Our game collection has been growing for quite a few years now, and while I do love the excitement of opening a big box packed with components, there’s something just as satisfying about a well-designed small box game. Over time, we’ve steadily increased the number of small games in our collection, and there are four key reasons why they’ve become a staple on our shelves.
Small box games are often lighter in complexity and quicker to play, with many wrapping up in under 30 minutes. That’s a big part of their appeal. Getting a heavier game to the table can be a challenge—between long rule explanations, high player counts, and large table presence, big box games sometimes feel daunting, especially for newer players. Small games, on the other hand, provide a much easier entry point into the hobby—often without even needing a board!
Another major factor for us is the price point. With many modern board games hitting £40 or more, picking up a game like Sea Salt & Paper for around £10 feels like an absolute bargain. Of course, not every small game will suit every group—some players prefer deeper, more strategic experiences that bigger games provide—but if you’re looking to explore new mechanics or modern game design without spending a fortune, small box games are a great way to do it. When adding to our collection, we often face a choice: one big game or several smaller ones for the same price. More often than not, the latter wins out, especially in the current financial climate, where getting the most value for money matters more than ever.
Storage is another big reason we love small box games. Our bookshelf is packed with large game boxes that take up a lot of space, but our small box collection, despite being just as extensive, fits into less than a quarter of that area. For those living in smaller spaces, compact games make it much easier to build a well-rounded collection without sacrificing valuable room.
Portability is also a huge plus. We love taking games out and about—playing at the pub, bringing them on holiday, or packing them for game nights. Carrying a big box around isn’t exactly practical, but something like Scout fits right in your pocket. Plus, the lightweight nature of small games means you can throw a few in your bag without worrying about excess baggage fees. That said, if you prefer to keep your games in pristine condition (I’ve had many reservations about taking games out into the wild), a big box game for at-home play is still a great choice.
At the end of the day, we love both big and small box games, but as a two-player household with limited time and space, small games just make sense for us. They offer quick, engaging gameplay, are budget-friendly, and are easy to store and transport. That doesn’t mean we don’t love a sprawling, immersive board game experience—our collection is full of them!—but when we only have a short window for gaming, small box games ensure we can still squeeze in some playtime.
What are some of your favorite small box games? Let us know—we’re always looking for more to add to our collection!
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