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The beauty of Roll and Write games is their simplicity. They are fun to learn, easy to get into, and can be played with any number of participants. But with so many games on the market, which one should you pick to enjoy a good Saturday evening? Here is a list to help you find the Best Roll and Write Games.

Before we get started with the list, let’s find out what Roll and Write games are first.

 

What are Roll & Write Games?

The term “Roll and Write” comes from board games where players took turns rolling dice and wrote down the results in separate sheets. The games have evolved over the years with the rise of various new mechanics.

The core idea of these games remains the same. Players have to fulfill objectives to bag a win. But the game mechanics themselves have changed a lot. From a simple set collection to area capturing, the wide variety of unique ideas provide a sense of pure wonder, unlike any other genre in the gaming world.

Let’s take a look at some of the best roll and write board games, at the time of writing this blog!

 

Top 5 Best Roll and Write games

Cartographers

Overview

In Cartographers, you step into the shoes of an individual who sets out to explore and map territories for the great Queen Gimanx. However, you’re not alone and will be competing with others for the title of the greatest cartographer in the kingdom.

Objective

The goal is to earn the maximum reputation points by the end of the four seasons. Each player has four edicts they must fulfill and they receive points based on the number of times they are able to fulfill each edict.

Verdict

Cartographers is a fun and easy-to-learn game. It does a great job of combining adventure and action into a neat little bundle. The creators even released a mini-expansion which makes the game even more exciting and challenging than ever before. It’s one of the best roll and write games and is a definite recommendation!

 

Welcome to…

Overview

Ever planned on becoming an architect? Welcome To.. will make your architecture dreams come to life. The game places you in the 1950s where you can build pools, construct multiple complexes, hire employees, and much more.

Objective

The objective of the game is to be the first to complete public goals such as the total number of temp agencies used, pools built, real estate bought, and much more. Each player has their own scoresheet and the game begins by drawing cards from three different piles, signifying three actions. The player can choose only one action and the game continues until the objectives are met.

Verdict

Welcome to… may not be the easiest game to wrap your heads around on the first try but offers a fun-filled experience. Moreover, the choice of a ‘beginner’ and ‘advanced’ mode is unique and makes it easier for new players to get into the game while allowing veterans to test their limits.

 

That’s Pretty Clever

Overview

The game is all about dice and is meant for 2 to 4 players. It’s a standard dice-roll point-score game, only, in this case, there are a lot more ways to earn points. Think of this as a Yahtzee on steroids.

Objective

The objective of the game is to score as many points as possible. Each color represents a different way of earning points. Yellow gets points for completing columns, blue and green get points for the number of areas filled, and finally orange and purple for the total number dice value in the rows.

Verdict

That’s Pretty Clever is one of the best roll and write board games out there. It is super easy to learn and offers a lot of game mechanics for a simple dice-throw game. Definitely play when you get the chance.

 

Railroad Ink

Overview

Railroad Ink is a puzzle roll and write board game that takes place over seven rounds. It involves drawing interconnecting rail lines and you need to plan ahead if you want to beat others.

Objective

The objective of the game is to connect exits to form a long network. You get more points based on the total lines you connect to a single Network, and you get bonus points if your railway is the longest among all the players.

Verdict

Railroad Ink is a simple line connecting game with a unique twist that adds a whole new dynamic. The puzzle game offers a lot more than you think and is well worth your time.

 

Roll Through the Ages

Overview

Roll through the ages is a turn-based game where two to four players compete to build the best civilization in history.

Objective

The rules are simple. You roll the dice to acquire workers and commodities to build and develop your civilization to victory. The game ends when a player finishes building all monuments or obtains five developments.

Verdict

The game offers lots of details and contrary to the six-page rule book it can be learned easily after playing a few times. It’s a great game for families to enjoy on an evening weekend.

 

Free Roll and Write Games

Raging Bulls

Overview

The goal of the game is to prevent your bulls from rampaging into one another by drawing fences in between them.

Objective

You start with four sheets with bulls randomly placed all across the fields(sheets). Roll dice to determine the starting and finishing points of your fence and start drawing. Moving to the next field is not allowed until you finish the current one.

Verdict

Deceptively simple, and quite fun to play with a little bit of strategy involved as you have to consider optimal fence positions while factoring in future dice throws.

Reiner Knizia’s Decathlon

Overview

Participate in the Olympics straight from your living room with one of the best free roll and write games.

Objective

The game sheet contains various Olympic events and describes how you can score points in each of them. There are a total of ten events and the winner is decided based on the sum of all the scores they got in each of the games.

Verdict

Simple, refreshing, and intuitive at the same time. The game literally takes seconds to learn and everyone from a kid to a grown-up can enjoy it to its fullest extent.

The Lost Expedition

Overview

You belong to a group of six adventurers who got stranded in the mountains. To survive, you have to explore, discover new areas and survive by hunting for food. If you’re into roleplaying then you can narrate what you did during your turn for additional flavor.

Objective

Roll the dice to check your chances of success of doing daily duties during the 42 turns the game is limited to.

Verdict

One of the best free roll and write games that manage to combine the rich world of an RPG into an ultra-portable game sheet. It’s amazing what you can come up with just a little bit of imagination.

 

Solo Roll and Write Games

Imperial Settlers

Overview

In the game, you lead one of four major factions with the ultimate goal of building an empire to surpass your enemies.

Objective

The objective of Imperial Settlers is to discover new lands and grow your empire by expanding boundaries, placing new buildings, gathering resources, and strengthening your economy.

Verdict

The game packs a lot of content making it one of the best solo roll and write games in the genre.

 

Rolling Village

Overview

Players have a Village sheet that they fill by building projects such as houses, forests, squares, and lakes and receive points accordingly.

Objective

The game is divided into two phases, the Building phase, and the Scoring phase. Once you’ve finished constructing the buildings over the village grid the turn ends and you score yourself based on your accomplishments.

Verdict

But for a simple farmland game Rolling Village may seem simple enough, but the game offers a lot of enjoyment when you play it with friends.

 

Fleet: The Dice Game

Overview

Put lifejackets on because with Fleet: The Dice Game you’re going fishing into the wild seas. In this roll and write game you fish, buy boats, get licenses, and at the end of 10 rounds, the one with the highest points takes the win.

Objective

There are two phases to this game and two sets of dice. During the Boat Phase, you can unlock powers, get a hold on licenses and launch boats to catch fish. The Town phase unlocks a special building known as the wharf that grants several bonuses. You also have the option to catch more fish or sell off of your present haul in the market for bonus actions. The player with the most points across all the activities wins the game.

Verdict

Fleet: The Dice Game is not the simplest solo roll and write game. It also comes with an integrated solo mode which is not frequently seen in such board games. Give Fleet a try, if you’re not repelled by a bit of complexity. You might even surprise yourself.

 

Conclusion

There will always be another roll and write game around the corner that’s more compelling. But that doesn’t mean you abandon the joys of the ones available in front.

The cost to enjoyment ratio for these games is off the charts. There exists a sense of joy and wonder in leaving aside your gadgets and sitting with your family and friends to experience the wonders of these funny little games.

So, the next time you end up liking a roll and write board title, don’t think, share that joy with others around you. You can let us know in the comments section if you enjoy any game from this list.

If you are interested in a roll & write games that we have published do check Go Goa.