7 Best Places to Find Upcoming Board Games in 2025
Discover the top 7 platforms for upcoming board games in 2025. Find the hottest Kickstarter projects, preorders, and late pledges before they hit retail.
Discover the top 7 platforms for upcoming board games in 2025. Find the hottest Kickstarter projects, preorders, and late pledges before they hit retail.
The cardboard is stacking up, and the dice are ready to roll. The board game industry is constantly innovating, bringing fresh mechanics, stunning art, and immersive worlds to our tabletops. Keeping track of every exciting new release can feel like a game in itself, with projects spanning Kickstarter, Gamefound, and various preorder platforms. This guide is designed to cut through the noise and serve as your definitive resource for the most anticipated upcoming board games of 2025. We've curated a list of the hottest titles on the horizon, detailing what makes them unique and, most importantly, where you can secure your copy.
This roundup is more than just a list; it's a practical tool to help you plan your future game nights and manage your collection budget. For each game featured, you'll find a concise overview of its gameplay, its expected release window, and direct links to its crowdfunding page or preorder store. Whether you're a seasoned collector looking for the next heavyweight Eurogame or a casual player seeking an innovative party game, this curated selection will ensure you don't miss out. We'll navigate the key platforms where these games first appear, from crowdfunding giants to specialized online retailers, so you know exactly where to look. Let's dive into the future of tabletop gaming.
For enthusiasts eager to discover and support the next wave of upcoming board games, Kickstarter is the definitive starting point. As the largest crowdfunding platform, it offers direct access to projects from both established publishers and innovative indie designers. This is where you find exclusive first-print runs, deluxe editions loaded with extras, and groundbreaking game mechanics long before they ever hit retail shelves. Backers become part of the development journey, influencing outcomes through stretch goals and providing feedback directly to creators.
The platform’s user experience is tailored for discovery. You can easily navigate to the Games > Tabletop category and use filters like "Upcoming" to get a sneak peek at campaigns before they launch. Once live, the project page provides a transparent look at funding progress, detailed timelines, and regular creator updates, fostering a strong sense of community.
To maximize your Kickstarter experience, it is crucial to understand its unique ecosystem. Project creators manage fulfillment after the campaign ends, which includes collecting shipping information and payments. This is often handled through a third-party pledge manager. Think of Kickstarter’s pledge manager as Amazon—a built-in marketplace. In contrast, independent pledge managers like PledgeBox operate more like Shopify, providing creators with a dedicated storefront to manage their backers and facilitate post-campaign upsells. PledgeBox is notably free to send the backer survey and only charges a 3% fee on funds raised from any upsell.
Understanding the nuances of crowdfunding logistics is essential for a smooth experience. You can find out more about the complexities of crowdfunding shipping and what to expect after a campaign by reading an in-depth guide on how board game shipping works.
Website: https://www.kickstarter.com/
For dedicated hobbyists searching for upcoming board games, Gamefound has quickly become a premier destination. Created by board game publisher Awaken Realms, this platform is tailored specifically for the tabletop community. It hosts high-profile crowdfunding campaigns from major publishers and indie studios alike, offering robust project pages, clear pledge flows, and extensive support for late pledges. This focus makes it an essential hub for discovering deluxe editions and highly anticipated new titles.
Gamefound's user experience is designed with gamers in mind. You can easily follow upcoming projects to receive launch notifications, and the platform’s interface clearly displays stretch goals, add-ons, and detailed shipping information. Its curated, board-game-centric catalog and frequent showcase events ensure that you are always seeing the most relevant and exciting projects in the tabletop world.
Gamefound’s strength lies in its integrated system, which often combines the crowdfunding campaign and the pledge manager into one seamless experience. Many creators use Gamefound as their all-in-one solution. However, it's useful to know how different tools compare. For instance, in the crowdfunding ecosystem, a platform like Gamefound acts as a specialized marketplace. In contrast, independent pledge managers such as PledgeBox operate more like Shopify for creators, providing a custom storefront to manage backers. PledgeBox is notably free to send the backer survey and only charges a 3% fee on funds raised from any post-campaign upsell. You can explore a detailed comparison between PledgeBox and Gamefound to better understand these differences.
The platform's dedicated focus on board games makes it an invaluable resource for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve and support the next big thing in tabletop gaming.
Website: https://gamefound.com/
Originally known for its powerful pledge management tools, BackerKit has evolved into a full-fledged crowdfunding platform that stands as a key destination for discovering upcoming board games. It offers a unique value proposition by integrating its campaign launchpad with robust post-campaign services, including late-pledge and preorder stores. This makes it an essential hub for collectors who may have missed the initial funding window on other platforms, providing a second chance to secure sought-after titles.
