Top 9 Best Mission Board Games to Play in 2024

Discover top mission board games. From sneaky spies to daring escapes, find the perfect game for thrilling group adventures.
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Forbidden Island coverPandemic coverFlash Point: Fire Rescue cover

Hey, fellow gamers! Today, we’re diving into the world of co-op play with the 9 best mission board games out there. When we picked games for this list, we looked for those that really make you feel like you’re on a mission. Whether it’s saving the world, solving a mystery, or surviving against all odds, each game puts your teamwork and strategic skills to the test. These picks aren’t just about having fun (though trust me, they’re a blast); they’re about those moments that have you sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering if your squad can pull through. So, grab your friends and get ready for some epic adventures!

On this list:

9 Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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If you’re dipping your toes into mission board games, Forbidden Island is a thrilling start. We had a blast collaborating to collect treasures before the island sank beneath us. It’s a race against time and a test of strategic thinking that gets everyone at the edge of their seats.

8 Pandemic

Pandemic cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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Pandemic makes you and your friends disease-fighting specialists with a clear mission: save the world from outbreaks. Every game feels urgent, and the teamwork required is intense. It’s the tension and the ‘just one more game’ factor that makes it a hit on our game nights.

7 Flash Point: Fire Rescue

Flash Point: Fire Rescue cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 45 minutes

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This game is hot, literally! We played as firefighters, saving victims from a blazing inferno. Every turn is a decision between risking it all to save a life or controlling the flames. It’s a heart-pumping experience that makes you appreciate the brave souls in fire departments everywhere.

6 Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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This one tested our nerves! Protecting a village from supernatural forces felt genuinely challenging. With each game, we learned better strategies, making our wins feel earned. It’s a tough one, but when we finally won, the victory was so sweet.

5 Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island

Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 120 minutes

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Stranded on an island, every choice mattered in our survival. From building shelters to fighting beasts, it was a whole adventure. It’s the storytelling and the unpredictable elements that had us hooked, playing over and over.

4 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Space, the final frontier! This cooperative trick-taking game took us on a silent journey through space to unravel the mystery of Planet Nine. What makes it stand out is the silent communication you must master to complete the mission. It’s like nothing we’ve played before!

3 Legends of Andor

Legends of Andor cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 60-90 minutes

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This fantasy adventure threw us into a rich story, defending Andor against all odds. The mix of tactical combat and narrative depth kept us coming back. It’s the way it blends storytelling with strategy that made our sessions memorable.

2 Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 1-8
  • Play Time: 90+ minutes

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Stepping into the shoes of the legendary detective, we poured over clues to solve intricate mysteries. It’s more than a game; it’s an intellectual journey. The satisfaction of cracking a case after hours of heated debate is unparalleled.

1 Gloomhaven

Gloomhaven cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 1-4
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Gloomhaven is not just a game; it’s an epic. Leading our group of mercenaries through a dark and evolving world was an unmatched adventure. The depth of its story, the complexity of its missions, and the satisfaction of character progression make it the pinnacle of mission board games. It’s the countless hours we’ve lost in its grip that crown Gloomhaven as the best on our list.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.