6 Modern Board Games That Outsmart Monopoly (And Are Way More Fun)

3. Carcassonne: Building a Medieval Landscape

Carcassonne introduces players to the art of tile placement and landscape building, set against the backdrop of medieval France. As players draw and place tiles featuring cities, roads, and fields, they strategically deploy their followers, known as “meeples,” to claim territories and score points. The game’s simple mechanics belie its strategic depth, as players must carefully consider tile placement and follower deployment to outsmart their opponents. Carcassonne’s elegant design and endless replayability make it a standout among modern board games, offering a contemplative yet competitive experience that contrasts sharply with Monopoly’s straightforward property acquisition.