Best 2-player board games to suit any budget in 2024 | GamesRadar+

Get ready for date night or a quiet evening in with recommendations tested by the GamesRadar+ team

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Despite what you might think, the best 2-player board games aren't a consolation prize if you can't rustle up enough people; they're perfect for everything from date night to vacation entertainment. Now that sweater season is here, there's no better time to cozy up with board games for 2 players.

Not that I'd need an excuse, anyway. Even if the sun was blazing, I'd still recommend adding some board games for 2 players to your collection – if you ask me, they're some of the best board games around (Villainous is a particular favorite of mine, because there's so much to get your teeth into that may be lost with extra people around the table). That's why the GamesRadar+ team and I have rounded up some recommendations here to save you time. You'll find options to suit most moods, skill-levels, and budgets below. Unsure of what you're looking for? Don't worry, I've got some advice on how to choose 2-player board games further down the page.

No matter what you're in the mood for, know that our writers and editors have been hands-on with every single entry listed throughout this guide (I've got many of them in my own collection, for example). We've spent the last several years reviewing, writing about, and playing board games for 2 players, so will never recommend anything we don't truly believe in. For more info, drop by the 'how we test' section.

Benjamin's been writing about board games professionally for almost six years, but has been playing them ever since he was old enough to roll dice. He's currently enjoying the post-apocalyptic Life in Reterra.

Best overall

Best 2-player board game overallWhat if the bad guys won for a change? This game challenges you to give villains their happy ending, all while sabotaging your rival in delightfully wicked ways. If you ask me, it works best as a head-to-head.Read more below

Best cheap

Best 2-player card gameOf all the 2-player board games in our collection, this is arguably the one I come back to the most. As well as being very easy to get the hang of, its gameplay is hugely satisfying and moreish.Read more below

Best strategy

Best strategy board game for 2 playersIf you fall into the 'very competitive' category, you'll love this board game for 2 players. It's deeply cunning and should delight fans of head-to-head grudge-matches. Indeed, it may actually be better than the original.Read more below

Best RPG

Best RPG board game for 2 playersDue to lasting consequences and gameplay with an absurd amount of depth, Jaws of the Lion is a must-have for fantasy fans. Playing as a pair gives you more say, and this version is small enough not to overwhelm.Read more below

Best co-op

Best co-op board game for 2 playersHow hard is it to stop your star-attractions from eating everyone? This game lets you find out, and the result is a compelling blend of strategy and teamwork that works best for two. Read more below

Best puzzle

Best puzzle board game for 2 playersHunting down a board game for 2 players that you can break out on date night? This exercise in pattern-making is surprisingly serene and satisfying, so I'd definitely recommend adding it to your collection.Read more below

October 24, 2024: This page has been updated with tweaks to individual entries, changing the 'how it works' section to 'features & design.' This allows us to discuss the physical components and art style of each entry, so paragraphs doing exactly this have been added to every recommendation.

Our expert review:

✅ You're looking for a game you can learn and play together long-term: Every character has a unique play-style, so Villainous is the sort of game that gets better with each match. Because facing different villains encourages all-new strategies, it's very replayable as well. ✅ You're a big Disney fan: As you can probably tell, this is a love-letter to Disney films both new and old. If you adore the House of Mouse, there's plenty for you to appreciate here.

❌ You're expecting something for families or kids: Even though it adapts some of the most beloved family films of all time, Villainous is tactical enough that casual players could bounce off it. Younger children will struggle too. ❌ You don't have patience for complex rules: Villainous is relatively complicated, so it's not going to be for you if strategy isn't your jam.

What happens if evil wins? You get to find out with Disney Villainous. Allowing players to mess around in a Disney-themed toy box, it's all about giving baddies their happy ending... and screwing over anyone that tries to stop you. Crucially, playing it as a head-to-head board game for 2 players is better than battling it out as a group. In all my years with Villainous, I've found that playing with just one other person makes for a more focused and enjoyable experience.

