Pandemic

Once you get deeper into board gaming, you'll recall your own personal gateway game: the tabletop experience that clued you into just how good modern board games have become, and wet your whistle for more. We've come a long way since the childhood days of Uno, Snakes and Ladders, Guess Who, Connect 4, and Battleship. For folks who use Monopoly as the benchmark for a great game, I have wonderful news: it gets so, so much better than Monopoly. There are many fantastic gateway games that serve as the beginning of this wholesome, addictive hobby. Pandemic is my gateway game, starting my collection back in 2015 as well as my love of co-operative titles, so I recommend it often. These days I do have to add that if the theme isn’t for you then respect your instincts, there are many other fantastic games to choose from. But, if you like the sound of working with your friends, family, or partner to save the world from different spreading diseases, playing a game of damage control and working towards the satisfying goal of eradication, then there's likely a great deal for you to enjoy here.

Pandemic is challenging and you’ll undoubtedly lose your first game (if you manage a win, then WELL DONE, but also maybe re-check the rules). But, this is exactly the heart of the puzzle, asking each other how do we do better next time? You have to learn how to stay on top of the spread, prioritising the danger areas, and knowing when to split up from your teammates across the world map, as well as coming back together to share vital information for reaching a cure. Playing as different roles with unique abilities, you always play as an important, irreplaceable asset to the team, making the replayability is very strong. I also personally adore the In The Lab expansion, which adds a thematic and collaborative puzzle to discovering cures, as well as extra play modes. And finally, I have to mention the wonderful Pandemic Iberia, which just might be my favourite edition to play. Regardless, the core gameplay of Pandemic is timeless, and will always remain a permanent resident in my collection.