best games for asynchronous play

[StephenMcG]

I have been playing on this site all the way through the pandemic. My biggest beef is that there is little signposting on what games work best real-time and which shine in asynchronous play.

There are games like Puerto Rico that are painful if you are not all round the board at the same time, there are games that benefit from watching other players make their moves (like Carcassone) and there are others that play well regardless of whether you are in real-time or in asynchronous play (like 7 Wonders).

I was wondering if folk have favourite games for asynchronous play? Or games that should be 100% avoided unless you are playing real-time? Should BGA have a category to advise on this?

Stephen

[RicardoRix]

Personally I have no problem like that. It's quite easy most of the time to see what moves other players have made.
If anything it's nice to have as much time as you like, and you're never rushed.

There are only a handful of games that just don't work turn-based, like Concept (although it should imo) and Dobble.

[T72on1]

Most card games don't work in turn-based for me, I must say.

[cigma]

Should BGA have a category to advise on this?

Indeed they have. You can filter the games site for Specific and then Recommended for turn-based games: https://boardgamearena.com/gamelist?specificTag=29

But actually there are only 9 games on this list.

[cigma]

Another game that can be played very well as turn-based is Dungeon Roll. Actually you only play three "turns" or sessions. In each session you can take a lot of actions (about 20), so they will last about 4-5 minutes each.

[blossom-]

I prefer turn-based when possible and it's definitely funny realizing which games do and do not work for it. Seasons, for example, your entire turn can literally be choosing a dice roll.

[Greyweather]

Dice Hospital does well with asynchronous play because all of the worker placement is done simultaneously.

[jeffus]

Currently I’m really enjoying 2 games in asynchronous mode: Great Western Trail and Clans of Caledonia. The extra time for planning moves makes for a more relaxing experience.

[cowboy_dan]

The Castles Of Burgundy is terrific for asynchronous play. Tye implementation has an undo turn button so you can try a few things out before committing to your turn.

[Greyweather]

Arctic Scavengers is great for asynchronous play because when your turn comes around you all of your actions this round before you pass to the next player.