Pyramis might look innocent at first glance: just a handful of colored blocks and a shared space… But give it a turn or two and you’ll realize it’s more about outmaneuvering everyone at the table than just stacking cards.

The premise is disarmingly simple: you build a pyramid, placing colored blocks layer by layer. Every block (aka card) you add reshapes the possibilities, not just for you, but for everyone else. That perfect spot you’re eyeing? It might also be the one your opponent has been quietly planning around for the past three turns.

Your objective is straightforward: score more points than anyone else! The way you get there is where things become interesting. You’ll want to create clusters of matching colors, sneak your cards into high-value positions, and keep a careful eye on how the structure evolves. The pyramid doesn’t just grow upward; it tightens, narrows, and forces harder decisions as the game goes on.

On your turn, pick a block, place it according to the rules, and watch the consequences unfold immediately. Sometimes it’s satisfying. Sometimes it’s… educational. The game has a way of rewarding clever setups while ruthlessly exposing wishful thinking. There’s no dice to blame, no deck to curse; just your decisions, laid bare in bright, stackable form.

By the time the final block is placed, the pyramid tells the whole story: ambition, miscalculation, and the occasional moment of brilliance. And chances are, you’ll already be thinking about how you’d build it differently next time.

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=pyramis

We would like to thank Joan Dufour, the game designer, and everyone at Subverti for allowing us to add their game to the platform. And a tip of the hat to GhOwOst for the BGA port.

This was your Friday release.

It’s all about climbing, in style… So take care, and play fair!

Some games wait a few rounds before things get interesting, but DNUP gets right to it. From the very beginning, players are pulled into a fast-moving battle where every decision matters and every move can shake up the whole table.

Many games feel best with the “right” group size and lose their charm when the table is too small or too crowded. This is not the case here. With two players, it becomes a tight duel where every move feels direct and every decision puts pressure on your opponent. With three to five players, the game opens up into a lively battlefield of shifting opportunities, sudden reversals, and constant interaction.

That interaction is where the game truly comes alive. Every move counts for everyone; one smart play can shift the pace or disrupt a strategy, forcing everyone to rethink their next step. This eliminates downtime and keeps the momentum building from start to finish.

The experience is defined by constant shifts. No one stays in the lead for long, so you must always be ready to change your plan. You might feel comfortable one moment and find yourself scrambling to adapt the next. These unpredictable swings ensure everyone stays engaged and ready for the next surprise.

DNUP proves that you don’t need complicated rules to create big moments. Once you get acquainted with the tutorial, you’ll want to jump right in, and then immediately back in for another round, and another round, and another…

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=dnup

Our thanks go to Kei Kajino, the game designer, and asmodee for allowing us to host the game on the platform. And we want to take this opportunity to thank tchobello for the BGA version.

This was your Wednesday release.

You can dnup everywhere, during vacations or after work. It's always dnup-time! Take care and have fun...

Climbing a tower sounds simple enough... until the tower starts fighting back. For centuries, a powerful amulet has kept ghosts prisoner in the old clock tower. The amulet shattered, and the only way to trap ghosts is by taking photos of them. Capture hidden ghosts, or mend the amulet to restore the protection spell and save the town from terror!

In Spooky Tower, players race to guide their pieces to the top, but getting there is never as easy as it looks. What starts as a straightforward climb quickly turns into a tense battle of timing, risk, and trying not to watch your plans crumble just when victory seems within reach.

Every turn asks the same question: do you push forward, or do you play it safe? Moving quickly can put you in the lead, but it can also leave you exposed when the tower throws an unexpected twist your way. Hang back for too long, and another player may rush past while you wait for the perfect moment.

Fortunes can change quickly: a player who seems unstoppable can suddenly lose their advantage, while someone trailing behind finds the perfect chance to climb back into the race. It keeps everyone engaged because no lead ever feels truly safe, and no player is ever really out of the running.

The spooky theme gives the game a playful atmosphere without ever slowing down the action. It’s competitive, unpredictable, and full of those moments where everyone around the table reacts at once, whether it’s cheering, groaning, or laughing at an unexpected reversal.

Spooky Tower turns a simple race to the top into a lively contest full of suspense and surprises. Have a look at the tutorial, and if you think you’ve got the nerve to keep climbing when the pressure rises, the tower is waiting.

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=spookytower

We would like to thank Jonathan Favre-Godal and Corentin Lebrat, the game designers, as well as everyone at Repos Production, the publisher, for giving us the opportunity to add their game to our platform. A big shout out to tchobello and MathCT for their port to BGA.

This was your climbing Monday release.

What goes up does not always stay up, so take care and play fair...

Forget the Kardashians. The real drama started in 15th-century Florence where powerful families compete for prestige, influence, and the chance to leave their mark on history.

