The 10 best board games under $10

If you’re looking for something to do to pass the time, then board games are always a solid choice. Unlike video games, they’re relatively inexpensive, don’t require regular updates, and are always readily accessible regardless of internet access or power. 

There are board games to appeal to everyone regardless of your interests, from horror-based ones such as Horrified to something more chilled like the Stardew Valley board game. However, finding something to play gets a little more challenging if you're on a tight budget. 

Say you’ve got a budget of only $10; what’s out there for you to pick up and play at family games night? I’ve done some digging around and found 10 of the best board games for under $10, although I have had to stretch the definition of ‘board game’ slightly to ensure you get your money’s worth. 

Magnetic

I did mention that I was stretching the definition of ‘board game’ a bit here, right? Magnetic doesn’t even come with a board, but it does come with specific pieces and rules as well as a rope that defines the playing area, so I’m counting it here. 

The aim of the game is remarkably simple — players each get an equal number of magnets from the game's 24 and take turns dropping them into the rope-marked arena of play. You want to drop the magnets in a way that avoids attracting any other magnets because if you do, they become yours, and the first person to have no magnets left is the winner. 

Sorry!

This board game comes with an actual board, so it definitely counts in a list of board games even without the need to stretch the definition of the term. Sorry! is designed for both kids and adults and centers around the theme of sweet revenge. 

It seems like a fairly straightforward game for between 2 to 4 players. The aim is to get all three (or four, in more recent versions) pawns around the board and into the home spot for their respective color. However, all players can sabotage their opponents' attempts to make that happen. 

Trouble

I have fond memories of Trouble, although with my British upbringing, I know it better as ‘Frustration’. My memories mostly pertain to the satisfying pop of the Pop-o-matic dice roller in the middle, which certainly annoyed my parents after the millionth time I slapped it with glee. On the plus side, at least they never had to replace the dice. 

Trouble is a different take on Sorry!, with players each having four colored pegs that you need to get around the board and line up in the finish line towards the center of the board. There’s less sabotage involved than there is in Sorry!, but still a lot of frustration involved, which is probably where the UK version got its name. 

Ouija Board

Even though horror movies and occult fanatics have adopted the Ouija Board as a tool for contacting the dead and demons of the world, it was first patented by the Kennard Novelty Company as a parlor game. So, if you can look past the scary possibility that you might summon Satan himself by playing, then you might have some fun. 

The movement of the planchette is scientifically explained as the Ideomotor Phenomenon, or in layman's terms, unconscious movement. Let’s face it, the piece of wood is unlikely to move of its own accord or under the hands of a ghostie trying to convey a message. That doesn’t mean that I’ll willingly allow one into my house, but nothing is stopping you at under $10, if you’ve got the mental fortitude. 

Monopoly Deal

Every time I write a board game list, Monopoly comes up somewhere, and this one is no different, even considering the strict budget. Monopoly Deal is like the board game transformed into a card game format. 

You still need to collect properties, face off against debt collectors, and do everything else you’ve come to expect from the property mogul game. With two players, a game of Monopoly Deal can be completed in as little as five to 15 minutes, this time extending to just under an hour if five people are playing together. 

Zillionaires: Road Trip USA

If you enjoy Monopoly and all of its property buying aspects, then you’ll love Zillionaires: Road Trip USA. The game not only comes with an actual board (something of a rarity on this list at this point), but it also comes with a physical auctioneer's gavel to bang, marking the end of each bidding war. 

These bidding wars take place between players trying to purchase one of 49 strange attractions across the USA. The first person to purchase four different attractions is crowned the winner, but there’s a catch — the four attractions must be next to each other on the board. This proves difficult with others bidding against you for the same properties. 

Guess Who?

Admittedly, you’re unlikely to find the full board-based version of Guess Who? for under $10, but you can get the card-based version within the budget and have some dollars to spare. Guess Who? is great for kids and adults alike, sparking conversation and thoughtful questions. 

The premise of the card game is the same as the original board game, with each player asking questions to try and figure out exactly who the other players’ mystery character is. Are they wearing glasses? Do they have brown hair? Are they a girl? You know the drill. 

World’s Smallest Operation

As with Guess Who, you’re probably not going to find Operation for under 10 bucks. However, if you’re up for the challenge, there’s always the world’s smallest version that can be put into your pocket and taken with you on the go if that’s your idea of fun. 

There are only four ailments included in the tiny version (broken heart, butterflies, charlie horse, and wrenched ankle), but they’re just as annoying to remove and you still have to contend with the nerve-wracking buzz that comes if you touch the edge with the tweezers. It even comes in an adorably tiny little box. 

Disney Lorcana Gateway

If you’ve ever looked at the Disney Lorcana trading card game and thought it looks a little overwhelming, then Disney Lorcana Gateway is your entry point into the game. It comes with two starter decks, reward packs containing more cards, counters, movers, and everything else you’ll need to complete your first game. 

This is also a great way to discover whether you can get into the Lorcana TCG as a whole before pouring money into it only to find out that it’s not for you. At under $10, it’s a relatively cheap way to find out if you enjoy the rules and gameplay, plus a worthwhile collectible for any Disney fan. 

Pictureka (Giant Edition)

Pictureka is essentially just a game of hide and seek in which players draw cards and have to find the items from that card on a jumbled board of doodled images. Pictureka (Giant Edition) is that, but on steroids, with a humongous playing field to work with. 

It’s great for kids, and I can personally attest that it will keep them entertained for a long time, but it’s also great for adults looking to test their observational and memory skills. With colorful images and a wide range of items to hunt down, you’ll enjoy playing with little ones or even on your own if you’re a little bored.  

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