Summary
Playing a board game with 3 players may sound a little lackluster or weird to some, as most tabletop experiences are either strictly for 2 players or support 4 and beyond. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth, as some board games shine at the 3-player count.
It can be somewhat difficult to discern which games play best at 3 players, given that there aren’t many titles out there that are distinctly marketed for that number of participants. It’s possible to get creative with certain games to accommodate three, and for those looking forviable three-person options, there are plenty of suitable board games available.
Updated June 05, 2025, by Kristy Ambrose:Board game lovers can have some truly enjoyable experiences when playing these creative and engaging board games and can feel as if they’re on an epic adventure if they play their cards right. These board games are not only fun for kids but also adults, and they’re a great choice for older players who want a challenging yet unforgettable time. There are plenty of 3-player board games out there, and some even come with beautiful designs and fun miniatures to further enhance the overall experience on offer.
15Catan
Number of Players: 3-6 with Extensions
Also known asSettlers of Catan, this popular game has its roots in Europe, specifically Germany. Aficiandos of the game can find a whole culture devoted toCatan, complete with conventions, tournaments, and plenty of venues to meet fellow players.
The original game required at least three players, so even if gamers have the earliest version of the classic game that was released in the 1990s, they can still make it work. The global fanbase is also substantial, and there’s a digital version of the game that can be used for co-op and online play.
14Gloomhaven
Number of Players: 1-4
Gloomhavenis an exciting strategy board game that transports players into adark fantasy realm. It’s one of the most beautiful board games for 3 players, with stunning miniatures and a fun story. During the gameplay, players get to fight against and vanquish monsters as they step into the shoes of powerful adventurers of this dark realm.
Players will have their own special set of skills as well as a unique backstory and motivations that encourage them to travel around this dangerous land. As gamers explore the magical and spooky locations on offer, they’ll also be able to increase their abilities and their chances of winning.
13Wingspan
Number of Players: 1-5
Wingspanis a beautiful educational board game for 3 players that’s also a great choice for family game nights. This strategy board game helps players learn more about the planet’s fascinating birds as well as a little bit about how wildlife preserves work.
Even thoughWingspanis a competitive board game, it’s also quite relaxing, and players will be able to learn about over 170 birds along the way. Players will be able to becomecurious bird enthusiastswho will have to discover and attract the best types of birds to make their wildlife preserve a success, and they can do so with up to four other participants.
12My City
Number of Players: 2-4
My Cityis one of thegreatest competitive gamesfor 3 players that’ll entertain younger and older gamers as well. This family-friendly strategy board game is a great choice for those who love unique city-building and legacy games.
Gamers will get a chance to build their own city through the ages and will have to make smart choices from the start if they want to ensure that their city succeeds in the long run. It’s a colorful and engaging 3-player board game that’ll encourage players to work on their critical thinking skills and plan better for the future.
11Tiny Towns
Number of Players: 1-6
Tiny Townsis a charming family-friendly board game for 3 players with a vibrant and fun world. Players will get to become mayors of a tiny town in the middle of a forest and will have to grow their city by constructing one building at a time.
Since the resources are scarce, players have to plan wisely and use all the building materials that are available to them to make sure their town is thriving.Tiny Townsis a simple yet fun board game that’s a great choice for families with smaller kids.
10Tales Of The Arabian Nights
Tales Of The Arabian Nightsis achoose-your-own-adventure styleboard game where 1-6 players travel throughout a world inspired by tales and legends from the book,One Thousand and One Nights.Players can become iconic heroes such as Aladdin, Scheherazade, and Sinbad, traveling the world in search of adventure and glory.
Though up to 6 players can play simultaneously, the game is meant for 3. During 1 player’s turn, 2 additional players will be involved, either reading from the book of tales or observing the reaction matrice. In other words, someone is always involved in the game at the 3-player count. It’s perfect for gamers who enjoy reading and having random, hilarious encounters.
9Azul
The medieval art of azulejos, or blue and white tiles, has a modern legacy in the form of this board game,Azul. Legend has it that the Portuguese King Manuel I was enchanted by the Moorish tiles when he saw them in southern Spain and decided that he wanted his own palace to be adorned with the same decor.
This forms the basis of the gameplay. The player is the designer and artist that the King has commissioned to renovate his palace. Points are tallied at the end of every round, and certain patterns and sequences are more valuable than others.
8Santorini
An abstract strategy game that supports 2-4 players,Santoriniis a gorgeous and simple game that involves constructing buildings and using the powers of Greek Gods. To win, players must use their worker(s) and get them to the top of a 3rd story building. It sounds easy, but players can easily block and prevent one another from winning.
At the 3-player mark, the game becomes a sort of 3-way chess as players keep one another in check whilst attempting to maneuver themselves toward victory. Players will also use their special god abilities to traverse the board faster, build more frequently, and sabotage their rivals.Quick, easy to learn,yet deeply strategic,Santoriniis a must-play for any gang of 3.
7Clank! In! Space!: A Deck-Building Adventure
Clank! In! Space!Is a game where players become thieves and must loot the spoils from the evil tyrant, Lord Eradikus. Slipping aboard his flagship, players must sneak their way through, hack modules, and get that sweet loot.
However, if players are too noisy, they will draw the ire and rage of Lord Eradikus, which results in a very painful death. A game that involves pushing one’s luck to get just a bit more,Clank! In! Space!is great fun and incredibly intense. A perfect game for 3, this board game beats out its cousin,Clank!, as it fixes several issues with the predecessor.
6Pax Renaissance
As bankers during the Renaissance, players will get to carry out various actions that will determine the future of Europe. These actions will either bring the continent into enlightenment or allow it to rot in the dark ages.
InPax Renaissance, players will acquire cards to create their tableau, allowing them to select from a pool of actions. These actions can vary from discovering new trade routes to financing different sides in warfare and will determine how Europe moves forward and is influenced. Suitable for 3 players, this game is perfect for those who enjoy historical themes and living out their inner Rothschild. This game is also quite complex and may require several plays (or a good teacher) to master.
