Oink Games excels at packing gigantic fun into minuscule boxes. Their games are compact, portable, and filled with clever mechanics that offer both depth and accessibility. Whether you’re a hardcore strategist or someone just looking for a laugh-filled game night, Oink Games has something for everyone. Here’s our countdown of the top 10 Oink Games, from solid hits to absolute masterpieces.
10. Durian: “Fruit Stand Fiasco That’ll Drive You Bananas”
Managing a fruit shop sounds simple, but in Durian, things are anything but straightforward. Players take turns fulfilling customer orders by declaring how much fruit they’re offering—but there’s a twist. You can’t see your own cards, only everyone else’s. This leads to hilarious situations where you might confidently promise four bananas when you’re holding none.
As the game progresses, the tension builds. Do you trust your friends’ silent reactions, or are they setting you up for failure? If someone suspects you’re bluffing, they can ring the manager’s bell to investigate. If you’ve overpromised, you’re penalized—but if they’re wrong, the accuser faces the wrath of the manager instead.
Why it’s here: Durian turns something as mundane as selling fruit into a nail-biting bluffing game. The mix of deduction and deception keeps everyone engaged, and the theme is refreshingly quirky. It’s a fantastic icebreaker that’s perfect for lighthearted gaming sessions.
9. Nine Tiles Panic: “Aliens, Burgers, and Utter Chaos”
In Nine Tiles Panic, players race to arrange their nine tiles to meet objectives like housing aliens, building scenic highways, or feeding burger-loving extraterrestrials. Each round introduces new challenges, ensuring that no two games feel alike. The real-time nature of the game adds urgency, forcing you to make quick decisions under pressure.
The gameplay is deceptively simple but ramps up as objectives become increasingly complex. You’ll find yourself frantically flipping and swapping tiles, trying to balance multiple goals at once. The quirky alien theme adds a lighthearted touch that keeps things entertaining, even when the clock is ticking.
Why it’s here: The combination of strategy, speed, and whimsy makes Nine Tiles Panic a standout. It’s great for gamers who enjoy puzzles but want a competitive, real-time twist. The game’s colorful art and zany objectives make it an instant favorite for all ages.
8. Town 66: “Zoning Laws Are for Suckers”
Town 66 places you in the role of a city planner building a small town with very particular rules: no two buildings in the same row or column can share the same color or shape. The challenge lies in balancing your own goals while keeping an eye on your opponents, who might just box you into a corner.
As the town grows, the decisions become more challenging. Should you take a prime spot and limit your future moves, or play defensively to deny your opponents opportunities? The tension escalates as the board fills up, and every move feels increasingly critical.
Why it’s here: Town 66 is a clever puzzle game that rewards forward thinking and adaptability. Its elegant mechanics and simple rules make it accessible, while the strategic depth ensures it appeals to more serious gamers. It’s a satisfying brain workout that never overstays its welcome.
7. Rafter Five:“Balancing Act on the High Seas”
In Rafter Five, players take on the challenge of expanding their raft while carefully balancing treasure chests atop it. As you skillfully place pieces to grow your raft, the risk of collapse grows with every turn. The strategic tension lies in deciding whether to play it safe or take bold risks to load up on treasure.
The gameplay blends dexterity with strategic placement, creating a unique experience where your success depends on both careful planning and a steady hand. Watching opponents’ rafts teeter under the weight of their decisions adds a layer of hilarity and suspense. One wrong move, and it all comes crashing down—taking their treasure with it!
Why it’s here: Rafter Five stands out for its clever mix of balance, strategy, and unpredictability. It’s a game that rewards both careful thought and daring moves, all while delivering plenty of laughs. The nautical theme and engaging mechanics make it a favorite for families and casual gaming sessions alike.
6. Insider: “Trivia and Treachery”
Insider mixes trivia with social deduction in a game that’s as clever as it is devious. Players work together to guess a secret word within a time limit, but one player—the Insider—already knows the word and is subtly guiding the group while trying to avoid detection.
The game is a perfect blend of cooperative and competitive elements. Players must balance their efforts to guess the word with their suspicions about who the Insider might be. The result is a tense, engaging experience that keeps everyone on edge.
