Tabletop Tuesday - Top 5 Cooperative Games

The holidays are around the corner, so why not put aside the competitive spirit and come together with the unique genre of tabletop games that are cooperative games.  While some of the toughest and brutal games to be found, players can take comfort that support is among good company and all highs and lows are shared together.  These are my Top 5 Recommendations for Co-Op Games:

-1- Escape: Curse of the Temple

If you're looking for a quick game to play together that can still deliver the thrills and chills of of those games with longer playtimes, look no further than Escape: Curse of the Temple.  That is because this game is played in real time in which all players frantically roll their dice simultaneously as they search the temple for an exit within a 10-minute time limit.  It's a game that requires constant communication and teamwork if you're to have a chance at everyone making it out of these cursed halls together.  To learn more details about this game and how to play, click here.

-2- Pandemic

One of the rising stars in both cooperative and just tabletop games in general, Pandemic offers a dynamic, collaborative experience where the threats are ever changing and shifting in this dire world.  With unique skills and limited resources at your disposal, players must collaborate and strategize together the most effective means of survival and eventual victory.  To learn more about the basic base version of Pandemic, click here.  For those with more playtime and a consistent crew of players, I highly recommend checking out Pandemic Legacy for a more narrative experience (learn more on this version here).  And for some tips and tricks to get a leg up on the end of the world, check out such here.

-3- Forbidden Desert

Continuing the theme of being trapped and looking for escape, Forbidden Desert is another great cooperative game in which players spread out and excavate the many dunes in hopes of constructing a legendary ship for means of breaking free this looming wasteland.  The game features a gorgeous, steampunk aesthetic and so many interesting mechanics, from shifting piles of sand to jet-packs and more.  Click here to learn more about Forbidden Desert if interested in tackling its foreboding challenges.

-4- Zombicide

In Zombicide, the world may have already gone to ruin, but that doesn't stop your group of survivors from fighting on.  Scavenging for supplies and facing hordes of the undead, every decision is under constant scrutiny, especially considering most every action will influence the tug and pull of zombies as they are drawn to sources of noise.  If this sounds like up your walker-infested alley, learn more how to protect your partners and push your luck here.

-5- Gloomhaven

Lastly, if you're looking for a cooperative game with a more considerably long-term investment and much added complexity, then the game Gloomhaven may be for you.  With a varied crew of fantastical characters, set out on quests in which players will have permanent outcomes in developing their characters and world around them.  Think a more streamlined version of D&D, but be prepared still for a steep learning curve.  For thoughts and impressions on Gloomhaven (it's a significant investment if interested), click here.


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Hopefully these games listed above will help foster the spirit of collaboration and togetherness during your busy holidays.  Any other cooperative games worthy of mention not listed above?  Be sure to share and discuss in the comments below.  Otherwise, happy holidays.  And happy gaming!