Introduction
Board games have been a source of entertainment and socialization for centuries. Whether you’re playing with family, friends, or even strangers, the appeal of these games lies in their ability to bring people together, spark friendly competition, and provide an enjoyable way to pass the time. Among the wide variety of board games, dice-based games hold a special place. The roll of the dice adds an element of randomness, strategy, and chance, keeping players on their toes. If you’re looking for the best board games that feature dice as a key element, this blog will cover some of the top choices that are sure to captivate players of all ages and interests.
Catan (Formerly The Settlers Of Catan)

Catan is one of the most iconic and widely played board games in the world. The game is set on a fictional island where players compete to build settlements, cities, and roads. Dice play a crucial role in the gameplay, as they determine the resources players receive each turn. The dice roll dictates which numbered terrain tiles produce resources like wood, brick, sheep, grain, and ore, which are necessary for building structures and acquiring victory points.
The strategic element of Catan lies in how players position their settlements, trade resources with others, and expand across the board. The randomness of the dice rolls adds a layer of unpredictability, which keeps the game exciting and ensures that no two games are ever exactly the same. The balance between luck and strategy makes Catan an engaging choice for both beginners and seasoned board gamers.
King Of Tokyo
Board Games, King of Tokyo is a fast-paced, dice-rolling game where players take on the roles of giant monsters, aliens, or robots, all vying for dominance in the city of Tokyo. The objective is to be the first player to reach 20 victory points or to be the last monster standing. Players roll dice to determine their attacks, healing, energy gain, and points.
The game features six-sided dice, and each roll offers players multiple options for actions, such as attacking other players, gaining energy to purchase upgrades, or healing themselves. The strategic choices revolve around deciding when to attack, when to heal, and when to push for victory points. King of Tokyo’s combination of dice rolls, quick turns, and monster battles makes it a fun and engaging game for players who enjoy chaos and excitement in their board games.
Risk
Risk is a classic game of global domination that involves strategy, negotiation, and dice-based combat. Players aim to conquer territories and continents by deploying armies and engaging in battles with other players. Dice are used to resolve combat outcomes, with the attacker and defender each rolling dice to determine the victor.
The number of dice rolled depends on the size of the armies involved in the battle, with larger armies giving the attacker or defender an advantage. The outcome of each dice roll can shift the balance of power, making every battle unpredictable. Risk is a game where both luck and strategy play an important role, as players must decide how to allocate their forces, plan their attacks, and defend against rival players.
Yahtzee
Board Games, Yahtzee is one of the most beloved and enduring dice games of all time. It is a simple yet strategic game where players roll five dice in an attempt to achieve specific combinations, such as three-of-a-kind, a full house, or a straight. Players have three rolls per turn, with the option to keep some dice and reroll others to try to complete a desirable combination.
The game’s scoring system rewards players for achieving particular dice combinations, with the highest score going to the elusive Yahtzee, which occurs when all five dice show the same number. Yahtzee is a game of both luck and strategy, as players must decide which dice to keep and which to reroll based on their current position and the combinations they’re aiming for. It’s a fun and easy-to-learn game that works well for casual family play or more competitive settings.
Zombie Dice
Board Games, Zombie Dice is a quick and thrilling dice game where players take on the role of zombies attempting to collect brains while avoiding shotgun blasts. The game consists of colorful dice, each with different symbols representing brains, shotgun blasts, or footsteps. Players roll the dice and must decide whether to push their luck by continuing to roll for more brains or stopping before they take too many shotgun blasts.
The dice in Zombie Dice are what make the game exciting. They are color-coded to indicate the probability of rolling certain outcomes, and the decisions players make based on their dice rolls can lead to either success or failure. It’s a game that requires a balance of risk-taking and strategy, and the quick, lighthearted nature of the game makes it a great choice for parties or casual gaming sessions.
The Castles Of Burgundy
Board Games, The Castles of Burgundy is a euro-style board game that involves dice, strategic planning, and resource management. Set in medieval France, players take on the role of aristocrats who are building their estates by acquiring various types of land, animals, and buildings. Each turn, players roll two dice that can be used in various ways, such as acquiring new tiles, expanding their estates, or earning victory points.
The dice in The Castles of Burgundy are used in a highly strategic manner, with players needing to carefully plan how to use the dice rolls to maximize their actions and make the most of their available resources. The game’s depth and complexity make it a highly rewarding experience for players who enjoy thinking ahead and carefully considering each decision. The dice introduce a level of randomness that ensures no two games are ever the same.
Formula D

