Great Risk-like Games for Fun

I’m a huge fan of Risk and have played numerous editions over the years. However, it’s always nice to spice things up and explore other war games. Since this is my favorite genre of board games, I’m delighted to present to you some of the best board games that are similar to Risk.

878 Vikings

Image: Academy Games

878 Vikings is a relatively lesser-known board game that takes place during the Viking invasions of England. Although it may seem somewhat distinct from Risk, the fundamental concept of maneuvering your miniatures and engaging in battles with opponents remains the same. 878 Vikings benefits from its own unique dice and two distinct sides with different winning objectives. The British side must repel the constant waves of Vikings who keep invading the shores and attacking and pillaging cities. With its unique systems and gameplay approaches, 878 Vikings offers a natural progression from Risk, providing increased replayability. If you’re looking for something that shares the same essence as Risk but with a twist and takes the gameplay to the next level, this is a great choice.

878 Vikings features its own special dice that add an element of unpredictability and strategy to the game. The two different sides bring different challenges and gameplay dynamics. The British have to carefully manage their defenses and launch counterattacks to hold off the Vikings. On the other hand, the Vikings need to plan their invasions strategically and make use of their strengths to overcome the British resistance. The asymmetry of 878 Vikings creates a diverse and engaging gaming experience that keeps players on their toes.

Playing 878 Vikings allows you to immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Viking battles. You’ll feel the excitement of leading your troops into combat and strategizing to achieve victory. The game’s mechanics encourage careful planning and decision-making, as you have to consider factors such as troop placement, resource management, and enemy movements. Whether you’re a fan of historical battles or simply enjoy intense strategic gameplay, 878 Vikings is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

War of the Ring

Image: Fantasy Flight

War of the Ring is a massive board game that is best suited for players who are ready for a serious gaming challenge. With a plethora of rules, intricate complications, detailed miniatures, and numerous cards, it perfectly simulates the epic tales of the beloved film franchise. Both sides in War of the Ring have distinct objectives and systems that are so diverse that it’s almost like playing two different games. However, the fundamental act of moving figures around and rolling dice remains the same. It’s like Risk with a million more rules and additions, taking the gameplay to a whole new level of complexity and depth.

In War of the Ring, each side has its own unique playstyle and strategies. The forces of the Free Peoples must work together to defend against the encroaching threat of the Dark Lord Sauron and his armies. They need to build alliances, secure strongholds, and carry out heroic deeds to turn the tide of the war. On the other hand, the forces of Mordor aim to conquer all of Middle-earth and establish Sauron’s dominion. They use their might and cunning to overcome the obstacles set by the Free Peoples. The game’s mechanics require careful planning, resource management, and tactical thinking as players strive to achieve their respective goals.

Playing War of the Ring is a truly immersive experience. The detailed miniatures and richly illustrated components bring the world of Middle-earth to life. You’ll feel as if you’re part of the epic battle between good and evil. The complex rules add a layer of strategy that keeps you engaged and thinking on your feet. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Lord of the Rings franchise or simply enjoy epic fantasy board games, War of the Ring is a must-play that will test your skills and imagination.

Star Wars Rebellion

Image: Fantasy Flight Games

Star Wars Rebellion is a grand game that takes the essence of Risk and infuses it with the Star Wars universe. Another asymmetrical two-player game, it offers the perspectives of the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance in a cosmic battle on the map. On the side of the Empire, players will be tasked with tracking down the Rebel base by deploying their numerous units, aircraft, and even the fearsome Death Star to different planets suspected of harboring the Rebels. The Rebel Alliance, on the other hand, will engage in sabotage and guerrilla warfare to bring down the mighty Empire. If you’re looking for a game that adds a touch of the Star Wars magic to your Risk-like gameplay, Star Wars Rebellion is a great option.

In Star Wars Rebellion, the Empire has to use its vast resources and military might to locate and destroy the Rebel base. They have to carefully plan their movements and deploy their forces strategically to avoid being outmaneuvered by the Rebel Alliance. The Rebel Alliance, on the other hand, needs to use stealth, cunning, and resourcefulness to evade the Empire’s detection and carry out their missions of sabotage and resistance. The game’s mechanics encourage players to think like strategic leaders, making decisions that will impact the outcome of the battle.