Features & design: Don't be fooled by that family-friendly theming – Villainous is hiding layer upon layer of strategy under its gorgeous artwork. You see, characters have a unique objective and play-style inspired by their movie, and that means they all handle differently from one another. They also come with their own board to explore at your leisure. However, that's not to say it's laissez-faire. The game encourages you to explore your wicked side, and you can send heroes to harass your foes as a result.

Just be warned: it takes a hot minute to get your head around the rules, and it's not the easiest to explain.

Still, at least you'll have time to admire its gorgeous artwork while you figure things out. Luxurious, atmospheric paintings are used here rather than screenshots from the movies in question, and every component has a premium feel that makes Villainous seem much more expensive than it is. Those movers are incredible, too; they're abstract, statue-esque representations of characters that really are beautiful.

Gameplay: While Villainous shines when played in a group, tackling it as a pair gives you space to learn the characters' ins and outs rather than being swept up by the chaos of a larger melee. And make no mistake, 'chaos' is the right word. That title isn't just a name; it's a mindset you'll need to embrace. The quickest path to victory is throwing a wrench into another player's schemes, and more people means more carnage. That's no bad thing, of course, but it's a little less focused. Seeing as genuine skill is rewarded here, battling head-to-head feels more tactical. There aren't as many variables to consider, so you can really hone in on your villain's skills.

Because each of these baddies is so distinctive mechanically speaking, this is the sort of game that benefits from repeat play as well. It'll take you a match or two to understand how they work, and different match-ups provide all-new challenges. (Especially if you add the many Disney Villainous expansions.)

🏆 GamesRadar+ verdictSo long as you have the patience to learn its rules, you'll be left with a smart and engaging 2-player board game that should keep you busy for a long time. As mentioned in our review, there's "enough depth and spice to keep you playing for months."Read more: Disney Villainous review

Our expert review:

✅ You want something very replayable: There's no 'right' or 'wrong' way to play Jaipur, so you've got room to experiment every time you sit down at the table. When combined with the game's easy setup and quickfire nature, it's supremely replayable.✅ You want a good travel game: Jaipur doesn't take up much real-estate in play or when packed away, so it's a great choice if you want to game on the go.

❌ You want a multiplayer game: Sadly, Jaipur can only be played as a pair – there's no way to add more people into the mix. (Trust me, I've tried.) ❌ You want a complex strategy game: Despite having more than enough strategy to be going on with, Jaipur may not fit if you want something crunchy - it's fairly lighthearted.

Jaipur is the poster child in terms of good board games for 2 players. Even though it's the definition of 'accessible', there's a hidden depth beneath the surface that allows you to experiment along the way. It's delightfully moreish too, making it a contender for any 'best' list.

Features & design: Putting you in the shoes of a trader from Jaipur city, you've been challenged to become the best businessperson and earn an invite to the maharajah's court. (In other words, collect as many points as possible.) How you get there is up to you, though; players have room to test a variety of different strategies, and there are no wrong answers. Should you buy and trade cheap items quickly, or is it better to chase expensive goods that get you a larger payout in the end? You'll have to decide quickly, because the sooner you trade an item, the more points you'll get. That means your foe could beat you to the punch if you don't cash in your wares fast enough.

So far as its visual design goes, Jaipur is a riot of sumptuous color that brings the vibe of a busy street market to life. Its tokens are chunky bits of cardboard as well, so they should last for a good while without becoming too dog-eared.

Gameplay: Every match of Jaipur is a balancing act. The question of whether you should sell fast or hold out for a bigger payday is captivating, because there's always the risk that your opponent will get there first. They may figure out what you're collecting and go for the same thing to stop you in your tracks, too. It's surprisingly thoughtful – more so than you'd expect from a quick and seemingly lighthearted game.

While we're on the subject of 'quick,' that makes Jaipur ideal for traveling as well (along with the fact that it doesn't take up much space in play or packed away). It's a shame that you can't play with more than one other person, but seeing as the experience is so laser-focused as a result, that's no bad thing.

