As an adult, it's surprising to admit that work can indeed be fun and games, especially in the realm of worker placement tabletop games. In these engaging experiences, you guide your team through various tasks and adventures, striving to achieve end goals. The beauty of these games lies in their diverse themes and settings, allowing players to immerse themselves in different worlds. Whether you're new to the genre or a seasoned player, this list compiles some of my favorite worker placement games, both new and classic.
### 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 prefer a quick glance at all the games featured in this article, check out the convenient side-scrolling catalog above. For more detailed insights, continue reading.
### Viticulture
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, invites you on a delightful journey to Tuscany. Here, players inherit a family winery and must build a successful business by planting vineyards, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate the seasons, aiming to fulfill orders and age your wine over multiple years. Enjoy Viticulture competitively or opt for the cooperative experience with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).
### Yokohama
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsSet in the bustling port city of Yokohama near Tokyo, this game challenges players to build a thriving business empire. Utilize your team of workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders. While Yokohama can be complex, its gameplay flows smoothly once mastered. It's best enjoyed with three players, according to Board Game Geek.
### Unconscious Mind
0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a deeply thematic Euro game that delves into psychology and grief, boasting stunning artwork. Its gameplay offers complex strategy and timing, with the Nightmares expansion adding further depth. Be aware that setup and playtime can exceed the box's stated duration, making it a substantial commitment. Consider it for players ready for a more intense gaming session.
### Wayfarers of The South Tigris
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers combines dice rolling with worker placement, creating a rewarding and complex gameplay experience. Initial intimidation gives way to enjoyment as players navigate decisions and resource management. Its replayability is high, making it a must-try for fans of heavier Euro games.
### Darwin’s Journey
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsEmbrace your inner explorer in Darwin’s Journey, racing across islands to uncover scientific discoveries. Easy to learn and highly replayable, this game appeals to both seasoned and casual players. While available online, a physical copy enhances the experience.
### Fromage
0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsFromage is a delightful, quick-to-play game about crafting and selling cheese in France. Build structures, manage livestock, and fulfill orders in this charming game. Its Italian counterpart, Formaggio, will have you craving more.
### The Gallerist
0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsIn The Gallerist, you manage an art gallery, discovering artists, showcasing their work, and attracting discerning patrons. This challenging game, with a complexity rating of 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek, is not for beginners but offers a realistic glimpse into the art world.
### Septima
0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's gothic art and witch-themed gameplay are captivating. Build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and navigate witch trials in this user-friendly yet deep game. An expansion adds shapeshifting, enhancing the already beautiful artwork. Enjoy it solo or with friends.
### Rock Hard: 1977
0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsUnleash your inner rockstar in Rock Hard: 1977, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. With stunning components and an amp-shaped player board, this game was a hit at Gen Con. Be prepared for heavy themes that may not suit all players.
### Age of Comics: The Golden Years
0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsFor comic enthusiasts, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a comic catalog during the Golden Age. Hire creatives, race to publish, and engage with fans. While comic fans will love it, it's accessible to all. Playable solo or with up to four players, it's one of the easier games to learn on this list.