Are you bored of playing Risk and looking to try new games like Risk? If yes, you are on the right blog! Here, we will uncover the best games similar to Risk. Talking about the game, this classic strategy board game has kept the players hooked for decades. And why not, it has the right mix of diplomacy, conquest, and tactical warfare. Talking about the goal, it requires taking over the world by defeating your opponents, making strategic alliances, and rolling the dice in your favor.
But what if you want something new? There are tons of games out there with the same strategic depth, intense battles, and thrilling gameplay as Risk. To make your search easier, we have compiled up 15 of the best strategy board games that will challenge your mind and keep you entertained.
Ready to explore similar games? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Before exploring each game let’s take a look at the table showcasing the player count, theme, gameplay, complexity, and more.
| Game Name | Player Count | Theme | Gameplay Focus | Complexity Level | Pros | Cons |
| Azul | 2-4 | Tile-laying, Abstract | Pattern building, Strategy | Easy | Simple rules, visually appealing | Less direct conflict |
| Botanik | 2 | Steampunk, Gardening | Tile placement, Strategy | Medium | Unique theme, strategic gameplay | Only for two players |
| Mythic Mischief | 2-4 | Fantasy, School Library | Tactical movement | Medium | Fast-paced, easy to learn | Takes time to master |
| The Girl Who Made The Stars | 2-4 | Celestial, Mythology | Storytelling, Strategy | Easy-Medium | Beautiful artwork, immersive experience | Less combat-focused |
| War of the Ring: Second Edition | 2-4 | Fantasy, Lord of the Rings | Large-scale battles | High | Deep strategy, strong theme | Long playtime, complex rules |
| Spirit Island | 1-4 | Mythology, Anti-Colonization | Cooperative, Defense | High | Unique mechanics, cooperative play | Can be overwhelming for new players |
| Gaia Project | 1-4 | Sci-Fi, Space Exploration | Territory control, Economy | High | Deep strategy, strong replay value | Long and complex setup |
| BATTALIA: The Creation | 2-4 | Fantasy, Deck-Building | City building, Strategy | Medium | Unique deck-building mechanics | Can be luck-based |
| Risk Legacy | 3-5 | Military, Conquest | Territory control, Legacy | Medium-High | Evolving gameplay, fresh challenges | Permanent changes may not appeal to all |
| Kemet | 2-5 | Mythology, Ancient Egypt | Combat, Area Control | Medium | Fast-paced battles, unique abilities | Can be aggressive for some players |
| Game of Thrones: The Board Game | 3-6 | Fantasy, Political Warfare | Alliances, Betrayal | High | Deep strategy, captures the essence of the show | Long playtime, requires diplomacy |
| Memoir ’44 | 2 | WWII, Historical | Tactical battles | Medium | Historically rich, easy to learn | Limited to two players |
| Twilight Struggle | 2 | Cold War, Politics | Influence, Strategy | High | Deep historical theme, intense gameplay | Long playtime, steep learning curve |
| Small World | 2-5 | Fantasy, Territory Control | Area control, Special Powers | Medium | Fun and light, great for casual players | Less depth than Risk |
| Scythe | 1-7 | Steampunk, Alternate History | Engine-building, Strategy | High | Beautiful artwork, deep strategy | Long setup, complex for beginners |
Now let’s dive in to know about each game in detail.
Azul is a colorful and creative board game. Here, players are required to build patterns using tiles. The primary aim of the players is to plan carefully and create the best design possible while outsmarting their opponents. This is one of the top games like Risk that is easy to learn but requires strategy to win. If you enjoy playing Risk and want a visually appealing, strategy game, then Azul is a great choice.
Botanik is another similar game to Risk that is played between two players. This game involves players and commands building a network of plants using tiles. The first player to complete their network becomes the winner. The gameplay is sweet, simple, and competitive but requires smart planning. This all collectively makes it a fun alternative to Risk, and if you are a true Risk fan, you will surely love Botanik.
It is a board game similar to Risk that involves players competing for control of magic kingdoms. Players take on the roles of wizards and mythical beings and battle to take over the territories, cast spells, and summon creatures. The game involves strategic troop deployment, resource management, and forming temporary alliances.
Magical abilities and magic-dominant locations add complexity to the game which makes all moves unpredictable. The goal here is to dominate the board and become the ultimate magical ruler by outperforming opponents with tactical skill and surprise moves.
This game is inspired by Risk where players engage in a celestial battle for dominance across the night sky. Each player controls a tribe of mythical beings who seek to take over constellations and gather stardust. Herein, players deploy units, form alliances, and make use of cosmic powers to control the heavens.
The game is a mix of tactical positioning, resource management, and unpredictable celestial events, as players strive to claim the stars and become the ruler of the cosmos. If you want like space theme along with Risk inspiration, The Girl Who Made The Stars is a perfect choice.
The second edition of In War of the Ring is a Risk alternative that you should try in 2025. Herein, players control the forces of good or evil in a battle for Middle-earth. Just like Risk, it is a strategy game where players move armies across a map, fight battles, and make decisions. The goal is to either destroy the One Ring or take over the land.
Players during the game use heroes, armies, and events to change the course of the game, trying to defeat their opponents with strategic moves and alliances.
It is a cooperative game that is similar to Risk. Here players act as powerful spirits defending an island from colonizing invaders. Just like Risk, players control different forces, but here is the twist, the goal is to work together and stop the invaders. Each spirit has unique powers that help push back settlers and protect the land.
