Last modified November 6, 2025 by Jarjar
Essen's annual event is upon us. For those unfamiliar with this event, the largest in the gaming world, I invite you to read my article on last year's edition. hereI won't have the chance to participate this year, but it's definitely one of my life goals to experience it at least once!
I started a few weeks ago to read, watch videos on the new features that will be presented there and even to look at the rules of some. Several caught my attention and, just to whet your appetite, I had the idea of sharing my research with you. I was actually inspired by the work of previous years of my friends Pierre and Ken (Kruspin here). So I present to you my top 10 of those that caught my attention a little more as well as some mentions. I also put some references at the bottom of each game sheet ( video, rules, as well as my purchase intention).
Please note that I have not played any of these games yet.. This list is based on my first impression from my readings and the visual presented so far on BGG and social networks. I have not included any expansions in this list, only the games that will be on sale at the show. This list is limited, I certainly forgot notable titles, impossible to go through the complete list which contains practically more than a thousand new releases!
#10 :: Covenant (1-4 players, complexity 3.17/5)
I'm starting this list with a game from the excellent publishing house Devir, and the creator of the games Bitoku and Men-Nefer; Covenant. We can feel a hint of Lord of the Rings inspiration here with this game centered on Dwarves who want to reclaim their sacred mountain.
The feedback from those lucky enough to have tried it is overwhelmingly positive! The mechanics include excavating new caverns, fighting enemies, and constructing buildings to restore the old house. There are several paths to progression. Every action is consistently rewarded with bonuses or other actions; I love this kind of mechanic, which is often very satisfying.
Rulebook (EN) 40 pages!
Video review
I will try before I buy
#9 :: ANTS (2 – 4 players, complexity 3.83/5)
From the same artists as the excellent Rats of Wistar, Cranio is back with another game that uses the mechanic of action strength based on the number of meeples available in the game. In Ants, we will manage an ant colony. The game offers a more territorial approach, focused on gathering, ant specialization and insect fights, while Rats of Wistar focused on building and optimization.
I loved Rats of Wistar, and Ants seems like a game that offers a kind of sequel, with a different way of playing the selection mechanic, but in a completely different world. A game that also seems very colorful.
rule book (in)
Video review
Guaranteed purchase
#8 :: Thebes (1-4 players, complexity 3.17/5)
From the author of the excellent game AnachronyThe core of the game is based on tile and dice placement. You have to do as much as possible in 10 turns, each with an action phase and then a fate phase.
These phases will create a dynamic alternation between what the players control immediately and what chance/long-term consequences will introduce. I love the twists this author manages to concoct for us, I don't think we'll be disappointed this time again! (Available in stores since October 17!)
Rulebook
Video review
Almost guaranteed purchase
#7 :: Aquaria (1-4 players, complexity: 2.5/5)
From the author of SETI, a game with a rather original theme where you have to manage your aquarium: introduce fish, manage plants, ensure the maintenance of the environment (feeding, cleaning, etc.). In addition to building your aquarium, there is a follow-up of an Encyclopedia track reflecting the progression of the players in their aquarist expertise.
You score points based on the aquariums you have, but also on your accumulated knowledge. However, the graphic design doesn't really grab me. But I'm very curious to see what Thomas has in store for us with this game!
Rulebook (EN)
Video review
I'm going to play with my friend Chuck's copy =)
#6 :: Recall (1-4 players)
Created by the same designers as Revive, the game begins with the choice of a tribe from fourteen possibilities and a gadget from eighteen available options, elements that will guide our strategic approach and our possibilities of action.
Throughout the game, we will guide our tribe through the exploration of territories, in search of vestiges of disappeared civilizations from which we can learn lessons.
The mechanic that particularly catches my attention, and which seems really innovative to me, is the integration of a web application where players can archive their tribes at the end of their game, which makes their tribes discoverable as ancient civilizations in other players' games.
Rulebook
Video Review (EN)
Almost guaranteed purchase
#5 :: Sweet Lands (1-5 players, complexity 4.1/5)
A game with an original and adorable theme, driven by a particularly neat aesthetic. The illustrations, components, and wooden tokens are superb and seem to fully contribute to the immersion. The goal: to build a real little sweet town 🍭, enough to delight more than one!
A deliciously unique theme (no doubt Marie will be up for playing it!).
Probably the game with the highest score in complexity of all those I came across in my research! The box looks quite impressive! And a little touch of originality in the rulebook: there is even a progress bar!
Rulebook
Video Review
Almost guaranteed purchase
#4 :: Feya's Swamp (2-4 players, complexity: 3.4/5)
From the creators of the excellent games Terra Mystica and Gaia Project comes a whole new style of gameplay. You play as one of the asymmetrical swamp clans, each striving to become the most prosperous in the region. You'll need to expand your territory by placing tiles, fish to trade, and explore abandoned temples to succeed.
There's competition between players for temples, fishing spots, islands, etc., but no mechanism for direct destruction or elimination of players. It's more of a race, an interaction through positioning, opportunism. The graphic design really grabs me, and I'm very curious to see what these authors have in store for us.
Rulebook
Video reviews EN , FR
Guaranteed purchase
#3 :: Ayar, children of the sun (1-4 players, complexity 3/5)
A trilogy is completed here with Merv and SankoreThe central mechanic is based on a system where players use step markers to move tokens representing Ayar kings along four 30-square tracks, then place small buildings called "Tambos" on the available action spaces behind these kings.
