Cooperative games are about playing against the game instead of against each other.
These games force you to work together to solve problems bigger than any one player can fix. Opposite to most games, these ones encourage thinking out loud and asking what you can do to benefit the group as a whole.
In each of these games you will work together to cure 4 diseases before they spread across the globe, collect clues to solve the crime before Sherlock, or escape the room in a one-time experience.
(2-5 Players)
For people who like planning 2 steps ahead.
Or people who enjoy telling others what to do.
Or people who like translucent cubes.
(2-4 Players)
For people who enjoy trusting others
For a more basic game without all the fluff of theme, try Hanabi
For a tougher challenge try The Mind.
(2-6 Players)
For people who like puzzles or escape rooms.
For 2-3 players go with an EXIT game as they tend to be more lean-in, puzzle based.
For 4-8 players go with an Unlock! game as they are card driven, giving every player a role and a sense of ownership over part of the experience.