Board games should suit the group, the occasion and the time available. In practice, however, eye-catching packaging does not always lead to a successful game night. Products are often bought that are unsuitable for the actual number of players, have an inappropriate age rating or no longer suit the group after just a few rounds.
This buying guide helps you choose family games, board games, card games, party games and video games using clear, practical criteria.
The phrase ‘for several players’ is not always enough. A game for two to eight people can feel very different with two participants than it does in a large group. With video games, you also need to distinguish between local multiplayer, online features and single-player modes.
Before buying, you should therefore check:
The age rating does not automatically indicate how easy a game is to learn. A quiz game rated for ages 8 and over may be suitable for children, while an adult version on the same subject may have a higher age rating and more challenging questions.
For games for children aged 8 and over, you should also consider small parts, the length of the instructions and reading ability. For games for adults, the themes, language and any potentially sensitive content are relevant. The USK rating applies to video games, while for board and card games, the manufacturer’s information and safety instructions on the packaging are decisive.
Descriptions such as ‘for the whole family’ or ‘for every party’ say little about how a product will work in practice. Specific details such as 2 to 8 players, ages 16 and over, 15-minute playing time or a cooperative game mode are much more informative.
Materials and storage also matter. Cardboard and paper components should be stored in a dry place. With compact travel games, check whether all the playing pieces and cards fit inside the box.
For smaller households, games for two to four people are a good choice. Larger groups can benefit from card or party games for up to eight or ten participants. With quiz games, a team mode can reduce waiting times.
If you regularly play with different groups, choose flexible products with several game modes. A game offering solo, team and multiplayer options can be adapted more easily to suit each game night.
Nintendo Switch games and PlayStation 5 games can also be suitable for evenings spent together. Here, the platform, USK rating, controller requirements and local multiplayer mode all need to be compatible.
Pay attention to the specific language version. With board games, the instructions and cards may list different languages. With video games, check the packaging language and in-game language separately.
Other important points:
Why this product suits the profile: According to the product details, this card game is designed for 2 to 8 people aged 8 and over and can be started without any set-up. The rules are designed for short rounds and changing groups.
The player numbers, age recommendation and fact that no batteries are needed are clearly stated. This makes it easier to assess how the game can be used before buying.
2 to 8 players, 150 cards and multilingual instructions including a German version.
Why this product suits the profile: This cooperative detective game includes 16 cases, a 75 × 110 cm fabric game map and a magnifying glass. It is intended for players aged 10 and over.
Playing time is not assessed solely on the basis of marketing claims: the scope, number of cases, materials and required playing area are all specified clearly.
Solve cases together instead of competing directly; German game language and additional variants according to the product description.
Why this product suits the profile: This edition contains 2,400 questions, is designed for at least two players aged 8 and over and offers a duel mode for solo or team rounds.
The age recommendation and number of questions are clearly stated. Families should still check whether the themes and question difficulty are suitable for the group.
2,400 questions, six categories according to the product details and a game mode for individuals or teams.
Why this product suits the profile: According to the product details, the game supports up to four people on one Nintendo Switch and has a USK rating of 6 and over.
The platform, player numbers and age rating can be checked before buying. For online features, you must also take the specific Nintendo Switch configuration into account.
Local multiplayer for up to four people and several selectable characters according to the product description.
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.
Card games, family games, quiz games and cooperative games are all suitable for four people. Alongside the maximum player count, check the length of each round. SKYJO is listed for 2 to 8 people, while many board games remain particularly manageable with four players. For children and adults, you should also make sure that the age rating is suitable for the whole group.
Look at the manufacturer’s recommendation for ages 8 and over, as well as small parts, the amount of reading required and the complexity of the rules. With games involving cards or playing pieces, younger children should be supervised during use. The age recommendation is a guide and does not replace considering your specific family situation.
For Nintendo Switch owners, suitable options include Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. For PlayStation 5 owners, check the platform, USK rating and whether the game supports single-player and/or multiplayer modes. For titles rated USK 18, such as certain survival horror games, an age check is required.