Teamwork makes the dream work! So, what is a cooperative board game? As it sounds, it’s a game in which everyone has to cooperate to win. 

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best cooperative board games for families. We’ve included games with easier rules, high replayability, and general fun shenanigans that can be played with the whole family. We’ve divided games for families with kids under 6, ages 6-12, and older children to make it even easier.

Our Top Picks for Best Cooperative Board Games for Families

In a hurry? Check out our favorite Cooperative Board Games for Families below.

09/18/2023 09:00 am GMT

Cooperative Games for Families

Co-Op Board Games for Families with Young Kids
(Ages 6 and Under)

Outfoxed!

Players: 2-4
Playing time: 20mins
Ages: 6-under
Complexity: 1/5

Oh no! Mrs. Plumbert’s pot pie is missing! It’s a chicken chase to crack the case!

Outfoxed is an adorable starter to whodunit games. Players have to work together and search for evidence to find the culprit. But be quick! The sly fox is high tailing it out of town and you have to catch him before he leaves. 

In Outfoxed, players use deduction and cooperative skills to find the guilty party. This game is perfect for a young family as it introduces smaller kids to the wonderful world of board games. 

Will you become the ultimate detective or be outfoxed?

What we liked

Outfoxed is a perfect card game for young ones learning about deduction and developing their interactive skills. As far as cooperative challenges go, this one is light enough to not be taken too seriously, and any game involving animals should be a winner for families.

What could be better

It’s a fabulous game of action for children and nice to learn about deduction, however, we can see why parents might need to exercise patience as the simplicity could be dull for adults.

Dragon Dash

Players: 2-6
Playing time: 30mins
Ages: 6-under
Complexity: 1.25/5

The Queen has called for her courageous knights to defend the kingdom. Dash to avoid the dangerous flying dragons and save the kingdom!

Dragon Dash is a very simple path-building game where players roll the dice to take turns placing tiles. In this game, players must build a safe path across the fields all while trying to evade the diving dragons. 

With players working together, this game is great for early learning development as it includes a simple grid and very light critical and strategic skills.

What we liked

There is something quite satisfying about connecting both sides of the board to create a continuous path. Children can appreciate the cooperative element and learn about grid mechanics, as well as it gives them an opportunity to flex their strategic skills.

What could be better

The graphics could be a bit easier on the eye, and although it is perfect for kids under six, older ones might lose interest faster, so it doesn’t have infinite replayability.

Robot Turtles

Players: 2-5
Playing time: 15mins
Ages: 6-under
Complexity: 2/5

Learn to code the fun way!

In Robot Turtles, players can program a turtle to move through a maze. This game sneakily educates and teaches young children coding all while they have fun playing the game. Code cards (left, right, and forward) are used to move the turtle toward the shiny jewel tile.

Crucial learning skills can be developed in Robot Turtles, like pattern-building and problem-solving. It’s a great game to play with your kids and teach them the basics of coding!

What we liked

Watch your young learners deal with tackling new and difficult concepts surrounding coding.

In Robot Turtles the programming becomes faster and more intuition is required the more you play. The components are cool and colorful and make it a joy to play as a family.

What could be better

You might find that the player who starts the game has an advantage and ends up being victorious. Due to technological advancements, the game has aged quite quickly and might feel outdated at times, but it still boasts a theoretical insight into the potential of our future.

Wildcraft: An Herbal Adventure Game

Players: 1-4
Playing time: 40-60mins
Age: 6-under
Complexity: 1/5

Educational fun for the whole family!

An herbal adventure game, Wildcraft is an educational game that teaches young kids about herbal and medicinal plants. 

Wildcraft requires no reading or developed strategic skills, making it a good starter game for young children. The rules are simple where players must work together to harvest medicinal and edible plants.

A bonus with Wildcraft is the game is also toxin-free and environmentally friendly!

What we liked

Wildcraft has a fantastic theme with beautiful art. It is both easy to learn and play and promises to be a game of positivity and development. It can be a multi-generational game and has the added benefit of children understanding nature, and plants, and working cooperatively.

What could be better

Some of the curative powers of herbs may seem a tad far-fetched. Wildcraft has an attractive design, however, it could be viewed as psychedelic or hypnotic which may not be found as appropriate by some players.

Co-Op Board Games for Families with Kids
(Ages 6-12)

Shadows in the Forest

Players: 2-8
Playing time: 15mins
Age: 6-12
Complexity: 1/5

Shadows in the Forest is a unique and innovative game for a family game night because the game is played in the dark. The ambiance is immediately created when the shadows of the tree pieces reflect down on the board. Players are immersed in the fantasy world of this beautifully designed board.

