Are you bundled up in your warmest blanket, looking for an excuse not to move an inch for the next couple of hours? Look no further than this list of cosy board games!
In the previous part, we had a look at some nature and craft-themed games, with lovely autumnal and homely vibes. However, this second part is specially made for those who prefer the company of animals to that of most humans.
Have yourself a little rest with these fun games and their cute cats, dogs, and dragons!
Boop
Kittens. Jumping on a Mattress. That’s it. That’s the pitch.
This is one of my favourite two-player games to recommend to people visiting C&C for the first time, who want a fun, quick and easy game to play.
At its essence, Boop is a connect-three game. You want to get three kittens in line, because that will earn you one cat, and once you have three cats in line, you win the game. However, kittens are very lightweight, and every time you place a new one on the board, the kittens around it will bounce — or ‘boop’ — over one spot. This is a very entertaining mechanic, mainly because of how quickly it devolves into delightful and adorable chaos.
While the game requires some strategy to win, the rules are fairly simple, resulting in a balanced gameplay that’s good for experienced and beginner players, without ever feeling stale.
Cat Lady
Channel your inner cat lady and live the fantasy of having enough disposable income to care for a small army of furry friends.
Cat Lady is a 2-4 player card-based game. Each turn, you’ll draft three new cards and collect a variety of necessary bits and bobs to make your cats happy, including food, toys, catnip, and costumes. Yet, much like in real life, there are consequences if your pets are not properly fed. Instead of spending up to five years in prison, however, you’ll lose some points. Compete with your friends to collect and care for as many cats as you can in this fun, allergen-free game.
If you are more of a dog person, try Dog Lover, bythe same creators. It has the same basic mechanics, but with some additional elements, like trait cards and tricks, that can add some extra complexity.
Alternatively, give this next game a go!
Spots
This is a big favourite at C&C — in fact, it’s the only game our head chef in Cardiff will play. There is no higher praise.
As a ‘push-your-luck’ game, Spots is ideal for the more competitive crowd, while still maintaining the light-heartedness of a cosy board-game session. The game centres on matching dice spots to dogs’ spots. You win a dog once you’ve matched all its spots, and win the game once you’ve collected 6 dogs. But beware, any dice you roll that can’t be matched to a dog are buried in your backyard, and once you accumulate too many dice there, you lose everything you’ve collected so far.
This is a really great game, and it’s worth playing just to collect as many cute and funny dogs as possible.
Keep an eye out for Doog. He’s a very special boy.
Flamecraft
Imagine a magical realm, full of wonder and fantastic creatures and an economy you can actually understand AND take advantage of! Exciting stuff!
Flamecraft is set in a magical town where cute little, tiny, talented dragons are employed in a variety of trades, from baking bread to crafting potions. As a Flamekeeper, your job is to find the right place for each dragon to flourish professionally. To achieve this, you will have to cast enchantments to attract specific dragons, manage resources, visit shops, invest in their businesses, and thus help the town thrive.
If you’re like me, you were completely sold by the little dragon on the cover flambéing crème brûlée, but were rather concerned about the ethical implications of the potential exploitation of the cute dragons. But here’s what I’m thinking: how else would they pay the rent for their tiny dragon apartments, or afford the mortgages for their open-plan underground lairs? And, with your support, maybe, one day, they will be able to open their own little online conceptual jewellery shops and artisanal bakeries! Yeah, this is important work that you’re participating in.
This is a great choice if you’re hoping to host a longer gaming session and are looking for a game with the right ratio of cosiness to strategic complexity. Plus, the game adapts itself to both more cooperative and more competitive styles of play, so you can either work to build the town together or connive to best them.
With its charming art-style and adorable world-building, you can spend a delightful afternoon playing Flamecraft.
If any of these games struck your fancy, have a look at our online shop, and add a new cosy game to your personal collection.
Alternatively, if you would like more recommendations, book your table at one of our locations! Our staff will help you find the perfect game for your mood, teach you how to play it, and provide you with all the pumpkin-spice-caramel-vanilla-chai-latte-hot-chocolate-with-cream-and-s’mores that your heart desires.