Best Kickstarter Board Games

Kickstarter is, hands down, the best platform among game designers looking for new ways to fund creative projects. Kickstarter board games have skyrocketed in popularity, with some of the hottest games getting their start on the popular crowdfunding platform.

This post will take a deep dive into the world of crowdfunding board games, investigate whether Kickstarter is a good platform for board game designers, and offer up our personal top ten choices for the best Kickstarter board games.

What is a Kickstarter board game?

A Kickstarter board game is a game that was created either by a game designer or a team of game designers who funded the project using the popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter.

Kickstarter lets game creators show off their concepts and receive support from financial backers who pledge to help get their projects off the ground.

When it comes to board game crowdfunding through Kickstarter, creators will set a fundraising goal and deadline. Once the goal is reached, the creative project is funded. Should the campaign not achieve its desired goal, the project does not get funded, and financial backers will not be charged.

Is Kickstarter good for board games?

The Kickstarter crowdfunding platform is an ideal choice for board game designers because it allows them to reach larger audiences to fund their projects than they may have otherwise had access to.

With Kickstarter, board game designers can also test the waters, so to speak, by marketing their board games before having to invest significant money and time into the project. On the Kickstarter platform, game designers can interact with target audiences, elicit feedback, and incorporate any suggestions before the board game’s release.

What is the most backed Kickstarter board game?

The most backed Kickstarter board game of all time is Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5, a cooperative horror-themed game developed by Adam Poots.

Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 was launched on Kickstarter in 2016 and raised a staggering $12.4 million, with over 19,000 backers pledging to support the project.

The board game features highly detailed miniatures, a deep and immersive storyline, and unique gameplay mechanics that make each playthrough different from the last. It is known as a difficult board game with an unforgiving nature, adding to the game’s overall suspense and tension.

Kingdom Death: Monster 1.5 has become a cult favorite among tabletop gamers and has spawned several expansions and spin-offs since its release.

Its immense success has paved the way for other board game developers to seek crowdfunding as a viable way to fund their projects, including our top ten Kickstarter board game picks.

Gloomhaven: The Best Overall Kickstarter Board Game

Designed by Isaac Childres, Gloomhaven is a cooperative dungeon crawler game where players take on the roles of adventurers exploring the world of Gloomhaven, battling monsters, and accomplishing quests.

The game is renowned for its immersive storyline, customizable characters, and challenging gameplay.

With more than 100 unique scenarios, Gloomhaven offers endless replayability and has become a beloved title in the tabletop gaming community. Its innovative mechanics, such as a card-driven combat system and legacy-style gameplay, set a new standard for tabletop games. Furthermore, the game’s massive box, filled with high-quality components, adds to the game’s immersive feel.

Gloomhaven has received widespread critical acclaim and has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award in 2020.

Gloomhaven by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2015
• Funds raised: $386,104
• Backers: 4,904
• Original goal: $100,000

Scythe: The Best Steampunk Board Game

Scythe, a strategy game with a steampunk theme, is designed by Jamey Stegmaier.

Players lead factions in a post-World War I alternate history in the game, competing for resources and territory.

The game boasts intricate miniatures, exquisite artwork, and innovative gameplay mechanics that enable players to tailor their strategies.

Scythe has received numerous accolades and is considered a must-have for enthusiasts of board games.

The game’s popularity has also spawned various expansions, including Rise of Fenris, which introduces new factions and gameplay mechanics.

Scythe’s unique combination of elements, such as worker placement, resource management, and area control, has made it stand out in the tabletop gaming world. It continues to draw in new fans today.

Scythe by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2015
• Funds raised: $1,810,042
• Backers: 17,739
• Original goal: $33,000

Western Legends: Best Western board game

Western Legends is a sandbox-style board game set in the Wild West where players can take on the roles of iconic figures such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, competing for fame and fortune.

Western Legends features a vast open-world exploration, character customization, and multiple paths to victory.

