Top Couple Board Games for 2025

While there are plenty of two-player board games that are excellent, board games for couples to play together deserve their own special sub-category. Many two-player games fall into categories like war board games or abstract games, which can be challenging for couples to enjoy together due to their competitive nature. Even beyond these niche picks, two-player games often lean towards intense competition, which might not be ideal unless both partners are forgiving. That's why we've curated a list of the best board games that strike a perfect balance between competition and cooperation, blending luck with strategy to create a harmonious gaming experience. These games are a great way to spend quality time together, making them an excellent choice for a Valentine's Day date night.

TL;DR: These are the best board games for couples

### Race to the Raft

1See it at Amazon### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

1See it at Amazon### The Search for Lost Species

1See it at Amazon### Fog of Love

1See it at Amazon### Patchwork

1See it at Amazon### Codenames: Duet

1See it at Amazon### The Adventures of Robin Hood

1See it at Amazon### Hive

1See it at Amazon### Onitama

0See it at Amazon### Five Tribes

0See it at Amazon### The Fox in the Forest

0See it at Amazon### 7 Wonders: Duel

0See it at Amazon### Schotten Totten 2

0See it at Amazon### Splendor: Duel

0See it at Amazon### Sea Salt & Paper

0See it at Amazon### Dorfromantik: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonEditor's Note: Although all of the games below are great for two players, some of them can be played by up to 4 players. If you're looking to buy a game you'll be able to play on board game night and as a couple, make sure to check the number of players we've listed below each entry below.

Race to the Raft

### Race to the Raft

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-4Playtime: 40-60 minsIf you remember the engaging movement puzzle games from the early internet days, you'll find a delightful evolution in Race to the Raft. This vibrant game challenges you and your partner to guide color-specific cats to safety on a raft before a spreading fire cuts them off. The twist? Terrain cards are drawn randomly, and limited communication means you might find yourself meowing to coordinate. With over 80 scenarios of increasing difficulty, this game offers both challenge and laughter.

Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 14+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsSky Team lets you and your partner play as a pilot and co-pilot on a thrilling journey to land a plane. It's more challenging than it sounds, requiring you to manage your own dice and instruments without discussing strategy during the critical phase. Balancing the plane's tilt and managing air traffic adds to the excitement, making for an intense yet rewarding experience.

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 invites you to explore an island's ecology to discover a long-lost animal. With a dynamic puzzle at its core, the game's complexity is hidden beneath an engaging theme. Use clues and rules to pinpoint species locations, and enjoy the fresh puzzle each game presents. You can even collaborate against the app, sharing a single playing piece for added teamwork.

If you want a more in-depth look at gameplay for this entry, 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 hrsFog of Love stands out as it's designed specifically for couples to explore the nuances of a fictional relationship. With secret traits and destinies, you'll navigate scenes and make choices that shape the story. While there's no strict winner, the journey through an imagined relationship offers a fascinating and engaging experience, open to all types of relationships.

Patchwork

### Patchwork

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsPatchwork is a simple yet clever game where you buy geometric pieces to create a quilt with minimal gaps. The time track adds a strategic layer, allowing for double turns and tactical plays. Its addictive nature and brain-teasing elements have earned it numerous awards and nominations.

Codenames Duet

### Codenames: Duet

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 15+Players: 2+Playtime: 15 minsCodenames: Duet refines the original party game into a sleek cooperative experience for two. By giving and receiving clues to find fifteen cards before time runs out, you'll enjoy the thrill of party games in an intimate setting. With various spin-offs available, you have options if you enjoy this version.

The Adventures of Robin Hood

### The Adventures of Robin Hood

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+Players: 2-4Playtime: 60 minsThis narrative-driven game lets you and your partner relive the legend of Robin Hood across nine scenarios. With innovative mechanics like measuring progress with a long base and flipping numbered pieces to create a dynamic world, you'll work together to outwit the Sheriff and save Nottingham.

Hive

### Hive

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 9+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsHive's insect-themed hex tiles may give you the creeps, but the game's strategic depth will captivate you. Surround your opponent's Queen with your pieces using different insect movements. Easy to set up and play, yet challenging to master, Hive is a perfect travel game.

Onitama

### Onitama

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 10 minsOnitama's simple grid and card-based movement system create a dynamic gameplay experience. Knock out your opponent's master or move yours to the opposite side to win. The ever-changing moves add depth and excitement to each game.

If you like the gameplay mechanics of Onitama, make sure you check out more picks from our list of the best dueling board games.

Five Tribes

### Five Tribes

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 14+Players: 2-4Playtime: 40-80 minsInspired by Mancala, Five Tribes challenges you to manipulate a grid of tiles to your advantage. Each turn is a puzzle, balancing your moves against your opponent's potential actions. With two players, you can double your turns, adding another strategic layer to the game.

The Fox in the Forest

### The Fox in the Forest

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsThe Fox in the Forest reinvents trick-taking games for two players with a unique three-suit deck and special powers. Its scoring system, rewarding both the majority and minority of tricks, adds strategic depth. Fast-paced and innovative, it's a must-try for couples.

7 Wonders: Duel

### 7 Wonders: Duel

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 mins7 Wonders: Duel refines the original's drafting mechanic with a pyramid of overlapping cards. Balancing your picks against your opponent's options adds a thrilling element of timing to the game, making it a strategic delight for couples.

Schotten Totten

### Schotten Totten 2

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsSchotten Totten's classic gameplay still holds up with its Poker-style three-card combos. The tension of guessing your opponent's strategy and managing your own is captivating. Plus, the amusing cartoon art doubles as a different game called Lost Cities.

Splendor: Duel

### Splendor: Duel

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsSplendor: Duel enhances the original's engine-building with a board for picking gems and multiple victory conditions. Its special effects add variety to your strategies, making it an ideal choice for couples looking for a refined gaming experience.

Sea Salt & Paper

### Sea Salt & Paper

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2-4Playtime: 30-45 minsThis abstract card game combines classic gameplay elements with unique origami artwork. Build sets and use special effects to outmaneuver your partner. Its strategic depth and quick playtime make it perfect for a couple's game night.

Dorfromantik: The Board Game

### Dorfromantik: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-6Playtime: 30-60 minsDorfromantik brings the relaxing puzzle of its video game counterpart to the table. Build your rural utopia tile by tile, and enjoy the campaign mode that slowly introduces new content. Sharing new discoveries with your partner adds a special touch to this cooperative experience.

If you want a more in-depth look at this game, you can check out my review of Dorfromantik: The Board Game for additional details.