Wooden board games are some of my favorite types of games to play. There is just something about the feel of the wooden components and the often organic and artistic nature of the game design. We’re sharing about a few of our favorite wooden board games to play, from small pocket size games to art pieces you can hang on your wall. 

*Updated to include Azul: Queen’s Garden* Azul is one of the most popular modern board games of the last 5 years. Azul, once a title for a single game, has since become the name of a series. With four stand alone games that each sound and look similar, you might be wondering which game is right for you.

We’ve played all four and we can confirm that each are perfectly lovely in their own way. Yet, because they are each so similar to the other, we don’t feel that you need to have each game on your shelf. 

But which one should you get? Which is the right fit for you?

We’re here to help match you with your perfect Azul gaming experience. 

One of my favorite abstract games to play is Mancala. It’s not because it’s particularly exciting, but rather, the beauty and elegance of a well made set always elevates the game and invites me to open it, hold the pieces, and enjoy a game. A good old fashioned challenge between two players. 

I felt a similar feeling upon seeing Shōbu for the first time.

At first glance Shobu is a game that just invites you to pick it up. It’s has a beautiful, organic design. And much like the box promises, it is beautifully challenging too!

The royal wedding is about to commence, so you send your heir on a quest to gather the best and finest gifts from the Dragon Market! Run and jump from boat to boat and you sail to collect all of the best treasures before your rivals!

City Building. Roll and Write. Puzzles. Oh my! 

These are a few of my favorite types of games and Tiny Towns takes a bit from each and rolls it up into a fun game for 1 to 6 players! If you’re on the hunt for a lighter strategy game you can have fun playing with both new and experienced gamers alike, you should definitely give Tiny Towns a look!