12 Rare Board Games That Are Hard to Find Complete
Board games have always been a great way to gather friends and family for a fun time, but some games stand out for their rarity and uniqueness. Certain titles, particularly those from older or limited print runs, have become highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Finding a complete version of these games can be a challenge, as pieces often get lost or damaged over the years. What makes these rare board games special is not just their gameplay but also the nostalgia and historical value they carry. For collectors, owning a complete set is a real accomplishment. Whether it is the intricacy of the design or the challenge of assembling all the components, these games hold a certain charm that keeps them in high demand.
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Tigris & Euphrates – 1997 Edition
Released in 1997 by Reiner Knizia, Tigris & Euphrates is a complex strategy game set in ancient Mesopotamia. Players must balance building civilizations and managing conflicts through tile placement and strategic moves. The game’s appeal lies in its deep strategic elements and the need for players to create a successful civilization without neglecting internal or external conflicts.
Finding a complete version of this game is challenging due to its high demand and limited print run. Collectors value the game for its innovative mechanics and historical theme. The game’s box, tiles, and rules are often found missing or damaged in incomplete versions. Expect to pay between $100 to $150 for a complete copy depending on the condition.
Fireball Island – 1986 Version
Fireball Island, first released by Milton Bradley in 1986, is a beloved adventure game that has gained cult status over the years. The game involves navigating an island filled with dangers while collecting treasures and avoiding rolling fireballs. The original 1986 version is sought after by collectors, especially if it comes complete with all of its vibrant plastic components.
The game’s original playset, featuring a large island with intricate paths and fireball mechanisms, is rarely found intact. The first edition is particularly hard to find in good condition due to wear on the island’s plastic parts. A complete version can range from $250 to $400 on the market.
The 7th Continent (First Edition)
The 7th Continent is a cooperative exploration game where players work together to survive and uncover mysteries on a vast, unexplored island. Released in 2017 through Kickstarter, the game’s first edition featured a wealth of cards, items, and tiles that players use to explore and overcome challenges.
The initial print run was limited, which makes finding a complete set difficult, especially as some of the more unique and rare expansions are sold separately. Collectors prize the first edition for its beautifully crafted components, artwork, and the immersive experience it provides. A complete version of The 7th Continent can fetch anywhere between $200 and $350, depending on its condition and the rarity of the expansions included.
Dune (1979 Edition)
Dune, based on the famous science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, was first released as a board game in 1979 by Avalon Hill. The game has gained legendary status among collectors due to its rich gameplay and the difficulty in finding a complete set.
The first edition of Dune included many components like character pieces, cards, and unique tokens, all of which are often missing or damaged in incomplete sets. The game’s influence on later strategy and thematic games is undeniable. Due to its scarcity and popularity, a complete 1979 edition of Dune can cost between $400 and $600 in the current market.
Conspiracy (1995)
Conspiracy is a strategy board game where players must manipulate the political landscape by controlling the world’s power centers. Released by Strategy & Tactics in 1995, it is a rare find due to its niche appeal and limited print run. Players must balance influence, diplomacy, and covert operations, with each piece adding to the strategic depth of the game.
The game’s original components, including a large map board, tokens, and secret mission cards, are often incomplete in secondhand versions. A complete version of Conspiracy will typically sell for around $100 to $175, depending on condition and whether the special cards are intact.
Crisis (2003)
Crisis is a difficult-to-find board game originally released in 2003. The game focuses on resource management, trade, and survival in a world facing global collapse. It includes many intricate pieces, such as cards, markers, and a large board that players must manage carefully to avoid collapse.
A complete set is hard to come by because some components, like the special resource tokens, are often misplaced or lost over time. The game’s niche appeal has kept it scarce in the secondhand market. Prices for a complete Crisis set typically range from $150 to $250, depending on its condition and availability.
Mechs vs Minions (2016)
A cooperative game from Riot Games, Mechs vs Minions has become a rare gem for board game enthusiasts. The game, which was first released in 2016, features high-quality miniatures and a hefty number of intricate components, including cards, a large board, and dozens of pieces.
The box is well-known for its depth of content, which is why complete versions are highly valued. Missing pieces, such as miniatures or action cards, can significantly lower the game’s value. A complete, well-preserved version of Mechs vs Minions is often priced between $200 and $350, depending on the condition and whether it includes all expansions.
Arkham Horror (1987)
The original Arkham Horror, released in 1987 by Chaosium, is a classic horror-themed board game set in H.P. Lovecraft’s world of cosmic terror. Players must work together to defeat the ancient evil threatening the world. The first edition is particularly sought after due to its rarity and the richness of its components, which include maps, cards, and tokens.
Many copies of the first edition are missing key elements, making a complete version difficult to find. Its cult status in the board gaming community has only increased its demand. A complete first edition of Arkham Horror typically sells for around $150 to $250.
Formula 1 (1964)
Formula 1, released in 1964, is an iconic racing board game where players must race cars around a track while managing strategy and timing. The game features a large, detailed board and various components such as car pieces, cards, and dice.
The original edition is particularly hard to find complete, as the intricate car pieces and cards are often missing or damaged over time. Its appeal comes from its deep strategic elements and the excitement of racing, making it a popular choice for collectors. A complete set can range in price from $200 to $350, depending on the condition of the pieces and the box.
The Great Game of Britain (1981)
Released by Gibsons in 1981, The Great Game of Britain is a unique strategy game that covers the political and economic challenges faced by Britain. It features a detailed map of the United Kingdom, with tokens and event cards that help players navigate the intricacies of governance.
Due to its obscure popularity, finding a complete set is tough, as many copies are missing the original game board or the event cards. The game’s rarity, combined with its historical theme, makes it a prized possession for collectors. The price for a complete version of The Great Game of Britain can vary between $150 and $250, depending on its condition.
Khan (1995)
Khan, first released in 1995 by Mayfair Games, is a historical strategy game where players take on the roles of Mongol leaders trying to conquer Asia. The game involves a variety of components including cards, tokens, and a game board.
The first edition is rare, and complete sets are hard to find because many of the smaller components are lost or damaged. Collectors value the game for its theme and intricate mechanics that reflect Mongol military tactics and empire-building strategies. Expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a complete version of Kublai Khan.
Dungeons & Dragons: The Fantasy Adventure Game (1974)
This early version of Dungeons & Dragons, released in 1974, was one of the first tabletop role-playing games to be published. Unlike the more recent editions, the game had a unique system and simpler mechanics, with maps, dice, and cards included.
Finding a complete version of the original Dungeons & Dragons: The Fantasy Adventure Game is challenging due to the numerous small components that often go missing, like the rulebook and early expansions. As one of the pioneering games in the RPG genre, a complete copy is highly sought after. The value of a complete set can range from $200 to $350, depending on its condition.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.