Top 7 Collectible Board Games from the 1980s and 1990s

In today’s world, where smartphones and WiFi dominate our lives, it’s challenging to recall a time when people enjoyed unplugged fun. However, if you grew up in the ‘80s or ‘90s, you likely cherish memories of sitting around the table with family or friends, playing iconic board games such as Risk, Mall Madness, and more.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a board game revival, you might be surprised to discover that many of these nostalgic treasures hold significant monetary value. Here are some of the most valuable board games from the ‘80s and ‘90s. (Note: To maximize their worth, ensure the game is complete, all electronic components work, and, ideally, it remains sealed in its original packaging.)

Fantasy Forest (1980)

Developed by TSR, Inc., the creators behind Dungeons & Dragons, the Fantasy Forest board game debuted in 1980, allowing children to take on the roles of elves. The objective? Navigate the board to reach Morley the Wizard, a whimsical, cartoonish character with a flowing white beard. Designed for up to four players, each participant receives three cards. Much like real life, you must strategize with the cards you’re given to advance or challenge opponents on the board.

A sealed copy of Fantasy Forest can fetch over $900 on eBay. For a used copy in good condition, expect to earn around $65.

HeroQuest (1989)

While not a traditional tabletop RPG, HeroQuest incorporates many fantasy elements typical of the genre. Featuring familiar tropes—such as a diverse group of characters like an elf, wizard, dwarf, or barbarian teaming up to defeat an evil wizard (reminiscent of Lord of the Rings)—the game challenges players to solve maze-like puzzles to achieve victory. Launched in 1989, it targeted tweens and acted as an introductory game, paving the way for more complex RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons.

The game continues to captivate its now-grown fan base. A relatively new and complete set can fetch approximately $200 on eBay.

Risk: 40th Anniversary Edition (1999)

Despite its Seinfeld mention, Risk isn’t a product of the ‘90s. It was invented in 1957 by filmmaker Albert Lamorisse (originally titled La Conquête du Monde, meaning The Conquest of the World). In 1959, Parker Brothers acquired the rights and rebranded it as Risk, propelling this strategic world-domination game to fame.

What earns this legendary board game a spot on our list is its 40th Anniversary Edition. Released in 1999, this collector’s edition featured a revamped world map, exclusive battle dice, and individually numbered gameboards to signify its limited-edition status.

If your copy remains intact with the certificate of authenticity, you can achieve victory in more ways than one. A sealed version could sell for over $200 on eBay, while a preowned copy might fetch between $30 and $50.

Mall Madness (1989)

With its electronic voice speaker and faux plastic credit cards (used to buy items on your shopping list and win the game), Mall Madness was a beloved game that introduced kids in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s to the world of retail.

Although an updated version of Mall Madness exists, the original remains unmatched in fun and nostalgia. If you own a well-preserved copy, you could sell it for a significant sum on eBay. In excellent used condition with functioning electronics, it might bring in up to $200, enough to cover a real-life shopping spree.

Advanced Civilization (1991)

Launched in 1991, Advanced Civilization serves as an expansion to the 1980 game, Civilization. Unlike many strategy games focused on conflict, Advanced Civilization—and its predecessor—encourages players to develop their societies through trade and collaboration. This version introduced simplified trading rules, additional methods for societal advancement, and support for up to eight players.

If you’re curious why this game—akin to a tabletop version of Stardew Valley—holds such value, it’s because the 1991 release is the sole available edition of the expansion. A sealed copy could sell for close to $300, while a used but complete set might fetch less than $50.

Dream Phone (1991)

What could be more fitting for a ‘90s sleepover than Dream Phone? Introduced in 1991 by Milton Bradley, this charming game had players solving mysteries to uncover which teenage heartthrob had a secret crush on them. By gathering clues from his friends, you’d deduce the admirer’s identity.

If you own a well-maintained copy, you could potentially sell it for up to $250 on eBay, even if it’s been previously used.

Tornado Rex (1991)

For kids of the ‘90s, the 3D board game Tornado Rex was a must-have. Players, up to four, take on the role of hikers racing up a mountain while evading a green-and-purple creature reminiscent of the Tasmanian Devil. Each card drawn could send you tumbling back down the mountain, forcing you to restart—a fitting metaphor for life’s challenges.

Once you’ve muttered, “I can’t believe I forgot about that game,” it might be time to rummage through your attic. Used copies in good condition with a functional spinner can fetch over $100 on eBay, while sealed versions have sold for nearly $400.