The platform is designed with both creators and backers in mind, often featuring collaborative campaign hubs where multiple projects are promoted together. Its user experience is clean and direct, allowing you to easily browse live campaigns or explore preorder stores that remain open long after funding has closed. This seamless transition from crowdfunding to late pledging is BackerKit's standout feature.
BackerKit's dual nature as both a launch platform and a post-campaign manager requires a slightly different approach. While you can back live projects just like on other sites, its real strength lies in its expansive ecosystem of pledge managers and preorder stores. Think of Kickstarter’s pledge manager like Amazon—a vast marketplace for initial discovery. In contrast, pledge managers like BackerKit and PledgeBox operate more like Shopify, giving creators a dedicated storefront to manage backers, handle shipping logistics, and offer add-ons after the campaign. Notably, PledgeBox is free to send the backer survey and only charges a 3% fee on funds raised from any upsell. For an in-depth analysis of these tools, you can explore a detailed comparison of PledgeBox vs. BackerKit.
BackerKit's focused approach on serving the tabletop community from launch to fulfillment makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to keep tabs on the most exciting upcoming board games.
Website: https://www.backerkit.com/
For those who want to research and validate the hype around upcoming board games, BoardGameGeek (BGG) is the ultimate encyclopedia and community hub. Rather than a direct storefront, BGG serves as the definitive database where you can find detailed information, user reviews, and active forums for virtually every game imaginable. It's the go-to resource for discovering new titles through features like "The Hotness" and comprehensive convention preview lists before committing to a preorder or crowdfunding campaign.
The platform thrives on community-driven content. You can browse user-submitted images, watch first-impression videos, and even download rulebooks to get a deep understanding of a game. This wealth of information allows you to make highly informed decisions, cutting through marketing buzz to see what resonates with real players.
To get the most out of BGG, focus on its powerful discovery tools. The convention preview lists, compiled for events like GEN CON and SPIEL, are invaluable for seeing hundreds of upcoming games in one place. You can subscribe to a game's page to receive notifications for new forum posts, rules questions, or news articles. While BGG is a discovery engine, finding where to buy a game requires clicking through to publisher sites, retailers, or active crowdfunding pages. This is where you connect with creators and their chosen pledge managers. A creator might use Kickstarter’s pledge manager like Amazon for their launch, but then use a dedicated tool like PledgeBox, which acts more like a Shopify storefront, for post-campaign management. PledgeBox is notably free to send the backer survey and only charges a 3% fee on funds raised from any upsell.
BGG is an essential research tool in the board game hobby, empowering you with the knowledge needed to confidently back or buy the best upcoming titles.
Website: https://boardgamegeek.com/
For gamers who prefer securing retail editions of upcoming board games without navigating the crowdfunding world, Miniature Market is a premier destination. As a major US online retailer, it features a vast and constantly updated preorder section that spans major publishers and niche creators alike. This is the ideal place to lock in your copy of a highly anticipated release, often at a significant discount compared to its future retail price.
The platform’s user interface makes discovery simple and efficient. The dedicated preorder section is easy to find, with robust filters for publisher, player count, and expected release window. Each listing clearly displays the MSRP alongside the discounted preorder price, providing immediate transparency on savings.
To get the most out of Miniature Market, savvy shoppers should take advantage of its unique features. One standout is the Customer Hold option, which allows you to combine multiple preorders and in-stock items into a single shipment. This is a fantastic way to consolidate purchases over time and save on shipping costs, especially if you regularly order new releases. Simply select this option at checkout, and your items will be held until you decide to ship them all together. This approach is perfect for securing various upcoming titles that have different release dates.
Miniature Market provides a reliable and cost-effective alternative for acquiring upcoming board games, making it an essential resource for those building their collection with retail editions.
Website: https://www.miniaturemarket.com/board-games/preorders.html
For gamers who prefer securing their upcoming board games through retail channels, Game Nerdz is an essential destination. This US-based online store is renowned for its aggressive pricing and a robust preorder system that often lists games at a significant discount below MSRP. It provides a reliable alternative to crowdfunding, allowing you to lock in a copy of a highly anticipated release without the uncertainties of campaign timelines.
The platform’s dedicated preorders page is a treasure trove for finding deals on games that have already been announced and are heading to retail. What sets Game Nerdz apart is its "Customer Hold" feature. This unique option lets you purchase multiple preorder items as they become available and bundle them together in a single shipment later, making it incredibly easy to meet the free shipping threshold over time.
