It’s the weekend again!
Have you had so much alone time writing this week? No judgment—We all need our solo time as writers.
So, what’s the drill this weekend for recharging, taking breaks, and improving your writing skills?
And for fiction writers, how can you enhance your storytelling skills?
Well, yes, board games to the rescue!
In this article, The Exquisite Writers will walk you through some of the best board games for Freelance writers.
They are board games you can quickly lay your hands on to enjoy the weekend or possibly the weekdays with your loved ones.
Let’s get started!
Why Board Games for Writers?
Want to jump quickly to check the list in the next section? Hear this first:
Board games aren’t designed just for family nights. (I thought so while growing up; my family enjoys playing board games most weekends in the evening.)
While it’s an excellent tool for moments like that, board games do more.
I have realized that board games offer incredible ways for writers to fine-tune their craft, network with fellow writers, and even flex their imaginations.
But I know you are itching to get on board and explore some of the best board games every freelance writer must have in their collection.
And here’s something more stunning: We have added links to help you get those board games so you can play offline and enjoy.
But mind you: We do not earn commission from the links in this article.
7 Best Board Games For Freelance Writers
Here are The Exquisite Writers’ top pick as the best board games freelance writers can explore:
1. Dixit
Dixit is a fantastic board game that can help unlock your storytelling magic.
It is whimsical and designed for storytelling and creativity, so you can enjoy it with your loved ones.
Each card in Dixit features a dreamlike illustration, and players can take turns creating a phrase or sentence that matches the chosen card.
Other players will also submit the cards they have in their hands that could fit that phrase, and everyone will try to guess what the original card would be.
To simplify it, here are:
Steps to Play Dixit
- In the first turn, a player assumes the role of the storyteller and chooses one of the six cards they have in their hands.
- The storyteller must express an idea with words or sounds that match or reflect the card’s image.
- Then, he’ll place the care face down on the surface where they play.
- Other players would select a card that matches the expression made by the storyteller and pass it down to the storyteller.
- The storyteller will bow and shuffle the cards, including his own. He reveals them, and each player must guess the storyteller’s or the original card.
- If nobody guessed correctly, the storyteller would score 0 points, and the other players would earn 2 points.
- If everyone guesses right, the same rule applies: the storyteller will get 0 points, and all the other players will receive 2 points each.
- This encourages the storyteller to give a clue that is neither too clear nor too difficult, just tricky enough that some (but not all) players can guess correctly.
- If at least one player correctly guesses the storyteller’s card, the points are distributed as follows:
- The storyteller will earn 3 points.
- Players who guessed correctly also earn 3 points.
- Players who guessed incorrectly get 0 points.
When the deck is empty, the game ends! It can also end the moment a player has scored at least 30 points. Nonetheless, the player with the most scores wins.
So, why is Dixit incredible for writers?
- It boosts their storytelling and creative thinking
- It encourages interpretation and abstract thought
- It helps in breaking through writer’s block
2. Once Upon a Time
You would be right to call this game one of the ultimate narrative challenges!
The game is indeed a storytelling card game, in which players are privileged to craft a story or fairy tale using prompt cards.
A player stands as the storyteller who will weave a sweet tale with his cards, and other players will then attempt to take over that story by introducing the cards they have in their hands.
Steps to Play Once Upon a Time
- The storyteller starts with a story, using the story they have on their story cards.
- As he progresses with his story, he will place his card facing up when he mentions an element on one of his cards.
- Another player interrupts if he has the element mentioned in the story, thus becoming the new storyteller and ensuring the study continues.
- The previous storyteller will draw a new story card when there is an interruption.
- Only the first player who plays all their story and ending cards will be crowned the winner.
Why Explore Once Upon a Time For Writers?
- It trains writers to think in real time and adapt plots
- It sharpens improvisation skills
- It enhances collaborative storytelling skills, primarily if you work in a team where a few writers are involved in a single project.
Buy Once Upon a Time on Amazon Here
3. Rory’s Story Cubes
I’m a big fan of Rory’s story cubes, and it’s not surprising that it’s on the list of the best board games for Freelance writers.
While Rory’s story cubes are a simple game, it’s also brilliant!
You can enjoy your weekend with your loved ones with a set of dice, each with varying images and symbols.
What challenge is there to enjoy with this fascinating board game? Players will craft a story based on the dice they roll. It’s that simple.
Let’s break it down:
Steps to Play Rory’s Story Cubes
- Roll all the nine-story cubes to show the nine different symbols.
- Pay attention to the symbols, looking closely at the images on the cubes.
- Then, create a story. It’s ideal to start the story with “once upon a time.” The symbol will be used to craft that story.
- If you are not playing alone, you must take turns using the symbol in addition to the story. Also, at the end of the story, the moment all the symbols have been used.
Why Rory’s Story Cubes is Great For Freelance Writers
- It’s perfect for generating and bringing up new story ideas
- It’s excellent for daily writing exercises, since you can enjoy it alone.
- It’s excellent for spicing your creative brain before a big writing session.
Buy Rory’s Story Cubes on Amazon here
4. Gloom
This is a game for mastering dark humor and twists.
As a delightfully morbid game, players are expected to control an eccentric family.
They will make their characters suggest the worst before death.
This game’s storytelling aspect comes from how players justify the tragedy they inflict on their families.
Why This is Great For Writers
- It helps writers embrace plot twists and dark humor
- It sharpens your ability to establish tragic yet compelling narratives
- It fosters out-of-the-box storytelling
5. Scrabble
This has become one of my favorite board games since my teenage years.
It’s been an incredible blessing on my writing journey.
To me, Scrabble is a classic wordsmith’s battle!
I’m sure you love words—it’s similar to every writer. So, with Scrabble, you can enjoy the ultimate word game.
Scrabble can help you challenge your vocabulary, improve your linguistic creativity, compete with friends, and engage in a battle of wits.
Steps to Play Scrabble
- There are four playing racks where each player will pick seven tiles from among the tiles for a start.
- All players will pick a letter to select the first player, and how they will take turns.
- Once the first player starts, the other players take turns. The player with the highest score wins.
It’s fun to challenge and win a challenge. There are fun ways to enjoy this game.
Why Scrabble is Great for Freelance Writers
- It expands vocabulary
- It encourages word formation and quick thinking
- It’s perfect for unwinding and engaging with language
6. Codenames
This is a game of clever associations!
Codenames is a game in which two teams compete to identify secret words based on a word clue given by the team’s spymaster.
Why Freelance Writers Should Explore Codenames
- It stimulates metaphorical thinking and word association
- It strengthens a person’s ability to think both in subtle meaning and in synonyms
- It’s a competitive and fun way to exercise the brain!
7. The Resistance
In the Resistance game, all the players involved could be spies trying to sabotage a secret organization or loyal members.
In this game, social deduction and deception play a huge role!
Explore more board games from game geeks.
Why Freelance Writers Should Try the Resistance
- It enhances character development skills
- It helps in understanding deception, motivation, and intrigue
- It’s an excellent exercise for strengthening compelling betrayals and villains
Final Thoughts
Freelance writer? Game On! Explore all these board games this weekend to sharpen your storytelling craft and creativity!
So, if you are seeking a way to unwind, get on board and enjoy these board games for Freelance writers.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab these games, invite a few friends, and enjoy the creativity flow.
You can also play some of these games online.
But we highly recommend playing them offline so you can have fun with folks and take a break from the screen!
Do you have a favorite board game that isn’t on this list but will inspire others? Let’s hear your comments!