Cooperative RPG board games are some of my favorites because they combine storytelling, strategy, and teamwork in a way that is usually very satisfying. The best ones pull you into their worlds with immersive narratives, meaningful decisions, and characters that grow over time. They also tend to be highly replayable, especially when they come with branching storylines or campaign modes, which are the types my group tends to like the most.
While there’s really no such thing as a true co-op RPG board game—at least not yet—some come impressively close. They capture the feel of role-playing games with their storytelling depth and character-driven gameplay, giving you a similar experience to traditional tabletop RPGs.
There are a lot of fantastic role-playing board games out there right now, so narrowing this list down wasn’t an easy task. Instead of just picking games with RPG elements, I focused on the ones that truly make me feel like I’m stepping into a role-playing adventure.
Okay, let’s get to it! Below are some of the best cooperative RPG board games that you can get!
10. This War of Mine
Players: 1-6 | Ages: 18+
Based on the video game of the same name, This War of Mine offers a unique and emotionally intense board game experience. Set in a war-torn city, you take on the roles of civilians trying to survive by scavenging resources, facing moral dilemmas, and making tough choices that affect the group’s fate.
This War of Mine is perfect for those who want thematic RPG-like board games with thought-provoking storylines. Its emphasis on survival and player-driven storytelling makes every playthrough memorable. It’s one of the better storytelling board games out there.
Read our This War of Mine review
Get your copy of This War of Mine
9. Adventure Tactics: Domianne’s Tower
Players: 1-5 | Ages: 10+
Adventure Tactics: Domianne’s Tower blends tactical combat with a cool RPG-like narrative. You get to choose unique characters, unlock new classes, and customize your skills as you progress through the different storylines.
Adventure Tactics’ accessibility and character-driven gameplay make it a great choice for anyone looking for family board games or fantasy role-playing games that everyone can get into.
Read our Adventure Tactics: Domianne’s Tower review
Get your copy of Adventure Tactics: Domianne’s Tower
8. The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
Players: 1-5 | Ages: 14+
In The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth, you’ll explore Middle-earth, battle enemies, and uncover a very well-done, original story, all without needing a game master. The app handles the narration and gameplay, letting you focus on adventuring and working together.
If you’re a fan of fantasy games, Journeys in Middle-earth delivers an awesome experience with its thematic depth and excellent production. If you and your group are The Lord of the Rings fans, chances are you’ll love this one. It’s one of the best adventure board games around, and it works well as a board game RPG.
Read our The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth review
Get your copy of The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth
7. Aftermath
Players: 1-4 | Ages: 14+
In Aftermath, you take on the roles of anthropomorphic animals navigating a post-apocalyptic world. The game’s storybook-driven campaign delivers engaging quests, tactical combat, and exploration as you rebuild your colony. It also uses a very cool card-based action system rather than dice.
Aftermath is an ideal pick if you think your group will enjoy a lighthearted but still engaging RPG-style adventure game experience. The charming art and accessible gameplay make it a great choice for pretty much any type of group.
Read our Aftermath review
6. Dragonfire
Players: 2-6 | Ages: 13+
A cooperative deck building game in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, Dragonfire lets you build characters and tackle challenging quests filled with monsters and magic. Its focus on character progression and teamwork gives it the feel of an RPG in board game form.
If you love fantasy role-playing games or deck building mechanics, Dragonfire is a co-op game you’ll probably enjoy playing through. It’s also a fantastic introduction to RPG-like games for D&D fans.
Read our Dragonfire review
Check out our Top 10 Co-op Adventure Games!
5. Vagrantsong
Players: 2-4 | Ages: 14+
Vagrantsong is a horror board game in which you and your group take on the roles of vagrants trapped aboard a ghost train. Each scenario feels like a self-contained story, with players working together using their unique skills to confront eerie spirits and complete unique objectives. It’s also one of the coolest-looking co-op board games you’ll find.
Vagrantsong is an excellent choice if you enjoy the horror genre or think your group will like a cooperative role-playing board game set on a spooky train. It’s one of the best co-op board games, period, and it can definitely scratch the RPG itch.
Read our Vagrantsong review
4. Roll Player Adventures
Players: 1-4 | Ages: 14+
Roll Player Adventures transforms the dice-drafting mechanics of Roll Player into a fully realized storytelling game. You guide your characters through a branching narrative, making decisions that shape the journey and influence the game world, giving it the feel of a role-playing adventure.
Roll Player Adventures was made for fans of storytelling and character-driven gameplay. Each of its adventures is fun to play through, especially if you like dice games, and there are meaningful choices to make throughout, making it one of the best RPG board games around.
Get your copy of Roll Player Adventures
3. Mage Knight
Players: 1-4 | Ages: 14+
Combining deck building, exploration, and tactical combat, Mage Knight delivers a very solid RPG-style experience. Players take on the roles of powerful Mage Knights, traveling across maps, conquering cities, and gaining fame.
While its complexity might not be great for newcomers, Mage Knight is a top choice for experienced gamers who want a rich, strategic role-playing board game with an insane amount of replay value.
Read our Mage Knight review
2. Pathfinder Adventure Card Game
Players: 1-4 | Ages: 13+
Pathfinder Adventure Card Game brings the spirit of the tabletop RPG to a card-based format. You build your characters, acquire gear and spells, and progress through campaigns filled with branching paths and challenging encounters.
This is perfect for those who love RPGs but prefer the simplicity and portability of a card game. It’s especially great as a two-player co-op game, giving players quick yet satisfying sessions.
Read our Pathfinder Adventure Card Game review
Get your copy of Pathfinder Adventure Card Game
1. Dungeons & Dragons Board Games
Players: 1-4 | Ages: 14+
The Dungeons & Dragons Board Games series, including titles like Castle Ravenloft and The Legend of Drizzt, offers a streamlined D&D experience without the need for a Dungeon Master. Throughout each game, you’ll explore modular dungeons, battle monsters, and complete quests in a cooperative setting.
These games are ideal for groups looking for a D&D-style adventure with approachable rules. The variety of scenarios and characters gives these games replayability, while the cooperative mechanics do the job of capturing the feel of classic role-playing board games.
Castle Ravenloft remains my favorite in the series, but all these games use the same excellent system. I’d recommend choosing the theme you think your group will enjoy the most.
Read our Castle Ravenloft review
Buy one of the Dungeons & Dragons Board Games
What are your favorite cooperative RPG board games? Any that didn’t make this list?
Be sure to also take a look at our Best Cooperative Board Games list and our other board game rankings.
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