Playing Star Wars Rebellion allows you to step into the shoes of your favorite Star Wars characters and engage in epic battles across the galaxy. The game’s design and artwork capture the essence of the Star Wars universe, making you feel like you’re part of a grand space adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or simply enjoy sci-fi board games, Star Wars Rebellion offers a thrilling and immersive gaming experience that will satisfy your cravings for intergalactic warfare.

A War of Whispers

Image: Starling games

I’ve highly recommended A War of Whispers before, and I’ll continue to do so. If you’re tired of being in charge of the armies in Risk and want to take on a different role, then this game is for you. In A War of Whispers, each player is an agent and secretly maneuvers to achieve different end states for the factions on the board. While still having the same appeal as Risk with the map and battles, it takes a more political and intriguing approach. It’s a game that requires stealth, manipulation, and strategic thinking.

In A War of Whispers, players act as agents behind the scenes, influencing the course of the conflict without directly engaging in physical combat. They use their skills and cunning to sway the allegiances of the factions, set up alliances, and undermine the enemy’s plans. The game’s mechanics focus on secret actions, hidden information, and the ability to read the other players’ intentions. It’s a game that rewards careful planning and subtle manipulation.

Playing A War of Whispers offers a unique and engaging gaming experience. It challenges you to think like a master strategist, using your wits and intuition to outmaneuver your opponents. Whether you prefer more direct combat or a more political gameplay style, A War of Whispers provides a refreshing alternative to traditional Risk-like games.

Small World

Image: Days of Wonder

Small World is a wonderful and concise board game that focuses on building and declining empires as players strive to control the most land throughout the game. Unlike Risk, where you use armies on the board to battle other regions, in Small World, you send your off-board tokens to conquer. As you run out of tokens for a particular race, you can put them into decline, allowing you to play as another race while still benefiting from the presence of the previous race in the form of victory points for the regions they dominated. It offers a fresh take on war games, with a tight and strategic gameplay experience.

In Small World, players have a variety of races to choose from, each with its own unique abilities and advantages. They need to carefully consider their choices as they build their empires and expand their territories. The game’s mechanics encourage players to make strategic decisions based on the available land, the strengths and weaknesses of the races, and the potential for alliances and conflicts. It’s a game that rewards clever planning and quick thinking.

Playing Small World is a fun and engaging experience. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy strategic board games that are quick and easy to learn but still offer depth and replayability. The simple yet effective gameplay mechanics make it accessible to players of all skill levels, while still providing enough challenge to keep them entertained. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, Small World is sure to bring hours of enjoyable gaming.

Inis

Image: Matagot

Inis is like Risk, but with an epic fantasy adventure twist and moments of cooperation among the players. It is played on a procedurally generated map with multiple win conditions, adding a rich story element to the gameplay. You and other players will explore new lands while working towards your victory condition. However, this means that you also have to refrain from fighting with others and instead participate in festivals to build alliances. Inis doesn’t use dice, but it has a more fleshed-out combat system that adds depth and strategy. If you’ve ever wanted your Risk games to have a more narrative-driven experience, Inis is a great board game to try.

In Inis, the fantasy world is filled with magical creatures and diverse landscapes. Players embark on quests and adventures as they explore the map, uncovering secrets and treasures. The win conditions add an element of purpose to the gameplay, guiding players towards specific goals while also allowing for flexibility in their strategies. The absence of dice allows for a more narrative-driven combat system, where players use their skills and abilities to engage in battles and overcome challenges. The festivals provide opportunities for cooperation and building relationships with the other players, adding another layer of social interaction to the game.

Playing Inis takes you on a journey through a fantasy realm. The detailed artwork and immersive gameplay make you feel as if you’re part of an epic adventure. Whether you prefer solo play or multiplayer battles with friends, Inis offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that combines strategy, exploration, and a touch of fantasy. It’s a great choice for those who are looking for a board game that goes beyond the traditional Risk formula.