With only your lantern (an LED light) a player must move their lantern around the looming, shadowy trees try to find Shadowlings, mysterious creatures of the dark. The rest of the players must work together to keep their Shadowlings in the shadows of the night. 

A sort of hide-and-seek cooperative board game with a fast-playing time is sure to be a great hit!

What we liked

Shadows in the Forest is a fantasy, team-based game that is sure to create excitement amongst youngsters. The concept is unique and it’s a cool gimmicky challenge that shines best at 3 to 4 players.

This type of theme is excellent for kids learning to play games in the dark, in a safe and secure environment.

What could be better

Certain rules could be construed as being a bit ambiguous, and having the room completely pitch black is a challenge in itself.

It feels quite like a children’s activity rather than an immersive game, and although children aged around 6 will probably adore this theme, kids a bit younger or older might not get the same thrill.

Hanabi

Players: 2-5
Playing time: 25mins
Ages: 6-12
Complexity: 1.75/5

Race the clock…build the fireworks…launch your rockets!

A perfect compact card game for family getaways, Hanabi is definitely a top co-op board game contender. 

Hanabi is a very unique style of game as it blends, cooperation, deduction, and memory with a hand of cards that you aren’t allowed to see. Although this may sound a little difficult, it’s easy to learn and really quite fun. 

Hanabi, meaning ‘fireworks’ in Japanese, centers around trying to create the perfect fireworks display by placing cards in the right order. As you can see everyone else’s card but your own, players must share and remember cards in order to avoid a fizzling fiasco!

What we liked

Hanabi is easy to explain and learn and has the perfect playing time for a nice family filler game. This cooperative game is a challenging blend of strategy, luck, and the development of communication skills.

The concept of giving clues to help your peers in their discovery is a fantastic tool for young learners to grasp. Players with good memories will excel.

What could be better

It’s not a game for everyone; you have to enjoy giving clues and be a fan of deduction games to get the most from this one. Group dynamics play a huge part as it is dependent on how you all mesh together and communicate your clues as a team.

Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters

Players: 2-4
Playtime: 30mins
Ages: 6-12
Complexity: 1.75/5

I mean, what a name. It’s got ghosts, it’s got fighting, it’s got hunting for treasure! A little of something for everyone. Originally a German game, I think its German name sounds even cooler: Geister, Geister, Schatzsuchmeister! 

Can you collect all 8 jewels before the haunted rooms get you? 

Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters is a wonderful team-building game in which everybody must work together to defeat the ghosts. With great skill and strategy, your family will be working together to strategically move through the hallways and haunted rooms while picking up and dropping off treasure. 

Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters is a dice-rolling card game that will be sure to have your family cooperating to avoid a gruesome ghostly demise.

What we liked

The gameplay is simple and it’s easy to create your own house rules to vary the difficulty for kids of different ages.

Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters is a good nail-biter considering the rules are uncomplicated to follow, and the cooperative aspect is wonderful for children and adults alike. It’s tense, but perfect for non-gamers to learn how to strategize.

What could be better

It’s very much a roll-and-move game, so the game can become repetitive after a lot of plays and the mechanics might come off as too simple. There are advanced versions of the rules which can aid this, though. The luck of the dice rolls plays a dominant role throughout Ghost Fightin’ Treasure Hunters.

Spaceteam

Players: 3-6mins
Playing time: 5mins 
Ages: 6-12
Complexity: 1/5

Lingering in the infinity of space, your Spaceteam must come together and fix the ship before it’s too late. A cooperative and chaotic card game, Spaceteam is sure to bring on a lively family game night.

This game is fast-paced (as in 5 minutes fast) where chaos is sure to ensue. With quick rules to learn, everyone starts with tool cards used to fix your spaceship. These cards have some ridiculous names that players will have to shout out to quickly fix malfunctions. 

Finding the right tools isn’t your team’s only worry, however. Asteroids and wormholes cause complications as well. Teamwork is of the utmost importance or you’ll be sucked into a black hole and lost forever! 

What we liked

Spaceteam is hectic, quick to play, and relies on a solid team with strong levels of communication. It is a noisy, party game with a unique theme. Some cards offer fun rule changes which add extra spice. 

