10 Vintage Board Games That Are Actually Worth a Ton of Money

You may be surprised that board games are still popular despite video games and other entertainment to distract Americans.

The board game market was around $12 billion in 2023, and its value has increased in the past few years due to the popularity of newer games like Catan and traditionally popular games like Monopoly.

Some vintage games hiding in closets may be worth more than you think. Check your game collection or local garage sales for any of these games to help you boost your bank account .

1. Risk: 40th Anniversary Collector’s Edition (1999)

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Battle your way around the world with your armies to win a game of Risk.

The 40th-anniversary edition celebrates the beloved game with special deluxe features such as numbered game boards, battle dice, and a special certificate of authenticity. A sealed game can go for around $200.

2. The Disneyland Game

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Disney fans love all things Disney, making the Disneyland Game perfect for those Disney fans who also enjoy board games.

The game asks players to travel around the amusement park, picking up photos along the way. At the end of the game, the person with the most photos is the winner.

The game was created in 1990 for the park's 35th anniversary, making it a vintage gem for collectors.

3. Dark Shadows

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The 1968 version of the Dark Shadows board game was based on the television show of the same name.

Players traverse the board’s path with different cards to try and get to the end before their opponents.

The game was licensed by the ABC television network but is more of a niche board game, making it appealing to collectors who want something special. The game can go for $40-$100 online.

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4. Fantasy Forest

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The 1980 board game Fantasy Forest gave players the chance to travel around the board in a quest to make it through the forest to Magic Mountain and meet Morley the Wizard.

The children’s game was made by the creators of the legendary Dungeons and Dragons role-playing game, which may be part of its appeal and why it’s so valuable now.

An opened game can go for around $100, while a sealed game can sell for several hundred dollars.

5. Tornado Rex

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Players make their way up a mountain as hikers, but you’ll have to beware as a top-like spinner can be unleashed from the top of the mountain and come down to wipe out players.

The 3D game was released in 1991. Nostalgia for the game is pushing costs higher if you can get your hands on one.

6. Electronic Dream Phone

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There’s a boy who has a crush on you in Electronic Dream Phone, a 1991 game that was ideal for sleepovers and parties.

Players had to guess which dream guy had a crush on them by calling numbers on an electronic phone in a game of elimination until they found their dream guy.

The game included an electronic phone that may not work after all these years in a box, so a board with a phone that can still make “calls” could be worth more than you think.

7. Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit

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Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit came out in 2000 to coincide with the release of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

The game, based on the battles at the end of the movie, covers both board game fans and Star Wars fans. That could help you earn extra cash if you have this game at home to sell. Depending on the condition, the game could go for over $500.

8. Axis & Allies Anniversary Edition

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Axis & Allies has been a fan favorite, with players fighting their way across Europe and Asia.

The anniversary edition released in 2008 featured more than 600 pieces and was developed by the board game’s original designer.

It was only in print for a short amount of time, and its rarity could help boost its value.

9. Dune

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The 1979 version of the Dune board game was based on the book of the same name. It challenged players to attempt to control Dune, the world created by author Frank Herbert.

The book has received renewed attention due to the recent film adaptations, which could generate additional interest in the board game.

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10. Dark Tower

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Dark Tower was a fantasy board game released in 1981. It featured a board and a black plastic tower with a computer inside, which was quite an innovative feature at the time.

As with other board games with electronic components, Dark Tower could help you earn extra cash , depending on the condition. In great condition, Dark Tower could go for several hundred dollars online.

Bottom line

LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe

You may be surprised at how much money is lurking in your closet with your vintage board games.

If you have one and decide to sell it, be aware of how much you can make off it and consider investing that cash or putting it in a high-yield savings account.

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