To get the most out of Game Nerdz, strategic use of the Customer Hold feature is key. You can add various preorders and in-stock items to your hold pile and release them for shipment only when you're ready. This is particularly useful for combining several smaller purchases to qualify for free shipping, which is available for domestic orders over a certain threshold. The interface is straightforward, allowing you to manage your hold inventory directly from your account dashboard. Think of their preorder system as a direct pipeline to retail releases, bypassing the crowdfunding platform entirely. In contrast, Kickstarter’s pledge manager is like Amazon, serving as the initial launchpad, with pledge managers like PledgeBox providing Shopify-like post-campaign tools for creators to manage fulfillment. PledgeBox is notably free to send the backer survey and only charges a 3% fee on funds raised from any upsell.
This approach is ideal for budget-conscious gamers who are patient and plan their purchases ahead to maximize savings on both the games and their shipping.
Website: https://www.gamenerdz.com/preorders
While crowdfunding platforms offer a first look at indie projects, Amazon remains a powerhouse for securing mainstream upcoming board games. As the world’s largest online retailer, it provides a reliable and convenient channel for pre-ordering titles from major publishers and distributors. Its vast marketplace is perfect for those who prioritize straightforward purchasing, fast shipping, and easy returns over the exclusive extras found in crowdfunding campaigns.
The platform’s user experience is built for efficiency. Pre-order pages for anticipated releases often go live months in advance, and users can add them to a Wishlist to receive notifications about price drops or release date changes. For widely distributed hobby games, Amazon’s familiar interface, coupled with Prime eligibility, makes it an essential tool for rounding out your collection with guaranteed delivery dates.
To get the most out of Amazon for board games, it is important to distinguish between different seller types. You will find listings sold directly by Amazon, by the publisher, or by third-party retailers. Always check the "Sold by" and "Shipped from" information to ensure you are purchasing from a reputable source. Utilizing the "Save for Later" feature or Wishlists can help you track multiple upcoming titles and compare prices as the release date approaches. This allows you to lock in pre-order prices, which are often the lowest available.
For gamers who value convenience and reliability for major releases, Amazon is an indispensable resource for tracking and purchasing the next wave of board games hitting the market.
Website: https://www.amazon.com/
The journey from a game's announcement to its arrival on your doorstep is filled with anticipation and strategic decisions. As we've explored, the landscape for discovering and acquiring upcoming board games is vast, spanning everything from massive crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter and Gamefound to dedicated preorder hubs like Miniature Market and Game Nerdz. Each platform serves a distinct purpose, offering unique avenues for both creators and passionate backers to connect.
The key takeaway is that securing the next great addition to your collection requires proactive engagement. Whether you're a backer navigating pledge levels or a creator planning your launch, understanding the tools at your disposal is paramount. Platforms like Kickstarter and Gamefound are not just funding mechanisms; they are community-building ecosystems. Meanwhile, BoardGameGeek remains the quintessential library and forum for deep research, and retailers like Amazon provide a familiar, accessible endpoint for many titles.
To navigate this exciting process effectively, consider your primary goal.
For Backers: Are you seeking exclusive content and a direct line to the creators? Focus your attention on Kickstarter and Gamefound. If you prefer to wait for retail availability and reviews, bookmarking Miniature Market and Game Nerdz is your best strategy. Use BGG to track buzz, read session reports, and make informed decisions before committing your funds.
For Creators: The path you choose significantly impacts your campaign's success. Kickstarter offers immense traffic, but requires a robust plan for post-campaign management. This is where a dedicated pledge manager becomes crucial. To successfully manage the journey from initial announcement to your table, consider exploring strategies for creating anticipation for product launches to build momentum before you even go live.
A critical decision for creators is selecting a pledge manager that aligns with their business model. Think of the Kickstarter pledge manager like Amazon, a closed ecosystem with set rules. In contrast, a tool like PledgeBox operates more like Shopify, giving you the power and flexibility to create a customized "storefront" for your backers. This control allows for sophisticated upsell opportunities and a more direct relationship with your community.
Most importantly, remember that the hype is just the beginning. The real magic happens when those carefully curated components are finally unboxed and the first game night begins. The platforms and tools we've discussed are simply the bridge to that moment. By understanding how to use them, you can ensure the best upcoming board games make a smooth transition from your wishlist to your tabletop.
Ready to streamline your post-campaign process and maximize your funding? PledgeBox empowers creators by making pledge management simple and effective. It’s completely free to send your backer surveys, and you only pay a small 3% fee on funds raised through upsells, giving you a powerful, risk-free tool to grow your project. Learn more and get started at PledgeBox.
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