Best Cooperative Board Games to Strengthen Family Bonds

Spending quality time with family is something most people want. One easy way to accomplish this is with board games. However, not all games are created equal. Playing extremely competitive games like Monopoly or Risk aren’t for everyone.

Sure, many families really enjoy those highly competitive games since they offer an opportunity to blow off steam. As long as everyone has a good time destroying each other’s board game property that’s fine. However, some families thrive on cooperative games. Working together is just as rewarding as competing with each other.

If you’re looking for these type of games or just want a change from Monopoly then here are several games to check out. Who knows what new core memories can be made with these new games.

In Pandemic, players take on the roles of specialized agents working to stop the outbreak of diseases around the globe. Considering the recent Covid pandemic, this game is more relevant than ever.

Together, players strategize to treat infections, share critical knowledge, and ultimately find cures in time to stop the spread. It’s also a great opportunity to learn about diseases and how they’re spread. This game is great for families since it relies heavily on teamwork and planning. Like every job description in the last few decades, effective communication is essential.

Families learn to work together, hear everyone out, and come up with a winning plan of action. Or face losing the game. It’s engaging premise and sense of urgency foster collaboration and builds up to a dramatic conclusion. Hopefully, your family is victorious in stopping the spread of all the diseases in this game!

This family-friendly game, designed by the creator of Pandemic is another team based game. Players work together to retrieve treasures from a sinking island. Which is represented by a gradually shrinking board.

As the island periodically disappears a sense of urgency is created. Players need to take calculated steps to recover the most treasure. Which creates a sense of urgency as the island periodically disappears.

Forbidden Island is engaging to both young and old players. It’s a simple game, which makes it easy to learn. Yet, still accessible to players of all ages.

It emphasizes shared responsibility and teamwork. No matter how much treasure you recover it’s a fun game. Which makes it a great co-op game to play with family.

This is a campaign based game which takes place in a fantasy world filled with strategic combat and character development. It offers a narrative type game where players work together to complete missions.

Being a role playing type game it’s bound to bring out the acting skills of some players. Still, it isn’t required. Teamwork and problem solving are more important.

Completing missions allows you to grow your character for the next mission. While creating a long term adventure is fun it does require a longer time commitment. Still, a great co-op game for families.

This may not fit the strictest definition of a co-op game. However, we’ve found it’s a great way to work together as a team. How we play is each person takes a turn drawing while everyone else has to guess.

It’s supposed to have two or more teams but we’ve found playing this way is much better. Everyone gets to draw and there’s still an incentive for everyone to guess. Moving the pieces from beginning to end is more about having a time limit than who’s the first to cross.

The best aspect of Pictionary anyway is the wildly incorrect guesses as people are drawing. Sometimes the worst drawers bring out the best fun.

Overview: Combining elements of deduction and storytelling, Mysterium casts one player as a ghost who must communicate with the other players (the psychics) through vision cards. The psychics must work together to unravel the mystery of the ghost’s death.

Why It’s Great for Families: Mysterium encourages creative thinking and interpretation, making it a wonderful choice for families who enjoy storytelling. Its beautiful artwork and immersive atmosphere enhance the cooperative experience.

Overview: Players take on the roles of spirits defending their island from colonizing invaders in Spirit Island. Each spirit has unique powers that players must harness strategically to protect their land.

Why It’s Great for Families: The game requires collaboration and strategic thinking, allowing families to engage in meaningful discussions about their choices. The thematic depth and engaging mechanics can captivate both young and older players alike.

Overview: This trick-taking game puts players in the role of astronauts on a mission to find a mysterious planet. Players must work together to complete a series of increasingly challenging tasks.

Why It’s Great for Families: The game fosters communication and trust among players. With its simple rules and escalating challenges, it’s easy to pick up and provides a great platform for family discussions and strategy.

In Castle Panic, players defend their castle from waves of monsters. Together, players must coordinate their attacks and manage resources to keep their castle standing.

Why It’s Great for Families: This game is approachable for younger players and offers a sense of accomplishment as the family works together to fend off the invading forces. Its cooperative nature makes every player feel valued.

Cooperative board games are a fantastic way to bring families closer together. They encourage communication, teamwork, and shared problem-solving, all while creating lasting memories. Whether you’re strategizing to save the world in Pandemic or exploring a mysterious island in Forbidden Island, these games provide opportunities for families to bond and have fun together. So gather around the table, roll the dice, and embark on an adventure that strengthens your family ties!