Gen Con, the largest and longest-running tabletop convention in North America, will commence on July 30 in Indianapolis, featuring an Exhibit Hall filled with the latest products from vendors worldwide. While free demos will be available, many highly anticipated games are expected to sell out quickly. For attendees and those unable to attend, pre-order links are provided for many titles.
Among the notable games making a debut or a significant appearance is Abroad, a strategy game from Rodrigo Rego and Danilo Valente where players plan a four-week European trip by collecting postcards and local tips. The game boasts a 240-card deck for high replayability, featuring locations across Europe. It can be found at booth 419, with preorders available from Portal Games.
Ants, recognized as one of the best board games from Spiel Essen 2025, makes its North American debut. This engine-building game challenges players to develop the most successful ant colony by gathering resources, building card combos, and raising specialized ants. Players must monitor opponents' progress to shift focus towards scoring opportunities. Ants is located at booth 611, with preorders at Capstone Games.
Allplay will present an updated version of the 2007 classic Container. This economic game, which surpassed $1 million on Kickstarter, allows players to set the market price for goods, leading to a competitive experience of outmaneuvering rivals. The new edition includes improved components and artwork. Container is available at booth 2119 or for preorder from Allplay.
Drillers, by Czech Games Edition, tasks players with using a mech to explore underground for minerals and equipment, managing fuel to return to the surface. Player actions create opportunities for others, emphasizing the need for powerful turns through deck improvement and mech upgrades for deeper exploration. Find Drillers at booth 1003 or preorder from Czech Games Edition.
Astronomy enthusiasts can explore Entropy from Board & Dice, a game where players create solar systems by adding celestial bodies and evolving life based on planetary conditions. The game features cosmic artwork and individual missions for each player. Entropy is at booth 2527, with preorders at Board & Dice.
Pandasaurus Games presents Hacienda, a game set in Argentina's Patagonia region where players restore wilderness and build an ecotourism destination by breeding animals. A modular map and set collection mechanics based on terrain and creatures offer unique challenges each game. The objective is to create a thriving wildlife preserve. Hacienda is at booth 215 or available for preorder from Pandasaurus.
The Lord of the Rings: Circle of Conflict by Office Dogs offers an asymmetric strategy experience designed to mitigate long playtime by having all players take turns simultaneously. Players control different armies across Middle-earth, managing resources and unlocking allies like Gandalf. The game aims to destroy the One Ring or corrupt the Fellowship. It can be found at booth 817, with preorders through Asmodee.
Shards of Creation, a trick-taking game based on Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, is making its return after an initial sell-out release in June. Developed by Brotherwise Games, the game involves godlike beings vying for influence, represented by cards with special abilities. Its short duration and simple rules make it accessible. It will be available at booth 339, with notifications for restocks available from Dragonsteel.
Matagot brings Star Trek: Space Hunt, applying the real-time hidden movement system of Captain Sonar to space battles. Players manage limited resources to activate abilities, scan for enemies, or escape. Each ship offers a unique gameplay experience, allowing players to recreate tense Star Trek battles. It is available at booth 2321, with preorders at Miniature Market.
Finally, Stonemaier Games offers Wingspan Pocket, a simplified version of the popular engine-building game Wingspan. Designed for greater accessibility, it features a single row of cards and simplified iconography, making it easier for new players to learn. Its smaller size also makes it ideal for travel. Wingspan Pocket can be found at booth 2909 or preordered from Stonemaier Games.