9 Best Memory Board Games for Adults [2025 Update]

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Are you searching for the best memory board games to satisfy your thirst for playful, mind-boggling action?

Board games are known to produce many benefits. One is increasing cognitive function such as mental agility, intellectual clarity, and even memory retention.

If you decided to play memory board games (not just the pure luck or pure strategy ones), wouldn’t playing board games become much more valuable?

In this post, we share a list of the best memory board games for adults that you can use to enhance your intellectual skills.

We carefully selected and reviewed these games to fit most adults’ preferences in terms of difficulty level, entertainment, and even appearance.

Before we proceed, if you don't have time to read the entire review, here's a quick look at the best memory board games for adults:

Let’s check them out!

1. Trivial Pursuit

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Regarding memory games, Trivial Pursuit should 100% be on the list since it is a game of knowledge and memory. Most expert games would agree that it significantly improves cognitive function and memory retention.

This game has more than 2,000 trivia questions, divided into six categories: sports and leisure, science and nature, art and literature, history, entertainment, and geography. While most of the questions involve general knowledge, some require outstanding intelligence.

The game has several editions, but we highly recommend the Master Edition for adults. This version seems to have more intriguing and challenging questions and also has a timer to make the game more exciting.

An example of a question would be: “How many syllables does the second line of a haiku have in English?” The answer is 7—did you know that?

Pros

  • Fun and exciting enough for gamers; easy and simple enough for beginners.
  • It is good for exercising the brain and improving cognitive abilities like memory retention.
  • Initiates intelligent conversations among players and allows you to acquire new knowledge.

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for those who prefer strategic or luck-based games.

2. Ticket to Ride

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Ticket to Ride is more of a strategic game than a memory game.

However, it deserves to be on this list since it can cultivate the mind and sharpen critical thinking skills. It is a recommended board game for the elderly because it keeps the brain active and operational.

The goal of the game is simple: to connect the railway routes that unite all the cities of North America. You win the game by matching train cards and accomplishing missions and objectives. The player with the most points and longest completed routes is the winner.

Depending on each player's ability, this game can last 30 to 60 minutes or even more. If one or all the players are wise enough to develop exceptional strategies, the game can last for more than two hours. Geographical knowledge isn’t enough—you also need a sound approach to win.

Pros

  • The elements, artwork, and design of the game are all exceptional.
  • Hastens memory retention by memorizing all the cities of North America.
  • Perfect for adults who like playing travel-themed, strategic board games.

Cons

  • Some consumers complain that the gamebook is difficult for beginners to understand.

3. Scrabble

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Many claims have been made that the classic game of Scrabble is good for the brain—not just for memory retention but also for other cognitive abilities like critical thinking, focus and concentration, and task recognition. Most of these claims are based on scientific studies and psychological experiments.

Scrabble is widely known to improve your vocabulary and enhance your brain activity. In one study, it was found to considerably reduce the risk of age-related mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

It is highly recommended that adults and the elderly avoid the early onset of memory loss, forgetfulness, and aging.

Currently produced by game-manufacturing giant Hasbro, Scrabble is believed to be one of the best board games ever made. Its simplicity and ease of play make it suitable for all age groups.

Whether you are a kid, a teen, an adult, or an elderly person looking for a fun and educational game, Scrabble is a great option.

Pros

  • A suitable game for anyone, regardless of age and gender.
  • Has been around for many years, and is a proven classic.
  • Many evidence-based studies confirm its ability to help with cognitive illnesses.

Cons

  • It would be best if you had a paper and pen (or your mobile phone) to record your scores.
  • It might be a bit difficult at first for those with standard vocabulary skills.

4. Chess

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Like Scrabble, the game of Chess is one of the most beneficial board games ever made. Not only is it fun, but this game also significantly improves your mental abilities and physical health.

Chess also acts as a great stress reliever, especially for those who suffer from anxiety and panic disorders.

The game's goal is simple: Win the match by cornering the opponent’s king and putting it in an inescapable position on the board. Of course, there are other rules to remember, such as the movement of each piece. But the ultimate objective is to be the last player standing.

We highly recommend Chess for adults, kids, and the elderly. Recently, it has been used as a form of therapy for several kinds of mental illness, such as memory loss, trauma, and dementia.

If you want a memory board game, why not try this classic?

Pros

  • Several studies back up the claim that it is beneficial for cognitive function.
  • It has been around for many years and is a proven classic
  • The game is available in different variations, such as Rhombic Chess and Masonic Chess.

Cons

  • It might be complicated for those who prefer lighter, more accessible board games.
  • Be careful with your seller; some chess boards are not sturdy like the original ones.

5. Clue

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Clue is technically a mystery board game, meaning you need to bring out the detective in you to win.

You also have to remember every single detail as the game ensues (e.g., which cards belong to whom, which weapons have been revealed, etc.) to win.

You need to figure out three things to win the game: who the culprit is, where the crime was committed, and what weapon was used. Each player takes the role of a character in the game. Whoever successfully discovers the answer to the three questions wins.

