Miniature board games have always occupied a definite space in our lives. First, my wife and I spent our weekend playing these fun games, and now our kids enjoy them. I was recently looking for some exciting stories based on miniature board games and came across a couple of games. Some were based on Star Wars, some on Vikings and others about Lord of the Rings. I loved the reviews and immediately placed an order on Amazon. The quality of the miniatures, the artwork, and the plots was fascinating. These are, indeed, the best miniature board games. And in this article, I am going to write a detailed review of these miniature board games that you can buy for your kids and yourself too. These board games ensure that the players have a great time.
Table of Contents
What is Miniature Board Games?
Miniature board games are a type of tabletop game. The only difference is that you play these games using miniature figures that represent different characters. The miniature board game package includes everything; the game board, miniature figures, rules book, and other necessary items. It is a complete gaming experience in itself. There are different types of miniature board games. Some are miniature war gaming, hobbyist miniature games, etc.
The miniature figures are used to stage the game scenes. The armies, squadrons, or specific teams are chosen based on different miniature figures. The game board possesses the artwork, and the game is played according to the rules mentioned in the playbook.
Comparison Table for Best Miniature Board Games
6 Best Miniature Board Games Product Review, Features
01- Scythe Board Game
This miniature game board takes you to the 1920s. The setup of the game depicts the old era Europa. Every part of this game has an aspect of engine building. The best aspect of this game is the excellent timing and number of players. All of its features make this one of the best miniature board games. To learn more about this game, keep reading:
Features
- 1 to 5 players can play this game at a time.
- Units cannot be killed or destroyed.
- Players cannot be eliminated from the game.
- Playing time varies from 90 to 120 minutes.
- The artwork lets you explore 1920’s Europe.
- The game set weighs only 7 pounds.
- It is recommended for 14 years olds and above.
- The game can also be played with less than 5 players. It doesn’t ruin the fun.
- Each player gets a hidden objective card.
- An engaging game with exciting strategies.
Great Timing
The maximum timing of the game is 120 minutes, and the minimum timing is 90 minutes. This time is ample to enjoy a game and have fun thoroughly.
Number of Players
The scythe board game has an exciting factor where a maximum of 5 players can enjoy the game. But it is not only restricted to this number. Even if 2 players play this game, they have the same fun and thrill.
Interesting Strategy
The plot of this board game is fascinating. Players explore new lands, reap resources, enlist recruits, conquer territories, and so on. The adventurous theme of this game makes it one of the best miniature board games.
- Many players can play at a time.
- Great playing duration.
- No player elimination.
- Engine building aspects.
- Interesting plot.
- Keep away from children under 3 years.
Why should you buy this?
This game takes you back to 1920’s Europe. Its genre is War, and it has a very compelling plot. The players explore and conquer new territories, finding new resources and building structures. It is a very engaging game, and players have a great time playing.
02- Star Wars: Imperial Assault
It is a strategy game board for Start Wars fans. It can be played in two different ways. The game is based on an intensive campaign that unfolds across multiple missions. The thrill of these missions makes this game one of the best miniature board games. Another great thing about this board game is that none of the missions are identical. They do not overlap, and each plot is different from the other.
Features
- The game offers two Star Wars based missions.
- Up to 5 players can play this game.
- Different missions unfold, and none is repeated.
- Using the free 3egenKs of the Alliance app, you can play cooperative Imperial Assault campaigns.
- The game is easily portable and weighs only 5.95 pounds.
- This board game has a War games genre.
- Players can battle over crucial objectives.
- Imperial Assault board game makes for a good gift.
- Engaging and highly competitive board game
- Darth Vader villain pack and Luke Skywalker Ally Pack and also included.
Engaging Strategy
The game is based on a campaign that unfolds into 30 missions. And none of the missions overlap. This board game also includes two Star Wars based missions. The plot is engaging, and players get absorbed in the game.
Portable
The game is light in weight and easily portable. It can be played anywhere and a good time can be enjoyed.
Makes a Good Gift
If someone in your circle is a Star Wars fan, then this miniature board game will make for a good gift. They will enjoy the game and have a great time.
