We’ve rounded up the best board games of 2024, and went deeper to tell you about the best cozy board games. Now, we’re here to share some of our favorite luxury editions and upgrades for classic board games. From classic titles that have been given a deluxe twist to limited runs of some of your favorite games, if you can add one (or more) of these luxury editions and upgrades to your collection, you’ll be the envy of everyone at your next game night.
Opting for a luxury edition will get you the best-looking and best-feeling version of the game that’s available. Depending on the title, it might include glass pieces, a polished wood board, thick cardstock, leather, and metal materials, yielding enhanced sounds as the pieces interact with each other compared to the materials included in cheaper versions. Plus, they often have special features, such as rotating boards or 3D effects. They’re so nice, they could be considered family heirlooms.
However, not every game has a luxury edition. Some games just have premium upgrades — available for purchase from the game maker itself or a third party — that add a little extra flair to your base version, whether that’s upgrades to meeples or special box organizers or resource holders that give the game a more immersive feeling. You’ll find some of those below, too.
Monopoly
This classic game has a few high-end versions that will make playing it even more enjoyable — although, let’s be real, the better build materials won’t stop players from fighting or cheating at some point.
Everdell
Even if you have the Everdell Collector’s Edition, there are some quality-of-life upgrades you can buy to enhance the gameplay experience.
Catan
Why play Catan in 2D when you can play it with 3D models instead? These editions have everything from mountains to little sheep, making the game visually pop out more than ever before.
Clue
These luxury editions of the classic Clue make the board and pieces stand out in a way that feels a lot more satisfying than the standard ones you might have played before.
Wingspan
While there is currently no luxury edition of Wingspan, there are upgrades you can buy to make gameplay a bit more fun.
Scrabble
Similar to the luxury versions of Monopoly, Scrabble’s high-end editions include quality-of-life upgrades, like a rotating board, to make your game more enjoyable.