All aBoard Expo 2025 was a blast. No other way to put it.
If you’ve ever wondered what a true celebration of tabletop gaming looks like, this was it. All aBoard Expo 2025 was by far the biggest and most exciting board game event we’ve seen in the Philippines to date. (You can read the full event rundown here, and trust us—it’s worth it.)
We demoed, played, and browsed our way through dozens of titles, but a few really stood out to us. While the expo might be over, the good news is these board games are waiting for you at your local gaming stores, ready to bring the fun to your next game night. (We would’ve picked up the new The Witcher Card Game, but that preview copy was just a tease—we’ll have to wait a bit longer for that one.)
In the meantime, here are our favorite board game picks from the expo, straight from our own bags (and hearts):
Jigs’ Pick: Arkham Horror – The Card Game
Jigs gravitated toward Arkham Horror: The Card Game, and for good reason. It’s a narrative-driven, cooperative living card game set in the chilling world of H.P. Lovecraft. In it, players take on the roles of investigators trying to unravel horrifying mysteries while keeping their sanity intact—often unsuccessfully.
What stood out to Jigs was the immersion. Each campaign builds a story where every decision matters. Wins and losses ripple through future scenarios, making the experience feel more like a personal horror novel than just a tabletop session.
It’s the perfect pick for players who love theme-heavy games, enjoy building decks, and want something that’s more story than scoreboard. Just be ready to embrace madness—you’ll be in good company.
Gian’s Pick: Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Gian went in a totally different direction—and honestly, it was a hit every time we played. Her pick? Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. It’s a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud party game where players chant words while flipping cards, then race to slap the pile when the chant matches the card.
What makes it fun, Gian says, is the sheer unpredictability. It sounds simple (and it is), but your brain constantly trips over itself the moment the pressure’s on. And the physicality of it—everyone lunging at the same time—just amps the energy through the roof.
This one’s for people who want a game that’s accessible, quick, and riotously funny. It’s great for families, casual nights, or turning strangers into instant rivals.
Migo’s Pick: Dead of Winter
Migo’s choice was Dead of Winter, a gritty, semi-cooperative survival game that throws players into a zombie apocalypse—except the biggest threat isn’t always the undead. Each player leads a group of survivors trying to keep the colony alive, all while balancing secret objectives… and possibly hiding a traitorous agenda.
Migo enjoys how every decision in the game feels like a moral crossroads. Do you help the colony or take care of your own win condition? Do you trust the guy sitting across from you, or is he about to sabotage everything?
With its branching narratives, unpredictable twists, and a healthy dose of suspicion, Dead of Winter is perfect for groups who enjoy strategy with storytelling—and don’t mind a bit of betrayal.
Mikko’s Pick: Coup (and its Variants)
I wasn’t able to make it to All aBoard Expo this year (sadly out of town), but I still want to throw in my go-to pick: Coup. Or Coup: Rebellion G54, or The Resistance—I’ve tried most of the variants, and they all scratch the same itch.
Coup is a slick bluffing game where everyone’s trying to be the last player standing by deceiving, manipulating, and occasionally backstabbing their friends. You claim roles, perform actions (or pretend to), and call people out when you think they’re lying. It’s fast, sharp, and full of moments where people laugh and yell in equal measure.
What makes this game so important to me is that it’s what got me into the hobby. It’s accessible for newcomers, plays well even with non-gamers, and still manages to feel intense and rewarding. If someone’s just starting to explore board games, this is where I’d tell them to begin.
Let the Games Begin
If you’re new to the tabletop world or just looking for your next favorite, this list is a great place to start. From deep strategy to party-ready chaos, the diversity in board games today is wild—and All aBoard Expo 2025 was the perfect reminder of just how much is out there.
So maybe the expo’s doors have closed, but your next game night? That’s just beginning.
Grab a game, gather your group, and let the dice (or slaps, or secret identities) fly.
Check out our other hobby articles below!
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What Complete Newbies Should Know About Trading Card Games – VRSUS
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