When it comes to the realm of board games, the number of players can significantly impact the gaming experience.
Whether you have a trio of gaming enthusiasts or are simply looking for versatile options for varying group sizes, finding the best 3 player board games can elevate your gaming nights to new heights.
Here, we explore games we love that offer an optimal experience for three players, balancing competition, strategy, and fun.
What are the Best 3 Player Board Games?
Here’s an easy list of the best 3 player board games if you want to jump straight into it:
| Game Name | Price | # of Players | Duration | Difficulty Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 Wonders | $49.99 | 3-7 | 30 mins | Medium |
| Sushi Go! | $11.99 | 2-5 | 15 mins | Easy |
| Pandemic Legacy | $72.00 | 2-4 | 60 mins | Medium-Hard |
| Carcassonne | $24.95 | 2-5 | 35 mins | Easy |
| Dominion | $36.24 | 2-4 | 30 mins | Medium |
| Ticket to Ride | $47.99 | 2-5 | 30-60 mins | Easy |
| Splendor | $35.99 | 2-4 | 30 mins | Easy-Medium |
| King of Tokyo | $35.67 | 2-6 | 30 mins | Easy |
Best Board Games for 3 Players – Our Favourites
Let’s break down some specifics about each of the board games that make up our list. We’ve played each one personally and think they all deserve to be here.
1. 7 Wonders
Summary:
7 Wonders is a card drafting game that is played using three decks of cards featuring depictions of ancient civilizations. Players draw from a hand of cards each round, selecting one card and passing the rest to their neighbor, to build structures that provide resources or enhance their military or scientific development.
Key Features of 7 Wonders:
- Strategic Depth: Varied paths to victory requiring thoughtful decision-making.
- Replayability: Diverse strategies and setups ensure a unique experience each time.
- Quick Gameplay: Each game lasts around 30 minutes, keeping players engaged without dragging on.
- Appealing Design: Visually rich cards and components add to the gaming experience.
Bottom Line:
7 Wonders delivers as one of the best 3 player board games, providing rich strategy and replayability in a visually appealing and time-efficient package.
2. Sushi Go!
Summary:
Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card drafting and set collection game. Players are immersed in a sushi restaurant setting, where they grab the best combination of sushi dishes as they whiz by, scoring points for making the most maki rolls or for collecting a full set of sashimi.
Key Features of Sushi Go!:
- Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick gameplay make it accessible for all ages.
- Fast-paced: Rapid rounds keep the energy high and the game moving.
- Strategic Choices: Deciding which cards to keep each round adds a layer of strategy.
- Compact Size: The game’s small footprint makes it portable and convenient.
Bottom Line:
Sushi Go! stands out as a delightful and quick game, making it a top pick among the best 3 player board games, perfect for a casual and entertaining gaming session.
3. Pandemic Legacy
Summary:
Pandemic Legacy takes the cooperative gameplay of the original Pandemic and adds an overarching narrative and evolving gameplay elements. Players work together as a team of specialists aiming to prevent outbreaks of diseases around the world, facing new challenges and unlocking new abilities in each session.
Key Features of Pandemic Legacy:
- Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together, fostering teamwork and strategic discussion.
- Evolving Challenges: The game changes after each play, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.
- High Stakes: The legacy format adds a sense of permanence and tension to each decision.
- Immersive Story: The narrative unfolds over multiple sessions, drawing players into the game’s world.
Bottom Line:
Pandemic Legacy offers an engaging and evolving cooperative experience, placing it high on the list of the best 3 player board games for those seeking a tense and immersive adventure.
4. Carcassonne
Summary:
Carcassonne is a tile-placement game where players draw and place a tile with a piece of southern French landscape on it. The tile might feature a city, a road, a cloister, grassland, or some combination thereof, and it must be placed adjacent to tiles that have already been played, in such a way that cities are connected to cities, roads to roads, etcetera.
Key Features of Carcassonne:
- Strategic Placement: Players need to think strategically about where to place their tiles and meeples.
- Accessible Gameplay: Easy-to-understand rules make it suitable for players of all ages.
- Interaction: Players can strategically place their tiles to impede others’ progress.
- Replay Value: The game’s setup is different every time, offering varied experiences with each play.
Bottom Line:
Carcassonne’s strategic, yet accessible gameplay, and its high replay value solidify its position as one of the best 3 player board games for fans of strategy and interaction.
5. Dominion
Summary:
Dominion is a deck-building card game where players use a random set of kingdom cards, with players selecting cards that then become part of their deck to be used to draw hands and buy further cards.
Key Features of Dominion:
- Variety of Strategies: With a multitude of card combinations, players can explore different strategies each game.
- Deck-Building Mechanic: The pioneering deck-building mechanic offers a unique play experience.
- Expansions Available: Numerous expansions provide additional variety and strategies.
- Balanced Gameplay: Various paths to victory and balanced card options keep the game fair and competitive.
Bottom Line:
Dominion, with its unique mechanics and diverse strategies, is a standout choice for those seeking the best 3 player board games with deep strategic play.
6. Ticket to Ride
Summary:
Ticket to Ride is a cross-country train adventure where players collect cards of various types of train cars and use them to claim railway routes connecting cities in various countries around the world.
Key Features of Ticket to Ride:
- Easy to Learn: Straightforward rules and minimal setup make it easy for new players to pick up.
- Strategic Planning: Players must balance their goals and adapt their strategies to succeed.
- High Replayability: Different routes and strategies keep the game exciting and fresh.
- Interactive Map: The game’s map encourages player interaction and competition for routes.
Bottom Line:
Ticket to Ride’s blend of simplicity, strategy, and interaction make it a favorite among those seeking the best 3 player board games for family and friends.
7. Splendor
Summary:
Splendor is a game of chip-collecting and card development. Players are merchants trying to buy gem mines, means of transportation, shops—all in order to acquire the most prestige points.
Key Features of Splendor:
- Elegant Design: Clean and intuitive design makes it easy to understand and enjoy.
- Strategic Depth: Players must balance their resources and plans to outwit their opponents.
- Quick Turns: The fast-paced nature of the game keeps all players engaged.
- Variable Setups: Different card setups provide varied and replayable game experiences.
Bottom Line:
Splendor, with its elegant design and strategic depth, is a shining jewel in the collection of the best 3 player board games for strategy enthusiasts.
8. King of Tokyo
Summary:
In King of Tokyo, you play mutant monsters, gigantic robots, and strange aliens—all of whom are destroying Tokyo and whacking each other in order to become the one and only King of Tokyo.
Key Features of King of Tokyo:
- Fun Theme: The game’s monstrous theme and vibrant art are engaging and entertaining.
- Dice Rolling: The push-your-luck dice mechanic adds an element of risk and excitement.
- Player Interaction: Players battle each other, adding a layer of strategy and competition.
- Fast-Paced Action: Quick rounds and dynamic interactions keep the energy high.
Bottom Line:
King of Tokyo delivers monster-sized fun, making it an exciting choice for those on the lookout for the best 3 player board games with high energy and interaction.
Conclusion
These best 3 player board games offer a variety of themes, mechanics, and levels of complexity, ensuring there’s something for every trio of gamers out there. Whether you prefer strategic depth, cooperative challenges, or light-hearted competition, each of these games brings something unique to the table, promising hours of enjoyment and bonding. So, grab a game, gather two of your favorite fellow players, and let the gaming begin!
