Updated on: November 27, 2024
Welcome to Co-op Board Games! My name is Ronny, and I’m the creator and main writer on this site. I made the site back in 2016 to highlight the unique fun and challenge of working together while playing cooperative board games.
I’ve written nearly every review and ranking here, so most of the opinions you’ll read are my own. However, sometimes my group has a shared take on a game, and I’ll include that perspective too. Regardless, it’s always a cooperative effort—this site wouldn’t exist without my group! Note: When I refer to my “group,” it’s actually a mix of about six gaming groups at this point, though my main group—who I’ve been gaming with for over 15 years—is still the one I play with the most.
And yes, I know the name Co-op Board Games is a little on the nose. I liked it and it made sense to me back in 2016, but I’ve regretted that decision for a while. A name change is on the horizon…
Why Co-op Board Games Exists
This site began as a passion project inspired by my group’s growing love for cooperative board games (we played a lot of Pandemic back in the day). We’d discovered how much fun it was to work together to beat the game instead of each other, and those types of games quickly became the games we played the most.
Since we were playing so many of them and no site focused exclusively on co-ops, I decided to fill that gap so other people could see how awesome cooperative board games are.
Over the years, this site has become a hub for cooperative board game rankings, guides, news, and in-depth reviews. Whether you’re looking for your next favorite game, a gift for someone, or just exploring the hobby, my goal is to make your search fun and easy.
The Review Process
I review games the way I like to read reviews: straightforward, practical, and easy to reference. Here’s what you can expect:
- Rules Overviews: A summary of how the game works, designed to be a quick reference for new and returning players. My first 100 or so rules overviews were a bit wordy, but I’m getting better, I promise!
- Pros and Cons: I’ve always loved this format—it’s quick, direct, and helps you decide if a game is worth your time.
- Final Thoughts: This is where I wrap things up with my honest opinion, who I think will enjoy the game, and who might want to skip it.
I’m generally a positive reviewer because, honestly, most board games are fun! Designers put a ton of effort into making games engaging, and we always go into games aiming to enjoy the experience. The “cons” I point out are rarely deal-breakers—unless I specifically note otherwise—and are more about setting expectations for players.
While we try to play and review as many co-ops as possible, there are a few exceptions. Crowdfunded games, for example, typically don’t get reviewed unless they make it to retail. The whole point of this site is to share games you can actually play, so it doesn’t make sense to me to cover games that are tough to find.
Some games reviewed on the site are sent to us by publishers, while others are ones we’ve purchased ourselves. Whenever a game is sent to us, I always make sure to mention it in the review so you know.
I try to avoid reviewing games I know won’t land well with my group. If we’re on the fence about a game and hear from others that it’s “just okay,” we’ll probably skip it—especially if it’s on the pricier side.
That said, I want this site to eventually include all cooperative games. I’m exploring ways to build a database that goes beyond just the games I’ve reviewed, so stay tuned!
Who This Site Is For
Co-op Board Games is for:
- Fans of cooperative games: If working together to solve problems or take on challenges is your jam, you’re in the right place.
- Board gamers in general: Even if co-ops aren’t your go-to, you might discover something cool here.
- New players: Co-ops are perfect for beginners, and we’re here to help you find the right game to start with.
- Gift shoppers: Need a recommendation for a board game fan in your life? We’ve got you covered.
In short, this site is for anyone curious about cooperative board games.
Whenever someone asks me how they should go about finding the right co-op game for their group, I always say to check the Types of Board Games page to find the genres they like the most, then look at the rankings to get some ideas, and then go to specific reviews to make sure the games are good fits.
The Joy of Cooperative Games
Cooperative games are all about working together, thinking creatively, and having fun as a team. They’re perfect for friends, families, and even strangers who want to play games without the stress of direct competition.
I hope this site helps you discover games that bring people together and create awesome memories. If you have any questions, want some game recommendations, or want to get in touch for anything else, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thanks for visiting, and happy gaming!