Legacy of Play: Discover the Best Legacy Board Games 2023
Legacy board games combine immersive storytelling, strategic gameplay, and the joy of communal adventures. They are board games with a dynamic and evolving narrative that persists from one play session to the next, permanently altering the game’s components, rules, and storyline.
Think of them as the literary classics of the board game universe, where you become an active participant in crafting the tale. With each move, you carve your unique path through the game, leaving a legacy for future plays.
In this article, we’ll embark on a journey to uncover the enchantment and allure of legacy board games, exploring what makes them so popular, who they are for, and the best legacy games you need to experience.
Comparison Chart
| Image | Product | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Legacy of Yu Board Game |
| Price |
 | My City Board Game |
| Price |
 | Avalon Hill Risk Legacy Board Game |
| Price |
 | Pandemic Legacy Season 0 Board Game |
| Price |
 | Aeon’s End Board Game |
| Price |
 | Nine Arches Board Game |
| Price |
 | Werewolf Legacy Board Game |
| Price |
 | The Rise of Queensdale Board Game |
| Price |
 | Cypress Legacy Board Game |
| Price |
 | Legacy of Dragonholt Board Game |
| Price |
Top 10 Best Legacy Board Games 2023
1. Legacy of Yu Board Game
- Immerse yourself in a captivating solo campaign in ancient China’s rich history.
- Enjoy fast-paced action with a 20-minute playtime for thrilling, bite-sized sessions.
- Experience dynamic gameplay through worker placement, deck management, and resource strategies.
- Witness a rich narrative unfold, where wins and losses contribute to a rewarding story.
- Conveniently swift setup and teardown for spontaneous gaming adventures.
Game Specifications
| Material | Paper |
| No of Players | 1 |
| Playtime | 20 minutes |
| Theme | Legacy |
If you’re a fan of Legacy board games and are on the hunt for a solo gaming experience that truly immerses you in the narrative, look no further than “Legacy of Yu.” The solo-only campaign games set in ancient China stand tall, offering a unique experience. Compared to the well-loved “Gloomhaven,” known for its sprawling campaign and deep strategy, “Legacy of Yu” takes a different approach.
With a playtime of just 20 minutes, it offers a fast and tense gameplay experience that won’t devour your entire evening. The combination of worker placement, deck management, resource management, and action chaining keeps you on your toes, ensuring every decision counts.
The quick setup and teardown between sessions mean you can easily sneak into a game whenever you have a spare moment. It’s a game that rewards victory and defeat, offering a sense of progression and satisfaction as the story unfolds.
Our Recommendations
“Legacy of Yu” is a delightful addition to Legacy board games, particularly for solo players. Its quick yet challenging gameplay and rich narrative make it a must-try for those seeking an engaging, solo tabletop experience that transports you to ancient China.
Pros
- Engaging Solo Play
- Fast-paced Action
- Immersive Storytelling
- Quick Setup
Cons
- Limited to Solo Play
2. My City Board Game
- Your choices shape the city’s destiny in this competitive legacy game.
- Offers a unique, family-oriented gaming experience with straightforward rules.
- Play through 24 distinct episodes, and decisions carry over into future games.
- Quick 30-minute sessions ensure engaging, bite-sized entertainment.
- Crafted by award-winning designer Reiner Knizia, it adds prestige to the game.
Game Specifications
| Material | Paper |
| No of Players | 2-4 |
| Playtime | 30 minutes |
| Theme | Shape |
If you’re looking for a Legacy board game that combines family-friendly fun with engaging gameplay, “My City” is a top contender. Compared to other Legacy games like “Pandemic Legacy,” which leans towards cooperative gameplay, “My City” takes a competitive stance. While “Pandemic Legacy” immerses players in a world-saving narrative, “My City” offers a unique experience where your decisions shape your city’s destiny.
Now, let’s explore what “My City” brings to your tabletop. With a playtime of just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for families or friends seeking quick yet enjoyable gaming sessions. This Legacy game revolves around the intriguing theme of city development, taking your city from its humble beginnings to full industrialization. Its simplicity is a standout feature, making it accessible even for those new to Legacy games.
Players will appreciate the 24 episodes, ensuring each game feels fresh and exciting. Plus, the replayability factor comes into play when you flip the game board over for a new gaming experience. Developed by renowned game designer Reiner Knizia, a winner of the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award, “My City” carries an impressive legacy.
Our Recommendations
“My City” is a delightful addition to the Legacy board game genre, perfect for family game nights or gatherings with friends. Its easy-to-learn rules, competitive gameplay, and the thrill of shaping your city’s future offer a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
Pros
- Engaging Legacy Gameplay
- Family Accessibility
- Variety of Episodes
- Reputable Game Designer
Cons
- Varies by player preferences and game session
3. Avalon Hill Risk Legacy Board Game
- Every decision changes the board permanently, ensuring unique, thrilling experiences.
