The world of tabletop gaming is constantly evolving, with new releases hitting the shelves each year.
For 2025, Asmodee is bringing an exciting variety of new board games to captivate seasoned board gamers and newcomers. Whether you're a fan of strategic card games, family-friendly adventures, or deep, narrative-driven gameplay, there's something for everyone.
Here’s a closer look at some of the hottest new board games to be released in 2025. You can purchase or prepare to play them at a board game cafe in the UK.
1. The Lord of the Rings Trick-Taking Game
In this exciting new card game, players are transported into Middle-earth, where they will take on the roles of iconic characters from The Lord of the Rings franchise.
About The Lord of the Rings Trick-Taking Game
This new card game uses a trick-taking mechanic, a popular card game mechanic where players aim to win "tricks" (or rounds) by playing the highest card of the deck that is led. This new board game is set within the rich lore of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved universe, and each character brings a unique ability that helps players on their quest to defeat Sauron.
How to Play The Lord of the Rings: Trick-Taking Game
Players will take turns playing cards from their hand, trying to outwit their opponents by capturing tricks and using special abilities to gain advantages. Players will also manage resources and decide when to use their powers to the fullest. The ultimate goal is to be the first to achieve a set number of victory points.
Player Count & Age Rating for The Lord of the Rings Trick Taking Game:
- 2-4 players
- Ages 12 and up
Check out our full board and card game collection today.
2. Star Wars: Unlimited - Jump to Lightspeed
Star Wars: Unlimited is a new card game that promises to deliver the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay fans of Star Wars have come to love.
About Star Wars: Unlimited - Jump to Lightspeed
Jump to Lightspeed is one of the first expansions. In it, players will engage in space battles and iconic dogfights and attempt to gain control over the galaxy through powerful, strategic plays. Expect new characters, starships, and events from the Star Wars universe.
How to Play Star Wars: Unlimited - Jump to Lightspeed
Each player builds a deck around a set of characters and ships, using their cards to gain resources, play abilities, and take actions that bring them closer to victory.
The "Jump to Lightspeed" expansion introduces a new mechanic in which players race to escape a planet's gravitational pull and engage in high-speed space battles. This adds layers of excitement to the gameplay. Players must carefully manage their hands, make tactical decisions about when to fight or flee, and use the right card combinations at the perfect moments.
Player Count & Age Rating for Star Wars: Unlimited - Jump to Lightspeed
- 2 players (expandable to more with additional decks)
- Ages 10 and up
Enjoy card games? View what other trading card games we have available.
3. Lego Brick Like This Board Game
Brick Like This is a tile-laying game in which players use various geometric shapes to build the most intricate and colorful structures.
About Lego Brick Like This Board Game:
With each turn, players select tiles and place them strategically to score points based on patterns, adjacency, and clever placement.
How to Play Lego Brick Like This Board Game:
Players take turns drawing tiles and placing them on their boards, trying to complete certain patterns or achieve specific goals.
The game offers competitive and solo challenges, as players can either compete to build the largest, most intricate structure or work together to complete collaborative challenges. The dynamic of pattern recognition and placement makes it a strategic puzzle that keeps players engaged throughout.
Player Count & Age Rating For Lego Brick Like This Board Game:
- 2-4 players
- Ages 8 and up
4. Exploding Kittens Board Game
Exploding Kittens has been a fan favorite as a card game, and now it’s coming to the tabletop in a brand new format!
About Exploding Kittens Board Game
This board game version stays true to the humor and chaotic fun that made the original game a hit. Players try to avoid "exploding kittens" using various action cards to sabotage their opponents.
How to Play Exploding Kittens Board Game:
Players draw cards from the deck, hoping to avoid the dreaded "Exploding Kitten" card.
If a player draws one, they lose the game unless they have a defuse card. Meanwhile, players use other action cards to attack, skip turns, or force their opponents to draw more cards. The game is fast, funny, and filled with unexpected twists.
Player Count & Age Rating for Exploding Kittens Board Game:
- 2-5 players
- Ages 7 and up
New board games can be found at a game expo. Discover our top highlights from the UK Game Expo in 2024.
7. Azul Duel
Azul is already a beloved board game, and Azul Duel adapts the same beautiful tile-laying concept to two players.
About Azul Duel
In this new version, players compete to decorate the most stunning palace by selecting tiles and placing them on their boards to score points.
How to Play Azul Duel:
The game involves selecting tiles from a shared pool and placing them in patterns to complete rows and columns on your board. Players must balance completing their board while blocking their opponent from scoring.
With strategic placement and a touch of competitive spirit, Azul Duel offers a delightful, fast-paced experience.
Player Count & Age Rating for Azul Duel:
- 2 players
- Ages 8 and up
8. Fate of the Fellowship
Based on The Lord of the Rings universe, Fate of the Fellowship is a cooperative storytelling game where players take on the roles of characters from The Fellowship of the Ring.
About Fate of the Fellowship
The game emphasizes decision-making. Players' choices and actions throughout the journey shape the story's outcome.
How to Play Fate of the Fellowship:
Each player represents a member of the Fellowship, and together, they must make choices and face challenges as they travel across Middle-earth.
The game is played in episodes. Players interact with the story, face various scenarios, and make decisions that ultimately affect their success.
The ultimate goal is to ensure the Fellowship’s success, and that can only be done through collaboration, tactical play, and knowledge of Middle-earth.
Player Count & Age Rating Fate of the Fellowship:
- 1-4 players
- Ages 12 and up
Does this sound interesting? Check out your local board game store to buy it once it is released.
Discover the best new board games in 2025 with Asmodee
2025 will be a fantastic year for board gamers with these exciting releases from Asmodee.
Whether you prefer competitive challenges, cooperative adventures, or lighthearted family fun, there's no shortage of great new board games to look forward to.
So gather your friends, put on your game face, and click here to prepare for an incredible year of new board game releases.
