Cosy, Chaotic & Strategic: 5 Board Games for Your Next Game Night

Whether you’re hosting a cosy night in or corralling a loud group of friends around the table, the right game can make or break a board game night. From strategic showdowns to chaotic party energy, these board game recommendations are perfect for game nights at home, no matter your group size or vibe.

Potion Society

Best for small groups (up to 4 players)

It’s no surprise Potion Society has been spotlighted by PAX Aus and SXSW Sydney. With its adorable cottagecore illustrations and immersive gameplay, this is one of those cosy board games that pulls you in immediately. Players step into the role of potion-makers, balancing strategy with just the right amount of chaos. If you’re looking for an easy board game for beginners that still feels thoughtful and charming, this is a perfect addition to your board game night queue.

Monopoly Bar Crawl

Best party board game (up to 10 players)

A classic… with an uhhh alcoholic twist. Monopoly Bar Crawl takes everything you know about Monopoly and turns it into a full-blown party board game. Designed for large groups, this is ideal if your board game night leans more toward chaotic fun than strategic domination. Great for dinner parties, birthdays, or any game night where the drinks are flowing and the rules get a little blurry.

Risk: Stranger Things Edition

Best for strategy lovers and fandom friends

With the Stranger Things season finale reigniting our love for Hawkins, this edition of Risk hits at exactly the right moment. Combining classic world-domination strategy with the suspense of the Upside Down, it’s a great pick for friends who love immersive board games and a bit of narrative flair. If you’re searching for board games to play with friends who enjoy long-form strategy, this one earns its place at the table.

Oracle

Best for mid-sized groups (around 5 players)

Oracle is an absolute STAPLE in the Colin Magazine board game collection. It’s immersive, strategic, and delivers that almost heavenly feeling you get when you successfully trap a friend in a carefully planned onslaught of attacks and defences. This is one of those board games for groups that sparks conversation, betrayal, and “wait, you did WHAT?” moments, perfect for a memorable game night.

Selfish: Dungeon Edition

Best for devious strategy and chaotic fun (Up to 5 players)

This one truly snuck up on us. At first glance, Selfish: Dungeon Edition seems straightforward, but once you’re in, the sabotage begins. With countless ways to inflict damage, betray alliances, and ruin friendships (lovingly), this is a must-play for fans of chaotic party games. Devious strategy gameplay meets dungeon-crawling nonsense, and yes, when you die, you become a zombie. Honestly? Sign us up.

Whether you’re after cosy board games, party board games, or strategic showdowns, these picks prove there’s a perfect game for every kind of board game night. All that’s left to do is clear the table, gather your friends, and let the chaos begin.