13 Best Great Two Player Board Games for 2025
Looking for great two player board games? We’ve tested the best ones that bring excitement, strategy, and laughter for just two people.
Ready to escape boring date nights or awkward roommate silences? We’ve gathered our favorite great two player board games after way too many snack-fueled game nights. When picking games for this list, we focused on fast set up, easy rules, and keeping things fun for both new and seasoned players. We also looked for games that pack in a lot of replay value—nobody wants a one-hit wonder! Whether you want strategy, luck, or just something to settle who picks the next TV show, our list of great two player board games will have you rolling dice and plotting glory in no time.
On this list:
13 Jaipur
Jaipur is always a hoot at our table. It’s quick, easy to learn, and full of back-and-forth action that keeps both players on their toes. We love trying to outsmart each other by grabbing camels and trading goods at the perfect time. It’s not just about luck, as you need to plan ahead and watch your opponent’s moves. Jaipur is great for new gamers and veterans alike, and it never overstays its welcome. If you want to build your collection of great two player board games, this is a strong place to start!
12 Lost Cities
Lost Cities is the classic we pull out when someone says, ‘I don’t like board games.’ We prove them wrong. Simple rules? Check. Tense choices? Double check. You’ll stare at your cards, wondering if you should press your luck or let your dreams of archeological glory sink into the river. Games are quick and always feel like a tense tug-of-war. In our game nights, this is the go-to travel-sized hit for a reason—you’re getting pure two player magic. Another fine pick for those after great two player board games.
11 Patchwork
Patchwork combines quilting and cutthroat strategy—yes, really! We never thought arguing over buttons and patches could be this fun. You need to make a lovely quilt by fitting oddly-shaped pieces together, but there’s a clever timer mechanic that keeps things tight. We always end up cackling at each other’s weird, hole-filled masterpieces! If you want a light yet thinky experience with a surprising amount of depth, Patchwork is a fantastic choice for fans of great two player board games.
10 Star Realms
Star Realms scratches that itch when we want card combos, sci-fi battles, and a pinch of trash talk. The deck-building is snappy, and every new ship or base added feels satisfying. If you want a cheap, replayable, fight-to-the-last-breath sort of game, Star Realms is perfect. In our group, we never play just one round. You’ll want to play again and again, always looking for new strategies. Star Realms is a must-have for anyone who loves great two player board games.
9 7 Wonders Duel
Think of 7 Wonders Duel as Civilization in a tiny box. We always feel clever when building pyramids and temples, or snatching a military victory right before the other player gets their science up. The card drafting is genius—every choice matters, and you have to pay attention to what your opponent is doing. It’s one of our favorite great two player board games for its replayability and epic feel in just 30 minutes. If you like planning and tricking your friends, this is the right pick.
8 Watergate
We got Watergate to pretend to be journalists and conspirators, and didn’t expect to enjoy it this much! One of us is Nixon, sweating buckets; the other’s racing to connect evidence and expose the truth. Every turn is tense, with clever card play and tough choices. The historical theme is wonderful, and you don’t need to be a history buff to get a kick out of it. We think this is one of the most gripping and great two player board games out there.
7 Fox in the Forest
Fox in the Forest is the trick-taking game we turn to when Euchre and Spades get stale. It’s only two players, but the clever powers on some cards mean you never know who’ll have the edge. We’ve pulled off some sneaky wins thanks to those special cards, which always leads to good-natured groans. If you want a small, portable game for sneaky fun, Fox in the Forest is one of the most charming great two player board games out there.
6 Onitama
Onitama is like Chess’s cooler younger cousin. It’s all about predicting your opponent, making smart moves, and using your small set of cards better than your rival. Every game we play feels different, since the movement cards always change. Games only last a few minutes, so rematches are a given. This one is perfect for folks looking for a modern, fast-paced take on classic abstract games. It’s absolutely a highlight in our collection of great two player board games.
5 Radlands
Radlands is one of those great two player board games that manages to be wild, strategic, and over-the-top all at once. It’s post-apocalyptic mayhem as you protect your camps and try to blow up your opponent’s. The art is off-the-wall cool, and every card packs a punch. We’ve had games where victory came out of nowhere! If you like Mad Max vibes and head-to-head duels that are different every time, Radlands will not disappoint.
4 Splendor Duel
Splendor Duel takes the classic gem game and makes it tense, tough, and pure two player goodness. We often think harder over turns here than in the original. Stealing the right gem at the right time or blocking your rival feels so rewarding. Every move matters, and it’s easy to get hooked on the push-and-pull gameplay. We always recommend it to fans searching for great two player board games, especially if they love a bit of rivalry.
3 Hive
Hive is a tile-laying game that feels simple at first, but oh boy, does it have bite! We like that there’s no board—just a growing hive of insects as you block, trap, and outmaneuver. Games play fast, and every move feels important. Portable and durable, Hive is perfect for a picnic or pub night (we may or may not have spilled a soda on it and it survived just fine). It’s a clever option for anyone after great two player board games.
2 Targi
There’s something special about Targi. It’s got trading, tactics, and that ah-ha moment when you spot the perfect move. We get into serious stare-downs over which cards to grab, all while jostling for spices and goods. It’s a smart game that plays best with two, and rewards careful planning. If you like your great two player board games with a dash of strategy and lots of replay value, Targi is a great pick for your shelf.
1 Undaunted: Normandy
Undaunted: Normandy is hands-down the best in our list of great two player board games. It’s a tense blend of deck-building and tactical battles, all about out-thinking your opponent in WW2 skirmishes. We’ve had moments where the tide turned in one lucky shot or a clever card play. The production is top-notch, and the replay value is huge thanks to the different scenarios. This game brings real suspense and challenge, but it never feels too heavy—perfectly balanced for new and seasoned players. It’s our go-to when we want excitement, challenge, and memorable moments every single session. If you want the greatest two player experience, Undaunted: Normandy is the top dog here!
