You’ve heard the hype, watched the unboxing videos, maybe even filled an online cart with five games you’re sure you’ll love. But before you hit “checkout,” what if you could actually try those games first, no setup, no clean-up, no wallet guilt?
Welcome to the world of digital board gaming. Platforms like Board Game Arena, Tabletopia, and Yucata let you test hundreds of titles online, often for free. It’s one of the smartest (and coziest) ways to explore new games, learn rules, and see what really clicks with your group, all before you buy.
Here’s your guide to trying board games online, saving money, and maybe even discovering your next favourite title.
And if you’d like a little extra help figuring out which games truly fit your friends and playstyle, check out our cozy guide on how to choose the right board game for your group. It pairs perfectly with this one.
Why Playing Online First Makes Sense
We’ve all bought a game that looked perfect on paper, beautiful art, glowing reviews, the promise of the next “big favourite”, only to realise it doesn’t work for your group. Online play helps you skip that disappointment. You get to see how a game feels in real time, test the pacing, and figure out if it’s too light, too heavy, or just right for your friends. Think of it as your demo table: cheaper, faster, and far less messy.
Where to Try Games Online
If you’ve never tried it before, the idea of playing board games online might sound strange, but it’s become one of the best ways to explore the hobby.
Board Game Arena (BGA) is browser-based and super easy to use, offering an enormous library of officially licensed games like 7 Wonders, Carcassonne, and Sushi Go. It even has a mobile app for iOS and Android, so you can play directly from your phone wherever you are.
Tabletopia, on the other hand, is more “sandbox style”: it recreates the physical experience, letting you pick up, move, and flip components just like in real life. It’s perfect for games with beautiful pieces such as Wingspan or Parks.
Then there’s Yucata, a calm corner of the internet built for turn-based gaming, ideal if you and your friends can’t all play at the same time. All three are beginner-friendly, many are free, and most require nothing more than a browser and curiosity.
And don’t forget about mobile apps; many popular board games have their own official versions you can download. Some are completely free, others are one-time purchases that cost just a few euros, and they often include solo modes, tutorials, and quick AI matches. Titles like Wingspan, Root, Terraforming Mars, Patchwork, and Cartographers have polished apps that make learning the game easier and faster. They’re perfect for testing a game on your phone before deciding if it deserves a place on your real-life shelf.
Perfect for Learning Rules
One of the best perks of digital play is how fast it teaches you the rules. Instead of struggling through a long manual, you can just play and learn by doing. After a couple of online sessions, you’ll realise how much easier it is to explain the game to others later. Many players say their first in-person game goes twice as smoothly because they already understand the flow. Try your first match solo or with one friend to learn quietly before hosting a big night; it makes all the difference.
A Great Way to Find Your Game Style
Maybe you think you’re a party-game person until you try the satisfying rhythm of an engine builder like Splendor. Or maybe you thought you loved strategy until you fell in love with a light co-op like The Crew. Playing online is the easiest way to experiment without commitment. You can explore different genres, moods, and difficulty levels, discovering what truly fits your group’s personality. Think of it as your tasting menu before you decide which box deserves a spot on your shelf.
Try Expansions Before You Invest
Expansions can be amazing, or they can clutter a game you already love. Online platforms let you toggle expansions on and off, so you can test how they change the experience before spending money. You’ll quickly see if they add meaningful depth or just extra steps. It’s the perfect way to keep your future collection balanced and intentional.
Connect with Friends (or Meet New Ones)
Playing online doesn’t mean playing alone. You can invite your regular group to join a game night even when you can’t meet in person. It’s also a fun way to meet new players from around the world, people who might introduce you to games you’d never discover otherwise. Before you know it, you might have a small online circle you play with weekly, and those connections often carry over to real-life friendships, too.
What You Miss (and Why That’s Okay)
Sure, digital play can’t replace everything: the tactile joy of shuffling cards, rolling dice, or leaning over the table with snacks and laughter. But it doesn’t have to. Online play isn’t a replacement; it’s a rehearsal. It gives you confidence, clarity, and experience so that when you do open the real box, you already know what to expect.
The Quirky Tip: The Wishlist Rule
Here’s a little MeepleNest secret. Every time you play a game online and think, “I’d love to own this,” add it to a wishlist, but don’t buy it yet. Wait a week. If you’re still thinking about it later, that’s a keeper. If not, your shelf (and your budget) will thank you. The real test of a great game isn’t how fun it looks, but whether you can’t stop thinking about it after you’ve logged off.
Final Thoughts
Trying games online is one of the smartest, most relaxing ways to explore the board game world. It saves money, teaches faster, and helps you discover what truly fits your style, all from the comfort of your couch. Whether you’re on Board Game Arena with friends or exploring Tabletopia solo, each click brings you closer to your next cozy game night favourite.
So next time a shiny new title tempts you, don’t rush to buy. Brew a cup of tea, open your laptop, and give it a try first. You might just find your next obsession before it ever hits your shelf.
