Joybuy Insights

Buying board games: How to find the right games for family, friends and game nights

Board games should suit the players’ ages, group size and the time available. Even so, games often end up in the shopping basket that barely make it to the table later on. The reason is often not the quality of the components, but an unsuitable choice.

Common pitfalls when buying board games

1. The age recommendation is only considered roughly

“From 8 years” does not automatically mean that a game is suitable for every child of that age. Some board games require confident reading skills, strategic thinking or the ability to concentrate for longer periods. When choosing games for children aged 6 and over, parents should also check whether the rules, components and playing time match the child’s development.

2. The player count does not suit your group

A game for 2 to 5 people is not automatically equally suitable for every group size. With two players, the feel of the game can be very different from a game with five people. Party games often require at least four players, while cooperative or strategy games may be designed specifically for two.

3. The advertised playing time is not always the total time required

The packaging often shows only the actual playing time. Setting up, explaining the rules and sorting the components all take additional time. For a short game night, compact card games or games lasting around 20 to 30 minutes are a good choice. More demanding board games, on the other hand, can take 45 minutes or longer.

Which factors matter before buying

Age and safety information

Look out for the manufacturer’s recommended age rating, as well as warnings about small parts. Board games for children aged 6 and over may contain small playing pieces and should not be left unattended around younger siblings. For children under 3, several products in this category carry warnings about possible swallowing or choking hazards.

For games aimed at adults, it is also important to check whether the game has an age restriction due to its themes, language or content. This applies, for example, to video games such as Borderlands 4 for PlayStation 5, which is labelled USK 18 according to the product details.

Number of players and game mode

Check whether you are looking for a competitive game, a cooperative game or a game with changing teams. In cooperative games, the group works together towards a shared objective. In classic board games, everyone plays against everyone else. Party games such as “Top Ten” or “The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow” are suitable for larger groups, while “Sky Team” is designed exclusively for two players.

The platform is also a non-negotiable consideration for digital games. Nintendo Switch 2-Splatoon Raiders is intended for Nintendo Switch 2 according to the product description, supports 1 to 4 players and offers both local and online game modes. For a PlayStation 5 console, however, you need a separately listed PS5 version.

Materials, space requirements and reusability

Paper, cardboard and plastic are commonly used in board games. It is important to consider whether cards and tokens can be stored safely after regular use. With compact games such as “Connect 4 Grab And Go” or “Monopoly Portable Edition”, the box is designed to store everything directly.

When choosing escape-room games, buyers should pay particular attention to reusability. Some EXIT games use materials that are folded, written on or altered during play. This may be part of the concept, but it also means that the game cannot necessarily be played more than once with the same group.

Our selection by game profile

The following selection groups specific board games by player profile, group size and intended use. This makes it easier to compare which game best suits your usual playing habits.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Ravensburger Lotti Karotti board game

Ravensburger Lotti Karotti

Why this product suits the profile: The game is designed for children aged 4 and over, is suitable for 2 to 4 players and takes around 20 minutes according to the product description. This makes it ideal for short family games.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended age, player count and approximate playing time are clearly stated. Buyers can therefore compare its suitability with their family routine more easily before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

Short rounds, simple turn-taking and surprising obstacles on the game board.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Asmodee Ticket to Ride Europe board game

Asmodee Ticket to Ride: Europe

Why this product suits the profile: This German-language strategy game is designed for 2 to 5 players aged 8 and over, with a playing time of around 45 minutes or more according to the product details.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The information about the player count, minimum age, language and materials makes it easier to assess the game before buying. According to the description, the rules can be explained in around 5 minutes.

Main benefit & strengths

Route building, destination tickets and a game board featuring European cities combine planning with manageable rules.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent players
Cocktail Games Top Ten party game

Cocktail Games Top Ten

Why this product suits the profile: This cooperative party game is designed for 4 to 9 players aged 12 and over and takes around 30 minutes according to the product details. It is well suited to larger groups and game nights.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended group size prevents the game from being played with too few people. The rules are designed around short, clearly defined rounds.

Main benefit & strengths

Secret numbers from 1 to 10, creative answers and a shared sorting challenge encourage conversation and interaction.

Suitable for: Challenging two-player groups
Kosmos Sky Team cooperative board game

Kosmos Sky Team

Why this product suits the profile: According to the product description, this cooperative game is designed for exactly 2 players aged 10 and over. Different airport scenarios provide variety for regular two-player sessions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The fixed player count sets clear expectations. Buyers do not have to hope that a multiplayer game will work well with two people.

Main benefit & strengths

Dice are used together for cockpit tasks, while 21 missions offer different conditions and challenges.

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.

Further selection criteria for gift ideas

For board games for children aged 10 and over, EXIT games from Kosmos may be worth considering. “EXIT – The Game: Adventure on Catan” is designed for 1 to 4 players and is marked as beginner level. The versions “The Last Performance”, “The Prison Break” and “The Hunt Through Amsterdam” are aimed at people aged 12 and over; some editions specify that the materials can be altered and that the game is for one-time use only.

For larger groups, “Activity Original”, with up to 16 players, or “The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow”, for 8 to 28 players, are suitable options to explore. If you are looking for gift ideas for gamers, you should check the platform, USK age rating, online requirements and player count. This prevents you from choosing a game that appeals to you thematically but cannot be used on your existing console.

Board game FAQs

Which board games are suitable for families with children?

Look for an accessible learning curve, short rounds and an appropriate age rating. According to the product details, “Lotti Karotti”, “Catan Junior” and “Connect 4 Grab And Go” are intended for younger players. Small parts should always be kept out of reach of children under 3.

How long do board games last?

Lifespan depends mainly on the quality of the cards, storage and frequency of use. Dry storage, sorting all components after each round and using a protected gaming table can reduce wear and tear. With EXIT games, you should also check whether the game materials are altered, meaning that the product can only be used once.

Are cooperative games suitable for a game night?

Yes, if the group prefers working towards shared objectives. Cooperative games generally involve a common goal rather than direct competition. Nevertheless, check the player count, age recommendation, playing time and difficulty level so that the game night is not held back by the game being too demanding or too easy.