Best Dice Games

The definitive roll-and-score game. Five dice, thirteen scoring categories, choose which to use each turn. You always have a decision: do you push for a harder category or play it safe? Yahtzee is mathematically elegant and still one of the best family games ever made. The free app version is also excellent.

A roll-and-write game where you cross off numbers on four colored rows, but you can only cross them off in order. Everyone participates on every dice roll, which eliminates downtime completely. One of the best short games ever made. Fits in a pocket, plays in 15 minutes, provides genuine decisions every single turn.

Yahtzee-meets-King-Kong. Mutant monsters fight to control Tokyo. Roll custom dice for energy, healing, attacks, and points. The risk/reward of staying in Tokyo while others attack you creates constant tension. Best gateway game for families who want more excitement than Yahtzee but aren't ready for complex games.

Ten dice each. Pick a number and roll as fast as possible until all your dice show that number. Race against everyone simultaneously. The simplest game in this list, but the frantic speed and variant rules (Tower Tenzi, Splitzi, etc.) keep it fresh. Outstanding for kids and as a party warm-up.

A stunning roll-and-draft puzzle where colored dice represent stained glass window panes. You're placing dice on a window pattern following color and value restrictions. Peaceful, beautiful, and surprisingly deep. The best dice game for people who hate randomness, since drafting and placement decisions matter enormously.

Asymmetric heroes fight each other with unique dice powers. Roll your dice, use your hero's special abilities, deal damage. Part Yahtzee, part combat card game. Each hero plays completely differently. Season 1 has 4 heroes; expansions add more. One of the most replayable dice games ever made.