11 Best Two Player Games of 2024 Reviewed

Looking for the best two player games? We’ve tried many and found 11 fantastic games to keep you entertained.
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Patchwork cover7 Wonders Duel coverLost Cities cover

Are you searching for the best two player games that will keep you and your friend entertained for hours? Look no further! We’ve dug through countless game nights and epic battles to bring you a list of our top picks. While choosing these gems, we focused on variety, replayability, and strategic depth. From intense duels to light-hearted fun, these games are sure to fit your gaming needs. So, grab a buddy, set up the board, and let the games begin!

On this list:

11 Patchwork

Patchwork cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Patchwork is a charming game where two players compete to create the most aesthetically pleasing quilt. The game is simple to learn, but offers deep strategy with its tile-placement mechanism. It’s perfect for couples or buddies looking for a relaxing yet competitive experience.

10 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Duel cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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7 Wonders Duel takes the beloved 7 Wonders game and makes it perfect for two players. The game involves building civilizations through cards and offers multiple paths to victory. With its intricate strategy and quick playtime, this game is a must-have for any board game duo.

9 Lost Cities

Lost Cities cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Lost Cities is a classic two-player game where adventurers set out on expeditions. It’s easy to learn but has enough depth to keep you coming back for more. The tension of balancing risk and reward makes every game a nail-biter.

8 Hive

Hive cover

  • Age Range: 9+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Hive is a game of strategy and insects. Players take turns placing and moving pieces to encircle the opponent’s queen bee. Its portability and lack of need for a board make it a great choice for gaming on the go.

7 Santorini

Santorini cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Santorini brings the beauty of Greek islands to your table. Players take on the role of gods building a gorgeous city. The game is easy to learn but offers a lot of depth with its god powers, making each game a unique experience.

6 Codenames: Duet

Codenames: Duet cover

  • Age Range: 11+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 15-30 minutes

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Codenames: Duet transforms the popular party game into an intense two-player cooperative challenge. Partners work together to uncover all their agents without revealing the assassins. It’s a game of wits and clever communication that’s perfect for couples or friends.

5 Jaipur

Jaipur cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Jaipur is a fast-paced card game where players engage in a trading battle in the markets of India. The mix of strategy, luck, and quick decision-making makes it perfect for a quick game between friends.

4 Star Realms

Star Realms cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Star Realms is a deck-building game set in space. Players use trade to acquire ships and bases, then use their combat to attack their opponent. It’s quick to learn and offers tons of replayability, making it great for sci-fi fans.

3 Targi

Targi cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 60 minutes

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Targi is a two-player worker placement game involving desert tribes trading goods and gaining control of valuable resources. It’s got a clever grid mechanic that keeps each game fresh and challenging. Fans of Eurogames will love the strategic depth it offers.

2 Carcassonne: The Castle

Carcassonne: The Castle cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

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Carcassonne: The Castle is a variant of the classic tile-laying game, designed specifically for two players. It captures the essence of Carcassonne but offers unique scoring mechanisms and a tighter map, making it perfect for strategic duos.

1 Watergate

Watergate cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Watergate is the best two player game on our list because it’s steeped in historical intrigue. One player takes on the role of the Washington Post, while the other is the Nixon administration. The rich theme, combined with tight gameplay and bluffing, makes it a top pick for a thrilling two-player experience.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.