Black Friday is synonymous with incredible deals, and for those of us who love the thrill of a good board game, it’s a prime opportunity to expand our collections or snag that game we’ve been eyeing. The tabletop gaming hobby has exploded in popularity in recent years, with more complex and immersive games hitting the market. Finding a great deal on a high-quality board game during Black Friday can significantly reduce the cost of entry into this vibrant world, providing hours of entertainment and social connection. Whether you’re a seasoned strategy gamer, a casual family player, or looking for a fun party game, there’s a board game out there for everyone.
This article is your comprehensive guide to navigating the Black Friday board game sales. We’ll explore the best retailers to watch, the types of games to prioritize, strategies for securing the best deals, and what to expect from Cyber Monday. We’ll also touch on how you can actually use this information – think about planning game nights with friends, introducing new games to your family, or even using a compelling game to break the ice at a work social event. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to score big on board game Black Friday deals and elevate your gaming experience. Ultimately, this isn’t just about saving money; it’s about unlocking new worlds of entertainment and connection.
Planning Your Black Friday Board Game Strategy
Game Title | Best Black Friday Deal (USD) | Typical Retail Price (USD) | Retailer Offering Deal |
---|---|---|---|
Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion | 34.99 | 49.99 | Amazon |
Ticket to Ride | 24.99 | 39.99 | Target |
Catan 3rd Edition | 39.99 | 59.99 | Best Buy |
Pandemic | 29.99 | 39.99 | Walmart |
7 Wonders | 27.99 | 44.99 | Amazon |
Wingspan | 44.99 | 64.99 | Barnes & Noble |
Azul | 29.99 | 39.99 | Target |
Spirit Island | 44.99 | 69.99 | Amazon |
Terraforming Mars | 59.99 | 84.99 | Best Buy |
Parks | 29.99 | 44.99 | Walmart |
Before the chaos of Black Friday begins, a little preparation can go a long way. Jumping into the sales without a plan is a recipe for overspending and regret. Begin by creating a wish list of games you’d like to own. This list can be a combination of games you’ve played and enjoyed, those you’ve seen recommended, and titles that simply pique your interest. Categorize your wish list by type – strategy games, party games, family games, cooperative games – to keep things organized. Understanding your preferences will help you quickly identify worthwhile deals when they appear.
Next, determine your budget. A clear budget prevents impulsive purchases and ensures you stick to what you can comfortably afford. Consider the overall cost of the game, including any necessary accessories like expansions or upgraded components. You can even allocate specific amounts to different categories of games. For example, you might decide to spend $50 on a strategy game, $30 on a family favorite, and $20 on a quick party game. Keeping track of prices leading up to Black Friday can also help you gauge whether a deal is truly exceptional. Use price tracking websites or browser extensions to monitor the prices of your desired games.
Finally, research retailers. Amazon, Target, and Walmart are perennial contenders for Black Friday board game deals, but don’t overlook local game shops. Often, these smaller businesses will match or beat major retailers’ prices to stay competitive. Sign up for email newsletters and follow retailers on social media to receive early announcements about Black Friday sales. Consider checking out sites like BoardGameGeek (https://boardgamegeek.com/) for reviews, ratings, and discussions about specific games, which can assist you in making informed decisions. This proactive approach will maximize your chances of securing the best possible deals and avoiding buyer’s remorse.
Top Retailers for Black Friday Board Game Deals
Retailer | Observed Black Friday Discounts (Examples) |
---|---|
Amazon | Wingspan: $39.99 (Regular $54.99), Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion: $44.99 (Regular $64.99), Catan: $32.99 (Regular $49.99) |
Target | Ticket to Ride: $29.99 (Regular $39.99), Azul: $24.99 (Regular $34.99), Pandemic: $24.49 (Regular $34.99) |
Walmart | 7 Wonders: Architects: $19.88 (Regular $29.99), Carcassonne: $24.93 (Regular $34.99), Splendor: $24.93 (Regular $34.99) |
Best Buy | Unstable Unicorns: $14.99 (Regular $24.99), Exploding Kittens: $14.99 (Regular $19.99), Azul Mini: $14.99 (Regular $24.99) |
Barnes & Noble | Kingdomino: $19.99 (Regular $29.99), Sagrada: $29.99 (Regular $39.99), 7 Wonders Duel: $24.99 (Regular $34.99) |
The competition for Black Friday shoppers is fierce, and several retailers consistently offer compelling deals on board games. Amazon is arguably the biggest player, with a vast selection and aggressive pricing. However, it’s crucial to compare prices across different sellers on Amazon, as prices can vary significantly. Keep an eye out for Lightning Deals, which are limited-time offers that can provide substantial savings. Be prepared for Amazon’s website to potentially experience high traffic, so patience is key.
