Hotness Radar: Monthly Round-Up of Trending Games on BGG
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Hotness Radar: Monthly Round-Up of Trending Games on BGG
Every month, BoardGameGeek’s “Hotness” metric highlights the games stirring buzz—new releases, surprise hits, and rediscovered classics. Whether you’re hunting fresh experiences or curious what’s capturing the community’s attention, our Hotness Radar delivers the essential snapshot for July 2025.
What Is “Hotness” on BGG?
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Definition: An algorithm-driven rank based on recent page views, forum activity, and ratings velocity.
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Why It Matters: Reflects real-time community interest beyond overall lifetime rank.
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How to Access: Visit BGG’s Hotness page and filter by month.
July 2025 Top 7 Trending Titles
| Rank | Game | Hotness Change | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lost Ruins of Arnak | +15 | New Italy expansion buzz |
| 2 | Ark Nova | +10 | Steam release & digital conversion |
| 3 | Cascadia | +8 | Solo mode update & TikTok #CozyGames |
| 4 | Foundations of Rome | +12 | Kickstarter fulfillment arrives |
| 5 | Praga Caput Regni | +6 | BoardGameGeek awards finalist |
| 6 | Planet Unknown | +9 | Family-game café promotions |
| 7 | Forgotten Waters | +7 | Revised ruleset & new content packs |
Reading the Radar
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Rank vs. Change
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A high rank with large change (e.g., Lost Ruins) signals fresh hype.
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Moderate change on established titles (Cascadia) suggests sustained interest spikes.
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Drivers of Trend
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Expansions & Updates: New content often pushes older titles back into the spotlight.
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Media Coverage: Viral reviews or social-media challenges boost page views.
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Awards & Nominations: Golden Geek nods and BGG awards drive discovery.
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Why Follow Hotness?
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Stay Ahead of the Curve: Early insight on breakout hits before mass retail stocking.
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Discover Hidden Gems: Smaller publishers or legacy titles can resurface on the radar.
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Plan Purchases: Gauge immediate availability, preorder windows, or digital launch timing.
Tips for Using the Hotness List
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Combine with BGG Rank & Weight: Cross-reference overall rank and complexity to match your group’s tastes.
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Read Recent Forum Posts: Look for hot threads discussing why the game is trending.
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Watch Playthroughs & Reviews: Confirm that the gameplay lives up to the buzz.