- Classic Risk strategy meets modern warfare in an immersive, deeper version.
- Win multiple games to unlock rules, cards, and stickers that enhance gameplay.
- Over 275 military units bring strategic depth and visual appeal to the game.
- Engage in hours of competitive gameplay with evolving storylines and alliances.
Game Specifications
| Material | Plastic |
| No of Players | 5-6 |
| Playtime | 40-60 minutes |
| Theme | Science Fiction |
The Avalon Hill Risk Legacy Board Game is a crown jewel that stands out in the competitive field of Legacy board games. While other Legacy games, like “Pandemic Legacy,” focus on cooperative survival, Risk Legacy instead explores the cutthroat nature of contemporary warfare. Alternatively, “Pandemic Legacy” brings together gamers to fight a shared foe.
It’s ideal for individuals who like to organize epic gaming sessions since it can accommodate 5-6 players and takes 40-60 minutes to play. The uniqueness of each game is what makes legacy gaming so appealing. Each player’s actions leave an indelible mark on the board, upping the stakes and adding an element of surprise.
As players accumulate wins, previously hidden elements are unlocked, adding new rules, cards, and stickers to the game and permanently altering the storyline. It puts you in a strategic fight with its more than 275 authentic military formations. This game is about more than simply expanding your territory; it’s about the story you create while playing.
Our Recommendations
Fans of strategy games interested in a novel combination of current combat and legacy gaming should try the Avalon Hill Risk Legacy Board Game. Combining an unpredictable board, locked components, and a fascinating story creates an exciting game that may keep players occupied for hours.
Pros
- Dynamic Legacy Gameplay
- Deep Modern Warfare Theme
- Component Unveiling Mechanics
- Rich Narrative Experience
Cons
- Replayability may vary among
4. Pandemic Legacy Season 0 Board Game
- Immerse yourself in a thrilling narrative set in the era of the Cold War.
- Collaborate with others to uncover secrets and prevent a global bioweapon threat.
- Over a year, experience new objectives, challenges, and rules as the narrative unfolds.
- Choices carry over, affecting future games and unlocking strategies for tackling challenges.
- Travel the world using aliases in a race to thwart Project MEDUSA’s development.
Game Specifications
| Material | Cardboard |
| No of Players | 2-4 |
| Playtime | 40 minutes |
| Theme | Legacy |
If you’re looking for an engaging Legacy board gaming experience, Pandemic Legacy Season 0 offers a genuinely unique, immersive trip. In contrast to another well-known Legacy game, “Risk Legacy,” which focuses on competitive worldwide dominance, Pandemic Legacy Season 0 takes a cooperative approach, in which players must collaborate to avoid a global bioweapon threat.
It provides an easy but intensely fascinating gaming experience with a player count of 2-4 and a runtime of 40 minutes. Set against the background of the Cold War, players adopt aliases and race against the clock to achieve CIA mission goals.
The game’s cooperative aspect means that you either win or lose together, encouraging collaboration as you learn Cold War secrets and carry out schemes utilizing your alias’s connections and assets. The narrative richness of Pandemic Legacy Season 0 distinguishes it; it develops over a year, providing new goals, difficulties, and regulations with each passing month.
Our Recommendations
Fans of cooperative board games and spy thrillers will love Pandemic Legacy Season 0. It stands out in Legacy because of its engaging story, changing gameplay, and interrelated decision-making.
Pros
- Immersive Cold War Narrative
- Cooperative Strategy
- Evolving Gameplay
- Meaningful Decisions
Cons
- Steep learning curve for newcomers.
5. Aeon’s End Board Game
- Work together to combat nemeses in a richly immersive, narrative-driven wargame.
- Experience replayable adventures with evolving storylines and varying outcomes.
- Earn experience points to enhance abilities with stickers and player cards.
- Confront increasingly formidable adversaries as the game intensifies.
- Enjoy solo or group gaming with a 1-4 player count and 60-minute playtime.
Game Specifications
| Material | Cardboard |
| No of Players | 1-4 |
| Playtime | 60 minutes |
| Theme | Wargame |
Regarding Legacy board games in the wargame genre, Aeon’s End: Legacy of Gravehold is a captivating option. Unlike its counterpart, “Risk Legacy,” which emphasizes competitive global strategy, Aeon’s End: Legacy of Gravehold cooperates, uniting players against formidable nemeses in a richly immersive narrative. While “Risk Legacy” sparks rivalries, Aeon’s End fosters cooperation and strategy to enhance your powers and overcome ever-strengthening foes.
With a player count of 1-4 and a 60-minute playtime, it offers versatility for solo adventurers and small groups seeking a challenging and engaging experience. The game’s narrative depth is a standout feature, with branching paths that offer replayability and the excitement of experiencing different storylines.
