Co-Op Chaos: The Best Cooperative Games for Group Gaming Sessions
A cooperative game is a game where everyone plays on the same team to beat the game. You’re not trying to beat each other like in other games, instead you’re all working together to achieve the same goal. It’s fun because it feels like you’re all on a mission together, and you have to figure out how to use everyone’s strengths to succeed. Plus, it’s a good way to hang out with your friends or family without anyone getting too competitive or upset if they don’t win.
We’ve put together a list of some of the best co-operative games for adults that are worth checking out.
Pandemic
This award-winning game has players working together to stop the spread of deadly diseases across the globe. Each player takes on a different role, such as a scientist or medic, and must work together to develop cures and prevent outbreaks. Pandemic is a challenging and thrilling game that requires careful planning and communication between players.
Ages 8+ | 2 to 4 players | Average Playtime 45 minutes | Made by Z-Man Games | Purchase on Amazon here →
Hanabi
This game challenges players to work together to create a beautiful fireworks display. Players must take turns laying down cards to create a perfect display, but there’s a catch: players can’t see their own cards and must rely on their teammates to give them hints. Hanabi is a fun and unique game that requires both strategic thinking and clear communication.
Ages 8+ | 2 to 5 players | Average Playtime 30 minutes | Coiledspring Games | Purchase on Amazon here →
Forbidden Island
In this game, players are treasure hunters searching for valuable artifacts on a sinking island. Players must work together to collect the artifacts before the island sinks into the sea. Each player has a unique skill set, such as diving or flying, which makes them essential to the team’s success. Forbidden Island is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires players to act quickly and strategically.
Ages 10+ | 2 to 4 players | Average Playtime 30 minutes | Gamewright | Purchase on Amazon here →
Arkham Horror
This horror-themed game has players working together to prevent an ancient evil from taking over their city. Players must explore the city, gather clues, and battle monsters in a race against time. Arkham Horror is a complex and challenging game that requires careful planning and coordination between players.
Ages 14+ | 1 to 4 players | Average Playtime 1-2 hours | Fantasy Flight Games | Purchase on Amazon here →
Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate
This Dungeons and Dragons-inspired game has players exploring a haunted city filled with monsters and mysteries. Players must work together to uncover the secrets of the city before one of them turns traitor. Betrayal at Baldur’s Gate is a thrilling and unpredictable game that requires both strategic thinking and careful observation.
Ages 12+ | 3 to 6 players | Average Playtime 1 hour | Avalon Hill | Purchase on Amazon here →
Cooperative games are not just for adults – kids love them too!
They can be a great way to teach children the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Or maybe you just have kids that can’t stand to lose! Here are some of the best co-operative games for children that are both fun and educational
Hoot Owl Hoot
In this game, players work together to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun rises. Players take turns drawing cards and moving the owls across the board, but they must work together to strategize and plan their moves. Hoot Owl Hoot is a great game for young children as it helps them develop critical thinking skills and encourages cooperation. Purchase on Amazon here →
The Magic Labyrinth
This game challenges players to navigate a maze filled with hidden traps and obstacles. Players must work together to find the treasure and avoid the traps, all while blindfolded. The Magic Labyrinth is a fun and exciting game that helps children develop spatial awareness and teamwork skills. Purchase on Amazon here →
Count Your Chickens
This game is perfect for young children who are just learning how to count. Players work together to collect all the chicks before the fox arrives. Count Your Chickens is a great game for teaching children how to work together towards a common goal. Purchase on Amazon here →
Outfoxed!
A co-operative who-dun-it for preschoolers. In this game, players work together to solve a mystery and catch the fox who stole the farmer’s prize pot pie. Players must work together to gather clues and eliminate suspects until they can solve the mystery. Outfoxed! is a fun and challenging game that helps children develop problem-solving and teamwork skills. Purchase on Amazon here →
Race to the Treasure
This game has players working together to race against the Ogre to collect three keys and unlock the treasure before he gets there. Players must strategize and work together to navigate the board and avoid obstacles. Race to the Treasure is a fun and engaging game that helps children develop communication and teamwork skills. Purchase on Amazon here →
