.For 3 to 6 players.3-hour gameplay time.14+ recommended age."
"An adventure game with a classic roll-and-move gameplay and extensive fantasy storyline.For 2 to 6 players.12+ recommended age.90–120-minute gameplay time."
"A fantasy flight strategy game sporting grand storytelling with a unique gameplay every time.For 3 to 6 players.8+ recommended age.4–8-hour gameplay time."
"A cooperative board game with an innovative murder mystery idea and a stunning design.For 2 to 7 players.10+ recommended age.45-minute gameplay time."
"A strategy game with quick round and easy-to-understand rules that leaves you ruling your own city.For 3 to 7 players.10+ recommended age.30-minute gameplay time."
"A strategy game that offers exciting but effortless experience, especially for kids and teenagers.For 2 to 6 players.8+ recommended age.30-minute gameplay time."
Catan is one of the most popular six-player strategy board games ever. This multiplayer game assigns the roles of different settlers to the players, who then have to trade resources and build their own holdings. As their settlement grows bigger, the players gain more points. The game is representative of the island, Catan. If you have the base game already, you can directly get the Catan: 5–6-player extension to make sure that you can play the game in a group. Multiple players will be able to explore the uncharted Catan simultaneously. You will be able to add 11 new territory tiles to the board to accommodate all the new civilizations. Expanding the island will give you so many opportunities for growth. The extension comes with all the extra components you might need.
Why are we impressed? This is a much-needed expansion to a universally loved game. The newly added components allow multiple people to join the game without ruining the gameplay in any way.
What negatives must you be aware of? You cannot play the game without extension. You will have to purchase the base game if you do not already have it.
Codenames is a game that combines wordplay with strategy. If you want a game that is more than just trivia, this is one of the best six or more player board games for you.
The players are divided into groups, and then one player from each group has to help the other members identify particular words through clues. The person has to come up with single-word clues so that their teammates can choose the cards with the correct words laid out in a grid with the rest. The clues can be anything as long as they relate to the chosen word in some way or the other. Giving any extra hints is not acceptable at all. If you want to be witty, then you can spend time thinking about innovative clues so that the players have an excellent time working out the details.
What makes it special? This is a perfect party game as it can accommodate multiple players. Players can brainstorm together and use the game as a bonding activity.
What cons did we find? The game can become repetitive after a while if players do not enjoy the process of cracking the correct answers with the clues.
George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels titled The Song of Ice and Fire has garnered a lot of love and acclaim across the world. It is no surprise that the books are also making their impact on the board game universe. Based on the books, A Game of Thrones: The Board Game will allow you to experience Westeros on your own terms. Gather your group of GoT fans and get ready to wage war as you fight for the Iron Throne after the death of Robert Baratheon. This is a game of diplomacy with a killer instinct. You will play as one of the six houses of Westeros. Make alliances but also be prepared to let them go. In order to assert dominance, you will have to exert your power to coerce and deceive your opponents. The artwork and components of the game stay true to the source, and you will feel as if you are in 2D Westeros with your favorite characters.
What stands out? All of us have wanted to visit Westeros when reading Martin’s books and this game brings the world to life. There are many different components of the game that contribute to realistic gameplay that leaves some room for strategy. This has to be one of the best 5–6 player board games.
What cons did we manage to find? GoT fans are the ones who will appreciate this game the most. The game is too theme-specific for universal appeal.
Medieval fantasies are always intriguing and hence a lot of fun in board games. The world of Talisman will lead you on a magical quest and the end is unpredictable. This roll-and-move fantasy action game offers you 14 character options. Whether you want to be a warrior, a wizard, or a priestess or someone else, Talisman will offer you many opportunities to establish your superiority. You will have to engage in battles with other players and gain more power along the way. Your goal will be to reach the Valley of Fire through the magical lands so you can secure the Crown of Command once more. However, you should not think that the journey will be easy. To begin with, you will have to obtain a Talisman by defeating the guardians so that you can gain entry through the Portal of Power. From then on, you will face monsters and enemies at every turn.
