What are the best-selling board games of all time? Well, it depends. Since board games have existed since at least 2700 B.C. (and likely much earlier than that), a distinction between board games as an ancient human practice and the iconic branded tabletop games of the modern age helps narrow it down.
Best-Selling Boardgames by copies sold:
Aside from the historical classics like chess, checkers, go, and the oldest board game known to have existed, Senet, these are the top-selling tabletop games in human history:
1.) Monopoly – more than 275 million copies sold
Nearing its 90th anniversary, the classic game of ruthless property acquisition and rent collection has been played by an estimated 500 million people, making it far and away the best-selling trademarked board game of all time. Originally intended as a teaching game designed to inform players about the mechanisms and pitfalls of capitalism, it has since spawned a global syndicate of gaming experiences, both digital and analog.
2.) Scrabble – more than 150 million copies sold
Before the age of Wordle, the reigning champion of wordplay was the classic board game Scrabble. Introduced just a few years after Monopoly, it continues to offer players the same bracing intellectual challenge as it did when it was first released.
3.) Clue – more than 150 million copies sold
The standard-bearer of whodunit games, Clue has been stumping amateur sleuths since 1949. An iconic mix of characters, settings, and paranoia-inspiring mechanics, Clue continues to be published in a variety of versions, even crossing over into other media from time to time.
4.) Battleship – more than 100 million copies sold
You sunk my battleship! Originally published as a pen-and-paper game, Milton Bradley’s version of the tactical guessing game has been serving up naval cannon fodder since 1943. Having undergone a variety of transformations over the years, it was also one of the first games to be published for computers. They somehow managed to make a movie out of this one, too.
5.) Trivial Pursuit – more than 100 million copies sold
If you’re looking to be intimidated by the sheer magnitude of human knowledge, then classic Trivial Pursuit is your game. With over 2,400 questions ranging across six categories (science and nature, arts and literature, geography, history, sports and leisure, and entertainment), the game has the distinction of breaking the 100 million sale mark while only having been released in 1981.
Other Notable Best-Selling Board Games
6.) Candyland (1949) – 50 million+ units sold
7.) Rummikub (1950) – 50 million+ units sold
8.) The Game of Life (1960) – 50 million+ units sold
9.) Othello (1883 as Reversi, 1971 as Othello) – 40 million+ units sold
10.) Pictionary (1985) – 38 million+ units sold
11.) Catan (1995) – 32 million+ units sold
12.) Risk (1957) – 25 million+ units sold
13.) Stratego (1961) – 20 million+ units sold
14.) Connect 4 (1974) 4 million+ units sold
15.) Blokus (2000) 3 million+ units sold
Boardgames For Every Player
While the enduring classics listed above represent the majority of the board game industry’s market share, tens of thousands of other games offer all manner of play experiences. Whether a best-selling standard or a novel modern masterpiece, tabletop gaming offers something for players of any interest and disposition.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
