The best board games for two players 2024

Looking for a board game that you can play with your partner as a couple? Or do you prefer heated battles against a friend, vis-a-vis?

The board games on this overview are either purely designed for two players or can be played especially well in pairs. Included are cooperative board games for 2, classic games for 2, role-playing games for two, board games for 2 adults, card games for 2, and many more games that can be played in pairs.

Did we forget a good 2 player board game?

What do you think is the best board game for 2? Write us at tibi+brettspiele@cephea.de.

Do you want games with a different number of players?

You can play board games, card games and dice games with a very different number of players - even alone. We have created many lists for each exact number of players and for varying numbers of players. You can find our "by player count" lists below.

List of the best games 2024 that can (also) be played in pairs

Attached now is our recommended list of the best board games for 2 people that you can buy 2024:

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 6592 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Crokinole

    All details for the board game Crokinole and similar games

    Crokinole is a traditional action and dexterity game that has been enjoyed for generations. Played on a circular wooden board, it combines skill, strategy, and a touch of luck.

    More details for Crokinole
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Crokinole

    • YouTube Review for the game "Crokinole" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  2. KLASK

    All details for the board game KLASK and similar games

    KLASK is a magnetic, fast-paced table-top game that combines elements of air hockey and foosball, offering a unique and exciting gameplay experience.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 3.

    More details for KLASK
    • 2 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    🔥 Great price!50€ atAmazon.de*
  3. 7 Wonders Duel

    All details for the board game 7 Wonders Duel and similar games

    7 Wonders Duel takes the essence of the classic 7 Wonders and refines it for an intense two-player experience. It retains the thematic elements of building a civilization through acquiring various types of cards, but it introduces unique mechanics suited for a duel.

    Nominated for 16 awards and won 9.

    More details for 7 Wonders Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!22€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for 7 Wonders Duel

    • YouTube Review for the game "7 Wonders Duel" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  4. Patchwork

    All details for the board game Patchwork and similar games

    Patchwork is a two-player game where you compete to create the most beautiful and high-scoring patchwork quilt on your personal 9x9 game board.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 3.

    More details for Patchwork
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    🔥 Great price!16€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Patchwork

    • YouTube Review for the game "Patchwork" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Patchwork" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  5. Codenames: Duet

    All details for the board game Codenames: Duet and similar games

    Embark on a collaborative journey of espionage in Codenames Duet, where the familiar elements of Codenames persist – providing one-word clues to unveil your agents among those on the table. This time, however, you and your teammate work together to uncover all your agents, adding a thrilling cooperative dimension to the challenge. The mystery of not knowing your agents from the outset adds an intriguing layer to the mission, raising questions that even Congressional investigators might ponder later!

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    More details for Codenames: Duet
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 11+ years old
    • Immediately playable

    Video reviews for Codenames: Duet

    • YouTube Review for the game "Codenames: Duet" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  6. Jaipur

    All details for the board game Jaipur and similar games

    In the bustling city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, you find yourself in a fierce competition as one of the two most powerful traders. However, being a prominent trader isn't enough; the ultimate goal is to earn two coveted "seals of excellence" to secure an invitation to the Maharaja's prestigious court. To outshine your direct competitor, you'll need to demonstrate superior trading skills by buying, exchanging, and selling goods at advantageous prices, all while carefully managing your valuable camel herds.

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 4.

    More details for Jaipur
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  7. Splendor Duel

    All details for the board game Splendor Duel and similar games

    Splendor Duel is an intriguing two-player game that builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, Splendor, enhancing it with new layers of strategy and competitiveness. Designed specifically for two players, this standalone game maintains the core elements of Splendor while introducing novel twists and mechanics, making it more dynamic and interactive.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    More details for Splendor Duel
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!22€ atAmazon.de*
  8. Unmatched: Cobble & Fog

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Cobble & Fog and similar games

