Anticipated Highlights: New Board Games in 2024

As the overseas shipping crisis of 2023 gradually resolved itself, the board game industry resumed its vibrant release schedule, promising an equally dynamic and thrilling 2024. While major publishers are bringing exciting titles to the table, 2024 is also a prime time for aspiring designers to turn their game ideas into reality. For those with creative ambitions, custom board game manufacturers like Chenlong ACG offer invaluable support in transforming dream games into physical experiences. With a flood of new titles, navigating through the diverse offerings feels akin to sipping from a fire hose. Here are eight upcoming board games that have captured our attention.

The selection of the most anticipated board games for 2024 spans a wide spectrum of the hobby. It features innovative experiences inspired by immensely popular video game franchises like Metal Gear Solid and historical titles that delve into unique moments in human history. Furthermore, 2024 will witness the premiere of the first major board game based on the popular roguelite genre from the realm of video games. Additionally, a decades-old classic board game is set to make a triumphant return, revitalized in a fresh format.

Let's take a closer look at the board games that are poised to make waves in 2024.

IRONWOOD
Publisher: Mindclash Games
In Ironwood, two factions engage in an eternal war over a coveted piece of land, a tale as old as humankind. Players who play this type of printing cards for board games can control highly asymmetric fantasy warbands in a rules-light, card-driven battle reminiscent of Unmatched. The Ironclad seek to establish forges in the outer mountains, while the Woodwalkers strive to locate their people's lost totems. With colorful and evocative factions, Ironwood offers a rich sense of setting. Notably, this game comes from Mindclash Games, known for grand experiences like the time-traveling epic Anachrony and the intricate tabletop 4X game Voidfall. Despite its more restrained approach, Ironwood promises an hour-long conflict with accessible rules while maintaining drama and depth.

DEAD CELLS: THE ROGUE-LITE BOARD GAME
Publisher: Le Scorpion Masqué
Video game-to-tabletop adaptations continue to be a notable trend, and 2024 will see significant releases, including Call of Duty: The Board Game, Apex Legends: The Board Game, and Dead Cells: The Rogue-Lite Board Game. Following a successful Kickstarter campaign raising nearly $1.1 million, this cooperative dungeon crawler by Le Scorpion Masqué is poised for a fanfare-filled 2024. Players will explore an ever-changing castle, upgrade character powers, vanquish enemies, and face death as an integral part of the adventure. Rather than concluding the journey, death yields cells, allowing players to purchase permanent mutations and attain greater power. With its phenomenal appearance, Dead Cells promises to deliver the first major roguelite board game experience.

BRETWALDA
Publisher: Phalanx
Bretwalda thrusts players into Britain during the Early Middle Ages, a time of Viking invasions and internal political turmoil. Depicting a storied era of Britain's history, this asymmetric title from publisher Phalanx promises a complex and riveting area-control game for up to four players. Each participant commands one of the four kingdoms—Wessex, Mercia, Northumbria, and East Anglia—and strategically uses limited actions to develop their territory, invade others, and achieve secret objectives. With both political and military strife, coupled with a simple yet intriguing economic system, Bretwalda offers a comprehensive gaming experience.

The games showcase distinct features, including symmetric fantasy warfare, roguelite cooperative adventures, and intricate territorial control gameplay. These new games will offer players a fresh experience, making 2024 a proud year for tabletop gaming enthusiasts.