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BoardGameGeek MCP Server

Community
Access BoardGameGeek data via the Model Context Protocol
How to install ↓ Compare GitHub source repository ↗
Category
Other #131 of 230
Stars
★ 53 Popular
Transport
stdio (local process)
Runtime
Docker · Go
Credentials
API key / credential required
License
MIT
Last commit
Tools
10
52FMRS · D

This server provides a convenient toolset for board game enthusiasts, but requires BGG authentication for most features. The user interface is friendly and documentation is clear, making it suitable for integration into AI assistant workflows.

Strongest · Setup experience 12/20 Weakest · Reliability 8/20

Reliability
8/20
Security and permissions
10/20
Maintenance
10/20
Documentation
12/20
Setup experience
12/20
Why each score
Reliability 8/20
Based on the description, the server is implemented in Go with the GoGeek library, and the README mentions Docker images and a Makefile. However, as a static review, the code cannot be executed. While the repository may not provide verifiable CI workflows and tests, the core tools (search, details, collection, etc.) are clearly listed. Deduction due to lack of execution evidence.
Security and permissions 10/20
The server requires authentication via BGG_API_KEY or BGG_COOKIE, and no real tokens are found in the provided examples. Environment variables are used for credentials, which is standard. External API calls are necessary for functionality, and no excessive permission requests are evident. Potential risk: if BGG_COOKIE is stored insecurely, it could be an issue, but documentation highlights both auth methods, so a score of 10 is given.
Maintenance 10/20
The repository has an MIT license, version 1.6.0, and appears to have a release history (e.g., mentions v2.0+). The low open issues count suggests active maintenance. However, the repo may lack CI (e.g., GitHub Actions) or dependency update records, leading to a deduction.
Documentation 12/20
The README provides detailed installation instructions, configuration examples, and tool descriptions. It includes clear authentication steps and example prompts. Deductions for missing parameter reference, troubleshooting logs, or detailed API rate limits; also no test/CI documentation.
Setup experience 12/20
Provides Docker installation and manual Go build steps. Includes client configuration examples (Claude Desktop / VS Code). Deductions for lack of specific configuration examples for mainstream clients and no verification of the steps since not executed.

Static review · not runListed 2026-08-07

Read the FMRS scoring method →

Fit and risk

What it can accessUses the network

Best for

  • Board game enthusiasts
  • Developers needing quick access to BGG data
  • Users who want to manage their game collection via AI assistants

Not for

  • Users who don't need BGG data or board game information
  • Users who prefer direct BGG API access without an MCP layer

Required permissions

  • Requires reading user's BGG collection and profile (needs BGG_USERNAME)
  • Supports authentication via BGG_API_KEY or BGG_COOKIE

Risks and side effects

  • Requires BGG API key or cookie, which could be misused if leaked
  • Price data from third-party may be incomplete or inaccurate
  • Depends on external services (BGG, BoardGamePrices, Recommend.Games), may be unavailable due to network issues

Setup

Before you start

Runtime：Docker · Go

BGG_API_KEY optionalsecret BoardGameGeek API key (recommended auth method); obtain from https://boardgamegeek.com/applications.
BGG_COOKIE optionalsecret Cookie string for BGG authentication as an alternative to the API key; format: 'bggusername=user; bggpassword=pass; SessionID=xyz'.
Other optional settings (1)
BGG_USERNAME optional Your BoardGameGeek username, optional, enables ME/MY self-references in queries.

Recommended to install via Docker: add the configuration above to your Claude Desktop or VS Code settings. Alternatively, build manually: install Go, run make build, and configure the resulting binary as the command. Ensure you set BGG_API_KEY or BGG_COOKIE for authentication.

claude_desktop_config.json 
{
  "bgg": {
    "command": "docker",
    "args": ["run", "-i", "--rm", "-e", "BGG_API_KEY", "-e", "BGG_USERNAME", "kdaniel/bgg-mcp"],
    "env": {
      "BGG_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here",
      "BGG_USERNAME": "your_bgg_username"
    }
  }
}

Shown for Claude Desktop. Other clients may use a different file or key (VS Code uses "servers") — the configurator below converts it.

.vscode/mcp.json
{
  "bgg": {
    "command": "docker",
    "args": [
      "run",
      "-i",
      "--rm",
      "-e",
      "BGG_API_KEY",
      "-e",
      "BGG_USERNAME",
      "kdaniel/bgg-mcp"
    ],
    "env": {
      "BGG_API_KEY": "your_api_key_here",
      "BGG_USERNAME": "your_bgg_username"
    }
  }
}

Goes in your project's .vscode/mcp.json (VS Code uses a "servers" key).

Generate and validate client config

Check that it works

After connecting, the client's tool list should show tools like bgg-search and bgg-hot; asking "Show me the current BGG hotness list" and getting a result confirms the install worked.

Troubleshooting

  1. Check that BGG_API_KEY or BGG_COOKIE is set correctly
  2. Ensure network connectivity to BGG and external services
  3. If using Docker, confirm the image is pulled and running
  4. Verify the configuration file paths and commands are correct

Things to try

Once connected, you can ask your AI assistant things like:

  • Search for Wingspan on BGG
  • Show games rated 9+ in kkjdaniel's collection
  • Get the best price for Wingspan in GBP
  • Recommend games similar to Wingspan

Tools 10

bgg-search read-only
Search for board games with type filtering (base games, expansions, or all)
bgg-details read-only
Get detailed information about a specific board game
bgg-collection read-only
Query and filter a user's game collection with extensive filtering options
bgg-hot read-only
Get the current BGG hotness list
bgg-user read-only
Get user profile information
bgg-price read-only
Get current prices from multiple retailers using BGG IDs
bgg-trade-finder read-only
Find trading opportunities between two BGG users
bgg-recommender read-only
Get game recommendations based on similarity to a specific game
Show 2 more tools
bgg-thread-details read-only
Get the full content of a specific BGG forum thread including all posts
bgg-rules read-only
Answer rules questions by searching BGG forums (experimental)

Use cases

Query board game information and ratings
Manage your BGG collection
Get the current hot games on BGG
Compare prices from multiple retailers
Find similar game recommendations
Generate trade sale posts

Supported clients

Claude Desktop

Listed from the project's documentation, not tested by this site.

Overview

BGG MCP is an MCP server providing access to the BoardGameGeek API, enabling retrieval and filtering of board game data, user collections, and profiles. The server is implemented in Go using the GoGeek library. Price data is provided by BoardGamePrices.co.uk, and game recommendations are powered by Recommend.Games.

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Source revision a94b41dea821 Data synced 2026-10-12 Read the FMRS scoring method