The Best Worker Placement Board Games

As an adult, it's surprising to find that work can indeed be fun and games, especially in the world of worker placement tabletop games. These games allow you to lead your team through various tasks and adventures, all while working towards end goals. With a range of themes and settings, there's a worker placement game for every taste. Here’s a curated list of some of my favorite worker placement games, both new and classic.

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're looking for a quick overview, you can browse all the games in the side-scrolling catalog above. For more detailed insights, 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 the picturesque region of Tuscany. Here, you'll take over your family's inheritance to build a thriving winery. The game involves planting vineyards, harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it to fulfill orders. Strategic worker placement is key as you navigate through multiple years, aging your wine to perfection. Viticulture offers both competitive play in its original form and cooperative gameplay in the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon). Gather your friends and toast to the joys of winemaking.

Yokohama

### 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 successful trading empire. You'll manage a team of workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and complete orders. While the game can be complex, the turns flow smoothly once you grasp the mechanics. It's best enjoyed with three players, according to Board Game Geek, but can accommodate two to four.

Unconscious Mind

### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind is a deep Euro game that delves into psychology and grief, and it's one of the most visually stunning games I own. The gameplay is intricate, offering multiple strategic layers in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further complexity, making the game even more challenging. However, be prepared for a longer playtime than the box suggests, as setup and teaching the game can take a while.

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 in a surprisingly fun way. The game links worker actions to dice rolls, adding an element of chance that can lead to rewarding outcomes. It offers a lot of decision-making space, which might seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games. However, once you dive in, the game's replayability and strategic depth become clear. Don't miss out on this engaging experience.

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, this game is for you. Race against fellow explorers and Darwin himself across three islands to discover and catalog nature and science for a museum. The game is easy to learn and highly replayable, with beautiful components that look great on the table. It's also available online, but the physical version is a must-have for its appeal to both seasoned and casual players.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsPerfect for game nights with friends or solo play, Fromage is a light-hearted game about crafting and selling award-winning cheeses in France. Build structures, tend to livestock, and fulfill orders in this quick-to-play game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds a delightful twist that will have you craving more.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsIn The Gallerist, you run 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 art is stunning, especially if you're drawn to gothic themes. This accessible game revolves around building covens, collecting herbs, brewing potions, and surviving witch trials. Despite the challenges, it's a thrilling experience that you can enjoy solo or with friends. The expansion adds shapeshifting with animals, enhancing the game's already beautiful artwork.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsUnleash your inner rockstar with Rock Hard: 1977, 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 aware that it includes heavy themes that might not be suitable for everyone.

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 lets you build your own comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to create and publish comics, racing against other players to reach fandom. The game's art is full of pulpy charm, and it's easy to learn, making it enjoyable for both comic enthusiasts and newcomers. It's best with three players but can be played solo as well.