11 Best Board Games for Couples 2025 Reviewed
Looking for fun board games for couples? We picked top choices that spark laughter, teamwork, and a bit of friendly competition.
Looking for the perfect way to spice up date night or just want to squash your partner’s dreams of victory? We’ve played a stack of board games for couples and picked the best. We focused on games that work great for two players, are easy to learn, but have enough depth to keep things interesting. Whether you love friendly battles, teamwork, or games that spark a bit of banter, this list of board games for couples has something for every duo. Get ready to settle scores, giggle, and maybe even fall in love all over again—over cardboard and dice!
On this list:
11 Jaipur
Jaipur is almost made for couples. It’s a fast and tense trading game. We always try to outsmart each other and end up laughing or playfully glaring. The game lets you collect sets of colorful goods like spices and gems. You need to make smart trades and grab camels (yes, camels) for bonuses. Every game feels different. It’s simple, but if your partner is sneaky (like mine), you’ll be plotting your next move even after the game ends. We find ourselves saying, ‘Just one more round!’ until it’s past our bedtime.
10 Patchwork
Patchwork is cozy, colorful, and full of sneaky moves. In this, we try to build a quilt by grabbing odd-shaped patches. You have to juggle your buttons (the game’s currency) and time. It looks peaceful, but beware—blocking your partner’s perfect piece causes some very dramatic sighs. The game feels relaxing, but every choice matters. Even those of us with the craft skills of a squirrel can have a great time. If you like a gentle puzzle where you can still pull off a surprise win, Patchwork hits the spot.
9 Fog of Love
This one is a story-based board game for couples where you play characters in a relationship. We invent wild backstories and act out moments, good and bad. Sometimes, we have very strong opinions about whether our characters should stay together! The game feels part romance, part sitcom, and part therapy session. Expect laughter, drama, and a lot of ‘Wait, did you really choose that?’ It’s great for learning about each other. Or, at least, about our dramatic acting skills.
8 Targi
Targi is a duel of desert traders. We put on our best merchant faces and try to outsmart each other by placing our tokens along a grid. It’s tricky but never overwhelming. There’s lots of tension—expect a little friendly arguing when someone blocks your perfect combo. The artwork and theme feel very different from other board games for couples. We love how each play invites smart choices and close finishes. It’s easy to set up and plays in under an hour, making it great for a weeknight gaming date.
7 7 Wonders Duel
This is a classic for board games for couples who want a real challenge. The game packs empire-building into a short play time. Every card drafted and wonder built feels like a small victory. We have had some legendary duels and some not-so-legendary ‘why did I do that?’ moments. There are many ways to win, so it always feels fresh. And honestly, there’s a bit of gloating when someone snatches victory at the last second. If you want something a little ‘thinkier’ but still quick, this is a go-to.
6 Hive
Hive is a bug battle with no board, so it’s perfect for a coffee table showdown. We love the fast pace and how brain-burny it can get after a few plays. Each piece has its own movement, like chess but with insects. There’s no luck—just pure strategy and sometimes accidental genius. It’s easy to learn but tough to master. We usually end up doing best-of-three matches to settle our insect rivalry. Plus, it’s sturdy and travel-sized, great for on-the-go date nights.
5 Lost Cities
Lost Cities is simple, tense, and gets very competitive. We are explorers racing for fame, fortune, and a higher score than our partner. Every turn, you choose to push your luck or play it safe. The artwork is pretty, and the rules are super easy. But don’t be fooled — misjudging a move can cost you big points. We always finish the game with a round of, ‘I should’ve played that card!’ It’s quick and makes us want to play again right away.
4 Onitama
Onitama is a strategy game that’s like chess’s cooler, simpler cousin. We love how you only use five movement cards per game, so every match feels different. You can’t blame luck here. When we win, it’s all skill (or at least, that’s what we claim). It’s fast, smart, and pleasing to look at. The game is perfect for testing a quick rivalry or rematch. We always say, ‘Let’s play one more,’ then end up three games deep.
3 Fox in the Forest
Fox in the Forest is a trick-taking card game made for two players. It’s got fairy tale art, but don’t let that fool you—it can get very competitive! We keep track of suits, powers, and try to lure our partner into risky plays. It’s light, portable, and we’ve had some dramatic comebacks and crushing defeats. If either of us wins too many tricks, the game punishes us, so it’s all about balance. Great for fans of classic card games who want something special for couples.
2 Codenames: Duet
If you like puzzles and secret codes, Codenames: Duet is a brilliant choice for board games for couples. You and your partner must give each other word clues to find all your agents before time runs out. We are always surprised by how our brains work so differently! Sometimes we breeze through, other times we’re one wrong answer from defeat. The game is tense, funny, and gives a real sense of teamwork. Great for testing your communication skills and laughing at your own logic fails.
1 Azul
Azul stands at the top for board games for couples because it’s easy to learn, fast, and looks beautiful. The tile drafting is simple, but if you want to play mean (and we often do), you can sabotage your partner’s plan and steal their favorite tile. Every game is different, and it never gets boring for us. The tactile feeling of the chunky tiles makes it satisfying, and we end up playing one game after another. It’s perfect for a chill date night or a sneaky competitive streak. The mix of strategy, beauty, and fun makes Azul our number one.
