Spend time with your family - TOP games to play in a family atmosphere

Family game collection

“I’m looking for a game for the family. What can you recommend?” One of the most popular questions in our stores, which is also one of the most difficult, because the family games category is very broad. But don’t worry — our stores have games for a wide variety of families, and everyone will be able to find something they like.

What is a family game and what do we mean by it? The term family games usually refers to games that can be played by at least four players, that have relatively easy rules — games can be played together by several generations, and that involve not only strategy but also a luck factor.

Such games vary in complexity, game length, number of players, price, and box size, so there is no universal recommendation and there cannot be one.

Compact packaging and friendly price

The first category worth mentioning is games in small boxes. These are usually card games that not only take up little space on the shelf, but in most cases cost significantly less than their larger alternatives.

Furthermore, a small package doesn't mean there's "little" game inside.

One of the classics of compact card games this year has become the camel caravan game “Karakum” , which only saw the light of day at the beginning of the year. This game, produced entirely in Latvia, has already become one of the best-selling games in our stores.

Excellent family card games include “6. Take!” , “Carnival” , “Bohnanza” , “Zing-a-Zam” , “Similo” , “Deductio” and many others.

Small and compact games also include some sketch and note-taking games. Those who like to draw and plan routes will enjoy the “Railroad Ink” series, while strategic thinkers can try “Clever” .

A simple game to start your board game journey

If you're looking for something really simple for people who are into games, there are several different, but very great, options.

A very simple game is the word search game "Only One" , which will be exciting to play with both friends and grandparents.

The crime investigation game “MicroMacro: Crime City” literally combines a board game with the well-known “Where is Wally?” idea, where you have to find a specific character in a big picture. A very unique board game, which was deservedly recognized as the best game of the year in 2021. In total, the game has four parts, each of which has a large-sized map with 16 unique crimes. The first two versions of the game are currently available in Latvian.

If you're looking for a quick and easy board game that will appeal to both adults and children, we recommend "Draftosaurus" , in which players choose wooden dinosaur figures and try to place them in their dinosaur zoo as profitably as possible. A very quick and easy game for two to five players, ages eight and up.

Nature and animal lovers will love “Planet” , which takes board games to a whole new level. Instead of placing a tile in front of them on the table, players place their own magnetic sphere on it, literally creating their own planet!

Modern classics

“Catan” , “Carcassonne” , “Ticket to Ride” , “Azul” , “Dixit” – these are just a few of the modern classics that require no unnecessary commentary.

However, new games are appearing every year that are a great place to start your board game hobby. Cascadia is a modern alternative to the well-known Carcassonne. Players take tiles and place them in front of them, trying to create the largest possible habitats and place animals in a pattern they like.

Collect tiles and build your own ancient civilization in the games “Acropolis” and “Pyramido.” Both of these are highly rated tile-placement games in which players place tiles not only next to each other, but also on top of each other.

A year ago I gave away “Catan”, this year “Flamecraft”

For players who have already taken their first steps in the hobby and want something a little more complex, we definitely recommend — “Flamecraft” ! The cute dragon village will still be a fantastic place for family gatherings, but it is a little more strategic, so it might be challenging for completely new players at first. “Flamecraft” has already become one of the favorite family games for many — it is not for nothing that it was the most requested game of 2023 in our stores. You can read a full review of the game in this review .

If the dragon theme isn't for you, then you can safely choose "Living Forest" or "Winged" - both of these will be exciting games for strategic families.

Hidden treasures or exciting games that often go unnoticed

Several excellent games have been created for Latvian patriots, and they also serve as great holiday gifts because they are not only exciting, but also educational about our own country and its history.

“Here and There” is a game in which we try to be the first to travel around different corners of Latvia. Players travel around Latvia, collecting sightseeing point cards, and it is drawn by the phenomenal cartoonist Gatis Šļūka, which gives the game a special charm.

Those interested in teamwork and history will definitely enjoy “Latvian War of Independence 1918–1920” . The game has three scenarios in which players work together to win Latvia’s independence.

Everyone knows that Latvia is a country of gamblers. Latvians also like to bet and predict the outcomes of various events. What if I told you that these things can be combined in a unique board game in which players do not see their own cards? In the peacock game “Pikoko” , we do not see our own cards, but we see all our opponents’ cards. From the information available to us, before the start of the round, we try to guess how many tricks each player will get. The more accurate our guesses are, the more points we will earn!

As you can see, our range of games is extremely wide and we have gifts for all occasions. However, if you are still not sure, head to one of our stores, where the salespeople will be happy to tell you more and help you find the right game!