#358: Our Listeners' Top 20 Board Games of All-Time 2026
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In this highly anticipated episode of Board Game Barrage, the hosts dive into the listeners' top 20 board games of all time for 2026, revealing a list shaped by hundreds of submissions. The episode opens with a playful review of three recently played games: Emberheart, a mid-weight worker placement game with a vibrant dragon theme and variable round length; Gods and Mortals, a thematic area control game disguised as a stock trading experience with asymmetric powers and dynamic player incentives; and Faya's Swamp, a heavily themed, Euro-style tile-laying game that revitalizes the older Kaivai design with improved accessibility and deeper strategy. The second half is dedicated to the top 20 list, where classic titles like Hunza Teutonica (number 1), Dune Imperium (number 2), and Bross Birmingham (number 3) dominate, while newer entries like Innovation and Vantage make notable appearances. The hosts reflect on shifting trends, including the decline of Concordia and the resurgence of El Grande, and highlight the community-driven nature of the list compared to BGG rankings. The episode closes with lighthearted banter, special shoutouts to dedicated listeners, and a celebration of the vibrant, passionate board gaming community.
The listeners' top 20 list reflects enduring classics like Hunza Teutonica, Dune Imperium, and Bross Birmingham, with strong continuity from previous years.
Innovation saw a massive five-spot rise, likely driven by the release of Innovation Ultimate and renewed interest in the game.
Faya's Swamp is praised as a refined, more accessible version of the older Kaivai, offering deeper strategy and better pacing.
Gods and Mortals successfully blends area control with stock-trading mechanics, making it approachable for non-economics players.
The top 20 list is heavily skewed toward strategy and Euro games, with minimal representation of party or light games.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introducing the Listener Top 20 & Game Reviews
The hosts kick off the episode with excitement about the listener-submitted top 20 list, thanking contributors and teasing special shoutouts. They then dive into reviews of three recently played games: Emberheart, a mid-weight worker placement game with a dragon theme; Gods and Mortals, a thematic area control game disguised as a stock trading game; and Faya's Swamp, a reimagined version of Kaivai with improved pacing and depth.
The Listener Top 20 List Revealed
“The only thing is none of these people know how to party. That's all I'll say. If we're having a party, none of you are invited because none of you know how to party.”
Community Insights, Trends, and Final Thoughts
“This is a dramatically better list. The only thing is none of these people know how to party. That's all I'll say.”
“The only thing is none of these people know how to party. That's all I'll say. If we're having a party, none of you are invited because none of you know how to party.”
“I would buy stock in the god that is Faya's Swamp. And that's not sacrilegious. That's just take it up with wolf designer.”
“I would not call it like a Euro game. Or a typical Euro game. It feels more interactive, more interesting than that.”
Hosts
Kellen
person
Mark
person
Callan
person
Emberheart
media
Gods and Mortals
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Faya's Swamp
media
Hunza Teutonica
media
Dune Imperium
media
Bross Birmingham
media
Spirit Island
media
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