Updated: September 21th, 2024

There are so many board games, each trying to come up with new mechanics, but there is one mechanic that has stood the test of time and is still used now in many modern games - the simple act of rolling dice! 

Am I saying that dice rolls are the best mechanic? Absolutely no, but rolling dice adds randomness to each playthrough, and with each dice roll you can feel something magical - the thrill, the unknown cultivating in emotions coming from the rolled number (or symbol)!

So, let's dive in and find out some of the best board and card games that include rolling dice!

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For the Enthusiasts: Deep Dives into Strategy and Luck

Castles of Burgundy

For those who relish the strategic manipulation of dice, Castles of Burgundy offers a sophisticated dance of decision-making and luck. Set in the verdant landscape of medieval France, players compete to build the most prosperous princedom. The roll of the dice influences your actions, but strategizing your way through the opportunities they present is key to victory.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile 

This game is designed to be a different game each time you play and over time. Players might find themselves defending the empire from external threats or leading the charge to overthrow it, with each player's decisions affecting future games. Dice rolling in combat and challenges adds to the game's dynamic nature, ensuring no two campaigns are the same.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Elder Sign

Diving deeper into thematic gameplay, Elder Sign pits players against the looming threat of cosmic horror. This cooperative adventure requires players to gather clues, fight otherworldly creatures, and prevent the ancient ones from awakening, all through the roll of a die. It's a perfect blend of narrative depth and dice-rolling mechanics to keep enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon 

Tainted Grail is a deeply immersive, story-driven adventure game set in a dark reimagining of Arthurian legends. Players embark on quests, face moral dilemmas, and combat foes in a land consumed by a mysterious force. Dice rolls in combat add a layer of unpredictability, challenging players to adapt their strategies.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Dice Throne

Combining strategic card management with the thrill of dice rolling, where each player commands a unique class of hero, Dice Throne's essence lies in its dice combat system, injecting luck and excitement into every turn, supported by stunning artwork and quick setup. It's exceptionally balanced and fun, offering endless replayability. And if you are a Marvel fan, then there are also plenty spin off games with Marvel characters.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Arcs

Arcs is one of the most talked-about games of 2024. Although dice rolling is not its core mechanism, you'll roll the dice when jumping into space battles with your friends! It has 3 types of unique 6-sided dice needed to attack other space ships and to ransack other player's cities and space ports.

👉 Read our full review of Arcs here!

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Family Fun: Easy to Learn, Delightful to Play

King of Tokyo

For families seeking fun and accessible games, King of Tokyo turns a simple dice roll into a monster battle for supremacy. It's easy to learn and quick to play, making it an ideal candidate for family game night. Players vie for control over Tokyo, gaining points and purchasing power-ups, all while deciding whether to heal, attack, or gather energy through their dice rolls.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

The Quacks of Quedlinburg 

The Quacks of Quedlinburg mixes strategy and chance. Players draw ingredients from a bag to brew potions, hoping not to explode their concoction. The push-your-luck element and the variability of the draw mimic the thrill of rolling dice, making it a hit for families who enjoy a blend of luck and strategy.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Sagrada

Another family-friendly gem is Sagrada, where players compete to create the most beautiful stained glass window on their game board. It combines strategic resource management with the randomness of dice rolls, offering a visually stunning and mentally engaging experience suitable for older children and adults alike.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Dragonwood 

Dragonwood is a card game that incorporates dice rolling uniquely and interestingly. Players collect sets of adventure cards to earn dice, which are then rolled to attempt to capture creatures or claim enchantments from the mystical forest of Dragonwood. The game encourages strategic thinking about when to take risks and when to play it safe, all while engaging in a fun and fantastical theme.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Unique Finds: Off the Beaten Path

Too Many Bones 

Too Many Bones offers a dice-based RPG experience for those searching for games that break the mold. With a heavy emphasis on character development, tactical combat, and a sprawling narrative, the game's innovative use of dice as skills and actions provides a fresh and engaging gameplay experience.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Roll For The Galaxy 

Build galactic civilizations using dice representing their populace, in the Roll For The Galaxy. The mechanics are centered around rolling dice to allocate resources, develop new technologies, and settle planets. The game's depth comes from the players' ability to adapt their strategies based on the roles they roll, making it a compelling blend of luck and tactical planning.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Quarriors!

