So, you’ve played a few board games with friends, maybe you’ve fallen in love with Codenames or Ticket to Ride, and now you’re thinking: “Maybe I should start a collection of my own.” Exciting, right? But then you look online and see thousands of titles… and suddenly it feels overwhelming. Where do you even begin?
Building your first board game collection doesn’t have to be stressful (or expensive). With a little guidance, you can create a small but mighty library of games that fit different moods, player counts, and vibes. Here’s your cozy guide to curating a starter collection that actually gets played.
1. Start With a Gateway Game
Every collection needs a welcoming “door” game, something that’s easy to teach, quick to play, and fun for almost anyone.
- Great picks: Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Splendor, Azul
✨ Tip: Choose one gateway game that’s both family-friendly and replayable. You’ll be surprised how often it hits the table.
2. Add a Party Game
Game night isn’t always about heavy strategy. Sometimes you just want laughs, chaos, and moments you’ll talk about later.
- Great picks: Just One, Decrypto, Codenames, Wavelength
✨ Tip: Party games are lifesavers when you have non-gamers in the group.
3. Pick a Solid 2-Player Title
Even if you usually play with a group, there will be nights when it’s just you and one other person. A dedicated 2-player game keeps the collection versatile.
- Great picks: Jaipur, Patchwork, 7 Wonders Duel, Lost Cities
✨ Tip: Look for games that are quick to set up and easy to replay, so you don’t hesitate to pull them out.
4. Include a Co-op Game
Working together can feel magical, especially if you want a less competitive vibe. Co-op games bring everyone to the same side of the table.
- Great picks: Pandemic, Kitchen Rush, Paint the Roses
✨ Tip: Perfect for mixed groups where you don’t want winners and losers.
5. Don’t Forget the Filler
Fillers are short, simple games that you can play while waiting for others to arrive, or when you only have 15 minutes to spare.
- Great picks: Sushi Go!, Love Letter, Point Salad, The Mind
✨ Tip: These games often come in small boxes, so they won’t hog shelf space.
6. Balance Theme and Mechanics
When building a collection, it’s tempting only to follow your favorite themes. And that’s great! The theme is what first draws many people in and makes the table feel alive.
But don’t forget about mechanics, the actual systems that make the game tick. A well-rounded collection shines when it offers different experiences:
- Tile placement (Carcassonne, Kingdomino)
- Deck-building (Dominion, Clank!)
- Set collection (Sushi Go!, Azul)
- Worker placement (Stone Age, Lords of Waterdeep)
- Bluffing & deduction (The Resistance, Coup)
Having a mix of mechanics means your game nights never feel repetitive. One evening you’re puzzling over patterns, the next you’re bluffing your way through a social deduction round.
✨ Tip: Think of it like cooking, the theme is the flavor, mechanics are the recipe. The best meals (and game nights) balance both.
7. The Art-First Pick
Not every game in your collection has to be chosen for balance, mechanics, or player count. Sometimes, you should pick a game simply because it looks beautiful. Call it your art-crush game. Whether it’s the stunning birds of Wingspan, the dreamy gardens of Takenoko, or the cozy illustrations of Herbaceous, a game with eye-catching art has a special magic.
✨ Quirky Tip: You’ll be surprised how often it makes it to the table, not because of the rules, but because someone says, “Ooh, can we play the one with the pretty artwork?”
8. Build Slowly, Play Often
You don’t need 50 games to call it a collection. Start small; 5 to 7 well-chosen titles are more than enough to cover most situations.
✨ Bonus Tip: Before buying, try playing online on platforms like Board Game Arena or Tabletopia. It’s a great way to “test drive” a game and see if it clicks with your group.
Building your first collection isn’t about chasing every shiny new release. It’s about creating a shelf that feels like you, a mix of games that tell stories, spark laughter, and invite people back to the table again and again.
At MeepleNest, we believe a good collection is less about size and more about soul. Start small, add slowly, and let every box on your shelf remind you of cozy nights, shared smiles, and the simple joy of rolling dice with friends.”