- Easily portable
- Based on Star Wars
- Compelling missions
- Allows 5 players to play
- 30 exciting missions
- Choking hazard for the kids
Why should you buy this?
Imperial Assault game involves an engrossing campaign involving 30 exciting missions. Two of the missions are based on Star Wars Saga. Darth Vader Villain Pack and Luke Skywalker Ally Pack are also included in the pack.
03- Star Wars: X-Wing
In this game, you build your Squadron and select your favorite upgrades, pilots, and star fighters. You can also customize your Squad by spending the Fleet Points that you get at the beginning of the game. You can also invest these Fleet Points in your Squadron. Players get a range of options before firing up their engines. The firefights are based on the Star Wars theme.
Features
- Pre-Painted models in the game make the fight exciting.
- Fast-paced space combat in which players occupy different exciting positions
- Star Wars space scenarios are included.
- 3 Painted miniatures: one X-wing and two TIE fighters.
- 5 Upgrade cards allow the players to choose the cards they want.
- The board game only weighs about 1.2 Pounds.
- Players can build the Squadron by choosing from 13 Ship Cards.
- Players build their Squadron.
- Fleet Points can be invested in the Squadron or spent to customize the Squad.
- Board game’s dimensions are 10 x 10 x 2 inches.
Star-Wars Galaxy
X-Wing assures a Star-Wars Galaxy scenario where the players choose and control the advanced star fighters and create a ruthless Squadron. The ship-to-ship combat mimics the Star-Wars battle in the most accurate way.
Painted Miniatures
X-Wing game has Star Wars miniatures pre-painted, which makes the game more exciting. The miniatures are durable, and the paint lasts for a long time.
Easy to Play
The game has rather quick-start rules. You can choose your missions, position your ships, and start playing. The instruction manual is also included in the game package, and you can follow it easily.
- Easy to play.
- Star Wars galactic theme.
- Painted miniatures.
- Exciting space battles.
- Interested missions.
- Choking hazard for kids under 3.
- Not recommended for kids younger than 14 years.
Why should you buy this?
This miniature board game is based on Star Wars galaxy battles. Players build their Squadron, choose their missions, and start playing. The painted miniatures make the game more exciting. It is highly competitive and engaging.
04- Blood Range
2 to 4 players can play these fantastic games. The miniature figures are very detailed, and the paint gives them a realistic look. This game takes you back into Viking’s era. The clans, ships, monsters, and the artwork depict an old age and make it one of the best miniature board games.
Features
- The game is based on the Vikings era.
- The artwork is detailed and splendid.
- 2-3 players can play this board game.
- Game timing fluctuates between 60-90 minutes.
- The package includes 49 highly-detailed plastic miniatures.
- The game weighs only 5.9 Ounces, which makes it portable.
- Support sheets, clan sheets, glory markers, and all the requisite items are included in the package.
- This game also has highly detailed 49 Plastic miniatures.
- Durable and lasts for a long time.
- All the figures are highly detailed and pre-painted.
Vikings Folklore
The blood range board game is based on Vikings. The clans, monsters, and all the miniature figures take you back to that time. All the figures are highly detailed and induce a realistic look.
Game parts
The package includes 102 cards, 49 detailed and painted plastic miniatures. It also has 2 support sheets, 4 clean sheets, and 36 tokens. The game board is only 1, but it is of excellent quality and long-lasting.
Portable
Although the game has lots of figures and cards, it is light in weight and can be taken anywhere. If you want to play with your friends, you can crash at their place and have a great time.
- Light weight.
- Vikings based theme.
- Plastic miniatures.
- Great artwork.
- Durable game board.
- Not for kids younger than 13 years.
Why should you buy this?
This Vikings based game allows 2-4 players at once and lasts between 60 to 90 minutes. It is a highly detailed game. The miniatures look great, and the artwork is terrific. If you are a Vikings lover, you will love this game.
05- Ares Games War of the Ring
This is a very strategic game and gives the players tough times. It is based on The Lord of The Ring’s storyline, and if you love that novel or have watched the movie, you will adore this game. The memorable characters and dramatic conflict make it one of the best miniature board games.
