Top Worker Placement Board Games Reviewed

As an adult, it's surprising to admit that work can actually be fun and games, especially when it comes to worker placement tabletop games. In these games, you guide your team through various tasks and adventures, all while working towards end goals. With a variety of themes and worlds to explore, depending on the game you choose, the options are endless. Here's a curated list of my latest favorites, encompassing both new and classic worker placement games.

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 AmazonIf you're looking for a quick overview, you can check out all the games in the side-scrolling catalog above. For detailed insights, continue reading.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier, takes players on a delightful journey to Tuscany. Here, families inherit vineyards and strive to create successful wineries. The game involves building vineyards, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it to fulfill orders over multiple years. It's a strategic experience where players must use their workers efficiently within the season's time constraints. Viticulture is available in both competitive and cooperative formats, with the cooperative version available in the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsYokohama immerses players in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan. The objective is to build a thriving trading empire by strategically managing resources, developing technologies, and fulfilling orders. While the game is moderately complex, it becomes smooth once players understand the mechanics. It's best enjoyed with three players according to Board Game Geek.

Unconscious Mind

### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a visually stunning Euro game that delves into psychology and grief. It offers complex gameplay with multiple strategic layers in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further complexity and challenges, though it also includes softer elements like fireworks and gramophones for a gentler experience. Be aware, this game requires more time than the box suggests for setup, learning, and playing.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers combines dice and worker placement in a rewarding and complex game. The worker placement mechanics are tied to dice rolls, adding an element of chance to strategic decisions. While initially intimidating, especially for those new to heavy Euro games, it offers a lot of replayability and enjoyment once you get the hang of it.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsIn Darwin’s Journey, players embark on a scientific adventure across three islands, racing against each other and Darwin himself to discover and collect nature and science for a museum. The game is easy to learn, highly repeatable, and accessible both physically and online. It's a hit among both seasoned and casual players.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsFromage is a lighthearted game about crafting and selling award-winning cheeses across France. Players build structures, manage livestock, and fill orders in this quick-to-play board game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds a delicious twist that will leave you craving more.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsThe Gallerist challenges players to run an art gallery, discovering artists, displaying their work, and attracting discerning patrons. It's a complex game, ranking high on the complexity scale at Board Game Geek, and is not recommended for beginners. Just like the real art world, it can be tough to break into.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima captivates with its stunning gothic art and a theme centered on witches. Players build covens, collect herbs, brew potions, and navigate witch hunts and trials. Despite the challenges, it's an accessible and engaging game that can be enjoyed solo or with friends. An expansion adds shapeshifting and more beautiful artwork.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsRock Hard: 1977, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, lets players unleash their inner rockstar. The game features stunning components and a player board shaped like an amp. It was a fan favorite at Gen Con. However, it includes heavy themes that might not be suitable for everyone, so approach with caution.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsAge of Comics: The Golden Years lets players build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to design and publish comics, racing against other players to reach fandom. The game's art is full of pulpy goodness, and it's easy to learn and enjoyable, even for non-comic fans. It's best with three players but can also be played solo.