Target is another reliable option, often featuring exclusive bundles and discounts on popular games. Target’s “Cartwheel” program can also provide additional savings, so check the app before heading to the store. They frequently have doorbuster deals on select items, which require you to be quick and prepared to potentially wait in line. In addition, you can take advantage of Target Circle offers to stack savings. This gives you more possibilities to save on your favorite games.
Walmart tends to offer competitive prices on a wide range of board games, particularly those geared toward families and casual gamers. Walmart’s online sales can be just as good as their in-store Black Friday events, so consider shopping from the comfort of your home. Look out for rollback prices and limited-time offers that appear throughout the weekend. Combining Walmart’s Black Friday deals with their everyday low prices can lead to substantial savings.
Don’t forget to check your local game stores. These independent businesses often offer personalized service and a curated selection of games, and they are sometimes willing to match the prices of larger retailers. Supporting local businesses is an important aspect of community building, and many local game stores host special Black Friday events with exclusive deals and demonstrations. These smaller retailers sometimes have unique items you will not find elsewhere.
Classic Games on Sale: Nostalgia and Value

Game Title | Current Sale Price (USD) | Original Release Year | Platform(s) |
---|---|---|---|
Super Mario World | $5.99 | 1990 | SNES |
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time | $9.99 | 1998 | Nintendo 64 |
Chrono Trigger | $19.99 | 1995 | SNES |
Final Fantasy VII | $14.99 | 1997 | PlayStation |
Mega Man 2 | $3.99 | 1988 | NES |
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night | $9.99 | 1997 | PlayStation |
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 | $4.99 | 1991 | Genesis |
GoldenEye 007 | $12.99 | 1997 | Nintendo 64 |
Black Friday often brings fantastic discounts on classic board games – titles that have stood the test of time and continue to provide entertainment for players of all ages. Monopoly, the iconic property-trading game, is almost guaranteed to be on sale, offering a chance to introduce a new generation to its cutthroat gameplay. Similarly, Clue (or Cluedo, as it’s known in some regions) is a perennial favorite, and its discounted price makes it an excellent addition to any game collection. These games are readily available across all major retailers.
Beyond these well-known titles, other classics frequently see price drops during Black Friday. Scrabble, the word-building game, is a great choice for those who enjoy language-based challenges. Risk, the strategic war game, offers a more complex experience, requiring careful planning and negotiation. Consider different editions of these classics. Many editions have been released over the years, often with updated components or artwork, so you might find a special edition at a discounted price.
The value of purchasing classic games during Black Friday extends beyond the immediate savings. These games are often timeless and can provide years of enjoyment for your family and friends. They also make excellent gifts for people of all ages. These games can often be used as icebreakers at parties or gatherings. Playing board games brings people together and helps them disconnect from technology. For example, hosting a retro game night with classic titles like Monopoly and Clue can be a fun and nostalgic experience.
Strategy Games: Deep Discounts on Complex Challenges
For seasoned board game enthusiasts, strategy games represent the pinnacle of the hobby. Black Friday is an excellent opportunity to acquire these more complex and often pricier titles at significant discounts. Gloomhaven, a cooperative dungeon-crawler, is a prime example – its sheer complexity and high retail price make a Black Friday deal particularly enticing. Keep an eye out for expansions as well, as they can substantially enhance the game’s replayability.
Pandemic, a cooperative game where players work together to cure diseases, is another strategy staple that frequently sees discounts. The collaborative nature of Pandemic makes it a great choice for groups of friends or family members. Other strategy games worth considering include Terraforming Mars, a game about transforming the planet Mars into a habitable world, and Wingspan, a beautifully illustrated game about attracting birds to your wildlife preserve. These games are often available on Amazon, Target, and from specialty game retailers.
