Top Worker Placement Board Games Revealed

As an adult, it's surprising to admit that work can sometimes be fun and games, and in worker placement tabletop games, this is literally the case. In these games, you guide your team through various tasks and adventures, working towards end goals. With a wide array of themes and settings to explore, the choices are endless. Here, I share some of my top picks for worker placement games, spanning both new releases and timeless classics.

TLDR: The Best Worker Placement 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 prefer a quick glance at all the games, check out the side-scrolling catalog above. For detailed insights into each game, continue reading.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, transports players to Tuscany. Here, you take on the role of a family inheriting a vineyard, aiming to build a successful winery. The game involves planting grapes, harvesting, bottling wine, and selling it. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate through multiple years to fulfill orders and age your wines. Enjoy Viticulture competitively or cooperatively with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsSet in the bustling port city of Yokohama, this game challenges players to build a thriving business. Manage your team of workers to gather resources, develop technology, and fulfill orders to expand your empire. While initially complex, the game flows smoothly once mastered. 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 delves into psychology and grief, offering a visually stunning experience. This Euro game is intricate, with deep strategy in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds complexity for those seeking a challenge, while other elements like fireworks and gramophones cater to those preferring a gentler play. Be prepared for a longer playtime than advertised, as setup and teaching the game can extend the session.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers combines dice and worker placement, offering a surprising and enjoyable experience. The game integrates dice rolls with worker actions, adding a layer of chance and strategy. It may seem daunting at first, but the rewarding gameplay and high replayability make it a must-try. Don't let its complexity scare you away; it's a fun game once you get into it.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsEmbark on a scientific expedition in Darwin's Journey, racing against other explorers to discover nature and science for a museum. This game is easy to learn and highly replayable, making it a hit with both seasoned and casual players. Its visual appeal is complemented by its accessibility, both in physical and online formats.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsPerfect for a casual game night, Fromage involves creating and selling award-winning cheeses across France. Build structures, manage livestock, and fulfill orders in this quick and engaging game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds an extra flavor to the mix, making it a delightful choice for food lovers.

The Gallerist

### 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. Be warned: this game is not for beginners, with a complexity rating of 4.24 out of 5 on Board Game Geek. It's a challenging yet rewarding experience that mirrors the intricacies of the art world.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's gothic art captivates players as they build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and evade witch hunters. This user-friendly game is perfect for those fascinated by witchcraft. An expansion introduces shapeshifting, adding more depth and beautifully designed artwork. Enjoy it solo or with friends.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsRock Hard: 1977 lets you live the life of a rockstar, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. The game's components, including an amp-shaped player board, are stunning. While it was a fan favorite at Gen Con, be aware of its heavy themes, which reflect the sometimes harsh realities of rockstar life.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsIf you're a fan of comics, Age of Comics: The Golden Years allows you to build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire creators and race to publish and sell your comics to gain a following. The game's pulpy art appeals to comic lovers and newcomers alike. It's easy to learn and can be enjoyed solo or with up to four players, best with three.