After each game, players receive experience points, which they can spend on enhancement stickers and player cards to enhance their abilities. However, the adversaries they face also grow stronger, ensuring a continuous and evolving challenge. It’s a dynamic blend of strategy, storytelling, and deck-building that keeps players invested in the game’s outcome.
Our Recommendations
Aeon’s End: Legacy of Gravehold is a must-try for those seeking a cooperative Legacy board game experience with a wargame theme. Its immersive narrative, evolving gameplay, and the balance between player progression and escalating challenges make it a compelling choice for solo and group play.
Pros
- Cooperative Immersion
- Replayable Adventures
- Player Enhancement
- Increasing Challenge
Cons
- Characters lack depth
6. Nine Arches Board Game
- Craft your quests and escape the mundane with imaginative storytelling.
- Decide the scale and tone of your adventures, from silly to serious.
- Collaborate with adventurers worldwide to create joyful and kind-hearted experiences.
- Enjoy 20-minute sessions suitable for solo play or group gatherings.
- Features hand-illustrated cards, a golden tin box, a scarf, pins, and more.
Game Specifications
| Material | Cardstock |
| No of Players | 1-9 |
| Playtime | 20 minutes |
| Theme | Adventure |
The Nine Arches Board Game is a one-of-a-kind Legacy game that will satisfy your need for a change of pace and the possibility of turning your days into exciting adventures. In contrast to more linear Legacy games like “Pandemic Legacy,” which focuses on cooperative medical tasks, Nine Arches encourages players to create their own stories, much like the classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” books.
The game promotes an environment of happiness and generosity by challenging players to create magical moments via quest cards. The playing duration is just 20 minutes, and the game may include anything from one to nine players.
Nine Arches stands out because it allows users to choose the seriousness or silliness of their adventures. This game is at its best when players work together to bring pleasure to the world via their exploits.
Our Recommendations
As a welcome change from traditional storylines, Nine Arches is a fantastic addition to the Legacy board game genre. It’s great for individuals looking for a humorous, adaptable, and highly participatory game because of its focus on creativity, community, and making unforgettable experiences.
Pros
- Creative Freedom
- Community Engagement
- Quick Play
- Unique Collectible Edition
Cons
- It may not suit players seeking structured narratives.
7. Werewolf Legacy Board Game
- Engage in thrilling rounds of bluffing and deduction in this party game.
- Decisions and events impact future games, creating an evolving narrative.
- Ideal for larger groups of 9-16 players for intense player interaction.
- An impartial moderator oversees the game’s progression, adding intrigue.
- Each round offers fresh dynamics, with players striving to uncover hidden identities.
Game Specifications
| Material | Cardboard |
| No of Players | 9-16 players |
| Playtime | 60 minutes |
| Theme | Werewolf |
Werewolf Legacy introduces an innovative variation to the classic party game “Ultimate Werewolf” in the Legacy board game genre. Werewolf Legacy positions players against one another in a game of deception and deduction, unlike traditional Legacy games such as “Pandemic Legacy,” in which players work cooperatively to surmount obstacles.
The game centers around the classic Ultimate Werewolf scenario, where villagers must identify and eliminate all werewolves. A neutral moderator supervises the game’s progression, adding to its intensity. With a duration of 60 minutes and a design for 9 to 16 players, this game is ideal for larger social gatherings or game evenings.
The legacy aspect distinguishes Werewolf Legacy from other games; actions and decisions made in earlier games reverberate through consecutive games, molding the Village’s destiny for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the werewolf deception, every game is a unique experience with dynamic and narrative elements that are constantly evolving.
Our Recommendations
We recommend Werewolf Legacy to aficionados of deduction and deception games who want to add a legacy element to their social gatherings. Its engaging gameplay, dynamic player interactions, and evolving narrative make it a thrilling choice for larger groups.
Pros
- Deceptive Thrills
- Evolving Narratives
- Socially Engaging
- Varied Player Experiences
Cons
- Consistently requires 9+ players
8. The Rise of Queensdale Board Game
- It is a legacy-style game with an ongoing story and physical changes based on choices.
- Includes 450+ counters, 500+ stickers, cards, tokens, dice, and more.
- User-friendly manuals and guides for a smooth and engaging experience.
- Play with 2-4 players, with optional modifications for 2-player games.
- Blends action and storytelling in a city-building campaign for ages 12+.
Game Specifications
| Material | Wood |
| No of Players | 2-4 |
| Playtime | 20 minutes |
| Theme | Action |
The Rise of Queensdale is a strong competitor to other Legacy board games in the action genre. The Rise of Queensdale provides a fresh take on the Legacy genre by fusing action with story development, unlike other popular Legacy games like “Risk Legacy,” which also blends strategy with developing tales.