Players must plan carefully, manage resources, and think ahead of the road to eliminate threats while growing their spirit powers with an aim to free the island before it becomes too much to handle.
Gaia Project is a space-themed strategy game that is a Risk alternative. The gameplay involves players competing to colonize planets and expand their civilizations. Each player builds space colonies, develops technologies, and strives to gain resources.
Players are required to make strategic decisions on where to build, how to upgrade, and how to compete with others for dominance. The prime aim is to control the huge galactic empire through planning and using the strength of factions to become the most advanced civilization.
In BATTALIA: The Creation, players take control over the armies of mythological creatures and gods, battling for dominance over the world. Like Risk, the players move their forces on a map, engage in combat, and compete against opponents for territory. Each player has unique powers and creatures that add a layer of variety to gameplay.
The game is all about strategic development, resource management, and defeating opponents which we saw in Risk. The ultimate goal is to take over the land and control it using creatures and abilities to defeat rivals and claim victory.
Risk Legacy is a twist on the classic Risk game where the board and rules change permanently over time. Players make long-term decisions like adding new rules, altering the map, or unlocking new abilities. Each session of the game affects the next one which creates a unique experience. It is like playing the classic Risk game but with new layers of challenges and surprises that offer a refreshing experience each time you play.
Kemet is another Risk alternative that has an Egyptian theme plonked with strategy. In this game, players control powerful gods and armies to take over the territories. Similar to Risk, players fight for control of the map. They can also use divine powers and ancient abilities to turn the ride. Players earn points by controlling areas and defeating opponents.
The game is fast-paced and consists of a mix of strategy, combat, and player interaction that aims for dominance over the Nile and becomes the supreme god.
In GoT: The Board Game, players fight for control of Westeros by using armies, alliances, and political maneuvers. It is a strategy game just like Risk where players fight for territory but here, the main keys are betrayal and alliances. Each house has unique strengths and players must balance warfare with diplomacy. The aim is to capture the key regions and claim the Iron Throne, all while navigating shifting loyalties and rival groups.
When you are looking for Risk like board games then how we can forget Memoir ’44? This World War II-themed strategy game requires players to control soldiers in historical battles. Like Risk, the game involves moving armies but it uses cards to dictate actions and combat results. Players take their turns by attacking, defending, and completing objectives on the battlefield.
The game features scenarios that are based on real battles. The goal is simple, to win top military campaigns by using strategic movements and tactics to defeat the opponent.
Twilight Struggle is a two-player game which is similar to Risk. The gameplay is set during the Cold War where players take on the roles of the United States and the Soviet Union. It is a tense game whether players spread their control across the globe through political moves, events, and military actions.
Unlike Risk, the game is not about winning over the territory directly, but also about defeating your opponent through diplomacy, influence, and occasional conflicts. It is just about dominating global politics without triggering nuclear war.
Small World is one of the online games like Risk where players control various fantasy races, each with unique abilities, and battle for control of a shrinking world. Players move armies and take over the territories. But there is a problem the world gets smaller in size as the game progresses.
In Risk, where players fight for control, here they can even switch between different races as they become less powerful. Players have only one aim, just conquer as much part of the world as possible before the game ends.
Scythe is a strategy game set in an alternate-history 1920s, where players control factions with unique abilities and resources. Like Risk, players aim to expand their territory and gain control, but Scythe combines combat with resource management, economy building, and objectives.
Each player has different goals, and the game is won by gaining the most wealth and power through strategic movements, upgrades, and combat. It’s a mix of area control and engine-building, offering a more complex and rewarding experience.
Also Read :- Top Games Like Azul to Get Rid of Boredom in 2025
Playing strategy board games like Risk is simple but there are some things to keep in mind as luck does not kick in with every move. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, here are the key steps that will improve your gameplay.
First, understand the rules. Like Risk, most strategy board games involve territory control, resource management, and player interaction. So carefully read the rules and watch video tutorials if required.
Think ahead! Decide whether you will play defensively, aggressively, or diplomatically. The key in games like Risk is to balance and defense.
In Risk and similar games, controlling important areas or resources gives you an advantage. Identify crucial locations and hold them to maintain your position throughout the game.
Alliances can be useful but trust them carefully. Temporary partnerships can help you eliminate strong opponents, but afterward, you will need to compete against your allies.
Just remember, no game goes exactly as planned. So be flexible and adjust your tactics based on what your opponents do.
Many strategy games involve troops, money, or special abilities. Use them wisely as spending too much early can leave you vulnerable later in the game.
Instead of focusing only on short-term wins, make sure your moves set you up for success later in the game.
Even if you lose, each game teaches valuable lessons. Watch experienced players, refine your tactics, and improve your decision-making over time.
Through these steps, you can master Risk like games but it will take time and patience.
From Azul to Kemet to Scythe, online games like Risk offer the same or more level of fun with an additional layer of excitement for those who want to play games that are similar to Risk but provide more entertainment. Each game has its own set of advantages that set them apart from the other. If you are a true fan of Risk, then pick these games and start playing today—or, if you’re feeling creative, you can even make a board game inspired by Risk with your own unique mechanics and strategy.
Ans. It costs around $15,000 to $25,000 to develop a Risk-like game. However, the cost may go up to $40,000 with advanced features and functions.
Ans. Hire a game developer to create a similar game.
Ans. Here is the list of games that are similar to Risk:
Azul
The Girl Who Made The Stars
BATTALIA: The Creation
Twilight Struggle
Small World
Gaia Project
War of the Ring: Second Edition