What are our favorite features? One of the best six-player fantasy board games, Talisman has all the elements that make fantasy so riveting. Face challenges and be a hero in your quest so that you get a sense of accomplishment.
What could be better? The replay value of this game is pretty high for the first 5–6 times, but starts dwindling from then on if you continue playing with the same group of people.
Disney fans will enjoy this board game immensely. A unique take on Disney stories, Villainous focuses on tactics and skill. You have to sharpen your backstabbing skills because you might have to be treacherous to the other players in order to win. The game involves villains from old and new Disney movies. You will have to become one of the villains and pave the way for your victory. Each character has a unique pursuit. For example, Jafar wants to secure the lamp while Ursula has to get Triton’s trident. Moreover, all the villains have powers inspired by their film personalities. You have to use these kills to deceive the other players and ruin their plans. You can use Disney heroes to make things difficult for the other villains.
What do we love it for? This game will test your intellectual abilities. If you want to win, you have to come up with sharp strategies. You will get to experience the nostalgia of your favorite Disney characters at the same time.
What were we disappointed with? Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of being treacherous and devious. The game also has a sharp learning curve.
Let’s get it straight. If you are a FRIENDS fan, you will want everything in your life to have some connection with the show. Monopoly lovers will love this FRIENDS edition of the game that offers new tokens and a completely new board setup. Not only is this new set refreshing, but it is also fairly nostalgic for anybody who has grown up with the show. Featuring iconic phrases, hilarious moments, and numerous other references to the show, this board game allows you to sell, trade, and create the perfect economic scheme. The tokens included in the set pay tribute to the show, with each representing an iconic symbol. The cards under Chance and the Community Chest have been renamed to refer to their apartments.
Why did it make our list? This is the perfect gift for people who love FRIENDS. The attention to detail is truly praiseworthy. One has to appreciate how closely FRIENDS has been incorporated in every element of the game.
What is not ideal about it? If you like FRIENDS but dislike Monopoly, this board game is not for you. While the design is based on the show, there is no difference in the gameplay.
When it comes to storytelling, few board games have been able to do better than Twilight Imperium. This is a game where you push the limits and come up with innovative strategies. As a player, you will be put in charge of one of the 17 factions that are fighting amongst themselves to establish the ultimate intergalactic domination. Since all the factions have different gameplays, you will have a new experience every time you play. You have to be politically devious and economically cautious as you try to take your factions forward. The board is made with 51 galaxy tiles that stand for planets and supernovas at the start of the game. You will have to emerge victorious in the war and trade negotiations so that nobody else can conquer your factions. The strategy cards are distributed every round. Once you win 10 victory points, you will become the ruler.
Why did it make our list? If you want an immediate gaming experience through a board game, you must play this. Created with tremendous attention to detail, this game can keep a group engaged for hours.
What is not ideal about it? Some players might find this game too complicated. You have to wade through tons of instructions to lay the foundation for a good time.
If you love the horror genre, you will love Betrayal at House on the Hill which is among the best six player co-op board games. The gameplay is filled with tension, and you will be completely immersed in it. You will have to play the role of a horror trope figurine as all the players wander about in a mansion. You will get to see the rooms one by one. Your fate in the house is not going to be pleasant because there are many horror scenarios that you might have to face. The players lay down one tile at a time as they go from one room to the other, and this journey will lead to horrifying and creepy omens. After you find a certain number of omens, you will have to face a horror scenario laced with violence and savagery.
What stands out? There are many terrifying situations that you may have to face in the game, and it gets really tense at times. There is something new to discover at every corner, and players have to work together.
What cons did we manage to find? This game is specifically targeted towards adults because children can find it too gory at times. Its emphasis on pure horror might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
If you have been in the hunt for a party game that appeals to people of all ages, then this game is the one you need to bring home. One of the best six player party board games, the UpsideDownChallenge game is designed to keep everyone entertained for hours. You will have a great time with everyone laughing and enjoying around you. All you need to do is wear specialized goggles that flip your vision upside down. As a result, you will find it difficult to even do regular tasks, and that is why the game is so exhilarating. You will have to face a series of simple challenges while wearing the goggles and the results will be hilarious. This is an interactive game that will help everyone bond with each other in a large group setting.