Western Legends strongly focuses on player interaction, allowing players to engage in poker games, stagecoach robberies, and duels. The game’s immersive and thematic gameplay has made it a favorite among gamers who enjoy Westerns or games with open-world mechanics.

In addition, the game boasts beautiful artwork and high-quality components, adding to the game’s immersive feel.

Western Legends has received critical acclaim, earning nominations and awards for its innovative gameplay mechanics and thematic immersion.

Its unique blend of storytelling, player interaction, and exploration continues to attract new fans.

Western Legends by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2017
• Funds raised: $384,397
• Backers: 5,400
• Original goal: $50,000

Darkest Dungeon: Best Dungeon Delver Board Game

Darkest Dungeon is a cooperative board game based on the acclaimed video game of the same name.

Players lead a team of adventurers exploring a haunted mansion, battling monsters, and managing their stress levels.

The game boasts stunning artwork, customizable characters, and a deep, immersive storyline.

Darkest Dungeon offers a challenging and rewarding gaming experience with multiple difficulty levels and endless replayability. The game’s innovative mechanics, like a unique stress system affecting character performance and a randomized dungeon layout, add to the game’s immersive and unpredictable nature.

Darkest Dungeon is a must-have for fans of the video game, and its popularity has extended to the tabletop gaming community, where it has earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.

Darkest Dungeon by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2019
• Funds raised: $5,208,610
• Backers: 40,100
• Original goal: $300,000

Nemesis Lockdown: Best Sci-Fi Kickstarter board game

Nemesis Lockdown is a sci-fi survival horror board game designed by Adam Kwapiński. In the game, players assume the roles of survivors trapped aboard a spaceship with a deadly alien lifeform.

The game’s innovative mechanics simulate the tension and fear of being hunted by an intelligent predator, making each playthrough a unique and intense experience.

Nemesis Lockdown boasts highly detailed miniatures, immersive gameplay, and multiple scenarios, providing endless replayability. The immersive gameplay mechanics, like unpredictable alien movements and the reliance on teamwork, add to the game’s intensity and strategic depth.

The game has become a fan favorite among sci-fi and horror enthusiasts, earning critical acclaim and numerous award nominations.

Nemesis Lockdown is a must-have for fans of the genre and gamers who enjoy immersive and challenging gameplay.

Nemesis Lockdown by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2020
• Funds raised: $5,462,049
• Backers: 31,000
• Original goal: $50,000

Frosthaven: Best Sequel Board Game on Kickstarter

Frosthaven is the eagerly awaited sequel to the beloved cooperative dungeon crawler game, Gloomhaven, designed by the acclaimed game designer Isaac Childres.

This board game features players taking on the roles of adventurers who are tasked with exploring a frozen wasteland, battling monsters, and uncovering hidden secrets.

With updated mechanics, new character classes, and over 100 unique scenarios, Frosthaven offers an even more immersive and engaging gameplay experience than its predecessor.

The game has a dedicated fanbase, complete with eager board game influencers. Its crowdfunding campaign raised a record-breaking amount of funds, making it one of the most highly anticipated board games ever.

Board game enthusiasts and fans of Gloomhaven love the innovative and challenging gameplay of Frosthaven.

Frosthaven by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2019
• Funds raised: $12,969,608
• Backers: 83,193
• Original goal: $500,000

Avatar Legends: Best Roleplaying Board Game

Avatar Legends is a roleplaying game inspired by the beloved animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. Players create their own characters, choose their bending abilities, and go on quests in the world of Avatar, facing off against enemies and mastering the elements.

The game features beautiful artwork and innovative mechanics, including a dynamic combat system that reflects the bending styles of the series. The game also incorporates themes of friendship, honor, and self-discovery, making it an excellent choice for fans of the show who want to dive deeper into the world of Avatar.

With a massive fanbase and a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, Avatar Legends quickly became one of the most hotly anticipated tabletop RPGs ever.

