Best 2 Person Board Games of 2025: Top 9 Picks
Check out our list of the best 2 person board games that promise fun and excitement for players of all ages!
Finding the best 2 person board games can be a bit like playing whack-a-mole at the arcade—fun but tricky! We’ve spent countless nights with snacks and laughter to round up a list of games that are not just entertaining but also easy to learn. We’ve looked for games that balance strategy, fun, and replayability. Whether you’re in for a quick game before dinner or a strategic battle of wits, our guide has something for everyone. So grab a partner, maybe some popcorn too, and let’s look at the best 2 person board games that will keep you coming back for more!
On this list:
9 Patchwork
Patchwork is like quilting, but without the sewing. It’s a puzzle game where you place pieces on your board, just like Tetris. This game is great for 2 players who like strategy and a bit of friendly competition. The rules are easy to learn, so you can jump right in. Each move feels important because you have to decide between saving time or spending buttons. But, don’t take too long, or your opponent might outsmart you!
8 7 Wonders Duel
7 Wonders Duel is a two-player version of the popular 7 Wonders game. You and your opponent take turns drafting cards to build a civilization. The game is filled with tough choices, and the variety of cards keeps things exciting. Plus, it’s fun to see your civilization grow. My friend once built a wonder that left me in awe. But hey, it’s all about the experience!
7 Codenames: Duet
Codenames: Duet is a cooperative word game where you and your partner try to contact secret agents using only one-word clues. It’s great for friends or couples who enjoy working together. This game has made us laugh and sometimes groan when we couldn’t guess the right word. It’s a fantastic way to test your mind and how well you know each other. Spoiler: it gets tricky!
6 Lost Cities
Lost Cities is a card game that’s all about expeditions and risk-taking. You play cards to start expeditions and compete to earn the most points. It’s a quick game with rules that are easy to learn. I’ve been on some ‘explorations’ with my friend that ended up in hilarious losses more often than not. But it’s all in good fun!
5 Jaipur
Jaipur is for those who love trading and camels. This is a fast-paced card game where you trade goods to gain riches. It’s simple yet strategic, making you think on your feet. We often find ourselves battling over who can gather the best goods first. Plus, the camel cards are a fun twist. Stealing goods from under your partner’s nose is just too satisfying!
4 Onitama
Onitama is like chess but with a twist. Both players have a Master and students, and the goal is to capture the opponent’s Master. The board is small, so the game plays quickly. We love Onitama because each game feels different. The strategic depth is surprising, and the card-driven movement adds a unique challenge. It’s short, sweet, and always leaves us eager for a rematch.
3 Hive
Hive brings the challenge of chess without the board. The aim is to surround the opponent’s queen bee with your tiles. Each bug has a unique movement, and the game feels like a mental workout! We love how portable it is — you can play anywhere. You’ll find yourself planning moves, possibly talking to your pieces, asking them for a miracle. Or maybe that’s just us.
2 Santorini
Santorini is a game that combines strategy with beautiful aesthetics. You build structures and try to reach the top first. The 3D stacking aspect is simply satisfying. It’s a game that’s easy on the eyes yet deeply strategic. We’ve spent hours playing this game, and the god powers add extra spice to each match. Watching your opponent’s puzzled face as you outmaneuver them is priceless!
1 Twilight Struggle
Twilight Struggle is the ultimate game of strategy, simulating the Cold War tensions. You play as superpowers, and every decision counts. The game’s depth and historical context make it a thrilling experience. We’ve had intense sessions where every card played felt like a grand chess move. This game is for those who relish a long, strategic battle. It’s not just a board game — it’s a journey through history.
0 Star Realms
Star Realms is our top pick for best 2 person board games. This deck-building game offers quick, strategic, and sometimes unpredictable gameplay. You and your opponent start with basic ships, seeking to build fleets to reduce each other’s authority points. It’s endlessly replayable, and the thrill of drawing the right card when you need it most is unmatched. We’ve spent many an evening battling among the stars, and with each game being different, it never gets old!
