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Board games and tabletop games should suit the group you are playing with, the time available and the type of gameplay you are looking for. Yet shoppers often choose a game that barely makes it back onto the table after being unboxed. Unclear age recommendations, an unsuitable player count or rules that take far longer than expected can all cause problems.
This buying guide from the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer explains which details matter before you buy and which game profiles are suitable for families, children aged 6 and over, adults, groups of friends and regular game nights.
“2 to 6 players” sounds flexible, but it does not automatically mean that the game works equally well with every group size. Some games only really come into their own with four or more players, while others are designed specifically for two. So do not just check the maximum number of players – also look at the recommended minimum number of players.
Card games and compact family games are often a good choice for game nights with changing group sizes. For party games, you should also check whether teams are required and how many people can actually take part.
The age recommendation does not always indicate how challenging a game is. A game for children aged 6 and over may have simple rules while still requiring concentration, spatial awareness or a good memory. For games aimed at adults, the themes, language or length of the questions may be more important.
Look out for:
Marketing phrases such as “easy to pick up” or “ready to play straight away” reveal little about the actual duration. Check whether the product description gives a playing time and whether setting up, explaining the rules and tidying away are included. For a short game night, games lasting around 15 to 30 minutes are a good fit. Puzzle games and escape-room games, on the other hand, may require a longer, one-off session.
First decide whether you are looking for a competitive, cooperative or mixed format. Cooperative board games are ideal for groups who want to work towards a shared goal. In strategy games and classic head-to-head formats, the focus is often on making direct decisions against the other players.
For families, board games for 2 to 6 players are particularly practical if the group size changes regularly. With party games, you should also consider how many teams are needed. A game for 4 or more people is less flexible for a small household than a card game for 2 to 4 players.
A large playing area can make the game easier to follow, but it requires a sufficiently large table. The fabric game board of MICROMACRO: Crime City, for example, measures 75 × 110 cm. This is suitable for a shared detective challenge, but you should compare it with the table space available before buying.
Also check whether:
Card games and board games are generally made from paper, card, plastic or a combination of these materials. Durable cards, carefully finished playing surfaces and suitable storage are all important for long-lasting use. For games for children aged 6 and over, you should also pay attention to the warnings and the size of the game pieces.
The language of the game is another important consideration. For quiz games, puzzle games and word games, a German edition may make it easier to play. If a game contains lots of cards, shoppers should check that the questions and terms are suitable for the intended players.
Why this product suits the profile: This game is designed for two players aged 6 and over and requires neither batteries nor complicated set-up. That makes it ideal for quick games as part of everyday family life.
The fixed player count prevents unrealistic expectations for large groups. The game principle and winning condition are easy to understand.
Two players, aged 6 and over, plastic grid, 42 playing discs and no batteries required.
Why this product suits the profile: Anyone who values extensive components and a shared challenge gets a German cooperative detective game with 16 cases.
The number of cases, the format of the playing area and the included magnifying glass are all stated clearly. This makes it possible to plan the table space in advance.
16 criminal cases, 75 × 110 cm fabric game board, magnifying glass and German instructions.
Why this product suits the profile: Designed for families and regular games with 2 to 6 players, this game combines card-based tasks with a game board. The age recommendation of 7 and over makes it suitable for a wider range of players.
The ten different phases and special spaces are clearly listed in the product description. This makes it easier to judge the scope of the game.
For 2 to 6 players aged 7 and over, with game board, phase markers, cards and special spaces.
Why this product suits the profile: This card game is designed for 2 to 7 players and, according to the product information, takes around 15 to 30 minutes. That makes it a good choice for quick games with friends or family.
The player count and playing time are stated clearly. The compact format means there is no need for a large game board, simplifying preparation.
240 topics, 2 to 7 players, 15 to 30 minutes’ playing time and FSC-certified paper according to the product information.
Quiz games, Taboo variants and fast-paced word games are ideal for sociable groups. Hasbro Classic Taboo is intended for players aged 13 and over, requires at least four players and contains 212 cards with 848 terms. For teenagers and adults, puzzle games such as moses. Black Stories may be an interesting option. Players work out the scenarios by asking yes-or-no questions; the individual editions are stated as suitable for ages 12 and over.
If you are looking for a cooperative challenge with a limited playing time, you could choose an escape-room game such as Kosmos EXIT – The Game – Die Venedig-Verschwörung. This game is designed for 1 to 4 players aged 12 and over, takes around 45 to 90 minutes and is intended as a one-off gaming experience. This is something to consider before buying.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
Look for a clear age recommendation, few rules and easy-to-recognise game pieces. Hasbro Connect 4 is listed as suitable for two players aged 6 and over. Das magische Labyrinth by Drei Magier is designed for 2 to 4 players aged 6 and over and combines memory skills with a variable maze.
That depends on the group size and the time available. For an evening with several rounds, a versatile family game plus a quick card game is often enough. For larger groups, party games for at least four players are a sensible choice. Before buying, check whether everyone plays at the same time or splits into teams.
Store cards and game boards somewhere dry, away from direct sunlight and preferably flat. Organiser boxes or resealable bags help keep small parts together. With legacy games, any changes such as stickers or opened envelopes must be taken into account in line with the instructions.