PickGlobeOnline stores stock far more games and puzzles than any shop, which makes it easy to buy one that sits on the shelf because it needs too many players, takes too long or is too complicated. The box details usually tell you what you need.
Read the box details properly
Most games list three or four key numbers. Here's how to read them:
Player count
- The range on the box isn't always the sweet spot. A game marked "2 to 6 players" may work well with four and feel slow with six, or thin with two.
- Check for "best with" comments in reviews if you usually play with a set number of people.
- Solo modes are common in modern games, which can be useful if you often play alone.
Play time
- Listed play times are estimates, often based on experienced players. Your first few games will usually take longer, especially while learning the rules.
- Some boxes give a range (for example, "30 to 60 minutes"), which often grows with the number of players.
Age
- Safety-based age warnings (such as small parts not suitable for children under 3) are worth following.
- Skill-based ages reflect reading, strategy and attention span. A game rated for older children may be fine for a younger child playing with adults, but it may need simplifying.
- Reading requirements matter for younger players. Games with lots of text on cards can be tricky for early readers.
Judge complexity
Complexity is often the main reason a game doesn't get played.
| Complexity | What it usually looks like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Short rules, quick turns, a lot of luck | Families, parties, new players |
| Medium | A few rules to learn, some strategy | Regular game nights |
| Heavy | Long rulebooks, many options each turn | Experienced players with time to learn |
Ways to judge it before buying:
- Look at the rulebook. Many publishers share a downloadable PDF. A long rulebook usually means a heavier game.
- Watch or read a "how to play" overview if you can find one, to see whether it suits your group.
- Check community complexity ratings on game discussion sites, and read a mix of reviews. Our guide to spotting fake reviews helps here.
Expansions, editions and versions
- Check that it's the base game. Expansions usually need the original game to play, and listings don't always make this clear. Look for "expansion", "add-on" or "requires base game" in the title or description.
- Editions can differ. A new edition may change rules, components or what's included. Expansions may only work with a specific edition.
- Language matters. Imported copies may have rules or cards in another language, which matters for games with lots of text.
Jigsaw puzzles
- Piece count is the main guide to difficulty, but the image matters too. Large areas of sky, sea or a single colour are much harder.
- Finished size tells you whether you have a table big enough to leave it out.
- Piece type and quality: thicker card and a good fit make puzzles more satisfying. Reviews often mention poor fit or pieces that don't hold together.
- Children's puzzles often use larger pieces and list an age range; check for small-parts warnings for the youngest children.
Check for missing pieces when it arrives
Missing or damaged components are one of the most common problems with games bought online. Check soon after delivery, not months later.
- Inspect the box for damage and check whether it was sealed. A game sold as new should arrive in its shrink-wrap or with factory seals.
- Use the component list in the rulebook to check counts of cards, tokens and pieces. Punching out cardboard pieces is a good time to do this.
- Contact the seller or publisher quickly. Many publishers will replace missing components, usually with proof of purchase.
Returns and second-hand games
- Opened games may not be returnable for change of mind, but missing or damaged parts are a fault, and your consumer rights apply in both the US and UK.
- Keep the receipt and photograph problems as soon as you spot them.
- Second-hand games can be good value, but ask whether they're complete and check the listing for any notes on missing parts.
- Be cautious with very cheap copies of popular games from unknown sellers, as counterfeits exist. Check the seller with our guide to whether an online store is legit, and compare prices across stores to see what's realistic.
If a seller won't put things right, see our guide to refunds and chargebacks.
The short version
Choose games by the number of people you usually play with, allow extra time over the box estimate, match the complexity to your group, check you're buying the base game in the right edition and language, and count the components soon after delivery so problems can be fixed while you can still return it.