14 Best Board Games for Couples in 2024
Finding the best board games for couples can feel like a mission filled with too many choices. We focus on games that enhance connection without causing heated debates (we’re looking at you, Monopoly). Our picks offer engaging gameplay, balance, and fun, allowing partners to team up or face off in lighthearted competition. Whether you’re solving mysteries, building empires, or weaving through ancient cities, these games promise to turn your game nights into memorable bonding experiences. So, grab your favorite snacks, and let’s explore the best board games for couples that are sure to bring more fun to the table.
On this list:
14 Hanamikoji
Hanamikoji is a simple yet strategic game where you compete to gain the favor of seven geishas. It’s a perfect choice for couples who enjoy fast-paced strategy without getting bogged down in rules. The artwork is breathtakingly serene, making it a calming experience. We love it for its engaging gameplay that forces you to think about your partner’s strategies. It’s a perfect blend of beauty and brains. We also appreciate that it can be played in 20 minutes, just enough time to squeeze in a game before dinner. Plus, it’s one of those games where you can have a rematch without feeling exhausted.
13 Lost Cities
This card game is ideal for couples because it’s all about risk and reward. You and your partner race to score on different expeditions, and each decision can lead to victory or disaster. Lost Cities is easy to learn, so you spend more time playing and less time reading the rulebook. It’s a game that tests your intuition about each other’s moves. Our evenings often start with this classic because it’s quick, strategic, and we can always sneak in ‘just one more game’. The thrill of exploring uncharted territories together makes it an adventure for two.
12 Jaipur
Jaipur is a trading game that pits two players against each other as merchants in India. The artwork is stunning and the game tempo is perfect for a couple seeking quick, engaging gameplay. You’re building your hand and making strategic trades, all while watching your partner’s moves. We enjoy the friendly competition and trying to outwit each other while keeping the mood light. It’s a splendid game for couples looking to trade their way to victory without any hard feelings at the end.
11 Patchwork
Patchwork is the Tetris-like game of quilt-making that is perfect for an evening in. It challenges couples to efficiently fill their personal boards with colorful pieces while managing resources. We always end up comparing our quilts, and it brings out our competitive sides in a fun way. The rules are simple, but the gameplay offers surprising depth. Each piece you add to your quilt feels like progress, and we love the satisfaction of completing a cozy, vibrant quilt together.
10 Codenames: Duet
In Codenames: Duet, you and your partner must work together to uncover secret agents without alerting assassins. This cooperative game enhances communication and teamwork, making it perfect for couples who like to solve puzzles together. We’ve spent many nights at the edge of our seats, whispering clues and cracking codes. It’s a brilliant option for those who love working hand in hand with their significant other. The suspense keeps us hooked every time we play.
9 Fog of Love
Fog of Love is a unique game that lets couples play out romantic comedy scenarios. It’s not just about winning, but about crafting a story together. We think it’s fantastic for any couple looking to add some laughter and creativity to their game nights. Playing as characters who face relationship challenges provides insight into each other’s perspectives and humor. It’s a game that brings out lots of giggles as we get into character and navigate the ups and downs of love.
8 Hive
Hive is a classic abstract strategy game that feels like a mix of chess and checkers. The game’s insect-themed pieces add a quirky touch. It’s easy to carry, so we often take it on road trips. This tile-placing, bug-matching game is perfect for a quiet evening at home, too. We love Hive for its simplicity and depth, offering endless strategies and a competitive edge. It’s great for those who appreciate timeless, strategic gameplay with a partner.
7 Targi
Targi offers a tense, tactical experience for two players as you compete in the desert to trade dates, salt, and pepper. The gameplay is about careful planning and blocking your partner’s moves. We love it for its deep strategy and engaging mechanics, which keep us on our toes the entire time. If you and your partner enjoy resource management with a touch of competition, this game is sure to spice up your evenings.
6 7 Wonders Duel
This two-player version of the classic 7 Wonders is an epic face-off for couples. The gameplay is about building and expanding civilizations, and it’s rich with strategic moves and decisions. We love how it mixes drafting, resource management, and direct conflict. It offers a satisfying balance between complexity and fun, perfect for couples who love a good mental workout. 7 Wonders Duel is often our go-to when we want an intense, rewarding gaming experience.
5 Carcassonne
Carcassonne is all about building a medieval landscape with your partner. The game lets you place tiles to create roads, cities, and monasteries, leading to friendly competition over who can control the most territory. We find joy in the simple, yet strategic choices it offers, and the visual satisfaction of a completed map is a bonus! It’s perfect for couples who enjoy casual games with a touch of strategy, and it keeps things light-hearted.
4 Kingdomino
Kingdomino is a quick and colorful tile-laying game where players build their own 5×5 kingdoms. The game’s simplicity is perfect for couples looking for a relaxed yet competitive experience. We love the strategy involved in selecting tiles and how every game turns out differently. Kingdomino is all about creating the most harmonious kingdom, and it’s always fun to see our unique finished landscapes come to life.
3 Mr. Jack
In Mr. Jack, one player is Jack the Ripper while the other plays as a detective trying to catch him. The mystery and deduction keep us coming back for more. The game is all about outsmarting each other in a cat-and-mouse chase. It’s perfect for couples who love thrilling, suspenseful games where you need to think several steps ahead. Every round is a new challenge, and we never get tired of switching roles and seeing who can outwit the other.
2 Onitama
Onitama is a quick and elegant strategy game reminiscent of chess but with a unique twist. Each player has only a few pieces and a few moves available on their turn, making every decision count. We love Onitama for its minimalist elegance and the strategic depth it offers, despite its simplicity. The game’s zen-like calm makes it a peaceful yet competitive experience, perfect for couples who enjoy a strategic duel.
1 Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu
Pandemic: Reign of Cthulhu is an exciting cooperative game where players work together to seal portals and prevent the Great Old Ones from awakening. It’s thrilling and tense, and we love how it challenges our teamwork skills. We’re always on the edge of our seats, discussing strategy and adapting to sudden changes in the game. The Lovecraft theme adds an eerie atmosphere, making it captivating and immersive. This game tops our list for the best board games for couples because it combines cooperation, strategy, and a touch of horror. It offers a unique experience that keeps us engaged every time we play.