Remember that strategy games often have a steeper learning curve than more casual games. Be prepared to spend some time learning the rules and strategies before you can fully appreciate the experience. Watch gameplay videos and read reviews to get a better understanding of the game’s mechanics. To help illustrate, let’s consider a simple cost-benefit analysis. If a strategy game typically costs $80 and is on sale for $50 (a 37.5% discount), that’s a significant saving for a game that can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment. That’s a fantastic return on investment!
Party Games and Social Deduction: Fun for Everyone
No Black Friday board game collection is complete without a few party games and social deduction games to liven up gatherings. These games are designed for larger groups and emphasize social interaction and laughter. Codenames, a word association game, is a perennial favorite, known for its clever gameplay and replayability. Telestrations, a combination of telephone and Pictionary, guarantees hilarious misinterpretations.
Cards Against Humanity remains a popular choice for those seeking a more irreverent and adult-oriented party game. For those looking for a social deduction game, Secret Hitler and One Night Ultimate Werewolf are excellent choices. These games involve hidden roles and deception, creating a suspenseful and engaging experience. Many of these games are available at Target and Walmart for a great Black Friday price.
Consider the number of players you typically entertain when choosing party games. Some games are best suited for small groups, while others can accommodate larger crowds. Reading reviews and watching gameplay videos can help you determine whether a game aligns with your preferences and the preferences of your friends and family. For example, if you regularly host game nights with 8-10 people, a game like Codenames, which can easily accommodate that many players, would be a great addition to your collection.
Card Games: Pocket-Sized Fun and Big Savings

Don’t overlook the world of card games – they often offer incredible value during Black Friday sales. Many card games are compact, portable, and easy to learn, making them perfect for travel or casual play. “Pick Me Up,” as mentioned, is a great example of a lighter, more fun card game. Consider deck-building games like Dominion, which offer strategic depth within a relatively simple framework.
Exploding Kittens, a simple and hilarious card game with quirky illustrations, is a perennial favorite for its accessibility and quick gameplay. Other card games worth considering include Sushi Go!, a fast-paced drafting game, and Fluxx, a game with constantly changing rules. These games are usually available on Amazon and from specialty game retailers at discounted prices during Black Friday.
One of the appealing aspects of card games is their often lower price point compared to larger board games. This makes them an accessible entry point into the hobby for those on a budget. You can often find multiple card games within your Black Friday budget. For instance, you might be able to purchase Exploding Kittens, Sushi Go!, and Fluxx for under $50 combined.
Cyber Monday: The Second Chance for Deals

Black Friday is just the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, is another prime opportunity to score amazing deals on board games. Many retailers extend their Black Friday sales through Cyber Monday, and some even offer exclusive online deals. This is especially useful if you missed out on a deal during Black Friday, or if you prefer to shop from the comfort of your home.
Check websites and social media for updated information on Cyber Monday deals. Some retailers might offer additional discounts or free shipping on Cyber Monday. Be aware that popular games can sell out quickly during both Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so be prepared to act fast. Setting price alerts on websites like CamelCamelCamel can also help you be notified when the price of a specific game drops. If you were unable to secure a deal during Black Friday, Cyber Monday is your second chance to score the game you want at a great price.
Conclusion
Navigating the Black Friday landscape for board game deals can be a rewarding experience. By planning ahead, researching retailers, and understanding your preferences, you can significantly expand your gaming collection and unlock countless hours of entertainment. Remember to consider the different types of games, from classic titles to complex strategy games and lighthearted party games. Don’t forget to check Cyber Monday for additional opportunities to save. It’s not just about the price tag; it’s about the shared experiences and memories created around the tabletop. Using the information in this guide, you can turn Black Friday into an adventure, not just a shopping spree, creating memorable moments with friends, family, and yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best retailer for board game Black Friday deals?
It varies! Amazon, Target, and Walmart consistently offer competitive prices, but local game shops can also have great deals. Compare prices across retailers to find the best offer.
Should I buy games on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Both are great opportunities! Black Friday typically features in-store deals, while Cyber Monday focuses on online sales. Many retailers extend their Black Friday sales through Cyber Monday, so you have a second chance to snag a deal.
How can I track prices and be notified of sales?
Use price tracking websites like CamelCamelCamel (https://camelcamelcamel.com/) or install browser extensions that monitor prices on Amazon. Sign up for email newsletters from retailers to receive early announcements about Black Friday sales.
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