In Lorenzo il Magnifico, you’re the head of a noble family in the heart of the Renaissance. It’s a world of high stakes, high art, and even higher expectations. Think of it as the ultimate game of "Succession," but with better outfits and more frescoes.

The vibe? Pure strategy. Every round, the dice determine how much "main character energy" your family members have. You’ll then need to decide: are you building a real estate empire, networking with the Renaissance "who’s who," or expanding your zip code into new territories?

Every decision matters: space is limited, and your rivals are not here to make friends. Plus, you can't exactly "ghost" the Church. If you don't pay your respects to the Pope, you’ll face a 1400s version of cancel culture (aka: some very nasty penalties). Success isn't about one lucky move; it’s about building an engine so efficient it would make Leonardo da Vinci jealous.

Ready to prove your name belongs in the history books? If you’re unsure, give the tutorial a go. Then, gather your family, roll the dice, and show Florence who’s actually " il Magnifico."

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=lorenzo

We would like to thank Flaminia Brasini, Virginio Gigli, and Simone Luciani, the game designers, along with Cranio Creations, the publisher, for bringing this game to players around the world. We would also like to thank sternenfahrer for developing it on BGA.

This was your Wednesday release.
The Renaissance rewards those who plan wisely, so stay sharp and play fair…

Cry Baby might sound like a game about whining (which wouldn’t be much fun), but behind the playful name lies a clever trick-taking challenge full of tough choices, risky predictions, and just the right amount of drama.

In this colorful card game, you compete over four rounds of seven tricks, trying to predict exactly how many tricks you can win. Guess correctly, and the rewards are sweet. Miss your mark, and well… sometimes being a crybaby has its advantages.

Every card in your hand can be flipped, changing both its value and color before the round begins. That means your strategy starts before the first card is even played. Will you prepare for strong tricks, aim low to control the flow, or set yourself up for flexibility later?

Then comes the twist: at the end of each trick, the player with the lowest card becomes the “Cry Baby,” gaining a bonus that can help turn the tide. You might flip one of your remaining cards to improve your hand or simply take bonus points and dry your tears.

Cry Baby takes familiar trick-taking mechanics and adds a layer of tactical unpredictability. Every decision matters, from how you orient your hand to when you choose to “cry”, and the result is surprising reversals and satisfying mind games. So don’t be fooled by the tears, crying can be a winning strategy.

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=crybaby

We would like to thank Frédéric Vuagnat, the game designer, as well as BLAM!, the publisher, for bringing this inventive trick-taking game to players everywhere. We also want to thank Moof for developing it on BGA.

This is your Monday release.
Sometimes the smartest move is to know exactly when to cry. Take care and play fair…

In a quiet castle full of secrets, suspicion, and the occasional dramatic betrayal, there’s one goal that matters above all else: get your love letter into the Princess’s hands. Simple? Not even close.

Welcome to the new revisited version of Love Letter on BGA, the wonderfully sneaky card game where romance is risky, deduction is essential (unlike seduction), and your heartfelt message is constantly in danger of being intercepted, discarded, or, worst of all, thrown into the fire.

You don’t deliver your letter directly. That would be far too easy (and far too honest). Instead, you rely on a rotating cast of castle characters to carry your message. Each character has their own personality and ability: some help you gather information, some eliminate rivals, and some quietly ruin your plans while smiling politely.

Every card matters. Each decision reveals something. And every move sends signals to the other players whether you mean it or not. Some cards give you power and control, letting you knock others out of the round or peek at hidden information. Others are subtle, helping you stay under the radar while you quietly build your advantage.

Love Letter is not just about delivering a message. It’s about surviving the castle long enough to send it (and there is an easy way to learn that trick). And maybe, just maybe, winning the Princess’ heart along the way.

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=loveletter

Thanks to Seiji Kanai, the game designer, and Z-Man Games, the publisher, for allowing us to have their game on BGA. And a huge thank you to Moof for putting so much heart into revisiting this now-classic title.

This was your Friday release.

Get ready to feel the love this weekend. Take care and play fair…

If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a secret agent, Spyworld lets you step into that role, no gadgets or danger required.

In this fast-paced card game, you compete as undercover spies, trying to complete missions while keeping your plans hidden from everyone else. Each turn, you gather cards, build toward your objectives, and look for the perfect moment to strike. But while you’re planning your next move, your opponents are doing the same, and they might just sabotage your mission before you get the chance.

That’s what makes Spyworld so exciting. It’s not just about the cards you have, but about reading the other players. Should you move quickly and reveal your strategy, or stay quiet and wait for the perfect moment?

Every round feels different because no one knows exactly what the others are planning. One minute you feel in control, and the next your mission is falling apart because another player outmaneuvered you.

With its mix of strategy, bluffing, and suspense, the game captures the tension of a secret mission in a fun and light-hearted way. It is full of dramatic twists that keep everyone engaged.

