It’s a bit of an understatement to say that it’s been a good year for games. 2017 has shown us that it was a great year for games, with so many incredible games and titles being released, reprinted and revised. It was no small task for Geek & Sundry’s 2017 tabletop editorial board to whittle the list to just ten titles. They’re a mixed bag of titles: some are quick playing, some are family friendly, some are cutthroat, and some are cooperative. Ultimately what has earned them a place on this list is the quality of the games themselves combined with the delightful experiences they offer (and the fact that we simply couldn’t stop playing them.)

Without further ado, here are the ten games in alphabetical order. Click the titles to read to the full feature article for each game.

“Ethnos is only a touch more complicated than Ticket to Ride which makes it perfect for experienced gamers and new gamers alike. Where Ticket to Ride’s route-blocking is more passive interaction, grab Ethnos if you’re someone who doesn’t mind a little more direct fighting; to be sure though, this is not the kind of game to lead to any table-flipping moments over the holidays. It’s approachable, replayable, and a gem of a game.” – Raf Cordero

“Gloomhaven may just be the best game to be released in 2017 and that statement will come as no surprise if you’ve experienced the darn thing. The word “gimmick” does not apply as this is the real deal and it’s here to make a statement. Buy it, play it, turn the box into a cat house–whatever you do, don’t ignore this one.” – Charlie Theel

“This constant tug of war between the forest you want to grow and the forest you need to grow is what really makes this game great, and why it deserves a spot on our best of 2017 list. If you like competitive, in your face, area control games, or if you like complex puzzles that you can really sink your teeth into, Photosynthesis should be right up your alley.” – Shea Parker

“Near and Far is a superb example of what can happen when you join roleplaying and board games. Its’ charisma comes through the gorgeous art and clever theme to craft what could easily be a hit with everyone from families to seasoned dungeon delvers.” – Jessica Fisher

“It’s a simple game to learn, but a challenging puzzle to master. Not only will you have to contend with trying to get oddly shaped tiles into a legal configuration, but, to win, you’ll have to do so more cunningly than your fellow players.” – Jessica Fisher

“There’s no denying the elegant brilliance of Sagrada. There’s a quiet satisfaction after every game and it’s easy to imagine your vibrant dice-filled board as a stained glass window masterpiece.” – Ruel Gaviola

“It has a simple system that is easy to explain but holds up under several plays. It has a setting that’s immediately evocative but also leaves plenty of room for GMs to build out their own world. It offers players a chance to experience the rush of memory, the pain of childhood and the wonder of movies. All these reasons and more are why we’ve chosen Tales from the Loop as this year’s best RPG release and why it resides on our Best in Tabletop list for 2017.” – Rob Wieland

“As a release in 2017, Twilight Imperium Fourth is monumental in both its achievement as well as its size. This is a game any warm-blooded thematic gamer needs to experience at some point in their cardboard career. The beauty of the situation is that now is the perfect time to board the ship and head to the front.” – Charlie Theel

“Players attempt to build the most successful amusement park filled with rides, attractions, and concession stands. They’ll have assistance in the form of staff members and fortuitous events during the game, but they’ll need all the help they can get: living up to its name, Unfair packs quite a bit of take-that as events and your opponents try to foil your grand plans.” – Ruel Gaviola

“Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire surprised me at Gen Con, but its reception since then has not been surprising. It’s fast, brutal, and has a rapidly growing competitive environment for those who enjoy that sort of thing. For those that don’t, it still rewards casual skirmishes and battles.” – Raf Cordero

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Image Credits: Jessica Fisher, Charlie Theel, Raf Cordero, Rob Wieland, Teri Litorco, Ruel Gaviola, Shea Parker

Editor’s Note: Warhammer Underworlds: Shadespire has previously been featured on Geek & Sundry under a paid placement, but its inclusion on the “Best Of 2017” list is independent of that sponsorship.