    Unmatched: Cobble & Fog is a captivating expansion to the Unmatched system, featuring a quartet of iconic characters drawn from literary lore, each with their unique playstyle and abilities. This expansion introduces the Invisible Man, Sherlock Holmes with Dr. Watson, Dracula along with the sisters, and the duo of Jekyll & Hyde, all brought to life in a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Unmatched: Cobble & Fog
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  9. Star Realms: Colony Wars

    All details for the board game Star Realms: Colony Wars and similar games

    Colony Wars is an engaging standalone deckbuilding game in the Star Realms series, offering both an individual gaming experience for two players and an expansion to the original Star Realms for up to four players.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Star Realms: Colony Wars
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  10. Hanamikoji

    All details for the board game Hanamikoji and similar games

    Hanamikoji is a strategic card game set in the historical context of Geisha culture in Japan. The game immerses players in the role of patrons who are competing to gain the favor of seven renowned Geishas by collecting items related to their art and performances.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Hanamikoji
    • 2 Players
    • 15 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
    👍 Good price!13€ atAmazon.de*

    Video reviews for Hanamikoji

    • YouTube Review for the game "Hanamikoji" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Hanamikoji" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  11. Lost Cities

    All details for the board game Lost Cities and similar games

    Lost Cities is a two-player card game focused on building profitable archaeological expeditions. Part of the Kosmos two-player series, it features a deck with cards ranked 2–10 in various colors, including a new sixth color added in 2019. The game also employs "handshake" cards as multipliers for scoring.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Lost Cities
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Immediately playable
    👍 Good price!15€ atAmazon.de*
  12. Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One and similar games

    Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One is a highly asymmetrical miniature fighting game that brings together a roster of legendary figures, each represented by a unique deck that reflects their individual style and mythology. The game combines tactical movement with a no-luck combat resolution system, offering a distinct play experience that emphasizes skill and adaptability.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Unmatched: Battle of Legends, Volume One
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  13. Star Realms

    All details for the board game Star Realms and similar games

    Star Realms is a fast-paced, deck-building card game set in the vastness of space. Designed by renowned game creators, it combines the excitement of deck-building with the strategic depth of combat trading card games.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 3.

    More details for Star Realms
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  14. Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game

    All details for the board game Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game and similar games

    Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game brings the epic conflict between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance to your tabletop. This two-player game captures the essence of the Star Wars universe, offering a dynamic and strategic experience where players build their decks and battle to destroy each other's bases.

    More details for Star Wars: The Deckbuilding Game
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  15. Unmatched: Robin Hood vs. Bigfoot

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Robin Hood vs. Bigfoot and similar games

    Unmatched: Robin Hood vs. Bigfoot is a duel to the end between two iconic legends, offering a unique and highly asymmetrical tabletop experience. This set pits the cunning archer Robin Hood and his band of merry outlaws against the elusive and powerful Bigfoot, accompanied by the mystical Jackalope. Designed for two players, this game can also integrate with other Unmatched sets for up to four players, providing endless possibilities for epic battles.

    More details for Unmatched: Robin Hood vs. Bigfoot
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 9+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  16. Onitama

    All details for the board game Onitama and similar games

    Immerse yourself in the world of Onitama, a dynamic two-player abstract game offering perfect information and a randomized starting setup on a 5x5 board. Both participants begin the game with five pawns each, strategically placing the main pawn at the board's center.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for Onitama
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  17. Set & Match

    All details for the board game Set & Match and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  18. Unmatched: Jurassic Park – InGen vs Raptors

    All details for the board game Unmatched: Jurassic Park – InGen vs Raptors and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  19. Schotten Totten

    All details for the board game Schotten Totten and similar games

    Schotten Totten is a strategic card game that combines elements of poker with a battle for territory. Players compete to capture boundary stones by creating powerful card formations, with a clever twist on using logic to claim victory.

