While there are numerous two-player board games that are excellent, board games specifically designed for couples deserve their own special category. Many two-player games are highly competitive or fall into niche categories such as war or abstract games, which may not be ideal for couples looking to enjoy a relaxing time together. Even when avoiding these niche picks, two-player games can often be fiercely competitive, which might not be the best choice unless both partners are highly forgiving. Our selection of the best board games for couples strikes a perfect balance between competition and cooperation, and luck and strategy, ensuring a delightful experience for both players. If you're seeking a unique Valentine's Day date idea, these board games for couples are the perfect place to start.
TL;DR: These are the best board games for couples
### Race to the Raft
1See it at Amazon
### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing
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### The Search for Lost Species
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### Fog of Love
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### Patchwork
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### Codenames: Duet
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### The Adventures of Robin Hood
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### Hive
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### Onitama
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### Five Tribes
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### The Fox in the Forest
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### 7 Wonders: Duel
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### Schotten Totten 2
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### Splendor: Duel
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### Sea Salt & Paper
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### Dorfromantik: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonEditor's Note: While all the games listed below are excellent for two players, some can accommodate up to four players. If you're looking for a game suitable for both board game night and couple's play, be sure to check the player count listed below each game.
Race to the Raft
### Race to the Raft
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-4Playtime: 40-60 minsIf you remember the early internet's movement puzzle games, you'll appreciate this vibrant and engaging board game where you guide finicky cats to safety. Each cat will only travel over one color of terrain, so you must work together to build a path to a raft before a fire cuts them off. The challenge is heightened by the random nature of terrain cards, the risk of blocking another cat's route, and limited communication rules that might lead to some amusing meows. With over 80 scenarios of increasing difficulty, this game is both challenging and hilarious.
Sky Team: Prepare for Landing
### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 14+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsImagine saying "I love you" by taking a flight to an exotic destination together. In Sky Team, you play as the pilot and co-pilot, working together to land the plane. It's more challenging than it sounds: each player manages their own dice pool and instruments, and some tasks require balancing values from both players. Communication is restricted during the placement phase, which can prevent arguments when the dice run low, the plane tilts dangerously, and there's a queue for the runway.
The Search for Lost Species
### The Search for Lost Species
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 13+Players: 1-4Playtime: 60-75 minsThis app-driven game combines an appealing theme with a dynamic puzzle, where players race to map an island's ecology and discover a lost animal. Beneath its engaging surface lies a complex logic puzzle. Each animal has specific rules for its habitat, some fixed and some revealed by the app as you research. Use these rules and clues from your exploration to pinpoint the location of the mysterious beast. The game is complex but quick to play once mastered, and every game offers a fresh puzzle thanks to the app. You can even collaborate against the app, sharing one playing piece.
For a more in-depth look at gameplay, check out my hands-on review of The Search for the Lost Species.
Fog of Love
### Fog of Love
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 17+Players: 2Playtime: 1-2 hrsThis game is designed to explore the story of a couple's relationship, but with fictional characters. It's inclusive, supporting same-sex relationships as well. Each player has secret traits and destinies, and you play through scenes, making choices that affect the outcome. As an experimental game, there's no strict winner, but you'll enjoy a fascinating journey through an imagined relationship.
Patchwork
### Patchwork
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsPatchwork is a simple yet clever game where players buy geometric pieces with buttons to create a quilt with minimal holes. Each purchase advances you on a time track, earning extra buttons or useful patches, but the player last on the track takes the next turn. This mechanic allows for strategic plays like planning double turns or snatching key patches. It's gently addictive and has won numerous awards and nominations.
Codenames Duet
### Codenames: Duet
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 15+Players: 2+Playtime: 15 minsThe original Codenames was a breakout hit in party games, where players give single-word clues to link multiple words on a grid. Codenames: Duet refines this for two players into a cooperative game. You work together to find fifteen clues before time runs out, taking turns giving clues to minimize downtime. It brings the fun of a party game to a couple's setting.
Duet is one of many Codenames spin-offs available, offering variety if you enjoy this version.
The Adventures of Robin Hood
### The Adventures of Robin Hood
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2-4Playtime: 60 minsThis narrative-driven game retells the legend of Robin Hood across nine scenarios. It introduces innovative mechanics, such as measuring progress with a wooden piece's base to stay in shadows and avoid guards. The board functions like an advent calendar, with numbered pieces you flip to create a dynamic world. Can you and your partner save Nottingham from the Sheriff before Guy of Gisborne catches you?
Hive
### Hive
1See it at AmazonAge Range: 9+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsPlayed with chunky plastic hexes, Hive's insect theme might make your skin crawl, but its strategic depth will engage your mind. Each player has a Queen hex, and you win by surrounding your opponent's Queen. Four other insect types have unique movement rules, and the Hive must remain a single conglomeration. With only eleven tiles per side, it's easy to transport and set up, but challenging to master.
Onitama
### Onitama
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 10 minsOnitama's simple concept yields complex gameplay. Played on a grid, you move pieces to knock out your opponent's master or reach the opposite end. Movement depends on randomly dealt cards, with two choices per turn. This creates a dynamic interplay of cause and effect, where you plan ahead amidst changing moves.
If you enjoy Onitama's mechanics, explore more from our list of the best dueling board games.
Five Tribes
### Five Tribes
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 14+Players: 2-4Playtime: 40-80 minsInspired by Mancala, Five Tribes involves picking up and dropping color pieces on a grid, with the final tile determining your actions. The board state changes, affecting future moves, making each turn a strategic puzzle. An auction determines the first player, and with two players, you get double turns, adding another layer of strategy.
The Fox in the Forest
### The Fox in the Forest
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsThis trick-taking game works with two players using a three-suit deck where odd-numbered cards have special powers. The Fox changes the trump suit, while the Witch is always a trump. The scoring system rewards winning either the majority or minority of tricks, making it challenging to maintain a lead. It's fast, fun, and innovative.
7 Wonders: Duel
### 7 Wonders: Duel
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsThis two-player version of 7 Wonders is considered even better than the original. You draft cards to build point-scoring sets representing aspects of an ancient civilization. Instead of the original's pick and pass, you draft from a pyramid of overlapping cards, adding a timing element as you balance your picks against your opponent's options.
Schotten Totten
### Schotten Totten 2
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsThis classic game from 1999 involves battling across nine stones by creating Poker-style three-card combos. It creates tension as players guess each other's strategies and manage probabilities. Special power tactics cards add variety, and the amusing cartoon art can also be used to play Lost Cities.
Splendor: Duel
### Splendor: Duel
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsWhile the original Splendor worked well with two, Splendor: Duel refines the gameplay for couples. As master jewellers, you pick gems from a board with placement rules, aiming for three victory conditions. Special effects add strategic variety, making it ideal for couples.
Sea Salt & Paper
### Sea Salt & Paper
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2-4Playtime: 30-45 minsThis abstract card game by Bruno Cathala combines classic gameplay elements. You build sets to score points, with pairs of cards offering special effects like taking extra cards or stealing from opponents. Players decide when to end the hand, gambling on their winning combo. It's best with two, and the unique origami artwork adds to the experience.
Dorfromantik: The Board Game
### Dorfromantik: The Board Game
0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-6Playtime: 30-60 minsInspired by the relaxing video game, this board game lets you build a rural utopia hex by hex. The campaign mode adds new content through a tree of reveals, with boxes you open to discover new elements. Sharing these discoveries with a partner enhances the experience, making it perfect for couples.
For a more in-depth look at this game, you can check out my review of Dorfromantik: The Board Game for additional details.