If you are looking for a game that can harness not just your memory retention skills, but also your logic and deductive reasoning skills, then Hasbro’s Clue is the answer. Indeed, an outstanding sense of focus and mental clarity is needed to win this game—it is not purely based on luck.

Pros

  • Improves logical and deductive reasoning abilities.
  • It enhances the mind’s ability to retain information in a short period.
  • It is a great way to train adults and young adults for the implementation of strategic skills.

Cons

  • It's not recommended for those who like light, easy games.
  • It's not recommended for those who like short games.

6. Betrayal at House on the Hill

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Betrayal at House on the Hill is a horror board game that allows you to be the master of your fate. There are no pre-determined, boring endings—you either win or lose based on how you perform during the game and how you designed everything before the start of the game.

You need exceptional strategic and critical thinking skills to succeed in this game. You must also be creative and resourceful because you will be building your own haunted house.

The trick comes when you play with the others to escape the devious monsters and creepy rooms you created. You need to figure out how to get out of your hell.

Here’s why it’s a memory board game: You need to pay close attention to the actions and words of your teammates because one of them is a traitor.

Who is deceiving you? Who told you to enter that room? What did the other player say when you have decided on a move? You have to take note of all possibilities in order to avoid or defeat the traitor.

We highly recommend this game for adults who like mysterious, deception-based games that are somewhat heavy yet also exciting. It doesn’t just test your decision-making and problem-solving skills, it also stretches your brain’s ability to remember and keep track of things.

Pros

  • The game has high replay value since there is no definite, unchanging ending.
  • The board game’s artwork and design is rather exceptional.
  • It is quite useful for those who want to practice their cognitive abilities and memory retention.

Cons

  • It's not recommended for those who like playing short and easy games.

7. Catan

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Catan is a civilization-building game that includes growing crops, trading goods, constructing buildings, and settling homes. It is made specifically for those who are good at business and leadership. Technically, it is more of a strategy game than a memory one.

Nevertheless, an outstanding memory is still necessary to win this game. After all, remember your plan and note your opponent’s moves to proceed.

If you are an adult looking for a game that can stimulate your mind, we recommend checking out Catan and all its expansion sets. It will improve your mental functions, including mental retention, focus, and concentration.

Pros

  • Has a high replay value because there are several possible endings.
  • Most suggested for those who have a knack for entrepreneurship and business.
  • Trusted and recommended by many satisfied gamers, experts, and beginners.

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for very young players (but there is Catan, Jr. for kids).
  • Be careful with your seller; some deliver in poor quality and condition.

8. Monopoly

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The classic game of Monopoly requires patience and understanding. However, this difficulty is what makes the game wonderful and enjoyable.

Would you rather have a straightforward game that you can finish in 10 minutes, or a more challenging game that lasts a long time and tests your mental abilities? Monopoly is a classic that has been around for decades but remains as popular as ever.

Monopoly is also a great memory game. Aside from the fact that you have to memorize many rules and guidelines, you must also be able to recall your opponents’ strategies and actions.

We recommend the classic Monopoly board game to adults looking for an evening of thought-provoking entertainment. You will not only use your critical thinking skills but also have to rely on memory retention and deep concentration.

Pros

  • It's a great game to teach business and entrepreneurship.
  • Significantly improves focus, concentration, and memory retention.
  • It is a classic game that is loved by most gamers, whether beginner or expert.

Cons

  • The original version is not recommended for very young children (there is Monopoly for kids, though).
  • It's not recommended for those who like games with shorter playtime.

9. Pandemic

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We believe that Pandemic is more than just a cooperative strategy game. You need to have excellent memory retention skills to survive. You need to be attentive and watchful to decide your next move.

This is a cooperative game, so there is no need to worry about the other players being your opponents. There is only one opponent, and that is the pandemic.

You have to be on your guard and do whatever it takes to prevent the spread of the disease and save humanity by finding a cure. The key is to plan and strategize with the whole team.

All players must memorize the moves of their teammates. Since this is a cooperative game, one wrong move from a single player can cause everyone’s demise. For the benefit of all, everyone must be able to keep track of their individual and combined actions.

We recommend Pandemic for those looking for a game that is easy to learn and understand yet thrilling enough to be considered worthwhile.

Pros

  • A great game for those who have dreamt of becoming medical heroes or scientists.
  • A good way to improve mental abilities like decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
  • Has high replay value because of several possible outcomes.

Cons

  • Instructions can get a little tricky for those new to playing board games.
  • It is not recommended for adults in small groups (e.g., two to three players).

Final Thoughts on Memory Games for Adults

These memory board games are not just meant to help you develop your mental abilities—they are also designed to help you become emotionally healthy. These games can lessen their worries and anxieties, especially for adults who might find it hard to deal with the daily stresses of life.

We hope that this list helped you find the best memory board games for you and your friends. As an adult, it can be difficult to find the time to enjoy life, but we hope that you will try at least one or two of these in your spare time.

If you're looking for more board games, be sure to check out these board game posts:

memory board games for adults| best memory board games | critical thinking board games for adults
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