For many players, Risk is the ultimate board game, but there are many games like Risk that are just as challenging, in-depth, and, most importantly, fun to play.
Dating back to 1957, Risk was created in France and originally called La Conqueste du Monde and introduced to the States in 1959 under its more well-known name, Risk.
The Risk board game rules state that players need to use strategy and diplomacy to eliminate their opponent’s armies to conquer the world and win the game.
However, for a lot of players, Risk is merely the entry point into grand strategy board games, and there are plenty of others out there that uses similar gameplay elements.
So we’ve compiled our ultimate list of 15 games like Risk that aren’t quite as famous but should still hopefully give you your next board game to conquer your friends and foes alike.
14 Games like Risk
RISK JUNIOR
Players: 2 – 4 players
Playing Time: 60 – 90 minutes.
Age: 5+
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Hasbro.
Game Overview:
A Pirate-themed kid-friendly introduction to Risk for kids, Risk Junior, is ideal if you have young game enthusiasts to let them learn the basics of Risk.
Players compete to become the pirate who has the most treasure and owns the most islands before the end of the game. Compete against one another on the high seas, with battles between ships decided with a dice roll as everyone travels around the game board, visiting different islands.
RELATED VIDEO: How To Play Risk Junior.
GODSTORM
Players: 2 – 5 players.
Playing Time: 90 – 180 minutes.
Age: Ages 10+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Avalon Hill.
Game Overview:
Godstorm is seen as an extension or sequel to classic Risk, set in an alternative mythical universe where players take control of legendary Greek gods. Competing against other players and the choppy waters of Atlantis, players move their pieces to conquer different islands. The player who is left standing at the end of the game wins in Godstorm.
ECLIPSE
Players: 2 – 6 players.
Playing Time: 60 – 180 minutes.
Age: Ages 14+.
Game Type: Strategic.
Publisher(s): Lautapelit.
Game Overview:
Eclipse takes all of the classic Risk gameplay of territory gaining and civilization-building and applies it to a space theme instead. Each player picks a race with their own strengths and weaknesses and expands their race over 9 rounds. They’ll earn Victory Points throughout the game. The player with the most VPs after 9 rounds wins the game.
RELATED VIDEO: Eclipse Review.
DIPLOMACY
Players: 2 – 7 players.
Playing Time: 120 – 240 minutes.
Age: Ages 12+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Avalon Hill.
Game Overview:
Set in 1901 in the lead-up to WW1, Diplomacy is the board game of high stakes negotiating and strategic warfare as players attempt to form the strongest empire. Form treaties and alliances to combat stronger players. Strategically place units to cut off enemy players from their supply lines to put them under severe pressure.
SCYTHE
Players: 1 – 7 players.
Playing Time: 90 – 120 minutes.
Age: Ages 14+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Stonemaier.
Game Overview:
Set in an alternate 1920s Europe, Scythe is all about building factions, conquering territories, and winning in combat as players compete to become the new leader of Eastern Europe. Players need to acquire wealth throughout the game by controlling territories; whoever earns the most overall wealth once the final territory is decided wins the game.
RELATED: Scythe Board Game Rules.
RELATED VIDEO: Scythe – How To Play.
AXIS AND ALLIES
Players: 2 – 5 players.
Playing Time: 60 – 120 minutes.
Age: Ages 12+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Hasbro.
Game Overview:
In Axis and Allies, the ultimate goal is for players to earn the most points for their respective empires. More complicated than Risk and thus recommended for more experienced players, Axis and Allies allow players to attack other empires through the land, air, and sea to gain an advantage. This gives players more territory, which turns into points needed for victory.
RELATED VIDEO: How To Play Axis and Allies.
MEMOIR 44
Players: 2 – 8 players.
Playing Time: 30 – 60 minutes.
Age: Ages 8+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Days of Wonder.
