Best Co Op Games 2025: Top 5 Reviewed and Ranked
Looking for great co op games? We’ve picked five fun, easy-to-learn co op games perfect for new players and friends.
Looking for the perfect way to keep your group from flipping the table and storming out? It’s time to try co op games! In this post, we share our picks for the best co op games for new players. We focus on easy rules, teamwork, lots of replay value, and—most important—fun. Whether you want to defeat ancient curses, solve mysteries, or save the world, there’s a board game on this list that will make you say, ‘Wow, we actually worked together!’ Ready to grab a game night with less arguing and more cheering? Let’s check out our favorites!
On this list:
5 Forbidden Island
Forbidden Island stands out in the world of co op games because it feels like you’re playing an action movie. The board literally sinks as you grab treasures. We regularly argue over who should use their special power at the right time, and that tension always gets the group to bond—whether we lose or win. The game is quick, not too hard to learn, and it’s portable enough for beach trips (we tested this, sand adds challenge). If you want a neat puzzle with your friends or family, this one will get your heart pumping and your teamwork tested.
4 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine
The Crew takes the classic trick-taking card game and throws in a co op twist. We love how it makes us work together by barely talking, which is hilarious when someone totally misreads a clue. The missions escalate fast, and we found ourselves replaying failed missions just to nail the perfect score. It packs loads of variety in a small box, which is a bonus when you have to haul it to friend’s houses. This is a game for puzzle lovers and those who think they know what their friends are thinking—spoiler, you probably don’t.
3 Mysterium
Mysterium puts one player in the ghostly role of clue-giver, while the others are psychic detectives. Every game night we played turned into a comedy show—someone would say ‘I totally get this clue’ and then pick a paintbrush instead of a clock. The art is stunning and the mood is a bit spooky but not scary. This co op game shines with people who like guessing games and creative thinking. If you want a board game that mixes laughter, teamwork, and occasional frustration at your friends’ psychic abilities (or lack thereof), Mysterium is a hit.
2 Marvel United
Marvel United is a superhero co op game that makes you feel heroic, even if you spend most of the game accidentally unleashing MORE villains. The miniatures are adorable, and the action is quick. Our group had a blast strategizing, but usually ended up with Captain America flinging his shield into a wall by accident. It works well for both comic book fans and board game lovers. The special abilities for each hero keep things fresh every time. If you’ve got a mixed group of kids and adults, you can all play and still have a fun challenge.
1 Pandemic
Pandemic is the best co op game on our list, hands down. We think it gets this spot because of how tense, fun, and surprisingly realistic it feels. Our first game ended with us arguing about who should fly to Tokyo, and the next game had us all shouting about research stations and cures. Every session was memorable. The way you have to work together is unmatched, and you always feel like you just might lose at any moment. It’s easy to learn, plays quick, and keeps everyone involved. If you only buy one co op game, make it Pandemic—it hooks both newbies and hardcore fans alike.
