Top Worker Placement Board Games Reviewed

Something I didn’t expect to say as an adult is that sometimes, believe it or not, work can be fun and games. In worker placement tabletop games, they literally can be. In this form of gameplay, you take your team through different tasks and adventures as you build toward end goals. There are many different worlds you can choose to embark on, or themes to try, depending on the game you choose. This list has some of my latest favorites, including both newer and older 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 don't need detailed descriptions, you can see all the games in this article in the handy side-scrolling catalog above. If you do want to read about the games, however, just keep on reading.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, takes you on a delightful journey to Tuscany. Here, families of players take their inheritance and work to create successful wineries. The game involves building a vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. To succeed, you’ll need to use your workers wisely during the season. Players play across multiple years, developing their wineries and aging wine to fulfill orders. Gather your friends and raise a glass to Viticulture, which can be played competitively or cooperatively in the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsYokohama transports players to the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan. In this game, you build a business empire with the help of your workers. Strategically gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders to expand your trading empire. While the game is moderately complex, turns flow smoothly once you understand the mechanics. It's playable with two to four players, but it's reportedly best with three 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 deep Euro game centered around psychology and grief, and it's one of the most visually stunning games I own. The gameplay is intricate, offering multiple strategic layers in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further complexity, making the game even more challenging, though it also includes softer elements like fireworks and a gramophone lighter for a gentler experience. Be warned: this game requires a significant time investment for setup, teaching, and play, often exceeding the time indicated on the box.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers of The South Tigris combines dice and worker placement in a complex yet rewarding way. The game integrates dice rolls with worker actions, offering a blend of chance and strategy that can be highly satisfying when executed well. It may seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, but it offers a lot of replayability and decision-making. Don't pass on this game – it's a lot of fun once you get into it.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsIf you've ever wanted to explore like Darwin, you'll enjoy Darwin’s Journey. Race fellow explorers and Darwin himself across three islands to discover and catalog nature and science for a museum. The game is easy to navigate and highly replayable. It's beautifully designed and also accessible online, but the physical copy is a hit among both seasoned and casual players.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsIf you're looking for a game to share with friends or for a solo session, Fromage is a delightful choice. This game involves making and selling award-winning cheeses across France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fulfill orders in this quick and engaging board game. The Italian version, Formaggio, will also have you craving Parmigiano.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsThe Gallerist immerses you in the world of running an art gallery. Discover artists, display their works, and attract discerning patrons to your gallery. Be warned: this game is not for beginners, ranking at a 4.24 out of 5 in complexity on Board Game Geek. It's challenging, much like the real art world.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's art is stunning, especially if you're into gothic themes. This accessible game revolves around witches, where you build covens, collect herbs, brew potions, and survive witch hunters and trials. Despite the trials, I found it immensely enjoyable and recommend it for group or solo play. The expansion adds shapeshifting with animals and even more beautiful artwork.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsRock Hard: 1977 lets you live out your rockstar dreams. Designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways, this game features stunning components and a player board shaped like an amp. It was a fan favorite at Gen Con. However, be aware that it includes heavy themes that may not be suitable for all players, reflecting the sometimes harsh realities of rockstar life.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsIf you love comics, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build your own comic catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to design your books and race other players to publish and sell your comics. The art is full of pulpy goodness, and you don't need to be a comic fan to enjoy it. You can even play solo, and it's one of the easiest games on this list to learn.