What makes it stand out? With this challenge, you will get a view of the world upside down and that is a mind-boggling experience. It is funny how difficult simple tasks become when your eyes are confused.
Which disadvantages must you keep in mind? While this game can be super fun in a group, it might not be the best choice for an adult-only group repeatedly.
If you are looking for a mystery board game, then you might find Mysterium to be the perfect game for you. Crack a case set in an ancient mansion but do not take it lightly as the process will not be easy. One of the players in your group will be the one to die, and they will have to contribute to the solution of the murder. As a player, you can choose to be the ghost, or you can be a psychic who wants to solve the case. The player who dies can communicate with the rest only through visions, which are in the form of cards with stunning artwork. These cards tend to be vague, and the psychics in the group have to interpret them.
What are its best features? The game has beautiful artwork, and you will appreciate it if you love visually appealing games. It is gripping because the psychics have to work within a fixed period to find the killer.
What could be improved? There is a chance that players who do not like murder mysteries could get bored of the game after a few rounds. You might need a few extensions to increase gameplay options.
If you have ever dreamt of being an excellent leader, then you will truly appreciate the powers bestowed on you by 7 Wonders. You will have the responsibility of leading any of the important cities in ancient times. The onus will be on you to bring forth a cultural, political, and scientific revolution so that your city can progress. You will lead the city to glory in this game that usually consists of more than three players. Collect all the possible resources, create trade routes, and establish your superiority through your military forces. The game operates on cards, all of which have special powers. Players must show their cards at the beginning of the game before proceeding. 7 Wonders spans across three ages, and the goal is to become better than your opponents.
What are our favorite features? This strategy game is easy to understand and will even appeal to people who are new to board games. It is just competitive enough to keep the gameplay exciting.
What could be better? Some players tend to find the gameplay a little tedious after playing a few rounds. However, that can be easily remedied with new strategies.
Do you fantasize about being a huge monster in a board game? If the answer is yes, the King of Tokyo is the ideal one to choose. In the game, there are many large beasts roaming about. You will find Godzilla, King, Kong, and what not. If you want a light-hearted game that has some hilarious fantasy elements, then you will really enjoy this one. The gameplay is fairly simple, and all the players will be comfortable with it after a round or two. Feel free to improve your monster form with special powers and compete against the others by wreaking complete havoc.
What are its best features? This is the game you play when you want to have an exciting but effortless experience. This game is especially suited for kids and teenagers who want to have fun while playing board games instead of brainstorming.
What could be improved? Everybody looks for something different in their perfect board game and that is perfectly fine. While King of Tokyo is fun in many aspects, it simply does not cater to players who are looking to play something serious and strategic.
Things to Consider
Board games are fun and exciting, but choosing the perfect games for your friends’ group can sometimes be stressful. The key to choosing board games for a group of people is to take everyone’s preferences into account. If you keep your eye out for certain features, you should be able to evaluate every choice fairly.
Features to consider when choosing a board game for six people
Once you have narrowed down your choices for the best 6 player board games, you should consider the following features.
The plot
The plot of a board game is the primary determinant of whether it something you should purchase. Board games can be based on different plots related to strategy, fantasy, and adventure, or they can lack a cohesive plot altogether. Once you decide what type of gameplay you are looking for, it will be much easier for you to judge games by their plot. Some games like Catan and the Game of Thrones Boardgame are highly dependent on the storyline. If you love having a fleshed-out story and building on it, you will love them. On the other hand, other games like the UpsideDownChallenge Game and Monopoly: Friends The TV Series Edition do not have one set plot. If you prefer not to play within the set restrictions of a plot, then you will have a better time playing them.
Genre
Just like movies have multiple genres, there are also multiple genres for board games. You, along with the five other players, should decide what genre will be the most enjoyable. We have tried to include a variety in our list so that you have plenty of choices no matter what you like.
Wordplay games like Codenames is intellectually stimulating, while strategy games like A Game of Thrones are usually more immersive.