🏆 GamesRadar+ verdict There's no dead weight to Jaipur, and it's a great example of how to do a lot with relatively simple mechanics. Quick, compelling, and the perfect size for taking with you on the go, this is an easy (not to mention affordable) recommendation. So far as I'm concerned, it's one of the best card games overall.

Our expert review:

✅ You love a challenge: Would you call yourself a competitive player? This will hit the spot thanks to tense gameplay where one wrong move could spell defeat.✅ You haven't played Splendor before: If you're new to the series, this is the version to get. It may seem similar to the original Splendor at first glance, but certain tweaks make Duel the better choice overall.

❌ You already have Splendor: I'd argue that this is the superior game, but it might be too similar for anyone that already owns the original Splendor.❌ You don't like randomness in games: While it's excellent in every other regard, Splendor Duel can be at the mercy of its randomly-drawn card market.

This smaller, more focused version of Splendor sits in the Goldilocks zone of board games for 2 players; it's both accessible and tactical. That's a rare mix. In fact, some tweaks to the formula mean that Splendor Duel may be better than its (excellent) predecessor.

Features & design: On a surface-level, Duel revolves around gem crafting. But in reality, it's about being savvier than your opponent. This is an efficiency exercise; you’ve got to make better, tighter purchases. Deciding when to act is a similar tightrope walk.

Basically, players collect tokens from the board to spend on gem cards which earn them points. Gather 20 points overall or round up 10 of a specific resource to win.

The borderline anime art-style may not be for everyone, and it's certainly a departure from the more realistic approach of classic Splendor. However, it also provides Duel with a dash of personality all its own. Plus, those chits and tokens are still incredibly well-made – there will be no disappointment so far as they're concerned.

Gameplay: Timing matters in Splendor Duel. It's a delicate dance; players can deny their rival gems if they make clever selections, or ruin each others' day with special ability cards. Opponents also get an advantage if you redraw the gem pile because you didn't want anything from the existing selection, so you've got to think hard about when you want to restock. Combined with its constant sense of one-upmanship, Duel requires you to be on the ball.

Wondering why we needed a 2-player version of Splendor when the original game can be played head-to-head already? As our review says, "not only does this play a lot more distinctively than its minor rules changes would suggest… it’s actually a superior game in almost every regard." Even though its new victory conditions are beholden to luck of the draw, it's still snappier than the original.

🏆 GamesRadar+ verdictThanks to its simple but rewarding strategy, Splendor Duel is a winner when it comes to lighthearted – or not so lighthearted – competition. It may not have the 'wow' factor of bigger games, but this 2-player alternative punches well above its weight nonetheless.Read more: Splendor Duel review

Our expert review:

✅ You want a swords-n-sorcery game: Jaws of the Lion has you dungeon-delving across the land, so it should be what you're looking for if you want some classic fantasy.✅ You want your choices to matter: This game puts a lot of emphasis on your decisions; you can choose how the story develops and mold your character with numerous upgrades.

❌ You want something simple: Gloomhaven's strength is also its downfall. Because it's a lot deeper than most games, it's a lot more complicated too.❌ You're expecting it to be as deep as standard Gloomhaven: This is a prequel to the original Gloomhaven that was designed to be an accessible entry-point for newcomers. That means it's not as big or fiendish as its predecessor.

If you grew up drawing fantasy maps and often dreamed about heroic quests, this 2-player board game will feel like those memories distilled into cardboard. With an expansive world and heroes you can make your own through upgrades, it fosters a feeling of genuine adventure from the start.

Features & design: As well as being a classic dungeon-crawler where you trawl locations for loot, Jaws of the Lion reacts to your choices. Thanks to a branching storyline, the kingdom will respond to decisions you make. This is tracked through stickers on a map that's permanently altered by your journey, and secret mechanics (such as new characters) are unlocked along the way. When you add a combat system that relies on cards and strategy rather than luck of dice, it offers a feeling of agency matched only by the best tabletop RPGs.

