10 Best Legacy Board Games UK 2022 | Betrayal, Machi Koro and More

Pandemic Legacy sees you and your team of budding scientists working together to find a cure and eradicate the deadly viruses that are destroying the world. The campaign spans over 12 months with new and game-changing elements added every step of the way to keep you on your toes.

You will be forced to make tough decisions from the get-go and will be left with unforgettable memories of the trials and tribulations when saving the world. This is a truly unique experience and we're not the only ones who think so – it has been nominated for over 40 awards, even winning the Golden Geek Board Game of the Year in 2015. Give it a go! 

Gloomhaven is simply one of the biggest games out there, and it’s no surprise that it’s taken the number two spot on Board Game Geeks' top 100. In this game, you will find yourselves battling the evil forces that threaten the town of Gloomhaven by collecting cards, completing secret objectives and upgrading abilities.

The box makes a home for 95 scenarios, 75 playable classes and 1400 player cards, in addition to the mini-figures, which hints at just how humongous this experience is. This adventure is well worth it, requiring dedication, time and hard work to see it through to the end. 

Based on the successful Betrayal at House on the Hill, you will begin this adventure as a family who moves into the eerie house cursed with paranormal entities. You will cooperatively explore the mansion, collect items, work through events, and gather omens.

During your playthrough, specific factors will trigger the haunt, which determines what random event ensues and assigns an individual to the traitor role, pinning them against the rest of the team. If you and your group are taken by the horror genre, this is an ideal pick to fill your night with doom!

Over the 12 chapters, you and your teams’ overall goal is a simple one – place your workers across the board to build a village. It won’t take long before you find yourself in awe of Charterstone’s beautiful artwork and components, as well as the easy-to-learn rules that will get you underway quickly.

If you are a beginner worrying about learning a hefty number of rules, then this is a perfect starting game. Rules are slowly introduced as chapters are completed, so you can get used to the gameplay before the information piles up. 

When starting a game of My City, you’ll be surprised at the ease of set-up as you unfold the board and get straight into the action. Each chapter confirms the rules and goals for each of the three episodes, where the board will eventually become manipulated with permanent upgrades and effects to keep the game ever-changing.

Another brilliant aspect of the game is the double-sided board which allows you to play legacy on one side and a stand-alone game on the other! At such an affordable price, you will find yourself overjoyed with a great team campaign and something that you can pick up and play whenever. 

Seafall is a unique gaming experience that gained initial popularity as one of the first legacy games to not be based on a previous board game. Starting with a leader, an island and two ships, you will find yourself embarking across the ocean in the discovery of trading resources and the grand goal of discovering new, undiscovered islands.

The box comes equipped with a detailed manual that includes around 400 stories to accompany you on your quest, as well as secret boxes and hidden pages to be revealed as you progress. It isn’t unusual to feel confused when starting the game, as the instructions can leave you at a loss, but this is soon forgotten as you delve deep into the dozen campaign sessions. 

Risk Legacy can take the trophy for being the first to do it, and it’s a definite must-play for those taken by this gaming style. Using Risk core game rules and turn-based play, you will embark on a 15-part campaign ready for war with the aim to take over the world and crush your opponents.

Sealed in closed boxes and envelopes, future rules are hidden away from you until certain conditions are met – this is when game-changing rules and events will take place, offering you and your enemies a new challenge. Some may feel like elements and features are stale due to its 10-year age as a board game, but it's still a distinctive experience worth trying. 

Machi Koro is a peaceful legacy experience perfect for all ages due to its easy-to-learn system and beautiful aesthetic. The gorgeous cards, board and game elements make this a pleasant experience, and the slow introduction of its new rules allow you to learn as you're playing, resulting in smooth and entertaining sessions.

Over rounds, you will find yourself constructing buildings, monuments and landmarks, then earning income with the simple roll of your dice. Once the games are complete, Machi Koro allows you to reuse the board for an alternative experience to the original non-legacy version of the game. Unfortunately, it's only suitable for small groups of up to 4 players.

Your mission here is to attempt to impress the queen of Queensdale by developing the land and building the most majestic castle in the whole of the kingdom. This euro strategy game relies on dice rolling at the start of your turn to determine which actions you can take to better your rivals.

Although the themes and story are not as in-depth as other legacy games on the market, it still has some unique elements. The ability to upgrade dice, add permanent buildings and carry over resources to future games make for an exciting occasion. The competitive nature will set you up for fun-filled sessions to prove you're the best out of your group!

If you have a large group looking to tuck into a legacy game, this is for you. Allowing up to a whopping 16 players, you'll split into two teams: the villagers who need to survive the night and werewolves who need food. The box includes a beautiful leather-bound notebook to keep track of progress and contains the story of the game to read before playthrough.

This game will pique the interest of younger audiences and families or those looking for a less intense legacy game to play. With the need for at least 9 players, you may find it difficult to organise a regular team to play with, so it's recommended to attempt as many nights as possible during each sitting!