Highlights
- There are tabletop games that can be played in just an hour per session, making them quick and convenient options for those who don't have a lot of time.
- Sushi Go! is a card game that can be finished in about 15 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick break from work.
- Ticket to Ride is a train-based board game that can be completed in one 45-60 minute train journey, perfect for a shorter gaming session.
There are some of us who may be put off by tabletop games because they either take multiple sessions, like Dungeons & Dragons, or are long-drawn-out like Monopoly, or even have ridiculously complicated rules like Magic: The Gathering. However, that is not the case - there are a number of board and card games which last for just about an hour per session.
There are turn based card games, strategic board games, and puzzle games which won't take away half the day if you play them. These can be busted out even if you have an hour or two to kill. In fact, chances are that you'll probably play multiple sessions of these short and sweet tabletop games.
Updated on July 25, 2023 by Vaspaan Dastoor: There are plenty of tabletop hames out there which won't take up half your day to complete. We've updated this list with a board game that invokes ancient Greek architecture, and another where you can trust no one.
Sushi Go!
Just like the dish itself
Sushi Go! is a deck-building card game for 2–5 players. The aim of the game is to create a deck of cards that totals up to give you the most points. Certain cards react with each other to create multipliers and combos. At the end of the round, all players must reveal their cards and tally the points.
Much like real sushi, Sushi Go! is a neat little package of a game that can be finished pretty fast. As long as you're decent at math, one game shouldn't last more than 15 minutes approximately. To add to that, the art may just make you hungry enough to finish the game off sooner. Keep this one around for a quick break from work.
Ticket To Ride
Take the express train
Ticket to Ride may look intimidating with its detailed board and many little pieces. But, you can easily knock out a game in one 45-60 minute train journey. The thing with this game is that each player will know what they want to do, and won't spend too much time pondering.
- Great for people who love trains.
- Easy ruleset and simple gameplay.
- Numerous pieces make it hard to travel with.
Ticket to Ride plays more like an express train than one that stops at every station. Though it has a big board and a lot of pieces, the actual game doesn't take too long to complete. Once a player knows what they want to do, it's only a matter of putting down a piece on their turn.
Exploding Kittens
Play it at explosive speed
It would be pretty anticlimactic if a game that's called Exploding Kittens would have slow-paced gameplay. Thankfully, in a bid to avoid or defuse the Exploding Kitten, the card game tends to move pretty quickly. Most games barely last more than 15 minutes, and tend to be shorter with fewer players.
- Cute and funny art.
- Great to play with kids.
- Has multiple editions.
This card game is played at the speed of an exploding kitten. Games tend to get faster once you get used to the funny and cute art. Should you happen to be the unlucky player to draw an Exploding Kitten card, make sure you waste no time in dropping a Defuse card. Games do tend to get longer with more players.
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1
If only the healthcare system was this good
Thankfully, unlike the real pandemic, Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 isn't a game that goes on for too long. It has a lot of cities marked out on the board, a number of pieces, as well as a layered ruleset, but an average game doesn't go on for longer than 45 - 60 minutes.
- High-stakes gameplay where each move must be carefully considered.
- May bring up some bad memories.
Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 makes you think about the consequences of each and every move you make. It also has some complex features, but still manages to keep the play time to about under an hour. Sure, experienced players will make the game move faster, but newbies will pick this one up pretty easily too.
Codenames
Not too long to stay undercover.
Using alphanumeric codes to make a whole team of people guess which card to pick up sounds like it would take a while, especially at a party. However, Codenames still manages to keep games as short as 15 to 30 minutes. It's great for a quick few games before everyone starts dancing.
- Great for creating chaos at parties.
- Highly replayable.
- No real skills required.
Hopefully, real spymasters have a much better system of getting in touch with their spies than what Codenames makes it out to seem. Regardless, it's at least much quicker the way the game does it. Each game of Codenames doesn't last for more than 15 to 30 minutes.
Azul
Tiling the time away
Azul's gameplay loop is pretty simple. There's not much thought that needs to go into matching and strategically placing tiles. In fact, like Sushi Go!, you may end up spending more time tallying up your score than actually playing the game. But that is in no way hinders Azul's strategically engaging gameplay.
- Pretty looking tiles and board.
- Simple puzzle mechanics.
- A maximum of four players only.
Azul's tile-placement gameplay ensures that each game doesn't last longer than 30 to 45 minutes. Once you build up enough steam, it's only a matter of matching more tiles and continuing combos.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf
One Night Ultimate Werewolf is based on the classic hidden role formula. One or more players, depending on the overall player count, will play the role of the werewolves who need to be weeded out. The twist with this game is that some players have special abilities which can help in narrowing down the traitors.
- A unique twist on the hidden role formula.
- Stunning artwork.
- Manipulating everyone is fun.
One Night Ultimate Werewolf brings its own twist to the classic hidden role formula. Games can last anywhere between 30 - 45 minutes. However, the length of the session really depends on how long the group deliberates and decides upon who to accuse. It goes without saying that you'll have to lie through your teeth for this one.
Santorini
By the gods!
Santorini blends elements of strategy and building, wrapped in a layer of Greek mythology. Your aim is to get on top of a three-story tower. Timing is crucial, as you may just end up helping your opponent. And, of course, Greek mythology wouldn't be much fun without a bit of meddling by the gods!
- Features multiple expansions.
- Unique board setup.
- Great artwork on the cards.
In Santorini, you'll be building a city akin to the Greek city while trying to be the first player to get to the top of a three-story tower. The game has domes, god powers and some unique movement rules to throw a wrinkle into the game. It's a simple game to pick up and lasts around 20-30 minutes.
FAQ
Are tabletop games still popular?
The board game industry is estimated to see an increase of $50 million in revenue from last year.
Are board games good for your brain?
Board games stimulate mental health and also help in relaxing.
What are party board games?
Party board games help break the ice at parties and encourage communication.