Much like its predecessor, Gloomhaven, this game is also a handsome beast. If anything, it's better-looking. The map is more lavish, and instead of individual board pieces that make up most of the older game's box, you play on printed environments in a scenario book. There are those who will turn their nose up at this, which is fair enough, but the simple fact is that it's easier.

Jaws of the Lion's various tokens and trackers are made in exactly the same style as OG Gloomhaven, though. Similarly, it employs the same kind of cardboard standees for monsters (complete with moody artwork of each one) and plastic miniatures for heroes. These models might not be as high-quality as those seen in the Descent series or Bardsung, but they're still effective and evocative nonetheless.

Gameplay: While there is a learning curve you'll need to work through (Jaws of the Lion's deeper than most board games for 2 players), the payoff is greater as a result. The world of Gloomhaven is one you can lose yourself in, and you'll become very attached to your character by the end because you've spent hours leveling them up. Mix in combat that rewards genuine skill and you have a potent mix on your hands.

Alright, so you can technically play with up to four people. Tackling it as a pair allows you to take more ownership of the narrative, though. (It's less hassle to line up schedules for the next session as well.) And yes, full-fat Gloomhaven is better overall. But this version is more intimate by default thanks to its reduced size, which makes it a great fit for two players.

🏆 GamesRadar+ verdictIf you've ever been tempted by OG Gloomhaven or just want to live out your adventuring dreams, Jaws of the Lion is a fantastic entry-point. It's a lot cheaper and is more accessible than its predecessor, but still offers the same highs.Read more: Gloomhaven: Jaws of the Lion review

Our expert review:

✅ You're tired of competitiveness at the table: Teamwork is essential in The Legacy of Isla Nublar, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to show it off – be it by herding dinosaurs, solving puzzles, or deciding where you'll place your park's facilities.✅ You want a game that's always evolving: Alongside an edge-of-your-seat experience where you're racing against the clock, this game offers lasting consequences; you'll create your own board and dinosaurs.

❌ You can't commit to multiple sessions: Seeing as it'll take weeks for you to finish this game in its entirety, I'd steer clear if you're short on time.❌ You don't like the pressure of permanently changing your board: Because the barriers and buildings you'll be placing are stickers, you can't change your mind about where they should go once they're down.

Think you can handle Jurassic Park better than its creators? The Legacy of Isla Nublar lets you have a go. Along with tense gameplay and consequence-driven mechanics, it improves on the 'Legacy' format (where decisions follow you from session to session) by providing something so much more replayable than its peers. Plus, tackling it as a pair gives you greater control of the choices you'll be asked to make – there's a danger of 'too many cooks' otherwise.

Features & design: Although it allows you to play through the events of each movie, this game also fills in gaps between them with new stories. Naturally, dinos running amuck is a given… so you've got to keep them in line.

That's easier said than done. Aside from trying to break through any barriers you've erected, they'll do their best to chow down on park guests as well. Seeing as you have other objectives you need to complete at the same time (which feature unique mini-games), you'll often be faced with a deliciously wicked Catch 22.

The visual design of this 2-player board game is much easier to judge, though. In a word, it's amazing. It opts for a vibrant approach rather than slavish realism, and its rulebooks – not to mention cards – are made to look like pulp comic books. 'Wood-trimmed' elements and a colorful board give it an air of the best classic board games from decades ago, too.

Then there are those dinosaur tokens, along with the dice. Oh my. The latter includes a d20 made to look like prehistoric mosquitos in amber, and the former are amazing little dioramas I'd be happy to display on my shelf. Legacy of Isla Nublar is an expensive game, yes, but goodness me does it make up for that.

