Storytelling games come in multiple different forms, saying James Zahn, Senior Editor at The Toy Insider. “Storytelling could be created in part by the player, or guided through action cards, the roll of a die, or some other set of prompts along the way.” To help find the perfect game for you, we conducted hours of research for this roundup, evaluating storytelling games on their ease of instruction, ability to foster imaginative and critical thinking, educational acumen, and creativity. Our top pick, Atlas’ Once Upon A Time, challenges players of various ages to use cards with different plot points to create innovative and engaging stories. Ahead, find the best storytelling games to help you tell tall tales. Once Upon a Time earns the spot of the best storytelling game, thanks to its simple setup that lets imagination run wild. This card-based storytelling game challenges players to test their creative thinking skills and rethink what makes a narrative work, from beginning to end. Each card features a plot point. Players are dealt random cards, and the first player begins to tell a tale. Other players can take over storytelling by playing a matching plot point card. Each player attempts to steer the story according to their plot cards and, ultimately, toward their ending card. The first player to play all cards in their hand wins. The game challenges players to think about the structure of a story, with rising action, climax, plot twists, and conclusion. We love that it’s educational without being didactic. This game’s clear direction and rules make it straightforward enough for players of all ages, including kids. Consumers have remarked that the game is not overly competitive, which makes it ideal for younger players. It’s worth noting that some users reported disappointment over the lack of diversity featured in the cards. Perhaps newer editions will solve this; in the meantime, players will enjoy the challenge of coming up with entertaining scenarios that follow a clear narrative arc. Price at time of publish: $25 While there are no specific rules on how to use the dice, the aim of the game is to incorporate the images into a cohesive story that earns points for delivery, humor, or creativity. This game allows players to think on their feet and exercise ingenuity and creativity to create a narrative that’s never the same twice. Price at time of publish: $10 We deem this an ultimate parlor party game, but keep in mind that there’s only one ending—that means that once you solve the mystery, the game loses some of its suspense. However, because you don’t destroy any of the game pieces along the way, they can be repurposed again and again. Price at time of publish: $30 Users report that the cards in this narrative game challenge players to step out of their comfort zone and tell stories that can help foster deep personal and community connections. We love that the game was designed for diverse people and experiences. It’s been featured in the social feed of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praises the game for its inclusive approach to storytelling. Price at time of publish: $17 There is not a clear path toward winning the game, which makes this a good choice for non-competitive players. There’s the option of crafting your own point system to award each story for creativity and humor. One thing to note about this game is that no reading is required, making it a good option for all ages. Price at time of publish: $30 Price at time of publish: $38 The gameplay is simple: players are tasked with creating sentences with cards dealt to them. You can elect to choose a winner for the most humorous story, or just enjoy the whimsy of having fun with words. Price at time of publish: $17 The game can also be played in teams, with each team coming up with story ideas to fit the words on the cards. This game is just as much about patience and critical thinking as it is about building vocabulary—all skills essential to storytelling. Price at time of publish: $29
Age Recommendation
“Age recommendations are really important when it comes to the intellectual ability growing kids,” explains Zahn. He notes that although it’s certainly possible that a younger kid can play a game designed for older kids, they may not connect with it in the best way possible. “Games labeled for ages 8, 14, or even 18+ contain subject matter of increasing complexity and maturity levels,” he adds. On the other hand, since storytelling games generally have few rules and aren’t overly dependent on strategic gameplay, players of a wide age range can usually take part in the game.
Gameplay
To find a good match for a storytelling game, consider what type of gameplay experience you prefer. Many storytelling games are collaborative without a firm point system or clear winner. This type of gameplay works well for families with young children or a casual group game designed to be fun rather than competitive. However, some storytelling games have a more defined objective, such as being the first to put all of your cards in play or to score the highest for your narrative. This type of gameplay is usually a hit with players that like a challenge and the thrill of victory.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Jill Di Donato, a lifestyle writer and editor with over 15 years experience. For this roundup, Jill considered dozens of storytelling games, carefully evaluating each game’s basic features, extras, and customer reviews. All of the products featured have demonstrated benefits of challenging players to think imaginatively. Additional input was provided by James Zahn, Senior Editor at The Toy Insider.