Game Overview:
Another Risk-like game more suitable for young gamers, Memoir 44, is the famous WW2 battle simulator board game in which players begin by setting up real-life scenarios. Players then move troops around the hexagonal game board to achieve the set objective. Opposing players either help or hinder the objective; whoever wins the battle wins the game.
RELATED: Best War Board Games.
TWILIGHT STRUGGLE
Players: 2 players.
Playing Time: 180 minutes+.
Age: Ages 13+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): GMT Games.
Game Overview:
Twilight Struggle is specifically for 2 players as 1 player takes charge of the United States and the other takes charge of the Soviets. The game is a competition to rewrite the outcome of the Cold War. Each side has different goals to achieve, with the map divided into 6 regions for both sides to attempt to influence. Events occur throughout the game, with players earning Victory Points depending on their performance in each event. Whatever side has the most VPs at the end of the game wins their version of the Cold War.
RELATED VIDEO: How To Play Twilight Struggle.
JUNTA
Players: 4 – 7 players.
Playing Time: 90+ minutes.
Age: Ages 14+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Alderac Entertainment Group.
Game Overview:
Players take control of 1 of 7 families; Junta is a grand strategy game that isn’t as international as Risk; rather, players compete to take control of a South American island. Start a coup, work with the monarchy or other players and bribe corrupt officials to enhance your own Swiss bank account. The game ends when El Presidente runs out of Development Funds, and the player with the most money in their personal bank account wins.
SETTLERS OF CATAN
Players: 3 – 4 players.
Playing Time: Around 60 minutes.
Age: Ages 10+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Catan Studios.
Game Overview:
Although not war-themed, Catan is all about area control like you see in Risk and thus is a family-friendly similar board game. Players find settlements and expand their territories to obtain Victory Points. The first player who achieves 10 Victory Points wins the game. Work with or against other players in building communities, deciding to either expand new or existing settlements.
RELATED: Catan Board Game Rules.
RELATED VIDEO: How To Play Catan.
EL GRANDE
Players: 2-4 players.
Playing Time: Around 90 mins.
Age: Ages 12+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Hans im Glück.
Game Overview:
To win at El Grande, players need to control regions on the board over 9 rounds, with points given depending on how many regions each player has. Set in the medieval ages, in each round, players draw action cards that allow them to move their game pieces into different kingdoms. The player with the most points after 9 rounds wins the game.
SMALL WORLD
Players: 2 – 5 players.
Playing Time: 40 – 95 minutes.
Age: Ages 14+.
Game Type: Strategic.
Publisher(s): Days of Wonder.
Game Overview:
Set in a fantasy world not big enough for every player, Small World has players vying for control over different regions, but on this tiny map, conflict is inevitable. Played at a quicker pace than other Risk-like games, players take over regions with their race to earn prizes such as Victory Coins. The player with the most coins at the end wins in Small World.
RELATED VIDEO: Small World – How To Play.
KAHUNA
Players: 2 Players.
Playing Time: 30 minutes.
Age: Ages 10+.
Game Type: Strategy.
Publisher(s): Kosmos.
Game Overview:
2 players compete head-to-head to control as many of the 12 islands of Kahuna as possible before the end of the game. Played over 3 scoring rounds, whichever player has control over the most islands at the end of each round gets awarded points. Players also build bridges between islands and prevent the other from building their own bridges as well.
RELATED VIDEO: Kahuna Review.
DOMINION
Players: 2 – 4 players.
Playing Time: 30 minutes.
Age: Ages 14+.
Game Type: Card/Strategy.
Publisher(s): Rio Grande Games.
Game Overview:
Although differing from Risk by being a card game, Dominion is still a great alternative as it’s all about kingdom building, with each player starting as a King/Queen of a small kingdom that needs expanding. Just like in similar games, Victory Points get awarded based on how well each kingdom does after each round. Once the last available province has been purchased, the game ends, and the royal with the most VPs at the end of the game wins.
RELATED VIDEO: How To Play Dominion in 3 Minutes.
