Games Like Aggravation: 7 Fun Alternatives You’ll Love
If you enjoy Aggravation’s marble‑racing and blocking, these seven games deliver similar thrills with fresh twists. Our top pick is Rolling Jokers for its strategy, player count, and premium build.
Aggravation is a timeless race game: move your marbles around the loop, block opponents, and send them back to start. If you love that feel, you’ll likely enjoy several close cousins and modern variations. Rolling Jokers is the best overall alternative: it keeps the classic tension but adds card‑driven strategy, supports up to 8 players, and comes on beautiful wooden boards.
1) Rolling Jokers (Best Overall Alternative)
Similarities with Aggravation
- Race‑around‑the‑board objective.
- Land on opponents to send them back to start.
- Individual or team play works great for mixed ages.
What Makes It Better
- Cards, not dice — more control and strategy each turn.
- 2–8 players — ideal for families and large gatherings.
- Premium build — interlocking wooden boards, custom art, quality marbles.
- Flexible pace with multiple decks for bigger groups.
Best for: Multi‑generational family nights, holidays, and Aggravation fans wanting more strategy.
2) Pegs and Jokers
- Card‑driven movement with pegs instead of marbles.
- Often wooden; supports larger groups.
3) Wahoo
- Also known as “Marble Game.”
- Dice‑driven; simple rules for 2–6 players.
4) Sorry!
- Classic card‑based race game.
- Smaller board and simpler patterns — great for younger kids.
5) Trouble
- Pop‑O‑Matic dice bubble, speedy turns.
- Low complexity; easy entry point for families.
6) Tock
- Canadian variant that uses playing cards.
- Similar movement and blocking with a wooden, modular feel.
7) Parcheesi
- Classic ancestor of many race games.
- Dice‑driven; longer play with strong blocking elements.
Comparison: Games Like Aggravation
Comparison: Games Like Aggravation
| Game | Players | Movement | Strategic Depth | Components | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Jokers | 2–8 | Cards | High | Wooden boards + marbles | Family gatherings; Aggravation fans |
| Pegs and Jokers | 2–8 | Cards | High | Wooden boards + pegs | Strategy lovers |
| Wahoo | 2–6 | Dice | Medium | Wooden board + marbles | Casual play |
| Sorry! | 2–4 | Cards | Low–Medium | Plastic board + pawns | Kids & young families |
| Trouble | 2–4 | Dice (Pop‑O‑Matic) | Low | Plastic board + pawns | Young children |
| Tock | 2–6 | Cards | Medium | Wooden board + marbles | Card‑game fans |
| Parcheesi | 2–4 | Dice | Medium–High | Cardboard board + pawns | Classic game fans |
FAQ
Is Rolling Jokers the same as Aggravation?
No. Rolling Jokers keeps the race‑and‑block feel, but it uses cards instead of dice, supports up to 8 players, and comes on premium wooden boards.
What’s the biggest difference vs. Aggravation?
Strategy and scale. Card play adds more decision‑making, and the game supports larger groups (2–8 players).
Which game is best for large family gatherings?
Rolling Jokers — the 8‑player capacity, team options, and sturdy wooden build make it ideal for holidays and reunions.
