The Best Worker Placement Board Games

As an adult, it's surprising to admit that work can indeed be fun and games, especially in the realm of worker placement tabletop games. These games allow you to guide your team through various tasks and adventures as you progress toward end goals. With a variety of themes and worlds to explore, the choice of game can greatly influence your experience. Here's a curated list of my latest favorite worker placement games, encompassing both new releases and timeless classics.

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 eager to dive straight into the games, you can browse through the side-scrolling catalog above. For those who enjoy a deeper look into each game, continue reading below.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsEmbark on a delightful journey to Tuscany with Viticulture, designed by Jamey Stegmaier, the creator of the acclaimed Scythe. This game invites players to inherit a vineyard and transform it into a thriving winery. From planting vines to harvesting grapes, bottling wine, and selling it, you'll need to strategically manage your workers throughout the season. Spanning multiple years, you'll build your winery and age wine to meet various orders. Whether playing competitively in the original version or cooperatively with the Viticulture World edition (available at Amazon), gather your friends for a toast to success.

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsSet in the bustling port city of Yokohama, Japan, this game challenges players to build their business empire. Utilize your team of workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and fulfill orders to achieve the ultimate success. While the game is moderately complex, the turns flow smoothly once you understand the mechanics. Best enjoyed with three players according to Board Game Geek, Yokohama offers a rich strategic experience.

Unconscious Mind

### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Delve into the intricate world of psychology and grief with Unconscious Mind, a visually stunning Euro game. With its complex gameplay, this title offers multiple layers of strategy involving movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion further enriches the experience, adding depth for those seeking a challenge, or alternative components for a gentler approach. Be prepared, however; setup, teaching, and gameplay can take longer than the box suggests, making it a game for dedicated enthusiasts.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsExperience the unique blend of dice and worker placement with Wayfarers of The South Tigris. Initially daunting, this game surprised me with its rewarding gameplay as actions intertwine with dice rolls and worker decisions. Offering ample decision space and high replayability, it's a must-try for fans of heavier Euro games. Despite the initial intimidation, a three-player game proved to be immensely enjoyable.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsStep into the shoes of a scientific explorer like Darwin in this engaging game. Race across three islands to uncover nature and science for your museum. Easy to navigate and highly repeatable, Darwin’s Journey is a visual delight on the table and also accessible online. A physical copy is a worthwhile investment, appealing to both seasoned and casual players.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsFor a light-hearted game perfect for social gatherings, Fromage offers a delicious experience of crafting and selling award-winning cheeses across France. Build structures, manage livestock, and meet orders in this quick and enjoyable game. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds an extra flavor that might make you crave more.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsImmerse yourself in the art world with The Gallerist, where you manage an art gallery, discovering artists and attracting discerning patrons. Be warned: this game ranks high in complexity on Board Game Geek, making it less suitable for beginners. Like the art world itself, it's challenging but deeply rewarding.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsThe visually stunning Septima captivates with its witch-themed gameplay. Build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and navigate witch hunters and trials. Despite the trials, the game is accessible and enjoyable, especially for fans of gothic themes. The expansion adds shapeshifting with animals, enhancing the already beautiful artwork. Suitable for solo play as well, it's a must-have for any witch enthusiast.

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. With components like an amp-shaped player board, this game lets you rock your way to stardom. A fan favorite at Gen Con, be aware that it includes heavy themes that may not suit everyone, reflecting the challenging aspects 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 minsFor comic lovers, Age of Comics: The Golden Years offers a chance to build your own comic catalog during the Golden Age. Hire artists, writers, and inkers to craft your books, racing against other players to publish and sell. The game's pulpy art appeals to both comic fans and newcomers, and its simple mechanics make it easy to learn. Best with three players but playable solo, it's a versatile addition to any game collection.