Don’t Miss Out on These 5 Best Monopoly Board Game Variations

Monopoly, a household name in board games, has expanded its horizon with various thematic editions, each offering a unique twist to the classic formula. These editions range from adaptations of popular film and game franchises to innovative gameplay mechanics, catering to diverse interests and age groups. 

The enduring appeal of Monopoly lies in its ability to blend strategic property trading with elements of popular culture, making each game a fresh experience. Different variation, different boards, different fun. While there’s a sea of Monopoly board game variations, here’s a curated list of the best five Monopoly board game variations that can give the most thrill (picked on basis of selling, reviews and more). Jump in to explore. 

1. Monopoly: The Lord of the Rings Edition

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Start on a journey through Middle-earth with Monopoly: The Lord of the Rings Edition. This game combines the classic Monopoly gameplay with the epic fantasy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. It’s a perfect blend of strategy and storytelling, set in a world of elves, dwarves, and wizards.

Best Attributes:

• Middle-earth Themed Board: The game board is a map of Middle-earth, featuring locations like The Shire, Mordor, and Gondor.
• Ring Mechanic: The One Ring adds a strategic layer, moving around the board and influencing gameplay.
• Special Edition Cards: Traditional Chance and Community Chest cards are replaced with Good and Evil cards, offering unique challenges and opportunities.
• LOTR Figurines: Player tokens include iconic items like Gandalf’s Hat, Aragorn’s Crown, and the Horn of Gondor, enhancing the thematic experience.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Thematic Integration ✅ Unique Game Pieces ✅ Enhanced Gameplay ✅ Collectible Quality ✅ Educational Value	❌ Complexity for Newcomers ❌ Game Length

2. Monopoly: Cheaters Edition

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Monopoly: Cheaters Edition turns the classic game on its head by rewarding cunning tactics. This version challenges players to outsmart their opponents and bend the rules without getting caught. Monopoly: Cheaters Edition is ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic and interactive version of Monopoly, where the rules are merely guidelines.

Best Attributes:

• Cheating Missions: Players are encouraged to cheat through specific missions, such as secretly adding hotels or stealing money from the bank.
• Consequence Mechanic: Players caught cheating may be handcuffed to the game board, adding a humorous element.
• Rule Adaptations: The game modifies traditional Monopoly rules to accommodate and encourage cheating strategies.
• Cheater’s Chance Cards: These cards align with the game’s cheating theme, providing unique objectives and rewards for successful cheats.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Innovative Gameplay ✅ Family Fun ✅ Creative Elements ✅ Learning Tool ✅ Quick Pace	❌ Not for Serious Play ❌ Potential for Conflicts

3. Monopoly: Star Wars Edition

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Monopoly: Star Wars Edition is a galactic adventure for fans of the iconic space saga. It can be a thrilling experience for Star Wars enthusiasts and Monopoly fans, combining strategic gameplay with the excitement of the Star Wars universe.

Best Attributes:

• Galactic Empire vs. Rebel Alliance: Players choose to align with either the Empire or the Rebels, affecting property acquisition and overall strategy.
• Star Wars Planets and Ships: Properties are iconic locations and starships from the Star Wars universe, such as Tatooine, Hoth, and the Millennium Falcon.
• Force Powers: Special abilities and cards represent the Force, offering powerful game-changing effects.
• Star Wars Characters: Player tokens include characters like Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia, each with unique abilities that influence gameplay.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Iconic Theme ✅ Special Tokens ✅ Unique Properties ✅ Engaging for All Ages ✅ Educational Aspect	❌ Niche Appeal ❌ Complex Rules for Younger Players

4. Monopoly: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition

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Monopoly: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Edition brings the vibrant universe of Mario to the Monopoly board, featuring characters, locations, and elements from the beloved video game series.