At the end of each round (called the Night Phase), the Ayar token that is furthest behind on the tracks "retires" and is removed from the board, a concept that seems very interesting! The game takes place over 4 rounds with a progressive reduction mechanic: 5 rounds in the first round, then 4, 3 and finally 2 rounds, undoubtedly creating a certain tension.
The production of this third game seems to be quite successful once again! I liked Sankoré but clearly didn't play it enough. Here, the bet is not too high and we are undoubtedly talking about another sure bet!
Rulebook
Video Review (EN)
Guaranteed purchase!
#2 :: Coming of age (1-4 players, complexity 3.4/5)
A game from Dani Garcia (Barcelona, Daitoshi), which recalls the theme of The Quest for Happiness, but here, the player board is in the head of a 10-year-old child who is trying to understand who he is and what he wants to become in life.
It's not just about points, conquests or fights here, it's really an exploration of growth, personal choices, emotions. A colorful universe that seems surprisingly rich and stands out for its originality... definitely very intriguing.
Rulebook
Video Review (EN)
Guaranteed purchase
#1 :: Orloj: The Prague Astronomical Clock (1-4 players, complexity 3.33/5)
Orloj is a worker placement game where we will design parts of Prague's magnificent Astronomical Clock. Each turn, we will place workers on a clock to perform two actions, the nature of which depends on how we choose to rotate the clock's two dials.
The visuals of this game are completely stunning, wow! In fact, players who have had the chance to try it have mentioned that its presence on the table would be extraordinary! Rahdo mentioned in his review (referenced below) that it was one of the best games of 2025 that he has played. This game seems to tick a lot of boxes: superb production, innovative mechanics, interactivity and good depth. It reminds me of the buzz that the game Tzolk'in created in 2012. I absolutely cannot wait to try this game which seems to have impeccable production quality!
Rulebook
Video Review (EN)
It's pre-ordered =)
OTHER MENTIONS
Echoes of Time (2-4 players, complexity 1.5 / 5)
The creator of Barrage returns to us with a richly illustrated card game, where you chain combos along a timeline thanks to an original system of sliding tiles.
When we play a card, it doesn't become active immediately: it has to slide over its tiles, the time it takes before coming into play. So a form of delayed programming. A magnificent visual and a mechanic that seems fun, also intriguing this game!
Sanctuary (1-5 players, complexity 2.96/5)
A supposedly easier and shorter version of Ark Nova! I love Ark Nova, we just don't have enough time to release it. Will this one be easier to release while still being as good as its big brother? Some feedback is already available; the game is still said to be long despite the rules being streamlined. Ludo the guy did a first test of it. here.
The Voynich Puzzle (1-4 players, complexity 3/5)
Another game from the excellent Dany Garcia (in addition to Coming of Age above). This author is a real game-making factory! I love the visuals and these very intriguing little puzzle pieces! In this game, we have a small book that dictates our available actions and each page can be upgraded up to 4 times. The visuals are quite unique!
tianxia (1-4 players, complexity 3.42/5)
From the author of several good games, Daniele Tascini: Tzolk'in, Tiletum, The Travels of Marco Polo, etc. This is a game featuring worker placement and resource management mechanics. In addition to accumulating bonuses and rewards, we must collaborate and build walls to repel nomadic invaders (a feeling of déjà vu, it seems). Reports are already circulating on social media and seem mixed so far. Still curious to try it out. (Already available in stores)
Fossilium (1 – 4 players, complexity 3.33/5)
There's already been some very positive feedback on this game, whose theme immediately hooked me. It involves managing a natural history museum, with a worker placement mechanism that seems well thought out and requires adaptation as the game progresses.
CONCLUSION
As you've probably noticed, there are several complex games in this list, at least, this is the type of game that seems to stand out the most pre-Essen. I remain convinced that others less complex will surely stand out, as was the case last year with Bombusters, Harmonies and Chateau Combo. I haven't touched the expansions, but several are likely to be very interesting! Now I can't wait for October 23rd =)! Once again, the credit card will be busy in the coming months, and we'll have to find space to store all these new games =)
UPDATE OCTOBER 20
One of the most popular articles I've written =)
I'm adding a few titles that have caught my attention lately, without changing my ranking.
Etherstone (2 – 4 players, complexity 2.32/5)
Another game from Luciani! A card game in the Res Arcana, with 7 cards in hand and a leader, we must do the best we can. The illustrations look magnificent!
The Last Droids (1 – 4 players, complexity: 2.67 / 5)
The Last Droids is a family strategy game about resource management and the "I cut, you choose" principle. It reminds me a bit of 7 Wonders Duel, with the option to take something for yourself and leave a card for someone else, as well as the ability to build "wonders" (large droids).
What seems to set this game apart: on their turn, the first player draws as many cards from the common deck as there are players and then distributes them among the players, giving each player a card of their choice.
Forestry (1 – 4 players, complexity: 3.0 / 5)
A game that simulates sustainable forest management, offering players a realistic and educational insight into forestry work. Players must balance logging, replanting, and fulfilling contracts. Some reviews have already been received, and they are very positive.
It's going to be a big year if you buy all that and everything you didn't see because it wasn't in Essen 😉
No joke, I'm surprised not to see this game which will be in pre-release at Essen, you who like this theme.
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/429431/miskatonic-tales-journey-to-innsmouth