Monopoly is arguably one of the most popular board games in the world. This can be chalked down to a number of reasons; firstly, it has very simple rules, allowing for all ages to enjoy it. It also gives everyone the illusion of being successful - at least till they go bankrupt - and who doesn't want that?
However, Monopoly only became more popular after it started getting localised to various regions, featuring local cities and landmarks. To add to that, the board game has also collaborated with various popular IPs like Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and The Simpsons, further propelling its popularity among various fanbases. Here are some other board games that are similar to this classic.
Catan
Propose a trade
Catan's popularity rivals that of Monopoly, and it's easy to see why. The two board games share a lot in common, most prominently the resource management element. Both games require you to negotiate and trade with other players to get the upper hand. If you're good at diplomacy, you'll easily master them.
- Requires negotiation skills.
- Board can be laid out differently every time.
- Features several expansions and editions.
Many people call Catan the modern day Monopoly. However, it appeals most to the players who thrive on the negotiation aspect of the latter. Convincing your opponent to trade you some lumber, even though they know you'll win if they do, is what Catan is about. There may be a board in front of you, but it's a battle on the negotiation table.
Ticket To Ride
Longer rail lines mean larger profits.
The similarities between Monopoly and Ticket to Ride are quite evident. Not only do both require you to grow your empire and maximize your profits, but they are also proponents for capitalism. While almost all the games on this list have aspects of capitalism in them, Ticket to Ride propagates the idea with a smile.
- Great for anyone who loves trains.
- Easy way to get into strategy games.
Acting like an evil, mustache-twirling industrialist is almost a part of all these games, but with Ticket to Ride, you can twirl your mustache while wearing a top hat. The fact that it features trains and railway lines is just an added bonus. Like Monopoly, this game also spreads the sermon of capitalism with a smile. Going bankrupt is just a tiny hurdle every industrialist must go through.
The Game Of Life
If only life was this easy.
The Game of Life can be considered to be a PG-13 version of Monopoly. While in the latter, one player wins while the others go bankrupt, The Game of Life makes sure everybody is rich in the end. Everyone only gets richer and finds their dream job, and the richest of the lot wins the game.
- Simple rules.
- Nobody really loses, so it's great for kids.
If you're worried that your kids will get bummed out by going bankrupt in Monopoly, you can always start them off with The Game of Life. Nobody really loses, and everybody only gets richer by the time the game ends. You can use this for practice until they're older, and then introduce them to the harsh realities of Monopoly.
Scythe
Dystopian capitalism FTW!
If The Game of Life is the PG-13 Monopoly, then Scythe is the R-rated version. Players must ensure that their faction controls the most territory and earns the most money by any means necessary. It even includes miniatures of Dieselpunk mechs; surely that's better than an old-timey car or a top hat.
- Can be played single-player.
- Features stunning artwork and miniatures.
- Intricate gameplay mechanics and features.
And, once your kids haver gotten used to the hardships of Monopoly, you can really lay into them with Scythe's dystopian take on a capitalistic future. Just trade buying land for seizing land, and negotiations for altercations, and you'll see that Monopoly and Scythe have a lot in common. The latter might require longer play sessions though.
Acquire
Monopoly, but with stocks and hotel chains
Acquire takes the basic idea of Monopoly and adds several original layers to it. For one, you need to build a hotel chain empire, but there's also a layer of stocks, majority and minority ownership, and acquiring more hotels. This one's way more complicated, but is a good time if you're into stocks.
- Great for those who understand and excel at stock trading.
- Requires some amount of business acumen.
If you like Monopoly for the business aspect of it, Acquire takes that side of it to a whole new level. As a real estate tycoon, you need to buy or at least own a stake in as many hotel chains as possible. Other players will try and acquire stakes in your empire as well, so, in this case, the best defense is a good offense.
Pay Day
Monopoly, but simpler
Pay Day is a business simulation board game for 2–6 players. The aim of the game is to end up with the most money at the end of the game. Players decide how many months they want to play for and roll dice to move their pieces.
Pay Day is what you get when you take all the challenging bits out of Monopoly. Sure, there aren't too many challenging aspects to Monopoly, but there are fewer in Pay Day. The main difference is in the shape of the board. It's designed like a calendar, and players must decide how many months they want to play for.
FAQ
What is the world's most famous board game?
Considering how many games are based on the same formula, the localised versions it has, and the number of collaborative editions that have been published, Monopoly is the most popular board game in the word.
What is the oldest board game?
The Royal Game of Ur, believed to have originated 4,600 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, is the oldest board game in the world.
Which is the toughest board game in the world?
There a a number of advanced strastegies used in playing Chess, making it the toughest board game in the world.