The best semi-cooperative board games 🤝 2024

Are you looking for a cooperative 🤝 game where only one can win - but if things go bad, everyone loses? These are semi-cooperative games, we have listed the best ones.

What are semi-cooperative games?

The term "semi-cooperative" cannot be defined so clearly. We understand it as follows: You cooperate and play against each other in the same game. There is only one winner or one party - all others are losers. But it can also be the case that nobody wins and everybody loses the game. So semi-co-op games are like a love-hate relationship with your fellow players - you can't play with them, but you can't play without them either. So you have to balance in yourself your sense of selfishness and team spirit - both are required.

Example of semi-co-op game: Archipelago

An example of a semi-cooperative party game is Archipelago. The goal of the game is to colonize an archipelago in the South Seas. However, the natives stand in the way - you can't keep them in check alone, teamwork is required here. However, the winner is only the one who reaches his goal first (or has earned the most points for it).

More team player than egoist?

For the team players among you we have created a separate list with the best cooperative games.

List with the best semi-cooperative 🤝 board games 2024

This list was last updated on November 30, 2024. We compared 280 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Forgotten Waters

    All details for the board game Forgotten Waters and similar games

    Forgotten Waters is a captivating board game that plunges players into the whimsical and unpredictable world of pirate adventure. Blending storytelling and strategy, this game stands out for its immersive narrative and engaging gameplay.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 2.

    🔥 Deal: 8% cheaper than the best Geizhals deal, likely for a short time only!

    More details for Forgotten Waters
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 120 - 240 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  2. Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game

    All details for the board game Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game and similar games

    Embark on an epic journey through the Marvel Comics universe with Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game. Assemble your team to combat infamous mastermind villains such as Magneto, Loki, Dr. Doom, and Red Skull. Customize the game by selecting hero decks from iconic characters like Spider-Man, Hulk, Wolverine, and more. The dynamic gameplay evolves as players recruit powerful hero cards, enhancing their decks to face the ever-growing threats.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  3. Inside Job

    All details for the board game Inside Job and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  4. Nemesis

    All details for the board game Nemesis and similar games

    Nemesis is a semi-cooperative, survival horror board game set in a sci-fi universe, offering an intense and immersive experience as players navigate a spacecraft infested with hostile alien organisms.

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 3.

    More details for Nemesis
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 180 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  5. Hellapagos

    All details for the board game Hellapagos and similar games

    Hellapagos is a game of survival and treachery, aptly termed a "co-opetition," where players must cooperate to some extent but ultimately look out for themselves. Stranded on a desert island with limited resources, up to twelve players must negotiate and strategize to gather supplies, build a raft, and escape before a looming hurricane destroys everything. However, not all players may make it off the island due to the scarce availability of food and water.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Hellapagos
    • 3 - 12 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  6. Castle Panic

    All details for the board game Castle Panic and similar games

    Castle Panic is a cooperative, fantasy-themed board game where players unite to defend their castle against an onslaught of monsters from an encroaching forest. This family-friendly game combines elements of strategy and luck, requiring players to work together to survive the monster attack. The game is designed for 1 to 6 players, suitable for ages 10 and up, making it an accessible yet engaging experience for a wide range of players.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Castle Panic
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  7. Kameloot

    All details for the board game Kameloot and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Kameloot
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 20 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  8. Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game

    All details for the board game Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game and similar games

    Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game is a semi-cooperative game that captures the tension and intrigue of the acclaimed Sci-Fi Channel series. It combines elements of mistrust, survival, and strategic gameplay.

    Nominated for 11 awards.

    More details for Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 120 - 180 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game

    • YouTube Review for the game "Battlestar Galactica: The Board Game" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  9. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game

    All details for the board game Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game and similar games

    Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game immerses 2-5 players into a chilling post-apocalyptic world where a dwindling colony of survivors faces threats both from the relentless undead and the darkest corners of human nature. As leaders of survivor factions, players must grapple with their group's well-being while harboring personal secrets and objectives that may conflict with the common goal. The game is part of the "Crossroads" series by Plaid Hat Games, offering an intense psychological survival experience that tests the bonds of trust and cooperation.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 4.

    More details for Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  10. Shadows over Camelot

    All details for the board game Shadows over Camelot and similar games

    Shadows over Camelot is a unique blend of cooperative and semi-cooperative gameplay set in the legendary world of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. It combines hand-management and deduction, suitable for 3–7 players.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 2006

    More details for Shadows over Camelot
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Shadows over Camelot

    • YouTube Review for the game "Shadows over Camelot" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Shadows over Camelot" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. The Menace Among Us

    All details for the board game The Menace Among Us and similar games
    • 4 - 8 Players
    • 40 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  12. Bloodborne: The Card Game

    All details for the board game Bloodborne: The Card Game and similar games

    Bloodborne: The Card Game draws inspiration from the video game Bloodborne, specifically the Chalice Dungeons beneath the city of Yharnam. This competitive game challenges players to defeat monsters, collect blood, and manage risks, all while considering whether to continue fighting or bank their blood to save progress. The game emphasizes tactical play, upgrades, and cooperative yet competitive gameplay as players simultaneously choose their actions to defeat monsters and avoid death.

