Best Two Player Games Reddit Recommends for 2024: Top 7

We've tried a ton of games and found these to be the best two player games reddit users rave about.
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Jaipur coverHive coverPatchwork cover

Hey there, board game lovers! Today, we’re diving into the world of the best two player games Reddit has been buzzing about. We focus on games that provide strategy, replayability, and plain old fun. Whether you’re into building empires, weaving quilts, or outsmarting your opponent with wits and cards, we’ve got you covered. Grab your favorite opponent and get ready for some epic clashes and cozy gaming nights!

On this list:

7 Jaipur

Jaipur cover

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

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Jaipur lets you and your buddy become two traders in the Indian market. The game is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes. We love this game because it combines strategy with a bit of luck, making each playthrough different. You need to collect sets of cards to sell at the right time for the most profit. Plus, the camels are just too adorable! Perfect for couples or friends.

6 Hive

Hive cover

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

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Hive feels like chess but with bugs. You don’t need a board, so it’s great for playing anywhere. Each bug has its unique move, and you have to protect your queen bee. The game is easy to learn but hard to master. We often find ourselves thinking, ‘Just one more game!’ Hive is perfect for those who enjoy deep strategy without a lot of setup.

5 Patchwork

Patchwork cover

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

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Patchwork is a beautiful game where you and your friend compete to make the best quilt. The game involves Tetris-like pieces and a shared time track. You have to choose pieces wisely to fit your quilt and use your buttons (currency) efficiently. We love the mix of strategy and puzzle-solving. It’s relaxing yet competitive and gives you that ‘just one more turn’ feeling.

4 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Duel cover

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

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7 Wonders Duel is a head-to-head version of the popular 7 Wonders game. It offers complex strategies in a shorter timeframe. You draft cards to build wonders, gain resources, or build a military. We enjoy how it offers multiple paths to victory, keeping each game fresh. The tug-of-war mechanics make it thrilling until the last move. Highly recommended for strategy enthusiasts.

3 Onitama

Onitama cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 10-30 minutes

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Onitama combines the simplicity of checkers with the strategy of chess. Each game is quick, and the changing movement cards keep it fresh. You play as martial artists trying to capture the opponent’s master or reach their temple. We love how easy it is to learn, yet it offers deep strategic depth. It’s a great game for those moments when you want something quick and engaging.

2 Fox in the Forest

Fox in the Forest cover

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

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Fox in the Forest is a trick-taking game for two players. The game has beautiful artwork, and the special roles on some cards add layers of strategy. You try to win tricks, but not too many, making each round a delicate balance. We appreciate the strategic depth and how each game keeps you guessing. It’s a great pick for those who enjoy traditional card games with a twist.

1 Star Realms

Star Realms cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Star Realms stands out as the best two player game on Reddit for us. It’s a deck-building game set in space where you aim to reduce your opponent’s authority to zero. The game is fast and intense, and the deck-building mechanics offer endless replayability. We can’t get enough of the strategic depth and the ever-changing nature of each match. It’s a game where every decision counts. The space theme and artwork only add to the fun. If you’re looking for the best of the best, this is it.

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.