Top Worker Placement Board Games Reviewed

Something I didn’t expect to say as an adult is that sometimes, believe it or not, work can be fun and games. In worker placement tabletop games, they literally can be. In this form of gameplay, you take your team through different tasks and adventures as you build toward end goals. There are many different worlds you can choose to embark on, or themes to try, depending on the game you choose. This list highlights some of my latest favorites, including both newer and older worker placement games.

TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Board Games to Play Now

### 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 don't need no stinkin' blurbs, you can see all the games in this article in the handy side-scrolling catalog above. If you do want to read about the games, however, just keep on reading.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier, renowned for Scythe, takes you on a delightful journey to Tuscany, where families of players inherit vineyards from their ancestors and strive to create successful wineries. The game involves building a vineyard, harvesting grapes, bottling nectar, and selling vino. You’ll need to use your workers wisely during the season. Players play across multiple years, building their wineries and aging wine to fulfill orders. Gather your friends and raise a glass to Viticulture, which can be played competitively in its original version or cooperatively in the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsYokohama immerses you in the bustling port city near Tokyo, Japan, where you build your business empire. Use your team of workers to strategically gain resources, develop technologies, and complete orders. The game's complexity smooths out once you grasp the mechanics. It's best enjoyed with three players, according to Board Game Geek.

Unconscious Mind

### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a heavy Euro game that delves into psychology and grief, and it's one of the most visually stunning games I own. The gameplay is complex, offering layered strategies for movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further depth, though it can make the game more challenging. Be prepared for a longer session than the box suggests, as setup and teaching time can extend the playtime significantly.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers is a compelling blend of dice and worker placement, offering fun and rewarding gameplay. The worker placement mechanics are tied to dice rolls, adding an element of chance that can lead to satisfying outcomes. It might seem intimidating at first, especially for newcomers to heavier Euro games, but it offers a lot of replayability and decision-making space. Don't miss out on the fun this game provides.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsIf you've ever dreamed of being a scientific explorer like Darwin, Darwin’s Journey lets you race across three islands to discover nature and science for your museum. The game is easy to navigate and highly repeatable, appealing to both seasoned and casual players. It's accessible online, but a physical copy is well worth the investment.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsFromage is the perfect game to share with friends or enjoy solo, especially if you're a foodie. It's about making and selling award-winning cheeses across France, involving building structures, tending to livestock, and filling orders. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsThe Gallerist challenges you to run an art gallery, discovering artists, displaying their work, and attracting discerning patrons. It's not a beginner-friendly game, ranking at a 4.24 out of 5 in complexity on Board Game Geek. Like the art world itself, it's a challenging but rewarding experience.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's art is extraordinary, appealing to fans of gothic themes. The game revolves around building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch hunters and trials. Despite the challenges, it's accessible and enjoyable, with an expansion that adds shapeshifting and more stunning artwork.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsRock Hard: 1977 lets you unleash your inner rockstar, designed by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. The game's components are stunning, and the player board is shaped like an amp. It was a fan favorite at Gen Con, but be warned: it includes heavy themes that may not be suitable for all players.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsAge of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a catalog of comics during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to design your books and race other players to publish and sell your comics. The game's art is full of pulpy goodness, and it's easy to learn, making it enjoyable for both comic fans and newcomers. It's best with three players but can be played solo.