Gameplay: Board games are at their best when something unexpected happens, and this is the perfect case in point. I once had to help geriatric park founder John Hammond fend off a T-Rex with nothing more than a cattle prod while he was stocking the gift shop, for instance. Emergent moments like this make The Legacy of Isla Nublar so much more memorable.

The real fun begins when you create your own board, though. Every barrier and building is permanent, so you'll wind up with a totally unique map by the end of your campaign. It isn't useless after that, either; the board can then be used in a separate, endlessly replayable game mode. There aren't many other Legacy games which give you the same luxury.

🏆 GamesRadar+ verdictThis spin on Jurassic World may lean on ideas we've seen before (hidden mechanics and branching character upgrades, namely), but thanks to a wealth of extras scattered throughout the campaign gives it a flavor all its own. Hold onto your butts, because few cooperative board games can match it.

Our expert review:

✅ You want a satisfying puzzle to solve: Despite being a competition, you're working on your own quilt pattern in Patchwork. That means you're free to figure out how you want all those pieces to fit together yourself.✅ You don't want anything too complex: The setup for this game may seem like a headache, but it really isn't. Patchwork is thoroughly chilled-out and perfect for a relaxed date night.

❌ You want sophisticated tactics: This is very light-touch when it comes to strategy, so anyone hankering after something complex should look elsewhere.❌ You want a game for lots of people: Because Patchwork is limited to two players, you won't be able to add more people to the mix.

There's something soothing about this 2-player board game. A serene exercise in fitting Tetris-like tiles together, it's the sort of easy-going distraction that's perfect for date night or a lazy Sunday afternoon. It's not overly competitive either, so fallings-out will be kept to a minimum.

Features & design: Your aim is simple – build a quilt before you run out of time. Fortunately, that process is much easier in Patchwork than it would be in real life. Players use buttons to 'buy' patches that slot onto their board, and this might earn them buttons in return. They can then buy more patches that earn them even more buttons. It's a satisfying domino effect, and whoever collects the most buttons at the end will win.

Just keep an eye on the proverbial clock. Rather than using a sand timer, Patchwork tracks time by shuffling you along a central board. The bigger the patch, the more spaces you'll move. Reach the middle and it's all over.

Patchwork is equally meat-and-potatoes in how it looks. That isn't to say it's bad; on the contrary, it's very effective despite that simplicity. The components are sturdy and well-made, while its art style is a cute but bold mish-mash of clashing patterns. Fitting for a board game about quilts, in other words.

Meanwhile, its tokens are effective if workmanlike. They don't need to do more than they are, but a bit of flair wouldn't have gone amiss.

Gameplay: Despite what you might think, this isn't a simple race to the finish. Seeing as more desirable patches run down your time the most, planning ahead is vital – splashing out on a lucrative tile now might limit what you can do later.

Still, you'll lose points if you leave spaces on your quilt unfilled. The result is an engrossing push-and-pull that draws you in quickly, and you won't want to put Patchwork down once you've got a taste for its smart yet simple gameplay. While it's a shame that you can't add more people to proceedings, it's a good chill-out option because it's not overly taxing.

🏆 GamesRadar+ verdictIt may not be the deepest board game for 2 players, and it won't win awards for its strategic brilliance. But it excels in every other respect. If you want to kick back and relax or are looking for a new date night favorite, Patchwork should be on your radar. Even though it only came out a few years ago, I can already see it becoming one of the best classic board games.

Don't panic if you're not sure what you're in the mood for; we've all been in that situation. To point you in the right direction, here are a few questions that always help me when I'm looking for 2-player board games.

If you're still left feeling cold, why not take a look at our guide to the many types of board games? That may spark some inspiration for you.

👨‍👩‍👦 Do you want a game that can scale up?While this guide is all about board games for 2 players, it can be nice to rope others into the action. If you want the option to add friends or family as and when you get an opportunity, be sure to look at the recommended player-count on the box (or in the 'specs' section of each entry on this page). That'll narrow things down for you.

