Top 5 Best Worker Placement Games in 2023 – Most Popular Collections

by Lindsey Carter

You may prefer worker placement games while spending quality time with family or friends. In fact, this is a great way to utilized your creativity to gather resources and gain points.

If you want to make the game more exciting and adventurous, you have to choose the best worker placement games. Otherwise, it seems that you are just playing a tedious board game by setting a worker here and there.

That's why we have a wide variety of stunning games on our list. You're sure to find one that suits your taste. Who knows, this might even turn out to be your favorite game mechanic!

So, take a look throughout the article to find the ever-exciting timeless series of worker placement games. Let's get them.

Editor's Recommendation: Top Worker Placement Games 

Summary Table for Best Worker Placement Games in 2023

Image Product Name Price

Starling Worker Placement Games: Everdell
Starling Worker Placement Games: Everdell Price Check

Imhotep Worker Placement Games: Builder Of Egypt
Imhotep Worker Placement Games: Builder of Egypt Price Check

Stonemaier Worker Placement Games: Charterstone
Stonemaier Worker Placement Games: Charterstone Price Check

Grey Fox Worker Placement Games: Deception - Murder In Hong Kong
Grey Fox Worker Placement Games: Deception - Murder in Hong Kong Price Check

Renegade Worker Placement Games: Architects Of The West Kingdom
Renegade Worker Placement Games: Architects of the West Kingdom Price Check

Best Worker Placement Games Reviews

Best Worker Placement Games Reviews
Best Worker Placement Games Reviews

In this section, we are about to reveal the mystery of worker placement's individual game pack. That means you are going to have your intended pack after getting the expert reviews. Let's dive into the reviews.

1. Starling Worker Placement Games: Everdell


Starling Worker Placement Games: Everdell
Starling Worker Placement Games: Everdell

To start off the list, we've got a game that's sure to catch your eyes with its amazing art-work and eye-catching table presence. However, do not get fool by its whimsical theme; it is not a kid's game.

Everdell is a game of dynamic tableau building, and players can place workers, play cards to generate resources and, organize events to score points ultimately.

In this game, you must create a city full of critters to gain the most points before winter. Don't be fret! You will get 128 decks to make the job easy.

The interactions of the cards reveal numerous strategies and a nearly infinite variety of working cities. So, there's no question regarding its playability.

Besides, the 3D tree enhances the realism of the board. That's how you will feel in the real workplace throughout the game.

However, the optimal player count is 2-3 players because of the scrunched seating. The components are really well-made, and even the rule-book is easy to understand.

In short, if you enjoy worker placement games, then this is one you should not pass up! If you like to get munchkin expansion role playing games, click here.

Highlighted Features

  • Total 128-card deck
  • A board game for 1-4 players
  • Only 20 minutes per player. (40 - 80- minute gameplay)
  • Ages 13 and up

2. Imhotep Worker Placement Games: Builder of Egypt


Imhotep Worker Placement Games: Builder Of Egypt
Imhotep Worker Placement Games: Builder Of Egypt

It's hard to find a person who isn't fascinated by the magnificent ancient Egyptian monuments. This game, Imhotep, allows you to take on the roles of ancient Egyptian architects. Seriously, doesn't it make you want to jump right into this game!

Did you know how the worker placement game got popularity than the other board games? First off, the game has designed based on the mysterious Egyptian architecture.

Second, they follow the working way of the famous architect of Imhotep.

The game also got numerous international awards or nominations such as Toy of The Year Finalist, Parents Choice Gold, and Spiel Des Jahres!

In this game, players can usually have to do three actions:

  1. Excavate the stone blocks from the Quarry.
  2. Transport the stone blocks to the five construction sites: pyramid, temple, tomb, obelisk, market, and chamber.
  3. Load these blocks on the ship and move toward the construction sites.

Only your ruthless determination and brutal tactics can help you win this exhilarating game. That's why it considers as the best family board games. So, what are you waiting for?