Features
- A strategy game based on The Lord of Rings
- Great game for 2 to 4 players
- Armies are characters represented by a total of 204 characters.
- More than 30 different sculptures are involved, which gives the game an exciting look.
- The game board has two sections, and its size is 70 x 100 cm.
- 2 Player Aids and Game Rules are a part of the game package.
- The entire game weighs only 6.47 Pounds.
- Action Dice, Combat Dice, and Cardboard counters game the make competitive and engaging.
- Game time is about 2 hours.
- Recommended for 13-15 years olds.
Exciting Theme
Ares’s game is based on The Lord of Rings story. It includes all the Action dice, Combat dice, and all the plastic figures representing the armies and other characters.
Portable
This game is light in weight despite all its pieces and miniature figures. It can be taken anywhere and played wherever you want to.
Number of Players
Another great thing about this board game is that up to 4 people can play it at once and have lots of fun.
- Based on Lord of Rings.
- Portable.
- Painted miniature figures.
- Great artwork.
- Durable game board.
- Choking hazard.
- Should be kept away from kids under 3 years.
Why should you buy this?
This strategic game board keeps its players engaged for 2 hours. The miniature figures are so well painted and crafted that they give a realistic look. And the theme of the game is equally exciting.
06- Mechs vs. Minions: League of Legends Board Game
Mechs vs. Minions is a cooperative tabletop board game. 2-4 players can play this game. It involves programmatic movements from a shared draft. This board game is one of the best miniature board games and ensures the players have fun and a great time.
Features
- It is a cooperative tabletop board game.
- The game runs on programmatic movement from a shared draft.
- 2-4 players can play the game.
- Recommended for 12 years and older kids
- Teammates grow in power as they face off against armies of minions.
- The game weighs about 12.81 Pounds.
- The whole game involves 10 missions.
- Each mission takes 60-90 minutes to complete.
- Acrylic shards. Dice and minion miniatures are all included in the package.
- The game is set in the world of Runeterra.
Theme
Mechs vs. Minions board game is set in the world of Runeterra. Players can take on different roles, mostly of four Intrepid Yordles. These join forces and pilot their newly-crafted mechs against the army of minions.
Game Timing
This board game has ten missions, and all are entirely different. Each mission takes about 60 to 90 minutes, a perfect time for a board game.
Number of Players
Mechs vs. Minions board game can be played by 2 to 4 players at once. Which makes it a very reliable game as many games are only specific 2 players?
- Easily portable.
- Great theme.
- 10 exciting missions.
- Great timing.
- Suitable for 4 players.
- Choking hazard for toddlers.
Why should you buy this?
Mechs vs. Minions board game is based on Reuneterra. It is a very engaging game that 2-4 players can play. The 10 missions of this game do not overlap, and all are equally exciting.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Miniature Board Games
In this article, we reviewed the 6 best miniature board games. Their features and qualities were described in detail. Miniature board games are great fun and exciting source as they are very accessible and easy to play. Buying these board games is not much of a hassle as they are readily available in all the game stores. You can buy them online too. I ordered these games from Amazon, and I am delighted with the quality. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind while buying a board game, so you do not feel regret afterward.
The Theme
The theme has a great deal in miniature board games. The plot and missions of the game rely on the story that the board game is based on. There are a bunch of board games available in the market, based on different stories. And you can easily find the one you would like to have. In case you want to buy this game as a gift to someone, you can ask that person about their choice. And if you are looking for miniature games for your kids, you are into Star Wars or other similar exciting movies; Amazon has plenty of such games available too. Be sure of the story you are interested in buying, and you can easily look it up online.
Playing Time
Playing time refers to the time in which one mission of the game is completed. Most of the games have 60-90 minutes long missions. However, some have a time frame extending to 120 minutes too. So, you also have options in this regard; and choose the game with the time you desire. Most people prefer games with 90-120 minutes of playing sessions because it helps them get more engrossed in the game.
