Joybuy Insights

Buying board games: A guide for families, adults and games nights

Board games should suit the occasion, the group and the time available. Even so, shoppers often add games to their basket that rarely make it to the table. The reason is often not the quality of the game, but an unsuitable choice.

Typical purchase hurdles include:

  • Unclear player count: Some games technically work with two players, but only really come into their own with a larger group.
  • Overlooked age rating: Small parts, complex rules or dark humour may make a game unsuitable for children.
  • Wrong expectations about playing time: A 15-minute game suits a games night differently from a strategy game with rounds lasting 45 minutes or more.
  • One-time use: With certain escape-room games, cards or materials are folded, written on or altered. This means a second game is only possible to a limited extent.

Checking these points before buying makes it easier to compare board games, card games and family games more effectively.

The most important criteria when choosing board games

1. Number of players and group size

The stated player count is a key factor. For a games night with six to eight people, party games with simultaneous voting or team challenges are a good choice. For two players, deduction games or cooperative strategy games are often more suitable.

Also consider whether everyone remains involved throughout. With some quiz games, there can be long waiting times when only one person answers at a time. Party games with shared challenges, drawing or voting usually keep larger groups more consistently engaged.

2. Age, content and safety information

The age rating is not simply a guide to difficulty. It may also relate to small parts, reading comprehension or sensitive content. A game for ages 16 and over such as MATTEL Games “IF YOU WERE” is aimed at teenagers and adults. According to the product information, Goliath “Verdammt Nochmal” is intended exclusively for people aged 18 and over and contains scenarios featuring dark humour.

When buying games for children, check the labelling, warnings and whether supervision is required. Games with small parts are not suitable for children under three years of age. For games aimed at children aged five or six and over, support from an adult can make it easier to get started.

3. Materials, space required and replayability

Card games and compact travel games need little storage space and are easy to transport. Large board games, on the other hand, require a stable, level playing surface. For “Ticket to Ride: Europe”, for example, you should allow enough room for the board, cards and train pieces.

Replayability also varies considerably:

  • Card games and party games: usually easy to play repeatedly.
  • Quiz games: particularly engaging when they include a large number of questions.
  • Escape-room games: the game materials may be altered, so the product description should be read carefully.
  • Puzzles for adults: suitability depends on the number of pieces, the design and the table space available.
  • Travel games: compact packaging and secure storage for small parts are essential.

Product selection by occasion and user profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
MATTEL Games IF YOU WERE A PARTY

MATTEL Games IF YOU WERE A PARTY

Why this product suits the profile: This party game is aimed at teenagers aged 16 and over and adults. It requires no batteries and can be started without any complicated set-up. With cards, voting and score counters, it is suitable for groups of three to eight players.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The player count, minimum age and game mechanics are clearly stated. This lets you check in advance whether the content and group size suit the occasion.

Main benefit & strengths

No assembly or batteries required; 3–8 players, cards and score counters included.

Suitable for: Quality-focused buyers
Asmodee Ticket to Ride Europe

Asmodee Ticket to Ride: Europe

Why this product suits the profile: This strategy game combines a stated learning time of around five minutes with route planning for two to five players aged eight and over. According to the product description, games last approximately 45 minutes or longer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The playing time, player count and age rating are clearly provided. This reduces the risk of choosing a game that is too short or too complex for the group you have in mind.

Main benefit & strengths

2–5 players; game materials made from paper, card and plastic; German-language edition.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent players
Hasbro Guess Who Grab And Go

Hasbro Guess Who Grab And Go

Why this product suits the profile: This compact edition is designed for two players aged six and over. It is easy to take with you on holiday, train journeys or weekend trips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The travel edition is specifically designed to be compact and includes a storage solution. This reduces the risk of game pieces getting lost while you are away.

Main benefit & strengths

For two players; compact design; game pieces can be stored in the box.

Suitable for: Families who enjoy puzzles
Kosmos EXIT The Game Kids Monster Puzzle Fun

Kosmos EXIT – The Game Kids: Monster Puzzle Fun

Why this product suits the profile: This cooperative puzzle game is designed for one to four children aged five and over. According to the product description, the challenges are child-friendly and can be played together with adults.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The age group and player count are clearly stated. Possible small parts are also mentioned, so supervision can be planned for younger children.

Main benefit & strengths

1–4 players; no batteries required; optional app with timer and explanations.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about board games

Which board games are suitable for families?

Family games for children aged around six or eight and over are often a good choice when the rules are easy to understand and the rounds are not too long. Check the player count, age rating and any small parts. Quiz games, simple strategy games and cooperative puzzle games often make it possible for different age groups to enjoy playing together.

How many board games should you buy for a games night?

That depends on the group size and the time available. For one evening, a main game plus a short card game to start or finish is usually enough. For larger groups, party games with everyone taking part at the same time are more practical than games that involve long waiting periods.

What is important when choosing board games for travel?

Look for compact packaging, secure storage for the components and a playing surface that works even on a small table. Travel games for two players are suitable for train journeys or hotel rooms. With games containing dice, playing pieces or cards, all components should be returned to the box after playing.