It is time to continue the series of articles retrospectively summarizing 2025 for The Boardgames Chronicle, along with a look ahead to 2026. So what is the plan for today? Many fellow content creators share the new games they had the opportunity to play and explore during the year. Following that excellent example, I would like to take a closer look at the new titles that made it to my table in 2025. For reference regarding this idea, see the cult of new to me by Dave.
Summary of 2025 and look into the 2026:
The Boardgames Chronicle most often played games of 2025
The Boardgames Chronicle in 2025 – analysis
My statistics show that in 2025, out of 146 games played, 83 were new to me. This makes it a very strong year in terms of discovering new titles—on average, roughly one new game every four days. It also represents a positive continuation of the trend from 2024, when 58 out of 103 games played were new. Attending numerous boardgame conventions certainly contributed to this, as they provided many opportunities to try unfamiliar titles.
In this article, I will focus on the most prominent and important new games of 2025 for The Boardgames Chronicle. Naturally, I will not be discussing all 83 titles. Instead, I will take a closer look at the five games I enjoyed the most. In addition, I will include a tabular summary of every title that was played at least three times.
One disclaimer: several titles which were New to Me in 2025 and were very important I described in Top wargames suggestions for Christmas 2025 – Part 1 – new releases. I am talking of course about:
- Fields of Fire: Deluxe Edition
- Race to Berlin
- Punica: Rome vs Carthage
- General Orders: Sengoku Jidai
- Star Wars: Battle of Hoth
- A Bridge Too Far
As those were covered in such detail already, I will not write about them again. We shall look at another five new, great and intriguing positions!
Washington’s War from GMT Games
That was a great discovery for me last year, although this game has more than 15 years already! Thanks to Clio, we played this title four times, each time having a lot of fun and the story unfolding slightly differently.
I liked how this game shows the asymmetry between British and American troops, how the end of the game is flexible, how quickly it plays. I would probably want a bit more elaborative graphics on cards and indeed, sometimes you can have pretty poor draw – still, all in all we found this game very balanced!
More about this title:
Kingdom of Heaven from MMP
Another title which waited so long for me to discover it! Already a classic from 2012, depicts on strategic level all the Christian crusaded in the Middle East, adding even some hypothetical scenarios. Thanks to Janek I was able to relive exciting stories of Saladin, Richard the Lionheart and other prominent figures of those times.
In my opinion, it has best system for siege resolution I have seen so far – allowing for variety of outcomes. Also the number of scenarios, wonderful cards – which change a bit between each campaign – makes for a very enjoyable experience. We shall continue for sure!
More about game:
- Unboxing
- Scenario 1 – The First Crusade
- Scenario 2 – The Second Crusade
- Scenario 3 – The Invasion of Egypt
- Scenario 4 – The Third Crusade
- BGG page
Iwo Jima: Hell on Earth from Neva Wargames
In January 2025 Jose Neva contacted me asking if I would like to try his new solitaire game about the battle of Iwo Jima. I immediately like the idea and wholeheartedly supported the project, enjoying the design immensely.
This title has lite version which allows you to familiarize with mechanics and full one which is really challenging. The challenge comes not from luck or dice roll, but the need to properly plan, execute and augment whenever needed the assault on island. If you are looking for a good solo game in pacific theater, check that one!
More about game:
Ticket to Ride Legacy: Legends of the West from Days of Wonder
We love good, family games. With Magda (my wife) and Natan & Kuba (my two sons) we embarked on wonderful journey last year with one of our all-time-favorite titles, Ticket to Ride. But this time in legacy version!
This was our first experience with such type of the game and it was excellent. The steadily, slowly growing complexity of the game, new, fresh discoveries, various ways to score points – that all added up to fantastically spent time with family. We hope this year to continue with similar type of game.
More about game:
Flip 7 from The Op Games
Well, this article about new discoveries in 2025 would not be complete without Flip 7. Simple, quick, push-your-luck type of game which won hearts of our whole family and many of friends.
Yes, the depth of strategies is limited here; the influence on final score – only to some extent; at the same time joy of spending time together, experience of playing in group, successes and especially failures – that allows for a great entertainment!
More about game:
Summary
I hope to play many more new, interesting games in 2026. What am I specifically waiting for? An article about it is already being prepared – Top Anticipated Wargames of 2026!
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