There is something magical about gathering around a table and playing a game that does not pit you against each other but invites you to team up, think together, and maybe even laugh when things go completely sideways. That is why cooperative games like Forbidden Island have become my go-to for family nights. Instead of one winner and a pile of disappointed faces, everyone gets to feel like a hero—or at least an accomplice in some wild adventure.
When I say cooperative games, I mean those where everyone works toward the same goal. No one is plotting behind your back or waiting to pounce on your mistake. It is more like you and your family against the game itself, and honestly, that creates a whole different kind of fun and connection.
Why Cooperation Feels Different
Have you ever noticed how most games turn into mini battles? Even those meant for family and friends can end up with someone sulking or storming off. One person gets lucky, the other not so much, and suddenly it is “you cheated” or “you are just too good at this.” Cooperative games skip all that drama.
Instead of tension between players, the room fills with teamwork. Everyone shares ideas. You cheer each other on. You help your little sister figure out the best move or your dad when he gets stuck. It feels good to be on the same side. It feels like you are in this together, and that feeling is everything.
Building Memories, Not Rivalries
When we play cooperative games, the stories we tell later are about how we barely escaped the island getting swallowed by the sea, or how we worked out that tricky puzzle just in time. It is about the fun of shared victories and even shared failures. Because yes, sometimes you lose together, but that loss feels different—like a funny story you will laugh about for years rather than a grudge that lingers.
Forbidden Island: The Perfect Family Adventure
Forbidden Island is a game that captures the spirit of those classic adventure movies where a group of explorers rushes to find treasure and escape a sinking island. The board changes every time you play, so it is never quite the same. You have to move fast, plan smart, and work as a team to pull it off.
One reason I love Forbidden Island is how it mixes simple rules with exciting decisions. It is easy enough that kids can join in, but there is enough challenge to keep adults interested. No one feels left out or bored. And the theme? Everyone loves pretending to be treasure hunters, dodging floods and trying to grab the jewels before everything slips beneath the waves.
How the Game Works
- Each player chooses a role, like the Pilot who can fly to any tile, or the Engineer who can shore up two tiles at once.
- The island is made up of tiles that represent different parts of the island, and some tiles start flooding right away.
- Your goal is to collect four treasures and then get everyone back to the Helicopter Landing tile to escape.
- After everyone moves and acts, the island floods more—tiles flip over and can flood completely and sink. If a treasure’s tiles disappear before you collect it, or the escape tile sinks, the game ends.
Sounds tense, right? That tension is where the fun lives. You need to make choices: do I rush to get that treasure? Do I help a teammate stop a tile from sinking? Can we all get out before the island vanishes beneath us? It is fast-paced, thrilling, and makes everyone pay attention.
Why Cooperative Games Like This Work for Families
Families are messy. Everyone is different. Kids want to win, adults want to relax, teenagers might just want to zone out. Cooperative games manage to grab the attention of all these different people because there is no “loser” pointed out at the end.
There is also the fact that these games teach something real without feeling like a lecture. You learn how to listen, how to take turns, and how to think about what others need. Those are lessons that go way beyond game night and sneak into everyday life without anyone noticing.
Less Pressure, More Fun
When no one has to trash talk or worry about being outplayed, everyone can dive in with less fear. Kids can try bold moves. Adults can chuckle at their risky plans. There is room for mistakes and surprises, and that makes the whole experience more relaxed and joyful.
Strategies to Win Without Feeling Like It Is All About Winning
Here is the funny thing about cooperative games: the goal is to win together, but the journey to get there can be wild and messy. I have watched families argue over the best way to save a tile, discuss endlessly about who should go where, and sometimes just throw their hands up and laugh when the island sinks faster than expected.
That chaos is kinda beautiful, but a little strategy helps keep it from turning into chaos only. Here are some things I have learned that make the game better for everyone.
Communicate Like Your Life Depends On It
Okay, technically your life does not depend on it, but that is the vibe Forbidden Island sells. Talk about what you plan to do. Ask if someone needs help. Share what cards you have. When everyone knows what is going on, it is way easier to pull off a win. And even if you do not win, you feel like you gave it your best shot.
Know Your Role Well
Each character has a special power. The Engineer can shore up twice, the Pilot can fly anywhere, the Messenger can give cards easily. Playing your role right can be a game changer. It is a little like being a superhero with unique skills. Use yours wisely.
Don’t Hoard Cards
Sometimes people get attached to treasure cards as if they are rare Pokémon. But remember, you need to hand them over so the team can gather the four of a kind to claim a treasure. Trading and sharing might feel weird at first, but it is the whole point. Think of it like passing the ball around so the whole team scores.
More Reasons to Choose Cooperative Games
Forbidden Island is just one example, but cooperative games come in many flavors. They build empathy, patience, and problem-solving skills. They help us remember games are about fun, not just winning. And in family life, those little lessons matter.
- Everyone Gets to Shine: When you work together, each player’s strengths get to be used. The shy kid who is good at puzzles, the talkative one who plans ahead, the wild card who throws curveballs all have something to add.
- Less Tears, More Cheers: Nobody wants a family game night ruined by tears or grumpy faces. Cooperative games keep the mood lighter and the smiles wider.
- Teaches Good Habits: When you figure out you need to help each other to win, it quickly becomes second nature to be thoughtful and helpful—not just during the game but after.
- They Are Unexpectedly Exciting: Without the usual “me versus you,” the tension comes from the game itself. The island is sinking, the time is running out, and every move counts. That adrenaline rush keeps players hooked.
How to Make Family Game Nights Special
Of course, no game can fix a family night on its own. The real magic is in how you make the night feel. Here are a few tricks I have picked up along the way:
- No Phones Allowed: Seriously, put them away. Even a quick check can break the flow and focus.
- Snacks Are Non-Negotiable: Something easy to munch on while still playing. Popcorn, fruit slices, or maybe those little pretzel sticks everyone loves.
- Keep It Light: Remember, it is about the fun. If the game feels frustrating, pause and laugh it off or switch games.
- Rotate Who Chooses the Game: Everyone feels included when they get to pick the game sometimes. It also spices things up.
- Celebrate Everything: Big wins, small wins, even crazy losses. Everyone should feel like part of the story.
Final Thoughts (Without Saying “Final Thoughts”)
I have long believed that the best family nights are the ones where everyone leaves the table with a smile, a story, and a tiny feeling of being part of something bigger than themselves. Cooperative games like Forbidden Island do just that. They turn game night into something less about beating each other and more about beating the game together. You do not just play a round—you experience a little adventure, share laughs, and build memories.
So next time you want to pull out a board game, why not skip the usual suspects that pit one player against the rest and try something cooperative? It might just change your nights in ways you did not expect.
And remember, when the island starts sinking beneath your feet, it is way more fun to shout “We got this!” together, rather than “Ha! I won!” alone.