Who knew that your childhood pastime could end up being worth a fortune today? Board games have long been a staple of family fun — bringing people together for friendly competition, laughter, and the occasional argument over the rules.
But those same dusty boxes stacked in your closet or tucked away in the attic might hold more than just nostalgia. Some classic editions and limited-run games have become highly sought after by collectors, turning what was once a Saturday night favorite into a serious payday.
It’s not just fun trivia — it’s a reminder that treasures can hide in the most unexpected places. So before you toss or donate your old board games, you might want to check their value first. You could be sitting on a surprising gold mine without even realizing it!
1. Haunted House (1962)
Haunted House, a board game released by the Ideal Toy Company in 1962, is now a collector’s item. The game, which simulated a trip through a haunted house, is currently valued at around $500 for a copy in decent condition. If you have a copy that’s still in its original packaging, it could fetch up to $1,000!
2. Dark Tower (1981)
Dark Tower, a fantasy board game released by Milton Bradley in 1981, combined traditional board game elements with an electronic tower in the center of the board. The game has gained a cult following and an unopened copy can easily fetch upwards of $1,000 on the resale market.
3. Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit (2000)
Star Wars: The Queen’s Gambit is an epic board game based on the climactic scenes of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. This game is now a coveted collector’s item, with prices for an unopened copy reaching over $1,000.
4. Keywood (1995)
Keywood is the first game in the popular “Key” series by designer Richard Breese. Only 200 copies of the original edition were made, making it a rarity and a valuable collector’s item. Today, a copy of Keywood can command prices of up to $1,200.
5. War of the Ring Collector’s Edition (2010)
This collector’s edition of the War of the Ring board game, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy series, is a treasure for fans. With beautifully detailed miniatures and a giant game board, it’s no wonder that it can fetch around $1,500 in auctions.
6. 3M Bookshelf Games (1960s-70s)
In the 1960s and 70s, 3M produced a series of “Bookshelf Games” that were designed to be displayed on bookshelves when not in play. Today, these games are highly sought after by collectors. Games like Twixt and Acquire can fetch several hundred dollars each.
7. Magic Realm (1979)
Magic Realm, a complex fantasy adventure game published by Avalon Hill in 1979, is now a collector’s item. Because of its depth and complexity, it didn’t sell well initially but has since gained a cult following. A copy in good condition can be worth up to $500.
8. HeroQuest (1989)
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9. Fireball Island (1986)
Fireball Island, a 3D action game released by Milton Bradley in 1986, is one of the most sought-after vintage board games on the market today. An unopened copy can fetch over $500, while even used copies can sell for several hundred dollars.
10. Dune (1979)
Dune is a strategy board game released by Avalon Hill in 1979. Based on the popular science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, Dune has become a cult classic and a highly sought-after collector’s item. Today, a copy can fetch anywhere from $500 to $1,000.
11. Space Hulk (1989)
Space Hulk, a board game released by Games Workshop in 1989, is a coveted collector’s item. This game of tactical combat in the Warhammer 40,000 universe can fetch a pretty penny, with prices for an unopened copy reaching over $500.
12. Lost in Space 3D Action Fun Game (1966)
Based on the popular 1960s TV show, this game by Remco has become a collector’s item. It’s a 3D action game that includes a plastic spaceship and robot. A copy in good condition can sell for up to $500.
Board games aren’t just for fun and games. They can also be a sound investment. If you have any of these games lying around, you might want to think twice before passing them off at your next yard sale. You never know, you might have a treasure trove right under your nose!