Best Attributes:

• Mario Game Elements: The board incorporates elements from the Mario universe, including warp pipes for fast movement and Bowser battles.
• Power-Up Dice: This additional dice introduces Mario-themed power-ups, adding a new dimension to the strategy.
• Iconic Mario Locations: Properties are based on famous locations from the Mario series, such as Yoshi’s Island and Bowser’s Castle.
• Character Cards: Each character, including Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, has special abilities that affect the game’s dynamics.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Colorful Design ✅ Interactive Elements ✅ Family-Friendly ✅ Nostalgic Appeal ✅ Educational Benefits	❌ Limited Audience ❌ Simplicity

5. Monopoly: The Witcher Edition

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Monopoly: The Witcher Edition invites players into the gritty and mystical world of The Witcher. This version adapts the rich narrative and setting of the popular video game and book series into the Monopoly framework. It’s an intriguing blend of strategy and storytelling, perfect for fans of The Witcher and those who enjoy a thematic board game experience.

Best Attributes:

• The Witcher Universe: The game is set in the world of The Witcher, with properties based on locations and elements from the series.
• Monster Battles: Instead of buying properties, players engage in monster battles, capturing creatures from The Witcher universe.
• Witcher-themed Cards: Chance and Community Chest cards are tailored to fit the narrative and lore of The Witcher.
• Character Tokens: Tokens represent Witcher characters and artifacts, such as Geralt’s swords and Ciri’s medallion, adding to the immersive experience.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Immersive Experience ✅ Custom Tokens and Cards ✅ Quality Design ✅ Strategic Gameplay ✅ Collectible	❌ Complexity ❌ Price

(Bonus) 6. Monopoly: Pokemon Kanto Edition

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Monopoly: Pokemon Kanto Edition is a delightful fusion of the classic board game and the beloved Pokemon franchise. It’s a playful and engaging way to experience the joy of Pokemon hunting in a board game format, making it a hit for families and Pokemon enthusiasts alike.

Best Attributes:

• Pokemon Theme: The game is set in the Pokemon universe, specifically the Kanto region, with properties being famous locations from the series.
• Catching Pokemon: Instead of buying properties, players aim to catch Pokemon, adding a unique twist to the classic Monopoly gameplay.
• Pokeball and Trainer Cards: These cards replace the traditional Chance and Community Chest cards, offering Pokemon-themed challenges and rewards.
• Pokemon Tokens: Tokens include iconic Pokemon like Pikachu and Charmander, appealing to fans of the series.

Pros:	Cons:
✅ Engaging Theme ✅ Interactive Gameplay ✅ Educational Value ✅ Collectible Pieces ✅ Family-Friendly	❌ Specific Audience ❌ Game Length

Conclusion: 5 Best Monopoly Board Game Variations

Monopoly’s various editions showcase the game’s versatility and its ability to adapt to different themes and interests. From the fantasy realms of Middle-earth and Westeros to the playful worlds of Mario and Pokemon, these editions offer something for everyone. They retain the core mechanics that have made Monopoly a beloved game for decades while adding unique elements that resonate with modern audiences. 

Whether you are a fan of strategic property trading, pop culture, or just looking for a fun family game night, there is a Monopoly edition that fits the bill. As Monopoly continues to evolve, it remains a demonstration to the enduring appeal of board games in an increasingly digital world.

FAQs

Which Monopoly property sets are best?

The best sets in Monopoly, in terms of strategic value, are often considered to be the orange and red properties. They strike a balance between cost, return on investment, and the likelihood of being landed on by other players.

How Many Monopoly Versions Are There?

As of 2015, there were over 300 different official versions of Monopoly available. This number has likely grown since then, with new themes and variations continuously being released.

Is Monopoly More Luck or Skill?

Monopoly is a blend of both luck and skill. While the roll of the dice introduces a luck element, strategic property acquisition, trading, and money management involve skill. A survey in the United States in 2020 indicated that 46% of respondents viewed Monopoly as a game of luck.

Can you make your own Monopoly game?

Yes, you can create a custom Monopoly game. There are services and kits available that allow you to personalize everything from the board and property names to the Chance and Community Chest cards. This is a popular way to create a unique gift or a special edition for family and friends.

How long does an average game of Monopoly last?

The length of a Monopoly game can vary widely, but on average, a standard game lasts between 1 to 3 hours. The duration depends on the number of players, their familiarity with the game, and the specific rules being used. Some editions of Monopoly also include rules for a shorter game.