Board Games, Formula D is a racing game where players control cars on a track, aiming to be the first to cross the finish line. Dice are at the heart of the game, with different dice representing different gears. The higher the gear, the more dice players roll, but the more dangerous it becomes, as higher gears increase the risk of crashing.
Each die in Formula D represents a range of values for speed, and players must manage their gears to navigate turns and obstacles without losing control. The dice rolls create a thrilling and unpredictable race experience, with the outcome of each roll affecting the pace of the race and the players’ chances of winning. Formula D is a game that combines the excitement of racing with the uncertainty of dice rolls, creating a unique experience that keeps players on edge throughout the game.
Liar’s Dice
Board Games, Liar’s Dice is a social and bluffing game that revolves around rolling dice and then making bids about how many dice of a particular value are in play. Each player rolls a set of dice and keeps their roll hidden from others. Players then take turns making bids, stating how many dice of a certain value are present in total. The next player can either challenge the bid, raise the bid, or call the bluff.
The dice in Liar’s Dice are used to deceive, bluff, and trick other players into making wrong calls. The game tests both luck and the ability to read your opponents. Board Games, If you enjoy games where deception, strategy, and player interaction are central, Liar’s Dice is an exciting and unpredictable choice.
Sushi Go Party!
Board Games, Sushi Go Party! is a fun and fast-paced card game with dice-based mechanics. In this game, players try to collect the best combination of sushi dishes, such as nigiri, sashimi, and dumplings, to earn points. The twist is that the dice are used to determine the selection of dishes each player receives in the form of ingredient tokens.
The dice roll adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players need to think about how to maximize their point collection based on the dice results. The combination of cards and dice makes Sushi Go Party! an engaging game that requires careful planning and some degree of luck. It’s a great option for those looking for a lighthearted, quick game with plenty of replay value.
Elder Sign
Board Games, Elder Sign is a cooperative dice game set in the world of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. Players take on the role of investigators trying to stop an ancient evil from awakening. The game features custom dice with symbols that represent various actions, such as strength, willpower, and clues. Players roll the dice to perform actions like investigating locations, fighting monsters, or solving mysteries.
The dice in Elder Sign are crucial to the outcome of each investigation, and players must work together to make the most of their rolls. The game’s atmosphere, coupled with the randomness introduced by the dice, creates a tense and immersive experience. Board Games, Elder Sign is perfect for fans of cooperative games, horror themes, and dice-based mechanics that influence the story and gameplay.
Tikal

Tikal is a strategy-based board game that immerses players in the exploration and excavation of ancient Mayan temples. The game is played on a hexagonal grid, and players use dice to determine how many actions they can take in a turn. These actions range from exploring the jungle, uncovering temples, and hiring workers to moving around the map and claiming valuable treasures. Dice rolls decide the number of actions a player can take in each phase, with the possibility of gaining additional actions based on their strategy.
In Tikal, dice are not just used to generate random outcomes but also provide players with an opportunity to adjust their strategy based on how much action they can take. The game’s depth comes from balancing exploration with resource management, as players must make smart decisions about which paths to explore and when to pull back. Board Games, The excitement of Tikal lies in how the dice rolls can open up different possibilities, while players must adapt to the ever-changing game board. This game is best suited for those who enjoy intricate strategic planning and are drawn to immersive, thematic settings.
Conclusion
Board games with dice are an exciting and versatile genre that brings together the elements of luck, strategy, and player interaction. From classic games like Risk and Yahtzee to newer titles like King of Tokyo and Elder Sign, there is something for every player to enjoy. The randomness of dice rolls adds an unpredictable dimension, ensuring that each game is different from the last, while strategic thinking is essential for maximizing your chances of success. Whether you’re in the mood for competitive gameplay or cooperative challenges, the world of dice-based board games offers a wide range of experiences that are sure to entertain and engage players of all types.