In our fast-paced world, we constantly face stress and pressure, often leading to anxiety. But what if we told you that there is a way to relax and enjoy time with others while also helping our mental health? 

That’s where mindful gaming comes in! Board games are not just fun; they can also offer great benefits for our well-being. They help reduce stress, build social connections, sharpen our minds, and encourage mindfulness. In this guide, we'll explore 15 of the best board games that are good for mental health. 

It’s time to enjoy some happier, healthier moments!

Best Board Games for Mental Health Comparison Table

1. Rescuing Robin Hood - Best Cooperative Deck-Building Card Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars 

The game we have up in our #1 spot is Rescuing Robin Hood. It is a cooperative, deck-building game where players take on the roles of villagers attempting to rescue Robin Hood from the clutches of the Sheriff of Nottingham. In each turn, the players recruit villagers, build up their team, and use a mix of strategy and luck to defeat the Sheriff’s guards. The game’s unique twist is that it isn’t just about strength; you also need wit, stealth, and of course teamwork to succeed.

Why We Like It

Rescuing Robin Hood is wonderful for boosting mental health as it's the best cooperative board game we've played. It brings together you and your teammates through problem-solving and strategy in such a fun way. It’s super easy to jump into, and the teamwork element really helps build social connections, which is perfect for easing stress and building stronger relationships. 

What’s great is that, unlike many deck-building games, Rescuing Robin Hood can be really easy (or very hard if you so choose); it's designed to be enjoyable for families and casual gamers. It can be played at whatever level that is your mood. If you may have a poor mental health day, you may want to play it at the base level which isn't particularily difficult. If you feel up for it, you may try to take on and defeat the Sheriff of Nottingham which is a bonus quest, and if you feel even brave enough, try your hand at some of the challenge cards.

It's a fantastic game with plenty of puns and backstory for all 89 unique characters. Whether you're laughing at trying to figure out what the pun means from the villagers' names or you're laughing your butt off with your friends at a hilarious moment caused by the unique "press your luck" mechanic, you're sure to have a good time! With tons of replayability and sliding difficulty, and the fact that it's purely cooperative (and even playable in a solo mode), this is our #1 reccomendation and the board game we'd consider the best board game for mental health.

If you want to check out the product page for this awesome board game, click the button below.

2. Guns or Treasure - Best Party Card Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars 

Ahoy, matey! Get ready for a thrilling adventure with our next game, Guns or Treasure! In this fun and fast-paced pirate-themed card game, you'll have to choose wisely; will you stash your gold safely or load up your cannons for a daring attack? 

Each player secretly places different ship cards down to trick, bluff and outsmart their fellow pirates. Will you protect your treasure and steal from your opponents and play your Guns, or will you press your luck and play your Treasure? Which will you choose? 

With each round packed with excitement and a dash of mischief, only the most cunning pirate will claim the most treasure and sail away victorious! 

Why We Like It

Guns or Treasure is a fantastic way to have fun with friends, have a good laugh, and relax! It's meant to be a fast casual game which is perfect to just have an excuse to hang out with your friends. It really encourages you to read your opponent's mind, think ahead, and decide when to take a gamble. But most of all, it's super easy to learn, which is why we put this at our #2 spot as the best card game for mental health.

It's super simple - you draw cards and build a pirate ship. Then you attack other player pirate ships, and whoever gets the most treasure, wins! It's not complicated but the actual building of the ship is cool as the cards literally are parts of the ship. It's very clever but surprisingly easy to play!

Bluffing games like this can also be good for your mental well-being, as it can help you build emotional control, strategic skills, and social awareness, all while enjoying some good laughs together with your friends. The rounds are super quick, and the rules are simple, so it’s easy to start playing right away. It’s perfect for family game nights or laid-back gaming sessions with your pals! 

If you want to check out the product page for this unique card game, click the button below.

3. The Grizzled - Best WW1-Themed Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

If you're into cooperative games, you have got to check out The Grizzled! 

It is a deeply thematic cooperative card game that puts players in the shoes of World War I soldiers trying to survive the horrors of war, not through combat, but through teamwork, resilience, and emotional support.

It isn’t your typical war game with guns and tactics; it's all about survival, friendship, and getting through the horrors of World War I together. You and your friends play as soldiers, trying to make it through the war by sticking together through the stress, fear, and challenges that come your way. The game’s emotional depth and unique approach make it an unforgettable experience.

