by Andrew Apr 10,2025
The roll and write genre has seen a significant surge in popularity in recent years, drawing inspiration from the classic board game Yahtzee. In these games, players roll dice or flip cards and use the results to mark up a personal sheet, offering a simple yet engaging gameplay experience. This genre's appeal lies in its accessibility and immediate gratification, allowing players to personalize their sheets while following straightforward rules. This combination has led to widespread success among a diverse player base, as the entry barriers are minimal. Below, we highlight some of the best roll and write games available today.
0See it at Amazon
Rolling Realms offers a unique twist by basing each realm on another board game. Players assign die roll results to play mini-games that reflect their inspirations. Over nine rolls, all players engage with the same three realms, then draw three new ones from a set of twelve, repeating this process twice for a complete game. The charm lies in the realms themselves, which are engaging microcosms of their source material, offering family-friendly puzzles to master. For those seeking more challenge, the standalone sequel, Rolling Realms Redux, introduces even more complex realms that can be played alone or mixed with the base game.
0See it at Amazon
Designed by the renowned Reiner Knizia, Marabunta is a two-player game that pits tribes of ants against each other for control of hexes filled with cupcakes and other rewards. Players use dice to expand their influence across color-coded hexes or earn bonuses, blending spatial and mathematical strategy in a way that showcases Knizia's expertise.
0See it at Amazon
Inspired by a real-life experiment on fox domestication, The Fox Experiment by Elizabeth Hargrave uses dice to represent genetic heredity. Players select traits from parent foxes to influence their offspring, aiming to breed the friendliest foxes to meet end-game goals. This game offers a more involved experience but is rewarding for its innovative use of dice.
1See it at Amazon
Twilight Inscription adapts the expansive universe of Twilight Imperium into a roll and write format, emulating the 4X genre of video games. Players manage space empires through exploration, exploitation, expansion, and extermination, using separate sheets for each aspect. The game's challenge lies in choosing which sheet to focus on each turn, leading to strategic trade-offs and a deep, strategic experience.
2See it at Amazon
Super Skill Pinball: Ramp It Up captures the excitement of a pinball table using only a pen and dice. Players choose from four tables, navigating bumpers and targets based on their rolls, with the challenge of not reusing boxes. The game's puzzle-like nature is both fascinating and thrilling, with various sets available, including a Star Trek-themed one, but Ramp It Up stands out with its cooperative table.
3See it at Amazon
Welcome To... Your Perfect Home is a flip and write game where players plan suburban streets using house numbers and building effect cards. The challenge is to sequence houses while balancing scores across various bonuses. For those seeking more complexity, the sci-fi themed Welcome To The Moon offers an advanced experience.
1See it at Amazon
Based on Reiner Knizia's My City, this dice game follows a campaign structure, adding new rules and complexity over multiple episodes. This gradual approach allows for a rewarding increase in complexity without overwhelming players. The game is flexible, allowing episodes to be played as one-offs, making it a versatile and engaging choice.
9See it at Amazon
Also at Target
Railroad Ink challenges players to draw a transport network on a grid using custom dice. The goal is to link as many exits as possible, balancing the need to minimize dead ends with the potential for future connections. The Deep Blue edition adds rivers and lakes, enhancing the game's variety and strategic depth.
1See it at Amazon
Next Station: London is a flip and write game where pencil colors play a crucial role. Players start at different stations and draw networks based on drawn cards, aiming to cross districts and connect tourist sites. The game's simple concept reveals strategic depth over multiple plays, resulting in colorful and engaging maps.
4See it at Amazon
Dinosaur Island: Rawr 'N Write introduces complexity to the roll and write genre by allowing players to build a dinosaur theme park. Players manage resources, construct attractions, and run tours, juggling multiple aspects for a rich strategic challenge.
6See it at Amazon
Also at Target
Cartographers adds player interaction to the genre with a flip and write mechanic where players map a fantasy kingdom. Monster cards introduce a twist, requiring players to pass their maps to neighbors who place negative icons, adding a personal and thematic element to the game.
0See it at Barnes and Noble
Long Shot: The Dice Game transforms horse racing into a roll and write experience. Players bet on horses as they race around a board, using cash to buy horses and manipulate odds. The game's interactive nature and thematic depth set it apart from other roll and writes.
3See it at Amazon
Three Sisters rewards players for achieving specific combinations of rolls and scores. Players grow crops and flowers, using dice rolls to access a rondel of actions that can chain into bonus actions, requiring strategic planning and offering a tactical challenge.
0See it at Amazon
Fleet: The Dice Game challenges players to manage a fishing fleet, using dice to buy licenses or launch boats. The game's interconnected options and thematic dice make it a fun and strategic experience.
0See it at Amazon
Sagrada Artisans builds on the original Sagrada by allowing players to color in their stained-glass windows and engage in a campaign over ten sessions. The game maintains its simplicity and Zen-like feel while adding new tools and challenges.
0See it at Amazon
Motor City, from the designers of Three Sisters and Fleet, mirrors car production lines. Players use dice-drafting and a blueprint board to coordinate vehicle design, engineering, testing, production, and sales, offering a strategic and innovative experience.
For more gaming inspiration, explore our list of the best board games of all time and the best puzzle tables, including a versatile multi-purpose table by Bits and Pieces perfect for cards and board games.
Zenless Zone Zero Update Cycle Leak Hints at Future Content cadence
Balatro adds 8 franchises and more madcap mayhem with Friends of Jimbo 3 update
Pokémon Adds Another Game to the NSO Library
Serial Cleaner is out now on iOS and Android for fast-paced freshening up in aid of crime
Victrix Pro BFG Tekken 8 Rage Art Edition Controller Review – Customizable, Comfortable, but Lacking in Ways
Rise of the Ronin Devs' Unannounced AAA Title in the Works
Dragon Ball Project Multiverse to be Released in 2025
Popular PC Metroidvania Blasphemous Is Out Now on Android
Category 