What could be better

The game has little replay value and for folks who aren’t a fan of ‘time pressure’ types of challenges, it could fall flat. There is not much strategic depth and it is designed for those who don’t mind being a bit silly, so bear this in mind.

5-Minute Dungeon

Players: 2-5
Playing time: 5-30mins
Ages: 6-12
Complexity: 1.75/5

Quick judgment and battle instincts are a must in this cooperative real-time card game. 5-Minute Dungeon is an exciting card game in which players must escape a randomized dungeon. 

In this card game, there are no turns — all players choose their ‘hero’ card and then cards are slapped down at the same time. This is where quick thinking and group work come together.

Strategy and problem-solving skills are needed which makes for a perfect family game for children ages 6 to 12. Develop children’s skills in a fast-paced game that you can play again and again. 

Imagination is key to combating monsters and overcoming obstacles, so keep your wits about yourself!

What we liked

This 5-minute game boasts a unique concept where strong communication skills are paramount for survival. It’s a classic yet chaotic group challenge, and as it moves at a frantic pace, young players don’t have the opportunity to get bored or frustrated.

The artwork is adorable in 5-Minute Dungeon and it is filled with interaction, so even using it as a filler every now and then could be useful.

What could be better

The timed factor may become stressful and impact your enjoyment. The frenetic speed at which it must be played may become a bit triggering for anxious personalities. Also, games as short as this may not necessarily work for satisfying replayability.

Castle Panic

Players: 1-6
Playing time: 60mins
Ages: 6-12
Complexity: 1.75/5

A great game for larger families, Castle Panic is a cooperative tower defense game where players must defend the castle from fierce monsters. 

Each player draws a full hand of cards and then cards are traded for the benefit of the group as a whole. Strategize together as a family on how you are going to slay the dreaded horde of monsters while keeping at least one of your towers built. 

There are loads of expansion packs for Castle Panic to build on as well as some alternatives, like Star Trek Panic, making for high replayability.

What we liked

The mechanics and strategy are easy to grasp for youngsters. Castle Panic is a nicely balanced fantasy challenge that can be used as a good intro game and you never know if things are going to take a turn for the worst.

It is one of the most fun games in the monster-slaying realm and it can also be played in solo mode.

What could be better

Depending on your enthusiasm for teamwork, you might find the ‘group consensus’ aspect a bit frustrating if you’re a seasoned gamer playing with young children that are still learning. 

Quirky Circuits

Players: 2-4
Playing time: 15-30mins
Ages: 6-12
Complexity: 1.75/5

A unique introduction to programming, Quirky Circuits is a family-friendly game in which players mobilize their adorable robot friends. But be warned, no one knows what commands the other players will be programming.

Quirky Circuits is a game where deduction meets cooperation. With a quirky circuit and cute robots to choose from, this game is easy to learn and a wonderful introduction for children into the world of programming. 

Will you complete the task as a group? Or will the robots descend into automated mayhem?

What we liked

The 21 possible scenarios are a fine touch, complimented by attractive components and an easy setup.

Quirky Circuits successfully lives up to its name especially as robots are all the rage these days, and it is lightweight enough to take on trips. The artwork is nothing to sniff at, and the gameplay is short enough to keep the attention of everyone at the table.

What could be better

It is fundamental to stay on the same page as your teammates, yet at the same time, communication is limited. Confusion can arise from persnickety rules and it tends to excel as a family game more than with adult groups.

Forbidden Island

Players: 2-4
Playing Time: 30 min
Ages: 10+
Complexity: 2/5

A Mensa award winner, Forbidden Island is a must for family game night. Assemble your team, explore a mysterious island, and collect sacred treasure, all while the island is sinking beneath your feet! 

Forbidden Island encourages players to work together while they dare to discover a long-lost island. In this do-or-die mission, players must maneuver themselves around the island to collect the four sacred treasures.

What makes Forbidden Island such a great family game is that it has similar mechanisms as Pandemic but the rules are simpler and easier to explain for younger players. 

What we liked

The game escalates intensely throughout and the varying powers of players and random assignments make it a fun experience for all the family.

The character roles are reminiscent of those in Pandemic which is a nice touch, however, it feels less punishing. Non-gamers may find it an interesting gateway game, and its delightful design and cooperative aspects shine throughout.

What could be better

Alpha players have space to dominate and overall, the simplicity means it might not be challenging enough if your family is made up of various types of gamers. It is light-hearted enough for new players but those more experienced may be searching for more tension.

