Games Like Ludo: 5 Better Board Game Picks

Games like ludo have entertained families for generations, but several alternatives offer more depth and strategic choice.

If you search for "games like Ludo" you probably want two things: familiar mechanics you already understand, and something with more depth. Ludo is great for a quick round, but it is almost entirely luck — one roll, one move, no real decision-making. These five games share Ludo's race-to-home structure but add genuine skill.

1. Anthi Chanda (Chowka Bara / Ashta Chamma)

If you grew up in South India, you may know this as Chowka Bara (Karnataka), Ashta Chamma (Andhra Pradesh), Daayam (Tamil Nadu), or simply Anthi Chanda. It is India's original racing board game — the ancestor of Pachisi and eventually Ludo.

You play on a 5x5 grid with cowrie shells as dice. The key difference from Ludo: you can form safe houses anywhere on the board by stacking two pieces together. The opponent must work around your blocks, and you decide when to cluster for safety versus when to race ahead.

Anthi Chanda is free to download on Android. Read the rules and strategy guide before your first game.

2. Pachisi

Pachisi is the direct ancestor of Ludo, invented in India over 1,500 years ago. Ludo simplified Pachisi by removing its most strategic element: pawn partnerships. In Pachisi, you can pair two pieces of the same color — paired pieces move together and are immune to capture until split. That single mechanic changes everything.

Several free Pachisi apps exist on the Play Store. If you want the full depth of India's original dice game, try Pachisi after mastering Anthi Chanda.

3. Backgammon

Backgammon is the closest Western equivalent to Ludo's race structure, but far more complex. You roll two dice and split the moves between pieces. The doubling cube adds a betting and bluffing layer. Backgammon is one of the most studied games in the world — computer engines can beat any human player, but you will feel the skill difference against a good opponent.

4. Yut Nori

Yut Nori is Korea's version of a cross-race board game with the same ancient lineage as Anthi Chanda. You throw flat sticks as dice. What makes it interesting: you can choose which piece to move with your result, and getting a 4 or 5 lets you cut through the center of the board. The 2v2 team format is especially strategic.

5. Aggravation / Sorry

Sorry! is Ludo's Western cousin. Special cards let you bump opponents back to start from any position, making it more aggressive. The card element adds decision-making that pure Ludo lacks. It is widely available as a free digital game on Android.

Which One to Try First

For Indian players familiar with Ludo, Anthi Chanda is the most natural step up. It uses similar racing rules but adds the strategic safe-house system that makes every game genuinely different. Download it free and read how the regional names differ across India — you may already know it by another name.

Disclosure: Anthi Chanda is developed by Saathi Games, which runs this blog. All other games mentioned are independent.

Games Like Ludo: Frequently Asked Questions

Are there games like ludo with more strategy? Yes. Games like ludo are fun but rely heavily on dice luck. Anthi Chanda, Pachisi, and Aggravation all add strategic decisions about when to move, when to capture, and how to protect your pieces. These games like ludo reward thoughtful play more than pure chance.

What is the best game like ludo for families? Anthi Chanda is one of the best games like ludo for Indian families because it uses the same cowrie shell throwing mechanic but on a 5x5 board with more capture options. You can download it free on Android. For international families, Pachisi and Sorry! are widely available.

Can I play games like ludo on my phone? Yes. Several games like ludo are available on Android. Anthi Chanda is available through Saathi Games. Ludo King, Parcheesi, and Yut Nori all have mobile versions. Most are free to download with optional in-app purchases.

How do games like ludo differ in rules? Most games like ludo share the core concept: move pieces around a board using dice or shells, capture opponents, and get all pieces home first. The differences are in board size, number of pieces, capture rules, and the role of safe squares. Anthi Chanda, for example, uses a 5x5 cross-shaped board with paired-piece mechanics that Ludo does not have.

Is Anthi Chanda harder than Ludo? Yes. Among games like ludo, Anthi Chanda requires more decisions per turn. You choose which pawn to move, whether to pair with another pawn for protection, and when to risk a capture. New players can learn in one game, but mastering it takes longer than standard Ludo.

How to Choose the Right Games Like Ludo

Not all games like ludo suit every player. Here is a quick guide.

If you want something close to ludo, start with Anthi Chanda. It uses the same dice mechanic. The board is a 5x5 grid. Capture rules are more active. It is a natural next step from ludo.

If you want more depth, try Pachisi. It uses six cowrie shells as dice. You move multiple pieces. Team play is common. Pachisi is the root of ludo.

If you want a global classic, try Backgammon. Two dice. A race to bear off pieces. Over 5000 years old. Still played in over 100 countries.

If you want a short game for kids, try Aggravation or Sorry. These games like ludo play fast. Rules are simple. They work well for young children.

The best pick for Indian families: Anthi Chanda. It is free on Android. It is the most direct upgrade from ludo. Five minutes to learn. A lifetime to master.

The best pick for international play: Backgammon. It is recognised worldwide. Many strong apps are available. It is a genuine skill game at higher levels.

Start today. Pick one of these games. Download it. Play one game. You will know if you like it in five minutes. All of them are free. All of them are on Android.