Top Cooperative Games to Enjoy Together in the UK

Gathering around the table for a game night is one of the best ways to bond, share laughs, and create lasting memories. But if you’re tired of the usual competitive games where someone always ends up feeling like a sore loser, why not try something different? Family cooperative games are all about working together, sharing the fun, and celebrating wins as a team. Whether you’re in Cornwall, Devon, or anywhere else in the UK, these games are perfect for bringing everyone closer. Ready to discover some gems that will have your family cheering in no time?

Cooperative games are an evergreen game in our Game Box, meaning you will find at least one game in each box.

Why Choose Family Cooperative Games?

You might be wondering, “Why cooperative games? Aren’t games supposed to be competitive?” Well, yes and no. Competitive games can be fun, but they sometimes lead to frustration, especially with younger players or mixed-age groups. Family cooperative games flip the script. Instead of pitting players against each other, they encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving with a common goal.

Imagine this: instead of racing to beat your sibling, you’re all working together to save a magical kingdom or solve a mystery. It’s less about winning and more about how you play together. This makes cooperative games ideal for families, community groups, and even event organisers looking to foster connection and creativity.

Plus, cooperative games are fantastic for teaching valuable skills like empathy, patience, and strategic thinking. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a game night where everyone feels like a winner, or loose but celebrates effort as a team.

Family Cooperative Games That Everyone Will Love

Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are just some top picks for family cooperative games that are popular across the UK.

1. Pandemic - The Classic

This one’s a classic. In Pandemic, you and your family become a team of disease-fighting specialists racing against time to stop global outbreaks. It’s thrilling, strategic, and requires everyone to communicate and plan carefully. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some science and geography lessons without anyone noticing!

2. Forbidden (Island, Jungle, Desert) - The Pub Friendly

If you love adventure, Forbidden Island is your go-to. Players work together to retrieve treasures from a sinking island. It’s fast-paced and full of surprises, making it perfect for families who enjoy a bit of suspense and teamwork.

3. Outfoxed! - The Young Players

For younger kids, Outfoxed! is a brilliant choice at 5+. It’s a cooperative whodunit where players gather clues to catch a sneaky fox. It’s simple, engaging, and encourages deductive reasoning. There are cooperative games for 2+, the perfect way to get started to build skills at a young age.

4. Viticulture World: Cooperative Expansion - The Cooperative Expansion for Original Game

With a gameplay of up to 160 minutes and an age 13+, this is a perfect older family games night, as a family who own a vineyard and has over 6 years of experience, gains local influence. A great way of increasing the life of a game you own already and, a perfect accompaniment to a wine and cheese adult game evening.

5. Bandido - Unplugged Games Top Pick

Pocket-sized tile game. Bandido is digging himself out of jail. Use your tiles to try and block his escape. However, it's not as simple a task, and you'll have to try to beat your personal best to see how many tunnels you can complete at the end, as it's tricky to win. Bend all the rules with this one, why not play as a group instead of taking turns, choose what tile is best next and really practice those discussion skills.

These games are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a whole world of cooperative games out there waiting to be explored!

Odd cooperative games?

You’re probably itching to know which games stand out as the best cooperative board games for families. Well, it depends on what your family enjoys, but here are some top contenders that consistently get rave reviews:

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• Movie-themed Cooperative games, Back to the Future: Dice Through Time, and (2020), The Goonies: Never Say Die, are a couple of the top-rated.

• The Mind: Simple but addictive, this card game requires players to play cards in ascending order without speaking. It’s a fantastic exercise in non-verbal communication.

• Hanabi: A cooperative card game where players hold their cards facing outwards and give each other clues to create a beautiful fireworks display. It’s all about memory and teamwork.

• Castle Climbing Frog: Dexterity Game to pull the string, moving the frog up the castle. This 5+ game is a great kids' game that can be played by combining the two-player turns.

• Escape Room type games, this is such a popular category, have a look at BBG ratings, https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/241461/tabletop-escape-rooms-ranked

  
  

When selecting the best cooperative games, consider the age range, complexity, and the amount of time you want to spend playing. The best game is one that everyone can enjoy and feel a sense of inclusion in.

How to Make the Most of Your Family Game Nights

So, you’ve picked your game. Now what? Here are some tips to turn your family game nights into unforgettable experiences:

• Keep it relaxed: Remember, the goal is fun and connection, not perfection. If someone makes a mistake, laugh it off and keep going.

• Rotate roles: Many cooperative games have different roles or characters. Switch them up each time to keep things fresh and give everyone a chance to shine.

• Celebrate teamwork: When you win (or even when you don’t), celebrate the effort and teamwork. Maybe have a silly victory dance or a special treat.

• Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to try new games or even create your own cooperative challenges. The more variety, the more fun!

  
  

If you’re looking to try out a variety of games without buying them all, consider your local games cafe, or look out for our boxes from local venues in Cornwall and Devon. It’s a fantastic way to explore new games and keep your collection fresh.

And my favourite..... Well, that would be Escape the Dark Castle! I love RPGs, and this dice roll, narrative adventure game has you and your friends travelling through a dark fantasy castle as a chosen character. It takes up a small amount of table space, and new players can pick it up quickly. With good replayability and stunning illustrations that set a perfect atmosphere, it can be accompanied by a selection of playlists others have created, making this a great date night treat. I'm looking forward to the 2026 2nd edition!

Bringing Communities Together Through Games

Games are more than just entertainment. They’re powerful tools for building social connections, sparking creativity, and learning new skills. That’s why initiatives like Unplugged Games are so important. By promoting inclusive and accessible gaming through events, rentals, and education, they help communities in Cornwall and Devon reconnect in meaningful ways.

Whether you’re organising a community event, a family gathering, or just looking for a new way to spend quality time, cooperative games for families offer something truly special. They break down barriers, encourage collaboration, and remind us that sometimes, the best way to win is together.

So, why not give cooperative games a go? Your next favourite family tradition might just be a game night away.

Ready to start your cooperative gaming adventure?

Happy gaming!