Why We Like It

If you ask us, we would rate The Grizzled as one of the best board games for brain health. Why? Because this game is not a typical war game filled with explosions and combat. Instead, it focuses on emotional strength, teamwork, and getting through tough times together. It effectively shows how psychological struggles can affect people and encourages players to support each other through smart decisions and good communication. It's literally a game about mental health and going through it together. It's an excellent choice if you're looking to buy a board game for mental health!

4. Codenames: Duet - Best 2-Player Word Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars 

If you enjoy word games and want a fun challenge for two players, try Codenames: Duet. This game takes the classic Codenames idea and makes it a cooperative game. Instead of competing, you and your partner work together to find secret agents using smart word clues.

You give one-word hints to help your partner choose the right words on the board while avoiding the assassin. It sounds easy, but it’s not! The limited turns and hidden information mean every clue matters, leading to exciting moments and funny mistakes.
Codenames: Duet is perfect for playing with a partner, friend, or family member. It mixes strategy, deduction, and wordplay, testing how well you can communicate under pressure.

Why We Like It 

What makes Codenames: Duet one of the best board games for mental health is that it encourages creative thinking and helps you understand your partner's perspective while keeping the fun alive. It is great for couples, friends, and families who want a game that is both challenging and enjoyable. The cooperative element allows you to have fun together without the stress of competition.

Moreover, it features a campaign mode where you can go on different missions, adding variety and making it replayable. You can easily play a quick 15-minute game or enjoy multiple rounds in one sitting, making it a great option for any game collection.

5. Ticket to Ride - Best Spooky Family-Friendly Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars 

If you want to add a little spooky twist to your game nights, we suggest getting Ticket to Ride: Ghost Train. It is a Halloween-themed game for kids and families. In this game, players collect spooky train cards and claim routes through a haunted town. They connect creepy locations like the Mad Scientist’s Lab and The Haunted House. And if you are a fan of the original Ticket to Ride, you will definitely love this game as it has the same fun and simple rules, with a ghostly twist for younger players.

Why We Like It

Ticket to Ride is one of the best board games for brain health because it encourages strategic thinking and planning in a fun, low-stress environment. It also helps kids and adults practice decision-making and pattern recognition without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the Halloween theme adds a lighthearted, whimsical touch that makes the game even more engaging. It is a fantastic choice for family game night, especially for those who love a little spooky fun without the scares.

6. Azul - Best Calming Tile-Laying Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars 

If you are looking for a peaceful and calm game, we suggest getting Azul. It is an exciting strategy game where players act as artists decorating the walls of a royal palace with colorful mosaic tiles. In each turn, players pick tiles from a shared area, trying to complete patterns and score points. Sometimes, they also try to block their opponents. With its mix of planning and quick thinking, Azul is an enjoyable and visually striking board game that promotes a sense of calm and tranquility.

Why We Like It

Azul is one of the best games for mental health and relaxation. Selecting and placing tiles in this game is calming and helps players improve their focus. It encourages problem-solving skills while keeping the game simple enough for casual players. At the same time, it offers depth for competitive gamers. The hands-on experience with the tiles, along with the relaxing gameplay, makes this game a great way to lower stress and engage the mind.

7. Pandemic - Best Save-the-World Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars

This is a cooperative strategy game where players join a disease-fighting team to stop global outbreaks. Each player has a special role, like Scientist, Medic, or Dispatcher, and uses unique abilities to travel the world, treat infections, and find cures before time runs out. The game encourages players to plan ahead, adapt to problems, and work together to avoid disaster.

Why We Like It

Playing Pandemic is a good choice because it encourages teamwork and problem-solving. Unlike competitive games that focus on beating others, Pandemic emphasizes working together for shared victories. This teamwork can lower stress and strengthen social bonds. 

The game also challenges your mind, requiring you to think strategically, adapt to changes, and manage crises. In short, it focuses on skills that are useful in daily life. Plus, the excitement of almost saving the world at the last moment? Unmatched! 

8. Welcome to Your Perfect Home - Best Roll-and-Write Board Game

Our Rating: 5/5 Stars 

If you think the Pandemic was a bit too strategic, let us introduce you to a simple, cool, and calm board game: Welcome to Your Perfect Home!