If you love a hefty dose of fantasy elements in your game, then you will love Talisman. Or, you can take it a step further with fantasy adventure board games. Monopoly is one of the best commerce simulation board games and will always end up in excellent rounds. Cooperative strategy board games such as Betrayal At House On The Hill and Eurogames like Catan are also safe bets.
Recommended age
The recommended age is obviously an important factor to consider when you are choosing a board game. If you are playing with a group of adults, then you should not face any age restriction problems. However, if there are young children in the mix and you are looking for a family game, it is better that you check the age limits before you make the final purchase. Catan and Codenames can be played by anyone who is above ten years of age. Monopoly, on the other hand, has a lower age limit, allowing anybody aged eight years and above to play the game. A Game of Thrones Board Game requires players to be above fourteen years.
Number of players
When you are looking for a board game for a group, you must ensure that the gameplay allows everyone’s participation. You do not want to be in an awkward position where you invite more people, but they have nothing to contribute. Most of the games we have mentioned on our list can be played with two or three players at the very least. For example, Ravensburger Disney Villainous requires 3 to 6 people, while Codenames can even be played with eight people. However, Catan needs six players for a complete round. The number of players you need will solely depend on your plans and preferences.
Gameplay time
Board games have varying gameplay durations. Some may take just an hour, while others might occupy you for an entire day. If you have time limits that you need to adhere to, you should look for a game that can be completed within that period. A fast-paced game like Codenames can be played within fifteen minutes, which can be a huge advantage if you have time constraints. If you have 30–45 minutes in hand, you can also play King of Tokyo and 7 Wonders. For long and immersive gameplay, you can play Twilight Imperium for 4–8 hours.
What’s included
Check the contents of the box so that you can get an idea of what to expect when you try to set it up. There should be an instructions manual that explains how you have to play the game and lists all the components. Ensure that you have all the pieces and follow the instructions step by step to get the game ready.
The board game that is the quickest to play is Codenames. In fact, you can complete a round of Codenames in just 15 minutes. However, if you want a game that will last a little longer and be more immersive, you can go for King of Tokyo that usually takes half an hour or Mysterium that takes around 45 minutes. For quick gatherings, these games are your best bet for a good time.
If you want a play a game for a while and have a great time with your friends, then you can play Twilight Imperium that takes a minimum of 4–8 hours. For Game of Thrones games, nothing can beat a round of the Game of Thrones Boardgame that can take up to 3 hours.
Board games that allow for multiple replays are an excellent investment. You will be able to make many memories with your friends with such games. Catan, Betrayal at House on the Hill and Codenames are games that have high replay value. On the other hand, if you are a Friends fan, you should go for Monopoly: Friends The TV Series Edition.
While you can play a base game by yourself, it is always fun to add more gameplay elements to spice up the experience. You can check out the extras and extensions of the game to see if their subject matter is something you are interested in. For example, Catan has excellent extensions. Extras and extensions are often based on user requests so they add important components to the game.
Our Verdict
All the games mentioned on our list come with their own advantages. We do, however, have some favorites.
Catan is one of the most popular strategy games in the world, and it is absolutely deserving of all the praise. As long as you get the multiplayer extension, you should be able to play Catan with your friends. The new graphics details and the card additions will allow you to expand your world and accommodate even more elements.
Codenames is a wordplay game that engages players like no other. Each group will have a wordmaster who will give clues and try to make the team members guess certain words. They have the liberty to be creative with their word connection, or they can try to play it safe. This game is perfect for parties.
For Game of Thrones fans, no board game will stand close to A Game of Thrones Boardgame. This massive strategy game puts players in the land of Westeros, where they have to fight for the Iron Throne.
What will be your pick from our list of the best 6-player board games?
Once you have narrowed down your choices for the best 6 player board games, you should consider the following features.
The recommended age is obviously an important factor to consider when you are choosing a board game. If you are playing with a group of adults, then you should not face any age restriction problems. However, if there are young children in the mix and you are looking for a family game, it is better that you check the age limits before you make the final purchase. 