Why it’s here: Insider is a party game classic, sparking debates and laughter in equal measure. Its fast pace and interactive mechanics make it ideal for groups of all sizes, and the mix of deduction and trivia ensures it never gets old.
5. A Fake Artist Goes to New York: “Sketchy Business”
In this hilarious drawing game, players collaborate on a single masterpiece based on a secret theme. Everyone knows the theme except the “Fake Artist,” who must bluff their way through the drawing without being discovered. The result? A mix of creative chaos and laugh-out-loud moments.
The game’s charm lies in its simplicity and social dynamics. Players scrutinize every line, trying to deduce who’s faking without revealing too much themselves. The combination of creativity, deduction, and bluffing makes every round unique.
Why it’s here: Few games can match the hilarity of A Fake Artist Goes to New York. It’s a perfect party game that’s easy to teach, endlessly replayable, and guaranteed to generate unforgettable moments.
4. Startups: “The Hustle for Market Domination”
In Startups, players take on the roles of savvy investors vying for control of booming industries. Each card represents a company, and the goal is to hold the majority shares while preventing your opponents from doing the same. Bluffing and clever card play are essential as you try to outwit your rivals.
The game’s tension comes from its simple but brilliant mechanics. Every decision feels impactful, from when to play your cards to how you respond to your opponents’ moves. The stakes rise as the game progresses, making every round more intense than the last.
Why it’s here: The strategic depth of Startups is unmatched. It’s easy to pick up but offers endless replayability, thanks to its rich decision-making and dynamic gameplay. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a seasoned strategist, Startups is guaranteed to hook you.
3. Deep Sea Adventure: “Sink or Swim, Baby!”
The crown jewel of Oink Games, Deep Sea Adventure is a push-your-luck game where players dive for treasure while sharing a single tank of oxygen. The deeper you go, the more valuable the treasure—but the harder it is to make it back to the surface.
The game’s brilliance lies in its balance of strategy and tension. Every decision feels meaningful, from when to grab treasure to how far you’re willing to push your luck. The shared oxygen mechanic adds a layer of interaction that keeps everyone engaged.
Why it’s here: Deep Sea Adventure is the epitome of what makes Oink Games great: simple rules, engaging mechanics, and endless fun. It’s a must-have for any board game collection, offering excitement and hilarity in equal measure.
2. Maskmen: “The Wrestler’s Dilemma”
Step into the ring with Maskmen, a clever card game where you manage a team of luchadores. Each wrestler’s strength is determined during the game, so players must carefully decide when and how to play their cards. Timing is everything, as an early move can set the tone for the entire match—or backfire spectacularly.
The evolving power hierarchy keeps every round dynamic. You might start the game with a weak wrestler, only to see them rise to dominance thanks to your clever plays. Bluffing, strategy, and a touch of mischief are all part of the fun, as you manipulate the rankings to your advantage.
Why it’s here: The blend of evolving strategy and playful theme makes Maskmen a true standout. The unique mechanics keep every match fresh, and the colorful wrestlers bring plenty of personality to the table. It’s a game that rewards both tactical thinking and creativity.
1. SCOUT: “The Circus Is in Town, and It’s Wild!”
In SCOUT, players manage a circus act by arranging cards in their hand to create impressive stunts. The catch? You can’t rearrange your cards freely, so you’ll need to think carefully about how to use what you’ve got. The better your combos, the more points you earn—and the more you sabotage your rivals’ plans.
The game’s innovative hand management mechanic is both simple and genius. Do you perform an act early to secure points, or hold out for a bigger combo? The push-and-pull of decisions creates exciting tension as you try to outmaneuver your opponents.
Why it’s here: SCOUT is a masterclass in creativity and strategy. Its unique mechanics make it a standout in Oink’s lineup, and the circus theme adds a delightful layer of charm. It’s a must-play for anyone looking for a fresh take on card games.
Honorable Mentions:
- Troika: A minimalist puzzle game where players race to assemble matching sets of gems in a space-themed setting.
- Zogen: A lightning-fast pattern recognition game that’s perfect for testing your reflexes and wits.
- Hey Yo: A rhythm-based card game that challenges players to synchronize their moves for maximum points.
Oink Games continues to redefine what’s possible in small-box gaming. Whether you’re diving for treasure, wrangling livestock, or running a circus, these games deliver big fun in tiny packages. Grab a few and get playing!