Spyworld delivers exactly what its name promises: a world of secrets, strategy, and intrigue.

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=spyworld

A special thank you goes to Frédéric Morard, the game designer, and to Don’t Panic Games, the publisher, for bringing the game to players around the world. We’d also like to thank Moof for making it possible to enjoy it on BGA.

This was your Wednesday release.

Just remember: the best spy is the one nobody sees coming. So take care and play fair…

If you think a game about collecting insects sounds silly, Pickomino is here to prove that "silly" can be seriously fun.

In this fast-paced dice game, placed on the Spiel des Jahres recommendation list upon its physical release, a long time ago, in a galaxy... STOP!!! You play as a meerkat and rolling for red fire beetles, stealing from your opponents, and celebrating every lucky break like it’s a championship win. It’s quick to learn, full of suspense, and somehow turns a few dice and some numbered tiles into a surprisingly intense showdown.

The goal is simple: roll the dice to collect the highest-value tiles. Each turn, you roll eight dice and set aside all dice showing a matching number or paw symbol. But once you choose a number, you can’t choose it again during that turn.

That’s where the pressure starts.

You can stop and claim a tile whenever your dice total matches one in the center, as long as you’ve rolled at least one paw. Push your luck too far and fail to make a legal move, and you bust, losing one of your own tiles in the process.

And if your roll matches the tile on top of another player’s stack? You steal it.

Pickomino proves that even a light-hearted game about meerkats and insects can spark fierce competition. It’s quick, clever, and packed with those “one more turn” moments that make game nights memorable. So prepare to fight for your insects, grab the dice and trust your luck.

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=pickomino

We would like to thank Reiner Knizia, the game designer for letting us use this game on BGA. And we want to extend our thanks to n_e_s_s_u_n_o for the digital port.

This was your Monday release.

Red fire beetles are spicy so take care and play fair…

Sicily, the 80s. The sun is high in the sky and you soak in the Mediterranean life. You sit a café terrace, savoring an espresso, watching the world go by. Life seems calm, almost idyllic. But appearances can be deceiving. Beneath this sunlit façade, the Cosa Nostra, in what is known as “The Great Mafia War,” is tearing through Sicily, leaving no family, town, or street untouched.

In La Famiglia: The Great Mafia War, you face off one another to take control of Sicily. Six distinct families are at your disposal, each offering different advantages, from ruthless enforcers to clever schemers.

The game rounds are divided into two phases. In the planning phase, you develop your abilities and bring fighters as well as secret orders to the board. In the combat phase, these orders are revealed and executed. Whoever best combines and coordinates its abilities will dominate as many regions as possible and, ultimately, Sicily.

Winner of the 2024 As d’Or Expert Game, La Famiglia is an intense area-control experience that offers a simple but innovative combat system where strategic planning is key to domination. Whether you’re a seasoned strategist or a newcomer (we have a tutorial for you), get a taste of mafia life where every move matters, and betrayal is always just around the corner.

https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=lafamiglia

Our gratitude goes to Maximilian Maria Thiel, the game designer, and the Boardgame Atelier family.** And we’d like to extend our thanks to LeSteffen and Tishanu for the BGA port.

This was your Wednesday "heavy" release!

No rings were kissed during the making of this article. Take care and play fair… or else.

Congratulations to all participants and winners from Season 24!

What exactly is "the Arena?"

The Arena is the competitive mode on BGA. If you master a game and want to play it competitively, this is THE mode to use, so you can challenge the best players and get the most experience points.

The Arena is organized in seasons of 3 months each. Achievements are awarded to the best players at the end of each season.

To play in the Arena: select "Play" and then choose "Arena" instead of "Simple game."

Read more about Arena mode

Arena format and Gurus

In the previous seasons the gurus chose the game formats for the Arena: player number, options used, ...

We are very happy to see that this way of doing things contributed to making the Arena more popular: thank you to all gurus for their smart suggestions and their votes!

Rules updates

No Arena rules are changing this season. It does not mean we are 100% satisfied with how the Arena is running, but you seem to appreciate the current rules, so we want to keep them as they are for now. Find out more here.

Season 25 is NOW Launched.

The new Arena is now open for its new season.

Some Explanation About: Relegations

At the end of each season, after winners have been awarded, you are relegated.

League relegation is determined by the number of Arena leagues available for each game:

• For games with 6 leagues: Elite players are demoted to Gold, Diamond players to Silver, and everyone else to Bronze.
• For games with 5 or 4 leagues: Elite players are demoted to Silver, and everyone else to Bronze.
• For games with 3 or 2 leagues: Everyone is demoted to Bronze.

Note that some games might not follow these relegation rules, as we might have decided to adjust the number of leagues in between seasons.

It's up to you to find the way to the elite!

May the odds be ever in your favor!

You can find all changes to the Arena Game Formats here!