Here are a few great board games that are suitable for five players and under: 

Splendor

  • Best for 3-4 players
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • An addictively simple game with a touch of Texas Hold’em flair. Easy to learn, ensuring strong engagement from every player.

CATAN

  • Best for 4 players
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • A classic in board gaming. Ideal for anyone claiming to be a board game enthusiast. Involves dice rolling, card selection, and resource trading, blending strategy and luck.

AZUL

  • Best for 3-4 players
  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • An award-winning game with exquisite design. Simple yet entertaining, it offers opportunities to outsmart opponents without taxing mental effort.

Ticket to Ride

  • Best for 4-5 players
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Build railways on the U.S. map or explore the world with ships. Enjoyable gameplay involving card drawing and strategic maneuvering for territory.

Wingspan

  • Best for 4-5 players
  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • The hottest game of 2021. A highly strategic and immersive experience where you learn about various bird species. Requires thoughtful planning.

These selections are recognized for their enjoyment factor. For newcomers, Splendor and Azul are recommended for their easy-to-understand rulebooks. The others have slightly longer rulebooks, so having a friend guide gameplay is beneficial. If you’ve discovered other gems, feel free to share recommendations!