Features

  • Player age limitation 10+
  • 2-4 players can play at a time
  • Play Time 40 minutes
  • Based on an architectural theme

3. Stonemaier Worker Placement Games: Charterstone


Stonemaier Worker Placement Games: Charterstone
Stonemaier Worker Placement Games: Charterstone

Next, we have a wonderful, competitive legacy game. You're probably wondering what this legacy game is. Well! a legacy game is where your decisions on what to do permanently change the play of the game and the future outcome. Maybe a bit unusual but undoubtedly a lot of fun!

In Charterstone's prosperous Kingdom of Greengully, ruled for centuries by the Forever King, a decree is issued to its citizens to colonize the vast lands beyond its borders and, you as a player is one of the chosen six.

There are also engine-building elements within each game and over the course of the campaign. Here, a few available buildings soon grow into a bustling village with dozens of actions (kind of like Lords of Water deep).

So, conquer it all and remember your journey through Charterstone's many secrets will last twelve games, but it doesn't end there!

Features

  • Design for 1-6 players
  • 45-75-minute gaming time
  • Ages limit 14 and up

4. Grey Fox Worker Placement Games: Deception - Murder in Hong Kong


Grey Fox Worker Placement Games: Deception - Murder In Hong Kong
Grey Fox Worker Placement Games: Deception - Murder In Hong Kong

Are you tired of playing games based on earlier historical periods? Then how about the fast-paced murder mystery game? Well! You would love the board game since you are about to have a thrilling adventure.

In the game, the player plays as an investigator in order to solve the murder case. However, the main mystery of the game is, one of the investigators is the killer.

There are many players in this game such as Investigator, Witness, Forensic Scientist, Accomplice, and Murderer. These all of the roles have to assign at the starting of the game.

As the murderer is one investigator, so be careful! He will try to mislead the team when investigators work to find the truth.

Here comes the interesting part of the game. Deception is waiting for you as you move on. The murderer always tries to mislead you in order to lose you in the game. So, be careful from the murderers, and don't forget to defeat them.

Features

  • For 4-12 players
  • 20 Minute playing time
  • Ages limitation 14+
  • Thrilling in every round

5. Renegade Worker Placement Games: Architects of the West Kingdom


Renegade Worker Placement Games: Architects Of The West Kingdom
Renegade Worker Placement Games: Architects Of The West Kingdom

First off, if you think this is just another architect game with a different setting, you are terribly mistaken, my friend. Because the unique, innovative spin on it is sure to keep you on the edge of your seats.

Architects of the West Kingdom is based on the Carolingian Empire at 850 AD. Throughout the game, the player has to impress their King and obey the royal order.

They will be assigned to build some constructions after appointed in the new domain.

Besides, the player's other roles are collecting raw materials, hiring employees, and observe their works. Moreover, players need to make a lot of moral decisions throughout the game.

A few underhanded deals here and there might not seem like much. However, if you have caught up, you will be punished. Now, will you remain virtuous, or have found in the company of thieves and black marketeers? The decision is up to you.

Features

  • Royal architect theme based
  • The game is for 1-5 players
  • The player should be at 12+
  • 60-80-minute playtime

6. Orléans Best Worker Placement Games: Medieval Theme


Orléans Best Worker Placement Games: Medieval Theme
Orléans Best Worker Placement Games: Medieval Theme

Now let us introduce a bag-building worker placement game set in medieval France. This is an elaborate, engaging, and strategic game. So, we'd like to warn you not to judge it by its appearance or theme. (As you know, don't judge a book by its cover.')

The game is based on the medieval theme of Orléans. Players have to put together all the knights, merchants' farmers, and monks in order to assign them to a particular job.

In between the two cities Orléans and the Loire, players will be trading in order to gain goods and trading post.

You need followers and their abilities to expand your dominance by putting them to work as traders, builders, and scientists.