It is a roll-and-write game where players pick cards to create their ideal suburban neighborhood instead of rolling dice. You will fill in house numbers, build pools, create parks, and add fences to design an efficient and beautiful housing plan. The game mixes puzzle-solving with strategic choices, allowing players the freedom to create their dream neighborhood.

Why We Like It

There are plenty of reasons that make this game one of the best board games for mental health. For starters, this game is calm, creative, and engaging without causing stress. Secondly, the puzzle-like task of fitting numbers into your neighborhood keeps your mind active, while designing your layout helps you relax. 

Since there is no direct competition, you can focus on your own strategy without feeling pressured by others. You can also play at the same time as everyone else, which means you stay involved from start to finish.

9. Tea for 2 - Best Alice in Wonderland-Themed Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 

Let’s move on to the next board game that's good for mental health: Tea for 2. It's a charming, Alice in Wonderland-themed 2-player deck-building game where players battle for the best tea party. Combining deck-building and a simple dueling mechanic, players reveal cards from their decks, with the higher value winning the round and gaining rewards. You can buy stronger cards or activate abilities using collected tarts, making informed decisions.

The game features whimsical artwork and easy-to-learn rules, which make this a great game for both casual and strategic players.

Why We Like It

Tea for 2 is a fantastic game for mental health. The mix of luck and strategy keeps the game fresh and encourages players to plan ahead. The deck-building element allows you to adjust your strategy, which is great for improving decision-making skills. Plus, the Alice in Wonderland theme adds a fun and magical touch, making it more immersive and enjoyable. Since it’s a quick game, it’s perfect for those who want a satisfying mental challenge without those long play sessions.

10. Patchwork Doodle - Best Tetris-Like Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 

Next up on our list is yet another peaceful, calm, and fun game, Patchwork Doodle.

If you love the charming tile-laying game Patchwork, you will definitely enjoy this fun roll-and-write version! In this game, players get to sketch out Tetris-like quilt pieces on their grid, aiming to create the most complete and eye-catching quilt possible. In each round, a card reveals a new patch shape, and it is your job to fit it into your quilt without leaving any gaps. You can even use bonus actions to fine-tune your layout and make it even better! The game is quick to pick up, easy to learn, and full of surprisingly strategic choices, making it a perfect pick for solo play or relaxing game nights with friends.

Why We Like It

We love Patchwork Doodle because it's great for mental health Why? It blends creativity, problem-solving, and mindfulness into a calming, low-pressure experience. 

The act of drawing and planning quilt pieces is both engaging and meditative, making it great for unwinding after a long day. It also offers a gentle challenge without feeling overwhelming, making it ideal for players who enjoy puzzles but want a relaxing pace.

11. Barenpark - Best Animal-Themed Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 

Are you a bear-lover? If so, then we have the perfect game for you: Barenpark!

In this game, you get to be a park designer, crafting an amazing sanctuary for bears! With fun Tetris-like polyomino tiles, you will create cozy enclosures for all sorts of bears, including pandas, polar bears, and grizzlies. You will also build pathways and make sure every visitor has a fantastic time exploring your zoo. The goal of the game is to fill your park completely, earn points, and finish fun challenges before your friends do. 

Get ready for some friendly competition and bear-y good times!

Why We Like It

We think that Barenpark is one of the best board games for mental health because it offers a relaxing yet engaging puzzle experience. The tile-laying mechanic is a fun way to get your brain buzzing while also letting you enjoy some relaxed gameplay! It helps you think ahead and play strategically, all in a laid-back environment. 

While there’s a bit of friendly competition for tiles and goals, it never gets too intense, making it a great choice for casual gamers and family game nights. And really, who can resist the charm of creating a lovely park filled with cute bears? Not me!

12. Dixit - Best Storytelling Board Game

Our Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 

This is one of our personal favorites! If you have a knack for storytelling and are looking for a board game that lets you bring your creative side to the surface, get Dixit.

This game is a wonderfully illustrated storytelling adventure that will ignite your creativity and imagination! Players take turns being the storyteller, picking a card from their hand and sharing a clue, whether it's a word, a phrase, or even a fun song lyric. The other players then get to submit the cards that they think match the clue. After that, everyone guesses which card was the storyteller’s! 

Here’s the fun twist: the clue can’t be too obvious or too tricky; just the right balance to get some players guessing correctly, but not everyone. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

Why We Like It

If you think we like Dixit, you’re wrong! Because we LOVE it! It's a great game for mental health, as it sparks creativity, lets you express your feelings, and helps you connect with others in a relaxing environment. 