Mice and Mystics

Players: 1-4
Playing time: 60-90 mins
Ages: 6-12
Complexity: 2.75/5

The artwork is amazing, with the noblest of mice depicted against a backdrop of terrifying rats and creepy crawlies, Mice and Mystics draws you in with its visuals. 

An unforgettable journey is in store with this storytelling adventure game. In the game, players take on the roles of the loyal fighters of the King. All who have been turned into mice. But of course, your loyalty is unwavering and now you must race through the castle to save your beloved King. 

Work together and face adversaries in this excellent beginner roleplaying game. Gather ye cheese and save the doomed king!

What we liked

The thematic elements and cooperative gameplay make it a perfect game for families. Adults and kids will all have fun playing this whimsical fantasy competition, and the story-telling aspect is a winner, as well as it being an aesthetically attractive game.

What could be better

Certain chapters are more difficult than others so it’s an appropriate test of staying power. The mechanics are a touch too simple and it feels like there is a low variety of enemies. It tends to take a few games of practice before the rules set in and you can fully enjoy the experience.

Co-Op Board Games for Families with Older Kids
(Ages 12 and Up)

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle

Players: 2-4
Playing time: 30-60mins
Ages: 12+
Complexity: 2/5

If your family are fellow Potter-heads, this is the game for you!

Including beloved characters and spells, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle takes you on a deck-building journey through all seven books. Play one of your favorite characters to defeat the forces of evil (aka He Who Should Not Be Named). 

In this intro-level deck-building game, players must cooperate to collect hidden magic and improve their spells to get through each of the 7 successive games. Each year is harder than the last! 

This game is a must-try for fans as they really have thought of lots of little ways to immerse you into the wizarding world. Fight the Dark Lord and save Hogwarts!

What we liked

We love novel-based adventure games and Harry Potter’s reliable themes never fail to disappoint. Deck-building is a nice way for children and non-gamers to consolidate their skills. The gameplay flows nicely and the rulebook is great at explanations.

Harry Potter fans will appreciate the cute references throughout and it is worth checking out others in the series.

What could be better

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle can feel like a long game and may feel repetitive. If your group is full of experienced gamers, you could always skip the first few scenarios as a remedy to the repetitiveness.

Mysterium

Players: 2-7
Playing time: 40mins
Age: 12+
Complexity: 2/5

A terrible crime has been committed at Warwick Manor and it’s up to psychic investigators to find the truth.

In Mysterium, one player takes on the role of a ghost and will try to lead investigators to the guilty party. Each night, the team of psychics is met with a vision. Can you figure out the location, weapon, and murderer? 

Mysterium is a fantastic deduction game in which the team must cooperate to decipher images and help the ghost remember the culprit. Each player has a case to investigate and the more people share and guess together, the quicker they’ll find the murderer and win! 

Come together as a family of psychics and make sure someone doesn’t get away with the perfect murder.

What we liked

Mysterium offers beautiful artwork as well as exciting, edge-of-your-seat gameplay. This thematic deduction game is a blast at parties and is appropriately cooperative enough for non-gamers to bond over. The exterior of the box is designed delightfully too.

What could be better

It involves a lengthy setup and unfortunately, there is also a repetitive element that might affect replayability. Some of the images on the cards are a bit vague too. It shines best with a group that loves this type of theme.

Pandemic

Players: 2-4
Playing time: 45mins
Age: 12+
Complexity: 2.5/5

The ultimate cooperative board game, Pandemic, has become a staple in the board gaming world. It follows the storyline of deadly diseases that threaten all humankind. Gather your team of experts and start your mission to keep the world safe.

In Pandemic, the major populations of Earth are all infected. As a team, players must search for cures, treat local populations, and contain the spread. As each of the 4 diseases is cured, the game becomes easier. Cooperation is key and strategy is a must! 

Will the world be conquered by disease? Or will your family of experts succeed in your mission?

What we liked

Pandemic shows off top-notch mechanics as well as an awesome theme. It is innovative and in terms of complexity, it sits at a medium rating.

It’s nicely balanced, not too heavy on the mind but still imperative to strategize and reason with your family to make the best out of the situation. 

What could be better

Luck plays an important role so some players may become demoralized. Pandemic could be susceptible to alpha-gaming since the loudest at the table will probably take control. There are also a lot of games within the same genre that play as close contenders since this game’s first release.

Spirit Island

Players: 1-4
Playing time: 90-120mins
Age: 12+
Complexity: 4/5

On an island where magic still exists, spirits must come together to defend their land from colonizing invaders. 

