Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it, as the famous saying goes. Human history is a treasure trove and strange hodgepodge of interesting stories, daring adventures, great tragedies, and unbelievable occurrences, which in turn has inspired numerous novels, films,and video games.
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Interestinglyhistory has made its way into board games. Fans of history will be delighted to know that there are teachers out there that introduce history to their students through interactive and carefully curated board games. So whether one is looking for fun games to delve into, or alternative educational tools, players can delight in this list that will showcase some of the best games with historical themes.
Updated Jun 25, 2025, by Via Erhard:History fans of all ages can find fascinating board games that’ll transport them back in time and let them explore and learn about history as well as ancient mythology. While many of theseboard games are more historically accuratesuch as theBrass Birmingham board game, but players can also explore more fantasy and myths inspired games that help gamers learn about ancient cultures.
Thanks to these fun and beautiful board games, players can travel back in time and get fully immersed in fun gameplay while exploring some of the most important events in human history as well as the most fascinating historical periods.
14Paleo
Paleois one of thebest prehistoric gamesthat’s perfect for board game fans who love to play co-op games with their friends and family. Thanks to this fun exploration game, players will be transported back to the Stone Age where they’ll have to work together if they want to survive.
Board game fans get to go on an epic adventure while trying to keep the humans in their care alive and well. Gamers will have to find ways to feed and clothe them while also keeping their group safe. However, the ultimate goal is to create woolly mammoth paintings on the cave’s walls for future generations to see.Paleois an entertaining adventure game that’s a great choice for history fans who want to try a fun board game set in the prehistoric era.
13Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendar
Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendaris one of the best board games for history lovers who enjoy farming, and economic games inspired by Ancient civilizations and mythology. Thanks to this fun Mayan culture-inspired board game players will be transported back in time to explore this fascinating culture while also learning a bit more about its customs, gods, and pyramids.
Players will have to build up the iconic Mayan monuments while leading their Mayan tribe and trying to get on the good side of the gods who can grant them favors.Tzolk’in: The Mayan Calendaris a fun and family-friendly board game that’s a great choice for those history fans who love mythological tales.
12Blood Rage
Blood Rageis one of the best modernViking board gamesthat’s fun for adults and teens alike. Thanks to this fun fighting board game players will be transported to a Viking mythology-inspired fantasy realm where they’ll have to join epic Viking battles to make sure that they have a place in Valhalla.
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Thanks toBlood Rageplayers can become heroic Viking warriors and show their courage before the world ends. Gamers will not only get to participate in epic battles but will have to go on fun quests to increase their clan’s stats while learning about Scandinavian mythology as well as Viking customs.
11Teotihuacan: City Of Gods
Teotihuacan: City of Godsis one of the best strategy board games that transports its players back in time and lets them build one of the greatest cities in Mesoamerica. Players can become the builder of the Pyramid of the Sun while also learning a bit more about this fascinating Ancient civilization.
Gamers will have to strategize wisely while managing their workforces, and resources while also building houses for residents and developing new technologies. Players will also have to try to increase their wealth to be able to please the gods, so they can build their Pyramid in the center of the city.
10The Grizzled
In this cooperative card game experience, 2-5 players must work together to ensure that a band of soldiers survives the trenches of World War I. Each round has a team leader that determines the number of cards drawn by each player. Players will then either play a card, or back out of the mission. Cards come in the form of negative personality traits (frightened or depressed) and threats (bad working conditions or artillery shelling). Players must deplete their hands and the draw deck without letting time run out. If one particular negative trait comes out too quickly, the team loses.
Information about player hands is kept secret, and players must plan and read the movements of others to win. The game attempts to showcase the difficulties and harsh realities thatfrontline soldiers faced during that time.
9Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: Jack The Ripper & West End Adventures
Ever wanted tofeel like Sherlock Holmes?This game is the ticket. Players will get to experience being a detective in Victoria-era London with this gem. However, it’s less of a board game and more of a mystery. Players will receive 10 cases to solve revolving around the infamous Jack the Ripper, and will have to use their wits, a map, newspaper archives, and a “London Directory” to figure it all out.
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Many of these mysteries are to be extremely difficult to solve.Players will be scratching their headsand swearing at Sherlock Holmes as they manically flip through the materials provided. If there’s a game to test one’s intelligence, it’s this one.
8Freedom: The Underground Railroad
In this game set in the early era of the United States, players will step into the shoes of abolitionists attempting to topple the institution of slavery. It’s a cooperative card-driven experience where players must simultaneously raise support for their cause, acquire funds, and help escaped slaves reach Canada.
However, the game offers a steep challenge, as negative card events and slave catchers roaming the map of America hamper and nullify player efforts. Enlightening, educational, and fun, players will learn about the abolitionist movement and, if successful, end slavery in their respective playthroughs.
7Pax Renaissance
Set in the 15th and 16th centuries, players assume the role of bankers who will finance kingdoms, voyages, secret societies, or religious crusades depending on their choices. The game allows players to shape Europe politically and economically through trade and player interaction by utilizing a market that will allow them to purchase or sell cards.
The game offers four distinct end game victories: trade globalization, imperialism, enlightenment, or religious totalitarianism. Depending on player strategies and styles of play,the realm of Europecan be dramatically affected.
6Tigris & Euphrates
Set in the ancient Mesopotamian region, players will assume different civilizations, building their civilizations through tile placement. Players will utilize four different leaders to collect various victory points in their respective categories. The catch is that at the end of the game, players will only score points in their weakest category. This means that players will need to ensure that they diversify their playing styles and not tunnel vision into a single category.
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Conflict is inevitable as civilizations will meet on the board. Players must be crafty and strategic to ensure that their leaders survive. A popular “euro” game with many strategies to choose from,Tigris & Euphratesis a delight for any board gamer or ancient history fan.
5Brass Birmingham
Fast-forwarding into the future to the dawning of the British Industrial era,Brass Birminghamhas 2-4 players competing to become the most powerful economic tycoon. The game is played in two eras, canal and railway, and has players building various industries in the mid and north areas of England. Players must strategically place their industries and networks whilst observing the actions of their opponents to get ahead.
The game encourages both strategic and opportunistic play as players can steal or deny resources from one another. Thematic and beautiful to look at, fans of history and strategy will marvel at the complexities and opportunities this game has to offer. The game is currently ranked at number 3 overall out of thousands of other board games on Board Game Geek, the leading site for all things board games.