The heritage gameplay mechanics guarantee that each playthrough improves upon the previous, with the narrative and the game’s physical components changing in response to the player’s actions. It’s suitable for various gamers since it can be played with two to four people in only 20 minutes. The game’s many parts—counters, stickers, cards, tokens, dice, and even a Royal plunger—make for an exciting and realistic experience.
While the game’s intricacy is best suited for those above 12, gamers of all ages can benefit from the game’s well-explained tutorials and guidelines. Once a campaign has been finished, there is no option to start or play it again.
Our Recommendations
If you’re looking for a Legacy board game that successfully combines action and storyline, The Rise of Queensdale is an absolute must. Thanks to its constantly developing story and wide array of playable parts, it’s a great option for anyone seeking a fresh take on the campaign genre.
Pros
- Evolving Campaign
- Abundant Components
- User-Friendly Instructions
- Versatile Player Count
Cons
- Limited to a single, non-resettable campaign.
9. Cypress Legacy Board Game
- Dive into the competitive world of the Cypress Inheritance Saga.
- Play with 2-6 participants, accommodating various gaming group sizes.
- A wealth of game pieces, cards, tokens, and more for an immersive experience.
- Offers a depth of strategy suitable for players aged 12 and up.
- Solve mysteries, collect assets, and outwit opponents on the journey to inheritance.
Game Specifications
| Material | Cardboard |
| No of Players | 2-6 |
| Playtime | 20 minutes |
| Theme | Science Fiction |
Cypress Legacy stands for itself as a game that combines challenge and immersion. Cypress Legacy’s story is distinct from “Pandemic Legacy,” another popular game recognized for its cooperative approach to combating a deadly epidemic. Like the Cypress Inheritance Saga, it thrusts players into a strange and competitive universe.
Players compete for an inheritance by solving puzzles, amassing resources, and outwitting their rivals. A handbook and fast start guide facilitate rapid entry into the game, which is best suited to those above 12. With Cypress Legacy, players may experience the thrill of a competitive Science Fiction story while delving into a world of mystery and strategy.
It’s great for small and big groups of gamers because of its design for 2-6 players and short 20-minute playing. Player pieces, cards, tokens, and other components create a varied and engaging gaming experience.
Our Recommendations
If you’re looking for a compelling and intriguing Legacy game, go no further than Cypress Legacy. Its enticing science-fiction theme, wealth of components, and fun gameplay make it a great choice for players of all skill levels.
Pros
- Engaging Mystery
- Versatile Player Count
- Immersive Components
- Strategic Depth
Cons
- Complexity may challenge new players.
10. Legacy of Dragonholt Board Game
- Immerse in an epic storyline, solving mysteries and shaping your destiny.
- Play solo or with up to 6 players for varied group sizes.
- Choose from six races, define traits, and craft a unique persona.
- No Game Master is required; players influence their adventure’s outcome.
- Dive into a rich world through Village and quest books, making impactful choices.
Game Specifications
| Material | Cardboard |
| No of Players | 6 |
| Playtime | 60 minutes |
| Theme | Game |
Legacy of Dragonholt is a fantastic addition to the Legacy line of story-driven adventure board games. Legacy of Dragonholt is a different take on the same genre as the popular “Gloomhaven,” with its deep plot and exciting gameplay. Legacy of Dragonholt takes players on an expedition into the Realms of Terrinoth, combining elements of role-playing games, adventure games, and Choose Your Expedition novels. In contrast, Gloomhaven is a cooperative tactical warfare game.
It’s adaptable to any number of players from one to six and may be played in as little as 30 minutes or as long as an average of an hour. The player creates and defines characters, who may choose from six different humanoid races and a wide range of attributes.
It does away with the traditional Game Master in favor of a revolutionary Oracle system that gives control of the game to each player. Through a Village Book and six mission books, players may experience a rich environment and make meaningful decisions as they adventure.
Our Recommendations
If you’re looking for a Legacy board game with a compelling story, you must play Legacy of Dragonholt. It’s a great pick for anybody searching for a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to its deep storyline, character creation tools, and adaptable gameplay.
Pros
- Immersive Storytelling
- Flexible Player Count
- Character Customization
- Meaningful Choices
Cons
- Some quests might feel short.
Final Words
While Gloomhaven and Pandemic Legacy offer tactical battles and cooperative disease-fighting, Legacy of Dragonholt takes players on a narrative adventure of character-driven storytelling. Cypress Legacy weaves a mysterious competitive saga, while Cypress Inheritance Saga dives into an adventurous world of secrets and strategy.
The Rise of Queensdale provides an immersive city-building campaign, and Aeon’s End: Legacy of Gravehold brings an evolving narrative set in a world of modern warfare. Each game brings its unique flavor to the Legacy genre, offering an array of experiences to satisfy diverse tastes.