    More details for Schotten Totten
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  20. Air, Land, & Sea

    All details for the board game Air, Land, & Sea and similar games

    Air, Land, & Sea is a strategic two-player game where you take on the role of a Supreme Commander, deploying military forces across three theaters of war: Air, Land, and Sea. The game is a delicate balance of power and cunning, requiring players to outmaneuver their opponent to control the majority of the theaters or compel them to withdraw.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Air, Land, & Sea
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  21. Radlands

    All details for the board game Radlands and similar games

    Radlands is a competitive and tactical dueling card game set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players lead groups of survivors, each fighting to protect their camps from a rival tribe. The game emphasizes the importance of strategic card synergy and resource management, with water being a crucial element in gameplay.

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 4.

    More details for Radlands
    • 2 Players
    • 20 - 40 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  22. Mandala

    All details for the board game Mandala and similar games

    Mandala is an intriguing two-player game that combines strategy and contemplation. Players compete to collect valuable cards by building mandalas, but the true value of these cards only becomes clear as the game progresses. It's a delicate balance of strategy and adaptation, set against the backdrop of a symbolic ritual.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Mandala
    • 2 Players
    • 20 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Mandala

    • YouTube Review for the game "Mandala" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  23. Undaunted: Normandy

    All details for the board game Undaunted: Normandy and similar games

    Undaunted: Normandy is a deck-building war game that immerses players in the pivotal battles of Normandy following the D-Day landings during World War II. It offers a unique blend of strategy, historical warfare, and deck management.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 1.

    More details for Undaunted: Normandy
    • 2 Players
    • 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Undaunted: Normandy

    • YouTube Review for the game "Undaunted: Normandy" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  24. Mindbug: First Contact

    All details for the board game Mindbug: First Contact and similar games

    Mindbug: First Contact is an innovative and strategic duel card game where players summon unique hybrid creatures to battle their opponent. However, the twist lies in the Mindbug cards, which can turn the tide of the game by allowing players to take control of an opponent's creature.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for Mindbug: First Contact
    • 2 Players
    • 15 - 25 Minutes
    • 8+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  25. Watergate

    All details for the board game Watergate and similar games

    Watergate thrusts players into the historical tug-of-war between the Nixon Administration and a determined journalist from the Washington Post. This game recreates the infamous political scandal, requiring strategic card play and keen decision-making.

    Nominated for 9 awards and won 4.

    More details for Watergate
    • 2 Players
    • 30 - 60 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for Watergate

    • YouTube Review for the game "Watergate" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  26. War Chest

    All details for the board game War Chest and similar games

    War Chest is a distinctive bag-building war game that requires players to skillfully manage their army both on and off the battlefield.

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for War Chest
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Easy to learn

    Video reviews for War Chest

    • YouTube Review for the game "War Chest" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "War Chest" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  27. Battle Line

    All details for the board game Battle Line and similar games

    Battle Line is a strategic card game that pits two opponents against each other with the aim of capturing flags by creating powerful formations.

    More details for Battle Line
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  28. Loopin' Louie

    All details for the board game Loopin' Louie and similar games

    Loopin' Louie is a light-hearted, action-packed board game that is as silly as it is addictive. Designed for players of all ages, this game centers around protecting your chickens from a looping airplane piloted by Louie.

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 3.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1994

    ⭐️ Kinderspiel des Jahres 2006

    More details for Loopin' Louie
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 10 Minutes
    • 4+ years old
    • Immediately playable
  29. The Fox in the Forest

    All details for the board game The Fox in the Forest and similar games

    The Fox in the Forest is a captivating two-player trick-taking card game that brings a unique twist to a classic genre with its enchanting fairy tale theme and strategic gameplay.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for The Fox in the Forest
    • 2 Players
    • 30 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Easy to learn
  30. Catapult Feud

    All details for the board game Catapult Feud and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Catapult Feud
    • 2 Players
    • 20 - 30 Minutes
    • 7+ years old
    • Immediately playable

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

We're positive that you'll find it in one of our other lists! To make the search easier for you, we split our website into different categories. The following board game categories will help you find the right list: