Top Worker Placement Board Games Reviewed

As an adult, it's surprising yet refreshing to find that work can indeed be fun and games. In the world of worker placement tabletop games, this is literally the case. These games allow you to lead your team through various tasks and adventures as you strive towards end goals. With a variety of themes and settings, the choice of game can transport you to different worlds. Here's a list of some of my favorite worker placement games, featuring both recent hits and classic favorites.

TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board Games to Play Now

Viticulture

0See it at Amazon!

Yokohama

0See it at Amazon!

Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee Store!

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at Amazon!

Darwin’s Journey

0See it at Amazon!

Fromage

0See it at Allplay Store!

The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!

Septima

0See it at Mind Clash Games!

Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at Amazon!

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at Amazon!

If you're looking for a quick overview, you can see all the games listed in the handy side-scrolling catalog above. For those who want to dive deeper into each game, continue reading.

Viticulture

Viticulture

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 45-90 mins

Viticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier, known for Scythe, transports players to the picturesque region of Tuscany. Here, you take over your family's vineyard, guiding it to success by managing workers to plant vines, harvest grapes, and produce and sell wine. Played over multiple years, the game challenges you to age wine and fulfill orders. Enjoy Viticulture in its competitive original form or the cooperative Viticulture World edition (available at Amazon).

Yokohama

Yokohama

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 90 mins

Yokohama immerses players in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan. As a business magnate, you'll deploy workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders, building your trading empire. While the game has a moderate level of complexity, once mastered, gameplay flows smoothly. Best enjoyed with three players according to Board Game Geek.

Unconscious Mind

Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee Store!

Ages: 12+
Players: 2-4
Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)

Unconscious Mind is a deep and visually stunning Euro game centered around psychology and grief. Its gameplay offers complex strategies in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion introduces additional challenges and elements like fireworks and a gramophone lighter for a more gentle experience. Note that this game requires a significant time commitment for setup, learning, and playing, often exceeding the time listed on the box.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 60-90 mins

Wayfarers combines dice and worker placement in a satisfyingly complex yet fun way. The integration of dice rolls with worker placement adds an element of chance, making strategic decisions rewarding. Though initially daunting, especially for newcomers to heavier Euro games, the game offers substantial replayability with its tight resource management and strategic depth.

Darwin’s Journey

Darwin’s Journey

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 30-120 mins

Emulate the adventures of Charles Darwin in this game, racing across islands to uncover nature and science for your museum. Darwin's Journey is easy to navigate and highly replayable, appealing to both seasoned and casual players. While it's available online, a physical copy is highly recommended for its table presence and enjoyment.

Fromage

Fromage

0See it at Allplay Store!

Ages: 14+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 40 mins

Fromage is a delightful, quick-to-play game about crafting and selling award-winning cheeses across France. It's perfect for social gatherings or solo play. The Italian-themed version, Formaggio, will make cheese lovers crave even more. Enjoy building structures, tending to livestock, and filling orders in this fun and engaging game.

The Gallerist

The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games!

Ages: 12+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 120 mins

The Gallerist immerses you in the challenging world of art gallery management. Discover artists, showcase their work, and attract discerning patrons. Be warned, this game is not for beginners, ranking as one of the most complex on this list with a 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek. Like the real art world, it demands patience and strategic thinking.

Septima

Septima

0See it at Mind Clash Games!

Ages: 12+
Players: 1-6
Play Time: 50-100 mins

Septima's art is as enchanting as its witch-themed gameplay. Build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and navigate the dangers of witch hunters and trials. Its accessible design makes it enjoyable for solo play or with a group. An expansion adds shapeshifting elements and more stunning artwork, enhancing the experience.

Rock Hard: 1977

Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 14+
Players: 2-5
Play Time: 90 mins

Rock Hard: 1977, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, lets you channel your inner rockstar. With components shaped like an amp and your favorite head icon, the game was a fan favorite at Gen Con. Be aware, though, as it contains heavy themes that might not suit all players, reflecting the less glamorous aspects of rockstar life.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at Amazon!

Ages: 13+
Players: 1-4
Play Time: 50-120 mins

For comic enthusiasts, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire creatives, race to publish, and sell to fans. With its pulpy art and engaging gameplay, it's accessible even to those without a deep comic background. Playable solo or with up to four, it's best with three players and one of the easier games on this list to learn.