Twilight Imperium

Image: Fantasy Flight Games

Where to even begin with Twilight Imperium? This is such a colossal and classic game that it may seem completely different from Risk at first glance. However, for those who enjoy Risk and also love more complex and dramatic board games, Twilight Imperium is a game that is truly outstanding. It takes you on a literal space opera as each player assumes a different race in a battle against each other to claim the stars. As everyone slowly makes their way towards the center of the galaxy with their multitude of ships and units, the border shared by all grows longer and longer. It’s a very economic and political game that is like Risk on steroids. Can you handle the challenge?

In Twilight Imperium, the players are in control of different races in a vast and expansive galaxy. They have to build their empires, manage resources, engage in diplomatic negotiations, and wage war to achieve their goals. The game’s mechanics are complex and require a deep understanding of strategy, economics, and politics. Players need to carefully plan their moves, make alliances, and outmaneuver their opponents to succeed. The scale and grandeur of the game create a truly immersive and epic gaming experience.

Playing Twilight Imperium is a test of your strategic and leadership abilities. It requires you to think on a grand scale, make difficult decisions, and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances of the game. The richly detailed universe and the intense competition among the players make for a thrilling and engaging gaming session. Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or new to the genre, Twilight Imperium is a game that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Kemet

Image: Matagot

Kemet is a tight and innovative war game that combines a multitude of ideas in a way that is surprising and works incredibly well. It takes a different approach from the typical Risk-like formula of sniping weak targets and maneuvering units to establish control areas. Instead, Kemet immediately thrusts players into the action with one-way teleports and encourages aggression. In this game, you earn a victory point for every battle you win that you start, and you only need to reach eight points. It doesn’t use dice, but it has a dramatic sleight-of-hand deck system that makes each battle even more interesting than standard dice. Additionally, the inclusion of other epic units that only you can field (that no one else can!) adds to the quick and epic nature of the game without overstaying its welcome.

In Kemet, the combat is fast-paced and intense. The one-way teleports add an element of surprise and strategy, as you have to be careful where you deploy your units. The aggressive gameplay encourages players to take risks and go for the kill. The victory point system keeps the focus on winning battles rather than simply occupying territories. The unique deck system adds an additional layer of randomness and excitement to the battles, making each encounter unpredictable.

Playing Kemet is a thrilling experience. It offers a fresh take on war games, combining speed, aggression, and strategic decision-making. The epic units add a sense of grandeur and power, making you feel like a true conqueror. Whether you’re a fan of intense combat or looking for a game with a unique twist, Kemet is definitely worth a try.

Axis & Allies

Image: Renegade Game Studios

I’m surprised that Axis & Allies is the only World War II game on this list. While it is a war game, it is a more serious and strategic option compared to Risk, making it a great choice for those who want a more grounded and in-depth gaming experience. In Axis & Allies, you build up an economy and try to maintain it while fending off your foes. Since the teams start in the same positions at the beginning of each game, it acts more like a strategic puzzle that players can continuously work on and experiment with to get it right. If you’re ready for a war game with more systems and unit types, Axis & Allies is definitely worth a try.

In Axis & Allies, you have to manage your resources carefully, build factories, produce troops, and plan your military strategies. The game’s mechanics focus on economic management, supply lines, and strategic positioning. You have to balance your offensive and defensive capabilities to succeed. The different units available add variety to the gameplay, allowing for different tactics and strategies to be employed.

Playing Axis & Allies is a great way to immerse yourself in the chaos and strategy of World War II. It requires careful planning, resource management, and tactical thinking. Whether you’re a history buff or simply enjoy strategic board games, Axis & Allies offers a challenging and engaging gaming experience.

Nexus Ops

Image: Fantasy Flight Games

Nexus Ops is a popular recommendation for Risk substitutes, and for good reason. It is a war game with many unit types and a map that changes slightly each time you play, providing a tight and engaging gameplay experience similar to Risk. The game is won through victory points, and it is possible to eliminate a player to speed up the end of the game. Every army has access to the same types of units, making it more symmetrical compared to some other