To celebrate World Book Day, I thought I’d combine classic literature with board games! Have you ever wondered what Austen, Conan Doyle, or Lovecraft’s stories would look like as board games? Well, you’re in luck because these games bring classic novels to life, letting you step into the worlds that have shaped literature and society. So why just read the book when you can play it too?
Pride and Prejudice & Obsession
When it comes to classic literature, we have to mention one of the greats, Jane Austen. Through her novels, she captured the intricacies of high society, courtship, and class with wit and a sharp satirical eye.
One of my favourites is Pride and Prejudice, which follows Elizabeth Bennet as she skilfully dodges marriage proposals until, of course, the brooding Mr. Darcy turns her world upside down. An oversimplification? Perhaps. But if you love the refined elegance and social manoeuvring of the Regency era, Obsession is the board game for you.
In Obsession, you take on the role of a struggling aristocratic family, working to restore your estate, earn prestige, and of course secure the favour of the wealthy Fairchilds’. Each round, you’ll send out your servants, entertain guests, and host events, from afternoon tea to horse riding. The game is all about navigating high society, much like an Austen novel but, unfortunately, without Mr. Darcy emerging from a lake. A slight disappointment for some, but a fantastic game nonetheless!
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Paint the Roses
If romance isn’t quite your cup of tea, how about stepping into the whimsical, chaotic world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? As one of the most beloved works of children’s literature, Lewis Carroll’s classic is packed with playful absurdity, clever wordplay, and pure imagination. With talking cats, peculiar potions, and a queen who’s a little too enthusiastic about beheadings, it’s a fever dream of an adventure.
There are plenty of board games inspired by Alice in Wonderland, but my favourite is Paint the Roses. This cooperative deduction game places you in the Queen of Hearts’ royal garden, where you and your fellow players must plant the correct flowers without explicitly stating what they are. Instead, you leave clues, and your teammates must interpret them correctly. But beware, the Queen is impatient. Each incorrect guess brings her closer to catching you, and if she does… well, let’s just say it’s “off with your heads!” If you love Alice in Wonderland for its puzzles, this game captures that perfectly.
Sherlock Holmes stories & 221b Baker Street
For those who prefer their classics with a side of mystery, there’s no better place to start than with Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. The brilliant detective of 221B Baker Street has been captivating readers for generations, challenging them to piece together clues alongside Dr. Watson.
If you love the thrill of solving cases, 221B Baker Street is the board game companion to Holmes’ adventures. Much like the classic detective stories, this game sends you across Victorian London, collecting evidence, solving riddles, and piecing together the mystery before your opponents. Some locations reveal crucial clues, while others lead to dead ends. And in true Holmesian fashion, you can even lock locations behind you to throw off competing detectives! Whether you’re a fan of The Hound of the Baskervilles or A Study in Scarlet, this game puts you in Holmes’ shoes, minus the deerstalker hat.
The Call of Cthulhu & Arkham Horror The Card Game
No list of classic-inspired board games would be complete without a touch of horror, and few authors have left as chilling a legacy as H.P. Lovecraft. His tales of cosmic dread and unfathomable horrors have inspired countless adaptations, but The Call of Cthulhu remains one of his most iconic works.
For those who want to experience Lovecraft’s world firsthand, Arkham Horror: The Card Game is fantastically frightening. This narrative-driven game plunges you into the eerie streets of Arkham, where you’ll take on the role of an investigator struggling against eldritch horrors. As you progress through each scenario, you’ll battle terrifying creatures, make tough moral choices, and desperately try to cling to your sanity. I’m currently halfway through The Dunwich Legacy, and my poor detective Roland Banks is barely holding on; one sanity point left, five health remaining, and I’m pretty sure things are only going to get worse. Just like Lovecraft’s stories, this game isn’t easy, but it’s a thrilling descent into madness.
The Fellowship of the Ring & The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game
High fantasy fans, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten J.R.R. Tolkien. The Lord of the Rings is a masterpiece of adventure, camaraderie, and resilience, following Frodo and his companions as they embark on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring.
There are countless Lord of the Rings board games, from the grand War of the Ring to the fast-paced The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-earth. But since it’s World Book Day, I had to highlight The Lord of the Rings Adventure Book Game. This game is quite literally a storybook brought to life. Each chapter is presented as a new page in a book, with unique game boards and objectives that follow the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. Using a deck-building mechanic, players must work together to progress through the campaign, facing increasing challenges as the corruption tracker moves closer to disaster. Much like Frodo’s journey, it’s a tough but rewarding adventure. It’s also great to play solo!
Dune & Dune: Board Game
While Dune is a newer classic compared to others on this list, it’s a sci-fi masterpiece that shaped the genre. Frank Herbert’s epic follows noble families locked in a power struggle over Arrakis, a desert planet with the universe’s most valuable resource: spice. The story is packed with political intrigue, betrayal, war, and mysticism, making it a thrilling tale of power, survival, and destiny.
A universe this rich makes for the perfect setting for a board game, and Dune: The Board Game delivers on that promise. A remake of the classic 1979 game, it remains one of the most faithful adaptations of a book to tabletop. Players take on the roles of rival factions; Atreides, Harkonnen, Fremen, and more. Each with unique abilities, all vying for control over Arrakis. With a mix of area control, negotiation, and strategic alliances, it brilliantly captures the book’s political tension and power struggles. Much like the novel, it’s an intense, immersive experience that rewards careful planning and bold moves. Just be warned: it’s best played with six players and can take an entire evening to unfold, mirroring the depth and complexity of its source material.
If you’re looking for a classic sci-fi game that fully embraces its literary roots, Dune: The Board Game is an excellent choice.
And there you have it; six classic books, six immersive board games, and different genres to explore. If you love reading, why not bring these timeless stories to life at the table? Or, if you’ve fallen in love with these board games, why not pick up the books that inspired them? You might just discover a new favourite.
Happy reading, and of course happy gaming!