Quarriors! introduces a unique dice-building mechanic. Players collect and roll dice to summon creatures, cast spells, and outmaneuver their opponents. It's a strategic and fast-paced game that combines the thrill of dice rolling with the depth of deck-building strategies.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

Alien Frontiers

Players use their fleet of dice to acquire resources, develop technologies, and colonize planets. The dice represent spaceships; their roll determines your actions and how effectively you can execute your plans. With a mix of luck, strategy, and player interaction, Alien Frontiers offers a deeply engaging gameplay experience that has captured the hearts of gamers looking for a challenging and thematic dice-based game.

👉 Buy on Amazon
👉 Buy on Noble Knight

The Allure of Rolling Dice

The anticipation as the dice tumble, the suspense of the outcome, and the subsequent cheers (or groans) are familiar scenes to anyone who's ever played a dice game.

This quintessential gaming element appeals to our love of chance, the thrill of the unknown, and the sheer fun of letting fate decide our next move. Games with dice have the uncanny ability to unite people, offering a blend of luck and strategy that caters to gamers of all ages and skill levels.

Online Resources and Communities

The board gaming community thrives online, with forums, websites, and social media groups dedicated to discussing and discovering games with dice. These platforms are invaluable resources for reviews, gameplay tips, and connecting with fellow gamers. Consider subscribing to newsletters from reputable gaming sites for the latest insights and updates in board games.

In the spirit of community and shared enthusiasm, we invite you to join us at www.joyful-games.com, where the adventure continues. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the newest and most exciting games to add to your collection. Whether you're an enthusiast looking to deepen your gameplay experience or a family eager to find your next game night favorite, we're here to guide you through the wonderful world of games with rolling dice.

Conclusion

From strategic depth to family fun, games with rolling dice offer a universe of possibilities waiting to be explored. They challenge us, unite us, and, most importantly, bring joy and excitement into our lives. These games, each with unique charm and challenge, showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of dice in gaming. They remind us that the best memories are sometimes made with a simple dice roll.

As you seek out these games, remember the value of supporting local game stores in your quest. These community hubs not only provide access to a plethora of games but also offer the chance to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about gaming. They're the heartbeats of the board gaming community, offering spaces to discover, play, and share the joy of games.

The online board gaming community is just a click away in the digital age. It's a treasure trove of insights, recommendations, and discussions that can enhance your gaming experience. It offers advice, reviews, and the latest news in the board and card games world. Subscribing to newsletters from trusted gaming sites like www.joyful-games.com ensures you're always in the loop, ready to dive into the next gaming adventure that awaits.

FAQ Section:

1. Where can I find a local gaming community to play these dice-rolling games?

Finding a local gaming community can enhance your gaming experience and provide opportunities to try out new games before purchasing them. A great starting point is to visit your local game store and inquire about game nights or board game groups. Additionally, websites like Meetup.com often have listings for board game meetups in your area. Don't forget to check out online forums and social media groups dedicated to board gaming; they can be a gold mine for connecting with fellow enthusiasts in your region.

2. Are there any mobile apps or online platforms where I can play these dice games digitally?

Yes, several board games have digital versions available on platforms like Steam, iOS, and Android. For games that don't have official apps, websites like Tabletopia and Tabletop Simulator on Steam offer a virtual tabletop experience where you can play a wide range of board games, including dice-rolling games, with friends online. These platforms are fantastic for trying out games before purchasing their physical copies or for playing with friends who live far away.

3. How can I decide which games are right for my family or gaming group?

Choosing the right game depends on your group's interests, age range, and the level of complexity you're comfortable with. For families and less experienced players, starting with games that have simpler rules and shorter playtimes, like "King of Tokyo" or "Quacks of Quedlinburg," can be a good approach. For more seasoned gamers looking for depth and strategy, "Castles of Burgundy" or "Oath: Chronicles of Empire and Exile" might be more appealing. Reading reviews, watching playthrough videos online, and joining board gaming forums or Facebook groups can also provide insights and recommendations tailored to your interests and experience level.

4. What makes dice-rolling mechanics appealing in board games, and how do they enhance the gaming experience?

Dice-rolling mechanics add an element of chance and unpredictability to board games, creating suspense and excitement with each roll. This randomness can level the playing field, giving all players the opportunity to win regardless of skill level. Additionally, dice can introduce strategic decision-making and risk management, as players must decide how best to use their rolls to advance their goals within the game. The tactile act of rolling dice also adds a physical and interactive element to gameplay, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable for players.