The game encourages free thinking while you enjoy beautiful art and captivating stories. It’s a fantastic way to practice understanding and empathy as you explore how others see things. Plus, the dreamy illustrations make each round feel like you're stepping into a magical world!

13. The Mind - Best Mind-Reading Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars 

Let’s talk about a board game that’s a tad bit different from the traditional board games: The Mind!

It is a fun, cooperative card game that feels more like an exciting social experiment than your typical board game! In this game, players join forces to play numbered cards in ascending order, but with a twist; they have to do so without talking or giving any signals! To succeed, trust your instincts, pay attention to body language, and connect well with your teammates. 

As you progress through the levels, things get more challenging, which makes the whole experience both thrilling and super rewarding. 

Why We Like It

The Mind is a wonderful game for boosting mental health and mindfulness. It really helps players stay present and focused, and since there’s no talking involved, it encourages patience and deep concentration while building a great sense of teamwork. 
With simple rules and lots of emotional engagement, it’s perfect for relieving stress and enjoying time with friends. Plus, it’s a fun way to practice emotional intelligence as you learn to pick up on your fellow players’ timing and intentions. 

14. Turtle Splash - Best Fun and Relaxing Memory Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars 

As we move towards the end of our list, let’s include games that are less strategic and more lighthearted, like Turtle Splash. 

It is a delightful family-friendly memory game where players flick a wooden turtle across a water slide to land in the pond. The goal? Match the animal tokens on your board by remembering where they are and scoring points. With a mix of physical skill and memory challenges, it’s an engaging yet lighthearted game that’s perfect for younger players and families looking for a stress-free game night.

Why We Like It

We think that Turtle Splash is one of the best board games that are good for mental health because it blends focus, hand-eye coordination, and memory skills into a simple, enjoyable experience. The flicking mechanic adds an element of playfulness that makes it engaging for both kids and adults. 

This game is perfect for younger players because it’s all about having fun rather than competing fiercely. It encourages patience and taking turns, making it a great choice for kids who may find more complicated strategy games a bit tough. Plus, the mix of physical activity and mental challenges keeps everyone entertained, all while helping them develop fine motor skills and boost their memory without any pressure. 

15. The Donut Challenge - Best Fun-&-Fast Party Board Game

Our Rating: 4/5 Stars 

Let’s wrap up our list of the best board games for metal health with a lighthearted and fun party board game, The Donut Challenge.

As the name suggests, it is a super fun and energetic party game that’s all about having a great time together! Players dive into a variety of donut-themed challenges using cute little plastic donuts, where you can stack, toss, and balance them in all sorts of silly ways. 
It’s easy to pick up and perfect for sparking laughter among kids, families, and anyone looking for a lighthearted game that’s all about enjoyment and silliness. 

Why We Like It

We think this game is a great choice for a mental health game, as it is an awesome way to unwind and have some fun! It focuses on movement, coordination, and plenty of laughter instead of heavy strategy or cutthroat competition. It really brings out the playful side in everyone and encourages socializing, which is fantastic for your mental well-being. 

Plus, it’s a hit with families, especially for getting younger kids involved in something active and enjoyable. The blend of physical and visual challenges keeps everyone entertained, making it a perfect choice for game nights or casual get-togethers. 

Find Your Perfect Board Game at Poggers

If you’re looking to expand your board game collection, you can count on Poggers, as we are one of the best toy stores in the world, offering a massive variety of board games, toys, and puzzles for all ages and interests. 

Whether you’re a casual gamer, a family looking for a fun bonding experience, or a strategy enthusiast, Poggers has something for you! Feel free to browse through our board game collection today and explore hundreds of exciting games to bring more fun and mental wellness into your life.

Final Thoughts on the Best Board Games for Mental Health

Board games aren’t just about competition and winning; they’re powerful tools for relaxation, connection, and mental well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we have put together 15 of the best board games that are good for mental health. 

Whether you are looking for a cozy puzzle experience like Azul, a brain-boosting word challenge like Codenames: Duet, or a laugh-out-loud party game like The Donut Challenge, we have something for everyone!

These games help reduce stress, improve cognitive skills, and bring people closer together, making them a great way to unwind and recharge.

So, grab a game, gather your friends and family, and let the good times roll!