Avatar Legends by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2021
• Funds raised: $12,748,954
• Backers: 37,814
• Original goal: $50,000

Dinosaur Island: Best Prehistoric Board Game

Dinosaur Island is a strategy game that lets players fulfill their childhood dream of building and managing their own dinosaur theme park.

Designed by Jon Gilmour and Brian Lewis, the game has vibrant and colorful artwork that complements its fun and quirky retro aesthetic. The game features custom dinosaur meeples and mechanics that allow players to research new attractions and manage their resources as they strive to create the ultimate dinosaur park.

With multiple game modes and expansions, Dinosaur Island offers endless replayability and has become a favorite among board game enthusiasts who love dinosaurs and strategic gameplay.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a dinosaur enthusiast, Dinosaur Island promises to be a fun and engaging addition to your tabletop collection.

Dinosaur Island by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2017
• Funds raised: $1,898,764
• Backers: 17,707
• Original goal: $10,000

Architects of the West Kingdom: Best World Building Board Game

Architects of the West Kingdom is a worker placement board game created by Shem Phillips and S J Macdonald. In the game, players take on the role of medieval architects, trying to win the king’s favor by constructing grand buildings and hiring skilled workers.

The game has stunning artwork, innovative mechanics, and a fresh approach to the worker placement genre.

The players must balance their actions between building and recruiting, as they also need to be careful not to overindulge in illegal practices.

Architects of the West Kingdom offers players different strategies and paths to victory, making each game unique and challenging.

With its thoughtful mechanics and immersive gameplay, this game will appeal to fans of worker placement and medieval-themed games.

Architects of the West Kingdom by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2017
• Funds raised: $446,763
• Backers: 6,370
• Original goal: $35,000

Santorini: Best Two Player or Couples Kickstarter Board Game

Santorini is a highly strategic two-player board game created by Gordon Hamilton. In this game, players become gods trying to construct the most amazing city on the island of Santorini.

The game is known for its elegant and straightforward rules, stunning artwork, and deep strategic gameplay. With the ability to play with the same opponent multiple times and still have different outcomes each time, Santorini offers endless replayability.

Santorini’s compact size and quick gameplay make it an excellent choice for game nights and couples looking for a fun and challenging game to play together.

Santorini received numerous awards, including the Mensa Select Award in 2017, making it a must-have for any board game enthusiast.

Santorini by the Numbers

• Originally Funded: 2016
• Funds raised: $700,000
• Backers: 8,000
• Original goal: $30,000

Where Can You Buy Kickstarter Board Games?

You can purchase Kickstarter board games directly from the game creators or publishers.

If the game is still in its crowdfunding phase, you can be part of helping to develop the game or get exclusive deals on pre-orders once the campaign has ended. That is usually one of the most direct and cost-effective ways to purchase the game, and it supports the creators directly.

Another option is to purchase the game through online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, or Target and specialized game stores like Miniature Market or CoolStuffInc.

These retailers may have pre-order options or carry the game once it is released.

Finally, many board game conventions such as Gen Con or Essen Spiel offer the opportunity to purchase Kickstarter board games directly from the creators or publishers at their booths. It’s a great way to meet the creators, get an exclusive game version, and support them directly.

How Kickstarter Has Been a Boon for the Board Game Industry

Kickstarter is one of the most popular crowdfunding platforms for game designers who need financial backing to bring their creative projects to market.

Now that so many crowdfunding agencies and services are available to help boost Kickstarter campaigns, board game designers can take full advantage of market testing and audience engagement long before the game is released.

Our picks for the best board games of Kickstarter are just a tiny sample of the many board game titles that got their start on the incredibly popular crowdfunding platform. With that kind of success, there is no doubt that Kickstarter is one of the best crowdfunding platforms for board game designers and enthusiasts.

Interested in starting your own game but don’t know where to begin?

Check out this how-to video from our own Victor Shiu:

If you’ve been considering a Kickstarter board game, let LaunchBoom help!