Best Two Player Games of 2024: Top 7 Reviewed

Discover the top two player games for your next game night. Our list includes favorites like Jaipur, Hive, and Twilight Struggle.
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Patchwork coverHive coverLost Cities cover

Looking for the best two player games to spice up your game nights? Say no more! We’ve got you covered. When choosing the perfect games for you and your favorite player 2, we focused on variety, fun, and just the right amount of challenge. From strategic duels that’ll have you at the edge of your seat to cozy competitions perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon, our list is packed with top-notch picks. No matter if you’re into intense battles or peaceful puzzles, our selection of two player games guarantees hours of entertainment. Ready to find your next game night obsession?

On this list:

7 Patchwork

Patchwork cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 15-30 mins

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Patchwork kicks off our list with its cozy, competitive quilt-making theme. We spent a rainy afternoon patching together our quilts and laughing over who had the ugliest one. It’s a game of strategy that’s easy to learn but gives your brain a workout as you try to fit pieces together efficiently. Plus, who knew buttons could be a currency?

6 Hive

Hive cover

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

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Hive is like chess but with bugs, and less guessing what the horse moves like. Each piece moves differently, and the aim is to surround your opponent’s queen bee. It sparked some serious competition between us, and no game ever felt the same. It’s portable too, so we took it camping once. Never played board games in a tent before? Highly recommend.

5 Lost Cities

Lost Cities cover

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

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Imagine you’re both explorers competing to discover lost cities. That’s this game. We loved the blend of risk-taking and strategy, especially when a high-stakes card got played. There were a few tense moments where the room went silent. And then the laughter when one of us made a ridiculously bad move. Good times.

4 Jaipur

Jaipur cover

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

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Jaipur became our go-to for a quick, engaging challenge. We’re traders in India, aiming to be the best in the eyes of the Maharaja. It’s all about strategy and timing, with a dash of luck. We might’ve gotten a bit too competitive, turning each match into a mini-drama. But hey, that’s half the fun!

3 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Duel cover

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

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This game takes the epic feel of building civilizations and shrinks it down for two. We were glued to our seats, making decisions that felt huge. Choosing between science, military, or civil victories brings variety to each game. It’s tense, it’s tight, and it revealed who among us is a secret world dominator wannabe.

2 Star Realms

Star Realms cover

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

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Star Realms blends card game fun with deep space battles. We dove deep into this one, building mighty fleets and space bases to outdo each other. It’s easy to pick up but holds layers of strategy and combo-building. Plus, watching your empire grow as your opponent’s face drops? Priceless.

1 Twilight Struggle

Twilight Struggle cover

  • Age Range: 14+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 120+ mins

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Twilight Struggle tops our list as the ultimate two player game. This Cold War epic is a head-to-head battle of wits and strategy. The first time we played, we were hooked for hours, totally absorbed by the historical depth and the intense gameplay. It’s not just a game; it’s an experience. That’s why it’s our top pick for two player games. You’ll come out of it with a mix of awe, exhaustion, and the urgent need to play again.

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.