Cooperative Games vs. Solo Games
One factor that cooperative games hold over solo games is the elimination of competition. From the time we are young we see competition all around us. Doesn’t it look absurd, bringing other people down just so we can have our way and be successful?
Cooperative board games change this, having players working together, collaborating their efforts instead of knocking each other out. With cooperative games, everybody either wins together or loses together.
Children will learn useful and amiable qualities like friendliness, teamwork, and caring about each other.
In a world where competition is seen as the only way to progress in life, cooperative games offer a better alternative for having fun and building one’s personality. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the best games that foster cooperation.
Our Top Picks for Best Cooperative Board Games
1. Outfoxed! A Cooperative Whodunit Board Game for Kids 5+
Last update on 2020-07-25 PST - Details
With a “no worries” philosophy for beginners, this game is self-explanatory. It’s an adventure package where a pot pie has gone missing and it’s your team’s job to solve the case and find the missing piece.
You move around the game by checking out suspects and ruling them out one after another. It is a game that requires you to work together because your best chance of finding the missing piece depends on working with other players. Since the fox who happens to be the actual culprit is on the verge of escaping, you need to hurry up in halting the hungry hooligan before it escapes, or you will be “outfoxed!”
So, the fun comes as you cooperate to find the guilty fox and unravel the mystery. You will also find out that this cooperative game will improve your skills in calculating the probability of an event while sharpening your attention to details.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 9.5 x 9.5 x 2.25 inches
- Weight – 1.1 pounds
- Recommended ages – 5 and up
- Number of players – 2 to 4 players at once
- Playing time – 20-30 minutes
- Comes with a manual
- Great for improving children’s intelligence
- Also available in Spanish
- A little to kid friendly for adults
Last update on 2020-07-25 PST - Details
2. Forbidden Desert- The Cooperative Strategy Survival Desert Board Game
Last update on 2020-07-25 PST - Details
This is another adventure where it is required to cooperate with other players to create a strategy, as you and your team navigate a forbidden and ancient desert city. You all embark on a mission that tasks you to find four sacred treasures that are buried in the ruins.
As you pass each step, the island sinks deeper. So, working solo will not only be disastrous but can also cost you victory. The faster you can collect all the hidden treasures, the quicker you will get out of the island before it gets covered with water.
There are environmental hazards like scorching heat and relentless sandstorms. That means all the players must work together, plan different strategies, and coordinate every available resource in recovering the treasures.
Bonus: there is also a possibility of escaping by being struck by lightning — all you have to do is connect a circuit of cables to help you launch a secret rocket.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 8.28 x 8.28 x 3 inches
- Weight – 1.79 pounds
- Recommended age – 10 to 15 years
- Number of players – 2 to 5 players
- Playing time – 45 minutes
- Promotes a child’s cooperating spirit
- The game may not be available in all countries
Last update on 2020-07-25 PST - Details
3. Forbidden Sky- The Cooperative Strategy Survival Rocket Building Board Game
Last update on 2020-07-25 PST - Details
This electrifying adventure game is like a sequel to the Forbidden Desert, with the major difference being that it is set in the sky as opposed to a desert island.
The players can work as a team in discovering the power that enables you to withstand lightning storms.
Specifications
- Dimensions – 11.75 x 11.75 x 3 inches
- Weight – 1.82 pounds
- Power source – 3 LR44 Batteries required (included)
- Size – 5 inches
- Recommended ages – 10 years and above
- Game length – 30 minutes
- Number of players – 2 to 4 players
- It is easy to learn even for first timers
- Can be packed easily for travels
- Improves your child’s critical thinking
- Some tasks may be difficult for young children
- Not really intended for adults (aside from parents, of course!)
Last update on 2020-07-25 PST - Details
Three Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Cooperative Games
Age Range of Players
One important question you should ask yourself is: for whom am I purchasing this game? If you are buying for children, be sure to buy a game that is compatible with their age.
Duration of Game
How long a game will take from the start to the finish is another important factor to consider. This is because as they say, time is money. Games should be what we do in our leisure time. Be sure to choose a game that will allow time for important things too.
On the other hand, do not forget that breaks are important too!
Complexity
Every game has different difficulty levels. If you are buying the game for children, it will be considerate on your part to buy one that isn’t overly complex. And if you are an adult, buy one that at least comes with a set of tutorials or manuals.
Conclusion
When playing cooperative games, remember that teamwork is the most important thing. Acting selfishly in these games will only cause you, and your team, to experience a sad defeat.
If you found this guide to be useful, check out our other guides too!