There are also knights, craftsmen, scholars, and monasteries to manage. With its deck-building and invasion related characteristics, there are many paths to victory, so it's for you to choose.

Features

  • Based on France medieval trading
  • A game for 2 to 4 players
  • 90-120 minutes playtime
  • Age limit between 13-15 years

7. Pandasaurus Worker Placement Games: Dinosaur Island


Pandasaurus Worker Placement Games: Dinosaur Island
Pandasaurus Worker Placement Games: Dinosaur Island

Let's take it up another notch of fun and interesting board game. How does a game where you can build and manage your own dinosaur park? Simply awesome, right?

You can collect DNA, create dinosaurs, hire employees, and attract the most visitors to score points and win! And Dinosaur Island a large and double-thick playing boards that can keep the cubes in place.

Making dinosaurs for the theme park isn't the only task. The security level and threat level have to balance because dinosaurs can escape and begin eating the visitors.

Now you don't want that, do you? To avoid that, you'll need to sharpen up your logistic.

Dinosaur Island is a nail-biting worker placement game created by Jon Gilmour (Dead of Winter, Wasteland Express Delivery Service) and Brian Lewis (Titans of Industry). So, roll the dice and bring your theme park to life!

Features

  • Special edition for Dino lover
  • A game for 2 to 4 players
  • Perfect for children to adult, age 8+
  • Gameplay for 90-120 minutes

8. Stone Age - History Knowing Worker Placement Games


Stone Age - History Knowing Worker Placement Games
Stone Age - History Knowing Worker Placement Games

Would you like a glimpse of our hard-working ancestors' life-styles or go back to that arduous period of history? Then, Stone Age is the perfect game for you.

And may we add, this game has won tons of prestigious awards! It is easy to learn and a fascinating adventure to the past.

What did they do during the Stone Age? Well, they collected resources, they traded with each other, they hunted, and they tried to build a civilization. At least, that's what you'll be doing when you and other players compete in Stone Age.

In this game, players use up to ten tribe members, each in three phases. Compete for food with the others and place your tribesmen in the most advantageous locations.

It will be challenging to ensure that you have enough food for your tribe, but whoever finds out the best strategy and be the King of the Stone Age!

If you are looking for the best party board games, you can consider it. Hence, relive history and carving your victory in stone.

Features

  • Fully based on ancient history
  • Ages limit 13 and up
  • Player range from 2 to 4
  • Playing time up to 120 minutes

9. Czech Worker Placement Games: Alchemists


Czech Worker Placement Games: Alchemists
Czech Worker Placement Games: Alchemists

Here's another fantastic worker placement game for you. Alchemists is a game of strategy, risk assessment, and deduction. In Alchemists, you are trying to deduce what combination of ingredients makes various potions.

This game uses an app to scan the ingredient cards to tell you the outcome of mixing those two particular items.

While there is not a way to play by the app, it requires hating someone and making them basically use a decoder ring to tell you the outcomes. One of the earliest app-assisted games, you'll love how it's integrated into this game.

This game is a little complicated. At first, it can be a bit hard to learn the rules. But once you do, it becomes a lot more fun.

In this game, you have to make choices every step of the way. Whom do you sell the potions to? What artifacts should you buy? Or should you publish? The better decisions you make, the better alchemist you'll be.

Highlighted Features

  • Game for a science lover
  • The age limit of player 13+
  • The number of players should be 2-4
  • Maximum gaming time is 120 minutes

10. Cytosis Best Worker Placement Games: A Cell Biology Game


Cytosis Best Worker Placement Games: A Cell Biology Game
Cytosis Best Worker Placement Games: A Cell Biology Game

To finish off the list, we've got something educational, as the name indicates. Would it be better if you can learn cell biology while playing a worker placement game? Interesting, huh? Cytosis board game makes it happens for you.

