The best tabletop games for 2026 and beyond, and the most expensive jigsaw ever

Summer is still lingering in the air, but the tabletop gaming scene is already buzzing with excitement as new releases and announcements pour in. For fans of XCOM and Cult Of The Lamb, this means more video game tie-ins to look forward to, while animation crossovers for Justice League and Ghost in the Shell are also on the horizon. Meanwhile, the Pokémon trading card game is continuing to gain popularity, with the Disney Store in Oxford Street struggling to keep up with demand for Lorcana offerings.

As I walked into a local gaming café, I couldn't help but notice the rows of new tabletop games on display. The owners, a group of avid gamers themselves, were more than happy to geek out with me about the latest releases. One of the most talked-about games is Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon, a massive launch box that promises to deliver two complete armies, including Space Marine units and a brutal Ork force. The push-fit models make it an accessible starting point for newcomers, while veteran hobbyists have loved the updated sculpts.

Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon is built around the streamlined Warhammer 40,000 11th Edition rules, which introduce faster gameplay, refreshed mission systems, and smoother army building. This is more than a starter set, it's a celebration of everything fans love about the 41st millennium. The set includes two complete armies, each with its own unique playstyle and strengths. The Space Marines are known for their tactical prowess, while the Orks are infamous for their brutal and unrelenting ferocity.

For fans of the franchise, this is a dream come true. The updated sculpts and streamlined rules make it easier than ever to dive into the world of Warhammer 40,000. And with a price tag of £150, this is an investment that's hard to pass up. But for those who are new to the franchise, this might seem like a daunting task. Fear not, for Games Workshop has made sure to include push-fit models that make it easy to get started.

Riftbound: Vendetta, the latest expansion for the League Of Legends trading card game, is pushing competitive play deeper into the world of Runeterra. This set focuses on legendary rivalries, introducing new versions of champions and over 160 new cards designed to shake up deck strategies. New mechanics such as flow, burn, and empower give players more ways to control battles, while unit-gear cards add a new layer of depth to the game.

But amidst all the excitement for new tabletop games, one puzzle has caught my eye - a massive Ravensburger jigsaw puzzle that's a real showstopper. At an estimated 10,000 pieces, this is the most expensive jigsaw puzzle ever made. But for those who are looking for a challenge, this is the ultimate puzzle to take on. With its intricate design and massive piece count, this puzzle is sure to test even the most seasoned puzzlers.

As I left the gaming café, I couldn't help but feel excited about the future of tabletop gaming. With new releases and announcements pouring in, this is an exciting time to be a fan. From the latest Warhammer 40,000 releases to the competitive play of Riftbound: Vendetta, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of tabletop gaming. And with the rise of competitive play and the increasing popularity of trading card games, it's clear that this is a trend that's here to stay.

The industry is expected to continue growing, with new games and expansions being released regularly. As a writer, I'm excited to see where this trend takes us. Will we see even more video game tie-ins and animation crossovers? Or will we see a shift towards more competitive play and trading card games?