13 Fun Games You Can Play at Home With Just 2 People

Why does it feel like all of the best games are made for three or more players? I could play Settlers of Catan or Hearts all day, but that’s no help when just my boyfriend and I are having a night in and want to play something fun. The same is true for anyone who lives with just one other person, whether it be a roommate, partner, child, or some other kind of relationship.

Here’s a rare bit of good news: It turns out there are plenty of new, interesting games that are just as fun to play with two people as they are with four, five, or six players. Here, nine options that are sure to keep you entertained, engaged, and — sometimes most importantly — unplugged.

A game that’s going to be as relaxing as it is fun? The Hygge Conversation Game is what it sounds like: a game to encourage friendly, relaxing, and interesting conversation. If your worst nightmare is silence or small talk, this would be a great gift. And if you and your partner feel like you’ve run out of things to talk about, this might be a good option, too.

Similarly, the Intimacy Deck is all about asking questions that build (you guessed it) intimacy and closeness with your partner. Discuss topics you never have before. By the time you get to the end of the deck, you’ll feel like you know each other that much better.

Love true crime and mysteries? This game could be for you. The best part is you can play with 1, 2, 3, or more players. Perfect for a rainy day or a chilly day cuddled indoors.

Mancala is a game that’s as pretty as it is fun, and it’s made just for two people. If you love the game, you can even invest in a cute set like this one — it looks great on your coffee table, even when not in use.

Another classic non-board game, dominoes is easy to transport, easy to play, and can entertain for hours. 

You might think you know what a memory game looks like, but this one is a bit different. Perfect for small or large groups, this game involves each participant choosing three cards — one with a person’s name, the other with a timeframe, and the third with a prompt. Together, these cards help the player conjure a specific memory and share it with the group.

If you’re bored while sipping coffee or drinking wine, pull out this fun card game and prepare to be amazed by the weirdest, funniest facts. 

Try your hand at cracking twenty different cases, each one complete with beautiful and engaging illustrations. It’s a great investment for the fall and winter, as it’ll add hours of spooky, fun suspense to an overload of indoor time.

A puzzle is the perfect game for two people. With one person, it can be overwhelming; with more than two, it can be frustrating and chaotic. Get some snacks ready and gather around this beautiful, women’s suffrage-focused puzzle for hours of challenging play — and a hefty dose of fun facts. 

You can play this with up to four people, but in my experience, it’s way better with just two. You collect pretty coins that you can use to buy gems, and whoever has gems worth the most points at the end wins. There’s some strategy, a bit of luck, and it’s not a terribly competitive experience, making it a lovely game to play while you listen to the Nancy Meyers’ Kitchen Spotify playlist in the background.

This is a pricier game (it retails for $65 from the game manufacturer, but can be bought for slightly cheaper elsewhere), but it’s worth every penny. Players can buy, feed, or build nests for gorgeously illustrated birds and help them lay eggs. Not only is it a lengthy game that allows for individual strategy, but you also learn fun facts about birds along the way. You can play with up to five people, but it’s just as lovely and enjoyable with two.

An offshoot of Magic: the Gathering, this is a deck-building game that’s ridiculously fun to play with just one other person. Things can get pretty competitive as you collect ships and bases and attack each others’, but with entertaining characters like Moonworm on the cards, you’ll both end up laughing by the end.

A classic that dates all the way back to Ancient Mesopotamia, this one’s stood the test of time for a reason. It’s designed for just two players, and comes in travel-sized editions so you can take your game for two on vacation wherever you go. Backgammon by the beach? Yes, please!