Spirit Island is a thematic cooperative game in which players are spirits who all have their own unique elemental powers. Colonizers try to spread and build cities, while spirits help the native islanders. Players must join together to ensure that no spirit dies. 

Play your best power cards and show the colonizers who’s really in charge of the island.

What we liked

Complexity and strategy rank highly in this fun mythological game. As Spirit Island progresses, the game escalates as the presence of the spirits spread to new parts of the island and they find more potent powers, whilst the Invaders level up their colonization efforts.

It is a fantastic interactive game with an enthusiastic group.

What could be better

Spirit Island requires a bit of forward-thinking. There are a lot of different spirits to learn about and the difficulty level could be too much for new gamers or young children.

Flash Point: Fire Rescue

Players: 2-6
Playing time: 45mins
Ages: 12+
Complexity: 2.25/5

911, what’s your emergency? 

Flash Point: Fire Rescue has to take one of the top spots of co-op games with high replayability. With 3 different difficulty levels and two separate sets of rules, no two games will feel the same. It’s a great investment game for family night. 

In Flash Point, the whole family can feel like heroes as you fight the blazing inferno and try to save as many people (and pets) as you can. Essentially a grid movement game, players have to fight the blaze to save at least 7 to 10 victims all while dodging collapsing walls, explosions, and in the advanced mode, hazmat spills. 

With loads of different options for play and different types of firefighters’ basic abilities, Flash Point can be fun for older kids as well as adults. 

Get your firefighting team together and face your fiery fears!

What we liked

This grid movement simulation-style game offers basic and expert versions, which is always a thoughtful touch.

Flash Point: Fire Rescue can feel a tad chaotic and is essentially a cooperative race that promises to get the adrenaline pumping with little time to spare or space for errors. It is certainly impressive as a family-orientated challenge.

What could be better

It feels a bit like a team-building activity more than a game, the setup is a bit slow and some of the special abilities seem a bit too fiddly. The mechanics are not bad but you might feel like you’re endlessly rolling dice.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Players: 1-2
Playing time: 60-120mins
Age: 12+
Complexity: 3.5/5

Arkham Horror: The Card Game seamlessly brings together role-playing and the card game experience with this living card game. 

As Ancient Ones try to enter our world, investigators must unravel mysteries and conspiracies. Each investigator has unique strengths and weaknesses that they carry through campaigns. 

Although besieged by monsters and Lovecraftian magic, investigators are all too human and must battle their inner demons too. 

As it’s only a solo or 2-player game, Arkham Horror is a wonderful game to spend quality time with a family member. Look forward to monthly expansion packs and continue your investigation into magic and madness.

What we liked

Fusing an awesome blend of role-playing and card games means you can discover both your strengths and weaknesses reflected in your custom deck of cards. It is fantastic for players who love narrative and deck-building challenges, and the solo version is just as fun as the 2-player mode. 

What could be better

The expansions and new campaigns are really paramount for the continued enjoyment of Arkham Horror: The Card Game. Your choices and actions result in consequences that carry over to the following scenario, which can alter the story but set you up to fail if luck isn’t on your side.

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective

Players: 1- 8
Playing time: 60- 120mins
Age: 12+
Complexity: 2.75/5

Enter the world of Sherlock Holmes by traveling the streets of London to find clues and track down leads. Can you solve the mystery?

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is a deduction mystery game in which everyone bands together to solve the case. With 10 cases to solve, each mystery leads you down a different path. The game has a lot of leeway with how to play: Will you visit a crime scene or meet the inspector? Decisions are up to you and your team. 

Deduction and perception skills are needed, making it a great learning game as well as fun for the whole family!

What we liked

This storytelling novel-based game treats players to a stunning design and a fully immersive experience. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is well-paced and eloquently written. We also love the mystery-solving element that is great for children learning basic gaming skills.

What could be better

You might find some of the cases especially challenging, so you may have to use a lot of guesswork and be super speculative. This could ruin the fun if you want to get serious about your detective work.

Wrap-Up

By playing a few of these adventure-filled board games, families can spend quality time with their kids while getting a break from competition.

Cooperative board games are great for positive family interaction and beneficial for children too. They can give them space to practice cooperative skills in a fun, stress-free environment. These skills can contribute to their further learning skills at schools such as collaborative learning environments and group work. 

We hope you enjoyed our list of best cooperative board games for families! How many have you tried? Do you love any games that didn’t make our list? We’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below!

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