It’s date night, and you’ve decided to stay in, but what are you going to do? Watching another movie or eating and going your separate ways to scroll social doesn’t sound fun. Next time you stay home, challenge each other by playing a game. Whether you love strategy or a good laugh, we’ve got a list of the best board games for couples.
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Why play date night games at home?
There are so many great date night ideas that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Maybe you are on a tight budget and can’t afford a date out, or possibly you just want to spend a little more time together at home. Either way, at-home date night games for couples are a great idea!
A fantastic way to spend the evening is by playing date night games at home together. Additionally, it’s a great way to enjoy time together, and having a fun, competitive night of games is always fun.
You don’t need a crowd of people to have fun playing the best board games. So, get ready to break out some boards and utilize our list of a couple of games to play at home.
20 of the Best Board Games for Couples at Home
Best 2-player Board Games for Couples
Looking for games that are only for two players? Our stay-at-home date ideas for games are one of the best bonding activities. Couples will enjoy these selections as they are only meant for two people anyway. Here are our picks for the best two-player board games for adults.
1. Battleship
The familiar phrase “Who sunk my battleship?” comes to mind with this classic, two-player game. Take turns guessing where your significant other’s ships are before yours are all sunk.
2. Mancala
Mancala is a two-player board game that is centuries old. It involves strategy and counting as you and your partner try to succeed in collecting the most gemstones.
3. Connect Four
Looking for a semi-mindless game? Connect Four is perfect! Yes, you do have to be aware and think a bit. However, it doesn’t require the hard thinking of some of our other suggestions.
4. Cribbage
Sound familiar? Cribbage is one of those board games for couples that we’ve all heard of but probably haven’t played. Learn a classic on your next date night.
5. Chess
If both of you enjoy thinking and strategy, chess is one of the most fun games for couples nights. Plus, the set featured below folds to store all of your pieces safely when you’re not playing date night games.
Board Games for Couples You Grew Up Playing
These games on our stay-at-home date ideas for couples will most likely need no explanation. Many are long-time classics meant for two players or more.
6. Monopoly
You either loved Monopoly or hated it! Maybe you have a favorite piece—a dog or thimble, perhaps? Possibly, you were always the first to run out of money. Either way, revisit this classic board game on your next date night.
7. The Game of Life
For some couples, The Game of Life hits too close to home, yet others love it. Go to school, get a car, and fill up your car with a family. Although you’ll have separate cars, this is still one of the most fun bonding activities for couples.
8. Scrabble
Word nerds, unite! Decide beforehand whether or not you can use proper nouns (you’re not supposed to!) to play Scrabble. Also, determine if you can use a dictionary for this fun date night game.
9. Risk
Try and take over the world in the ultimate game of strategy. Risk takes quite a while to play, sometimes, so plan a weekend or Saturday to test your skills.
10. Trivial Pursuit
Don’t choose the Trivial Pursuit game that you actually played back in the day, as many of the questions are outdated. Today’s updated versions are fun, as are themed versions, such as Harry Potter and Breaking Bad editions.
11. Yahtzee
Add a bit of vintage style to your collection of date night games with this dice-centric game.
Board Games for Couples That Involve Cards
Okay, these technically aren’t board games for couples as they involve cards. However, they still make fabulous stay-at-home date ideas for the two of you to play on your next night in.
12. Phase 10
Phase 10 is a great card game to have on hand when you have a large group. You can also play it on your at-home date nights!
13. UNO Attack
Love the original version of UNO? The updated UNO Attack is both fun and unpredictable, as you never know how many cards you’ll be attacked with. Have a laugh and challenge each other with fun games for couples nights like UNO Attack.
14. Sequence
Good news! This game involves both cards and a game board. So, it truly can be called one of the best board games for couples. The goal of Sequence is to get 5 chips in a row—see if you can do it before your partner can.
15. Exploding Kittens
Don’t let the name fool you! The creator of the Exploding Kittens card game actually likes and donates money to charities that help kitties. So, play this UNO-like game, and watch out for explosions (and goats!).
Other Fun Board Games for Couples Night at Home
Our last roundup of the best two-player board games for adults also serves as stay-at-home date ideas. Therefore, try a new game or rely on an old faithful for some good old-fashioned competitive fun.
16. Hive
Mensa has recognized the game Hive and awarded it various awards. So, get on the fun with Hive, which claims to be crawling with possibilities.
17. Jenga
Learn to balance like a pro by playing the Jenga tower game. Best of all, it comes in a tabletop size and a jumbo size if you want to move your date night games outside.
18. Codenames Duet
Codenames Duet is another game for those who enjoy playing around with words. You can vary the difficulty and play with more than two if you have friends over for the evening.
19. Ticket to Ride
Play a fast-paced, 60-minute game with your partner if you want to limit your time. Build routes and connect cities before your significant other can when you play Ticket to Ride.
20. Forbidden Island
Show off your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills together. Forbidden Island also has won multiple awards and is an Amazon favorite.
FAQ About Board Games for Two
What board games to play as a couple?
Our list above is a great start! As a result, we suggest starting with a familiar one and moving on from there.
Are board games good for relationships?
What are the 5 most popular board games?
They’re all classics that continue to thrive: Monopoly, Clue, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, and Battleship.
What is the #1 board game in the world?
No surprise: It’s Monopoly!
How do I choose a good board game?
There are many things to consider when choosing a game. For example, who is playing? How many players will you have? How difficult a game would you like? What type of games are you interested in (strategy, active, guessing, or mindless)? Consider all the factors, and then select one that fits the bill.
Save our best board games for couples!
Photos by Cottonbro