🕐 How much time do you have?It's always worth thinking about how much time you've got (or are willing to spend on) board games, because that'll thin the herd an awful lot. Not keen to be sat at the table for hours on end? You'll probably want to avoid campaign games like Gloomhaven or Legacy of Isla Nublar. I've listed how long each game lasts per session in the specs of every entry, and you can usually find an average playtime on the box as well.

🎲 What games do you already enjoy?It sounds silly, but this simple question will help you more than any other piece of advice I could give. Our reviews always feature a 'play if you like' list, and you'll find the same thing on this page under every entry. Even if that fails, have a think about the kind of games you enjoy. That way, you can zero in on others within the genre. Love city building or area control games? Great – now you've got somewhere to start.

The testing process is very important to the GamesRadar+ team, and our writers will never suggest a product in buying guides unless we're sure it's worth your time. If we aren't in love with it, it doesn't get on the list.

As explained in our 'how we test board games' guide, our expert reviewers (who have many years of experience in the industry) spend as much time as they possibly can with the product they're reviewing. That way, they can get a better sense of its pros, cons, and longevity.

Our writers always run a game multiple times with different amounts of players where appropriate, too. This helps us determine how the experience differs under these circumstances.

We then split our critique on this page into four distinct sections:

Finally, we rank 2-player board games using a standardized set of criteria; we look at gameplay, accessibility (how easy it is to understand and get into), replayability, setup and pack-down, and component quality. Here's how it's presented:

For a broader overview of our process sitewide, be sure to see the GamesRadar+ review policy.

Even though it's hard to work out what the most popular 2-player board games overall (finding data on sales is tough), I can certainly hazard a guess. Classics like Azul, Ticket to Ride, Codenames Duet, and Pandemic are always high up on the list if you search through Amazon's bestsellers. Seeing as it's one of the world's largest retailers, this is normally a good temperature check.However, one of the most surprisingly popular offerings is the Pokemon Trading Card Game. More specifically, the Battle Academy starter has done really rather well before now in terms of Amazon sales, as has Horrified.Are any of those the most popular board game for 2 players ever, though? Realistically speaking, no – that honor would go to chess. Yes, I know. But in terms of sales, chess shifts three million units per year. I suspect that's more than all of the above combined.It's a different story if we're talking average customer reviews, though. Amazon puts Splendor and Lords of Waterdeep near the top of the pile, while Cascadia (an award-winning board game) also dominates listings thanks to extensive positive feedback. I'd certainly agree with the latter, and would add Disney Villainous into the mix as well. In my opinion, it's one of the best 2-player board games ever made.

Tabletop can be an expensive hobby, and that's why the GamesRadar+ team and I track board game deals each and every week. If you'd like to go on a bargain hunt yourself, these are the retailers we prioritize. US- Amazon: The best for variety across a range of games- Target: Often gets exclusive products- Walmart: Surprisingly good discounts- Miniature Market: Reliable deals on hobby games- Best Buy: Decent for popular family gamesUK- Amazon: Best for overall variety of deals- Magic Madhouse: Has surprisingly good offers- Zatu: Wide-ranging deals on hobby games- Argos: Good reductions on classic family games- Very: Respectable family game deals- John Lewis: Solid deals on all kinds of games

If you're hoping to get maximum bang for buck, it's always worth holding on until Black Friday board game deals or Prime Day board game deals kick off (especially if you're looking for hobby games). But that isn't to say you should ignore discounts on 2-player board games for the rest of the year. Family-friendly titles almost always seem to have money off, for example, and I've been caught off guard by unexpected reductions on hobby games too. Essentially, take a look at price-comparison software such as CamelCamelCamel to see if a saving is actually worth bothering with.

Looking for games to play with your loved ones when you all get together? Don't miss these board games for families. As for options that'll suit larger groups, be sure to check out the best party board games.

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As the site's Tabletop & Merch Editor, you'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news. I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and can normally be found cackling over some evil plan I've cooked up for my group's next Dungeons & Dragons campaign.

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