If you caught our recent post about ways to play games remotely, you probably saw that one of our favorite ways to play was through our mobile devices! 

There are a lot of great board game apps out there, and we’re here to give you 20 of our favorite picks! 

All of these apps can be played on an iOS device. Some may potentially not be available to play on Android.

1. Ticket to Ride

It’s the ultimate gateway board game and it also happens to be the ultimate gate way board game app! Everyone should have this one! It truly sets the standard in what a board game app should be. And with a large selection of expansion maps to choose from (in app purchases) you’ll be enjoying this board game app for years and years to come! 

2. Carcassonne

A tile laying classic. This must-have app offers players both online and local games that are great for pass and play!

3. Forbidden Desert (iPad only)

I love the app version of this game because it removes the fiddly aspect of the sand pieces and streamlines the whole process. This is a great cooperative family game to play and works quite smoothly on your iPad.

4. 7 Wonders

7 Wonders finally has a home in an app format and it is sure to delight any fans of the fast paced, family friendly, city building game.

5. San Juan

This excellent card game is easy to pick up thanks to a great in-app tutorial that will have you playing in no time! 

6. Star Realms

This game is free to download, giving you solo and pass and play modes. Unlock online multiplayer with an in app purchase. 

7. Hey That’s My Fish

Help your penguin hop around on melting ice to try and eat the most fish before your opponents. We love the pass and play mode on this app! 

8. Ascension

Ascension is a fast paced deck builder that Adam has been playing (seemingly non-stop) on his phone for years!

9. Lords of Waterdeep 

We’re big fans of the physical version and the app makes this wonderful introductory worker placement game all the better because now you don’t have to set it all up! Win Win!

10. Tsuro

One of my favorite relaxing puzzle games to play! The app makes it perfect for a quick game when you’ve got 10 or so minutes to spare.

11. Suburbia

One of my all time favorite city building games. In fact, I’ve only ever played the app version of this game and it is a complete delight that has me coming back game after game year after year. 

12. Qwixx

An essential roll-and-write that is so simple to play but where each move you make is a crucial decision between winning and losing. It’s a thrill and a must own!

13. Charterstone

Brand new app release (March 2019!) and it’s great! This game gives me all the Farmville vibes while being a fantastic campaign worker placement game. Play local or online with friends! It’s only been out for a week as I write this but I am absolutely loving it.

14. Castles of Mad King Ludwig

If you’ve never played this one, don’t miss out any longer. An essential city building (castle building?) game that is incredibly addicting! I love the campaign mode for solo play!

15. Pandemic

Save the world from the spread of disease. One of my favorite cooperative games and a fantastic app to have not only to play with friends in an online game, but even for nights where you don’t feel like pulling the whole game out and just want to chill on the couch.

16. Patchwork

This clever two player game will have you taking polyomino fabric pieces to sew into your 9×9 quilt board. Every bit as lovely as the physical game, this app is a must!

17. Scotland Yard

Another must own! Scotland Yard is amazingly fun! We love this app so much we even use it to play when we’re all together! This hidden movement game will have everyone searching for Mr. X as he tries to make his escape through the streets of London. As that player is frantically trying to avoid the group, everyone else must split up and try to box them in. Download it now, you won’t regret it!

18. Splendor

This is a beautifully designed app that plays incredibly smoothly through a device. Easy to learn and challenging to master, this is great for both solo and online play. If you haven’t yet played Splendor, we highly recommend

19. Potion Explosion

It’s the app based on the game….based on an app! Potion Explosion is a natural fit for an app game since it was itself based on the style hugely popular phone games! One of my very favorite apps and truly additive! 

20. Jaipur

Another wonderful 2 player game with a great play options for online, local, solo, and campaign play! Manage your hand as you try to collect sets of goods to earn victory points. Jaipur is easy to learn and looks absolutely beautiful on the app. 

If you liked this post, you may also like:

Together Apart: Ways to Play Games Together Remotely
10 Great Date Night Games
Why We Play Board Games

Don’t forget to follow our Amazon Storefront where we list all of our very favorite board games so you can add them to your home collection as well!