    More details for Bloodborne: The Card Game
    • 3 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game – Villains

    All details for the board game Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game – Villains and similar games

    Legendary: Villains – Marvel Deck Building Game turns the tables on the typical superhero narrative by allowing players to embody some of Marvel's most iconic villains. In this standalone game, players become characters like Venom, Magneto, and Loki, strategizing against superheroes such as the X-Men, the Avengers, and Spider-Friends. This twist on the original Legendary deck-building format offers a unique perspective, where players work collaboratively and competitively to defeat the heroes defending the city.

    More details for Legendary: A Marvel Deck Building Game – Villains
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  14. Cerberus

    All details for the board game Cerberus and similar games
    • 3 - 7 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Cerberus

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cerberus" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  15. Quiz Club

    All details for the board game Quiz Club and similar games
    • 3 - 8 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Bag of Dungeon: A Fantasy Adventure Game

    All details for the board game Bag of Dungeon: A Fantasy Adventure Game and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  17. Nemesis: Lockdown

    All details for the board game Nemesis: Lockdown and similar games

    Nemesis: Lockdown is a standalone expansion to the popular board game Nemesis. This expansion transports players to an entirely new setting: a secret multi-level base on Mars. Lockdown maintains the semi-cooperative, highly cinematic gameplay of the original Nemesis, while introducing an array of new mechanics and features. Players will engage in exploring the base, gathering items, crafting, running, and fighting against other species, all while trying to fulfill their secret objectives - which may conflict with the goals of others.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Nemesis: Lockdown
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 90 - 180 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  18. AuZtralia

    All details for the board game AuZtralia and similar games

    AuZtralia is an adventure and exploration board game set in an alternate 1930s, inspired by Martin Wallace's A Study in Emerald. In this unique setting, players are intrepid adventurers colonizing Australia after the northern hemisphere has been devastated by war and the Old Ones. Gameplay involves building ports, constructing railways, mining, and farming, all while preparing for the awakening of the Old Ones and their human armies. Time is a crucial resource, and as the game progresses, the Old Ones awaken and become active, posing a significant threat. Players must strategically prepare for their arrival, possibly cooperating with others to fend off these nightmarish beings using military units and recruited personalities.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for AuZtralia
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 120 Minutes
    • 13+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  19. Allegra

    All details for the board game Allegra and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Allegra
    • 2 - 6 Players
    • 30 - 40 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  20. Fog of Love

    All details for the board game Fog of Love and similar games

    Fog of Love is a two-player board game that uniquely simulates the twists and turns of a romantic relationship. It is more than just a game; it's a narrative journey into the dynamics of a relationship, offering a mix of strategy, role-playing, and storytelling.

    Nominated for 8 awards.

    More details for Fog of Love
    • 2 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 17+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Fog of Love

    • YouTube Review for the game "Fog of Love" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  21. Tiny Epic Zombies

    All details for the board game Tiny Epic Zombies and similar games

    Tiny Epic Zombies is a fast-paced, action-packed game set in a modern-day zombie outbreak at the Echo Ridge Mall. Designed for 1-5 players and lasting about 30 minutes, it offers five different modes of play, including both cooperative and competitive options. Players can take on the role of either survivors, desperately trying to complete objectives and fend off zombies, or control the zombie horde themselves.

    More details for Tiny Epic Zombies
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Tiny Epic Zombies

    • YouTube Review for the game "Tiny Epic Zombies" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Tiny Epic Zombies" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  22. Cutthroat Caverns

    All details for the board game Cutthroat Caverns and similar games

    Cutthroat Caverns is an intriguing blend of cooperation and betrayal set in a dungeon crawl environment. The game challenges players to work together against deadly monsters while competing to be the most prestigious hero.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Cutthroat Caverns
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Cutthroat Caverns

    • YouTube Review for the game "Cutthroat Caverns" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  23. Dead of Winter: The Long Night

    All details for the board game Dead of Winter: The Long Night and similar games

    Dead of Winter: The Long Night is a standalone expansion for the popular Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game. This expansion adds new dimensions to the base game, enhancing the gameplay experience with fresh challenges and elements.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    More details for Dead of Winter: The Long Night
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Dead of Winter: The Long Night

    • YouTube Review for the game "Dead of Winter: The Long Night" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  24. Pact

    All details for the board game Pact and similar games
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 30 - 45 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Who Should We Eat?

    All details for the board game Who Should We Eat? and similar games
    • 4 - 10 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  26. Crisis

    All details for the board game Crisis and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Crisis
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 45 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty

    Video reviews for Crisis

    • YouTube Review for the game "Crisis" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  27. Yacht Rock

    All details for the board game Yacht Rock and similar games
    • 3 - 6 Players
    • 25 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  28. Knight Tales

    All details for the board game Knight Tales and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  29. Pints of Blood

    All details for the board game Pints of Blood and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 45 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. Munchkin Panic

    All details for the board game Munchkin Panic and similar games
    • 1 - 6 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn

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