Durability
The game boards are usually made up of binding boards or chipboards. These are also made up of paper and, at times, fiber too. The chipboards are binding board miniature game boards that usually last for a long time and are very durable. But you can buy the one you prefer.
Apart from the board, the miniature figures and their material matter too. Most of the games provide pre-painted miniatures. And the paint does not wear off easily.
Number of Players
Last but not least, the number of players is significant in miniature board games. Some games are suitable for only two players. However, plenty of games are mostly recommended for 2-5 players. Therefore, depending on the number of players going to play the game, you can purchase the game board.
In the end, it is solely your decision to purchase a particular type of game board, and no one can dictate to you about that. This buyers’ guide lists a few tips people should keep in mind while buying a board game, so they do not have to change it afterward. The artwork and recommended age of the players is another factor that should be kept in mind.
Best Miniature Board Games: FAQs
What are the most popular miniature war games?
Some of the best miniature war games are given below:
- Ares Games War of the Ring
- Star Wars: X-Wing
- Star Wars: Imperial Assault
- Scythe Board Game
- Flames of War: Fury
- War hammer 40K: First Strike
Here are the best solo war board games.
What is the most popular board game in the United States?
Chess is the most popular board games in the United States. It is about1500 years old. The other board games include Checkers, Monopoly, Scribbles, and Trivial Pursuit, etc.
Does a 2 beat an ace in War?
In the war games, cards are ranked from ace (high) down to six (low). However, the six beats an ace. In the case of 52 cards, 2 beat the ace instead of 6.
Does Joker beat ace in War?
Joker beats an ace in some versions of War games. The red Joker is the highest single. The higher cards always win. Aces are higher than Kings and sometimes lower than Jokers.
Is Ace high in War?
Aces are high. If the cards being played are of equal value, then there is a “war.” The one with higher face-up cards wins the War—all the winner’s cards being added to the table to the bottom of the deck.
What is America’s favorite board game?
Monopoly is America’s favorite board game. It is considered so because of one of the bestselling games in America.
Our Recommendations for the Best Miniature Board Games
Although all the board games in this article are the best miniature board games, our personal favorite is Star Wars: Imperial Assault. 5 players are allowed to play this game. It has an exciting strategy. The plot involves 30 missions that are entirely different from each other but equally compelling.
- AN EPIC ADVENTURE BOARD GAME IN THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE: The mighty Imperial army and a cadre of deadly bounty hunters face off against daring Rebel heroes in a series of tactical combat missions leading up to a final showdown between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance.
- STRATEGY GAME: This game of tactical combat and missions puts you in the midsty of the Galactic Civil War after the destruction of the Death Star. Build armies and compete in standalone skirmish missions. Recreate epic confrontations from the Star Wars saga or create all-new battles!
- ENJOY TWO COMPLETE GAMES: Experience an engrossing narrative campaign that unfolds across multiple missions. Play the head-to-head skirmish mode with a single friend, testing your tactical acumen as you lead your strike team to victory.
- HIGHLY VARIABLE: A thrilling campaign contains over 30 missions, ensuring no two games are ever the same. With 34 plastic figures, over 200 cards, over 50 modular map tiles and much more, Imperial Assault is your chance to change the fate of a galaxy far, far away.
- NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This action-packed battle game for adults and teens is made for 1 to 5 players and is suitable for ages 14 and older. The average playtime is approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Last Words
In this article, we discussed in detail the 6 best miniature board games. We also compiled a guide list for you and answered some basic questions for your convenience.
We are hopeful this article will help you choose the best miniature game. Thank you for reading. Take Care!
Veronica is a Green Bay-based freelance writer and editor with extensive experience with board games. When not busy scribbling her thoughts, you might find her in her garden, hiking out in the woods, or exploring new food joints.
Veronica is a die-hard board game and chess hobbyist by night. She likes to try out new games and is always on the lookout to recruit new players for her game night (so beware!). When not playing board games or throwing darts, she is usually busy painting miniatures (or doing other nerdy stuff).
She is the CEO & Content Writer of Indoor Games Zone. She shares her expertise from years of playing chess, board games, and darts.
Last update on 2022-05-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