In this game, players build the fundamental components of life. They build enzymes, hormones, and receptors and play with proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and, DNA or mRNA, just like in biology class, and score health points.

Cytosis was created by a professor of game design who is also a chemical engineer and science teacher.

The players follow to build hormones, hormone receptors, and enzymes, which mimic the actual processes of how a human cell goes through every day.

Teachers, scientists, biologists, and students love playing this geeky science game, but everyone should give it a try because it's intuitive enough for kids 10 and up to play at home or in the classroom.

Alongside this, it comes with a four-page science explanation book, so no need to be concerned. Just give it a try!

Features

  • For 2-5 players
  • Ages limitation is 10+
  • 60-90-minute playing time
  • Scientific game based on biology

FAQs : Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Best Worker Placement Games
Best Worker Placement Games

Some questions might pop up in your head. Let's get the answers right here:

1. What is the main mechanics of worker placement games?

Worker placement is a mechanic where players have several available tokens, usually referred to as "workers," and take turns assigning them to different "action" spaces.

In most cases, a worker is being present in a working space and prevents another player from occupying the place, or an action space may only have a few open spots, limiting the number of workers that can occupy that space.

2. Are worker placement games fun and interactive?

Of course! They are.

Worker placement is not the kind of game where different players just play in their own bubble. Instead, the game mechanics are sure to make every player interactive, and you can always find ways to make it more fun!

3. Am I missing something? It is just a worker placement game, right?

You're missing a lot of fun and excitement if you do not get the worker placement game right away. Select one from our list and have a try.

You'll know why worker placement games are amazing.

4. What part of worker placement mechanics is essential, terrible, or fun?

Worker placement relies on having too many things. You want to do a lot but a limited number of things you CAN do, as well as having the possibility of getting blocked from the things you NEED to do.

Fine-tuning of tension, frustration, reward that a worker placement game generates is sure to keep you hooked.

5. Are there different types of worker placement games?

There's restrictive worker placement, limitless worker placement, dice placement, variable worker-placement, etc.

The above lists contain family, theme, mid-weight, heavy-weight, gateway worker placement games to help you get the desire board game.

Final Words

So, take your pick from these best worker placement games, and we guarantee that you'll have a fun time with friends and family, whether you're a kid or an adult.

After all, we've compiled this list doing a lot of research to prevent you from the hassle and considering every factor. These worker placement games are all masterpieces in their own way.

But watch out! You might get too addicted to these unbelievably amusing games.

Have Fun!

Buy on Walmart

Dungeons & Dragons: Lords of Waterdeep Board Game - Walmart Link

Space Cowboys Caylus 1303 Various - Walmart Link

Grey Fox Games Champions of Midgard Strategy Board Game, 60-90 minute playing time, Ages - Walmart Link

Stonemaier Games Viticulture Essential Edition Board Game - Walmart Link

Czech Games Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar, Multi-Colored (CGE00019) - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Dungeons & Dragons: Lords of Waterdeep Board Game - eBay Link

Space Cowboys Caylus 1303 Various - eBay Link

Grey Fox Games Champions of Midgard Strategy Board Game, 60-90 minute playing time, Ages - eBay Link

Stonemaier Games Viticulture Essential Edition Board Game - eBay Link

Czech Games Tzolk'in: The Mayan Calendar, Multi-Colored (CGE00019) - eBay Link

About Lindsey Carter

Lindsey and Mike C. grew up in the same neighborhood. They also went to the same Cholla Middle School together. The two famillies from time to time got together for BBQ parties...

Lindsey's family relocated to California after middle school. They occasiotnally emailed each other to update what's going on in their lives.

She received Software Engineering degree from U.C. San Francisco. While looking for work, she was guided by Mike for an engineering position at the company Mike is working for. Upon passing the job interview, Lindsey was so happy as now she could finally be back to where she'd like to grow old with.

Lindset occasionally guest posted for Mike, adding other flavors to the site while helping diverse his over-passion for baseball.

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