As an adult, I never thought I'd say that work could be fun and games, but in worker placement tabletop games, it truly can be. These games allow you to lead your team through various tasks and adventures, all while working towards end goals. With a wide array of themes and settings to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Here's a curated list of some of my top picks, featuring both new and classic worker placement games.

TLDR: The Best Worker Placement Games to Play Now

### Viticulture

0See it at Amazon### Yokohama

0See it at Amazon### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee Store### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at Amazon### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at Amazon### Fromage

0See it at Allplay Store### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon Games### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash Games### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at Amazon### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonIf you prefer a quick glance at all the games, check out the side-scrolling catalog above. For detailed insights, continue reading.

Viticulture

### Viticulture

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-6Play Time: 45-90 minsViticulture, crafted by Jamey Stegmaier of Scythe fame, transports you to Tuscany, where you inherit a family winery. Your mission? Build your vineyard, harvest grapes, bottle exquisite wines, and sell them to customers. Strategically manage your workers throughout the seasons, progressing through multiple years to age your wine and fulfill orders. Enjoy Viticulture competitively or opt for the cooperative experience with the Viticulture World edition (see at Amazon).

Yokohama

### Yokohama

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-4Play Time: 90 minsSet in the bustling port city of Yokohama near Tokyo, this game challenges you to build a successful trading empire. Deploy your workers to gather resources, develop technologies, and complete orders. While Yokohama can be complex, turns flow smoothly once you grasp the mechanics. Ideal for 2-4 players, though it shines with three, according to Board Game Geek.

Unconscious Mind

### Unconscious Mind

0See it at Asmodee StoreAges: 12+Players: 2-4Play Time: 60-120 mins (or longer)Unconscious Mind delves into the realms of psychology and grief, offering one of the most visually stunning experiences in my collection. This heavy Euro game requires strategic planning in movement and timing. The Nightmares expansion adds further complexity, ideal for seasoned players or those seeking a more gentle experience with elements like fireworks and a gramophone lighter. Be prepared for a longer game session than the box suggests, as setup and teaching can take considerable time.

Wayfarers of The South Tigris

### Wayfarers of The South Tigris

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 60-90 minsWayfarers of The South Tigris merges dice rolling with worker placement for a rewarding experience. The game's depth may seem daunting at first, especially for those new to heavier Euro games, but it's surprisingly fun once you dive in. The strategic decisions and tight resources offer high replayability, making it a must-try for those willing to explore its complexities.

Darwin’s Journey

### Darwin’s Journey

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 30-120 minsEmbrace your inner explorer with Darwin's Journey, racing across three islands to uncover nature's secrets for your museum. This game is easy to learn and highly replayable, appealing to both seasoned and casual players. While it's available online, the physical version is a worthwhile investment for its table presence and broad appeal.

Fromage

### Fromage

0See it at Allplay StoreAges: 14+Players: 1-4Play Time: 40 minsFromage is the perfect game for a fun evening with friends or a solo session. Set in France, you'll craft and sell award-winning cheeses, managing structures and livestock to fulfill orders. The Italian version, Formaggio, adds an extra layer of enjoyment for cheese lovers. Quick to play and delightful, Fromage is a great addition to any game night.

The Gallerist

### The Gallerist

0See it at Eagle-Griphon GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-4Play Time: 120 minsIn The Gallerist, you run an art gallery, discovering artists, showcasing their work, and attracting discerning patrons. Be warned: this game is challenging, with a 4.24 out of 5 complexity rating on Board Game Geek. It's not for beginners, much like the art world itself, which can be tough to break into.

Septima

### Septima

0See it at Mind Clash GamesAges: 12+Players: 1-6Play Time: 50-100 minsSeptima's art is a feast for the eyes, especially for those who appreciate gothic themes. This game centers around witches, where you'll build covens, gather herbs, brew potions, and evade witch hunters. Despite the trials, I found it immensely enjoyable and recommend it for both solo and group play. The expansion adds shapeshifting, enhancing the already stunning artwork.

Rock Hard: 1977

### Rock Hard: 1977

0See it at AmazonAges: 14+Players: 2-5Play Time: 90 minsUnleash your inner rockstar with Rock Hard: 1977, created by Jackie Fox of The Runaways. This game features striking components and an amp-shaped player board, letting you rock your way to stardom. A fan favorite at Gen Con, be aware that it touches on heavy themes, reflecting the realities of rockstar life, which may not be suitable for everyone.

Age of Comics: The Golden Years

### Age of Comics: The Golden Years

0See it at AmazonAges: 13+Players: 1-4Play Time: 50-120 minsIf you're a comic enthusiast, Age of Comics: The Golden Years lets you build a comic book catalog during the Golden Age. Hire creatives to design your books and race against other players to publish and sell your comics. The pulpy art is a treat, but you don't need to be a comic fan to enjoy the game. It's easy to learn and playable solo or with up to four players, though it's best with three.