9 Best 2-Player Board Games | UK Gaming Blogger Reviewed
There are so many different types of board games to choose from though – should you go for a cooperative strategy game or a horror-themed competitive one? To help you out, we’ve created a guide alongside a list of recommendations to buy at Amazon and John Lewis from brands like Lookout Games, Fantasy Flight Games and Asmodee.
Quick List - Top 2-Player Board Games
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy.
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With Specialist Consultation From Gaming Blogger Benjamin Titmus
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game/game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy. Learn more about him and his blogs from here.
How to Choose a 2-Player Board Game in the UK
- Decide Your Preferred Game Theme or Genre
- Choose Between Co-op or Competitive Games
- Look Out for the Game Duration
Consider Theme and Genre for a Game You Will Enjoy Playing Again and Again
Choose Strategy or Escape Room Games to Shake Up Date Night and Build Communication With a Partner
These types of games often include solving puzzles and following clues, which are great for encouraging and strengthening communication. They also take longer to complete and requires some dedication - perfect for long term couples who are looking for a new hobby to spend time together.
Go for Trivia and Word Games If You Want Something Quick and Easy to Pick Up When Friends Are Over
Trivia and word games are perfect to have on hand as it can quickly bring excitement to any gathering at home with friends and family. These are quick and easy to understand as they don't involve any backstory or complex rules to learn, so are ideal for quick after-dinner games or for taking out on a whim during boring days. Some can even include more players of up to 6 or 8 people.
Looking for games where the whole family can join in? Browse our best family board games here!
Many a time, have I bought a game based on a theme I love, only to find the gameplay isn't as good as I thought it would be. Don't just learn what theme you like; make sure you learn what mechanics you prefer. Do you like co-op or a tableful of players? Card-based or area control board games? You may surprise yourself and find that a mechanic alone is enough to keep your attention.
Choose Co-op Games to Work Together or Competitive Styles if You Don't Mind Battling Against a Partner or Friend
Whilst the majority of our recommendations are competitive games that set you against your opponent, it’s also worth considering a cooperative game if you enjoy teamwork and playing at a more relaxed pace.
For a fun and rewarding way to wind down, explore our favourite jigsaw puzzles!
It's worth remembering that many board games can be cooperative and competitive depending on your group's rules. If you allow allegiances to be formed, where players can strategise between themselves, you can add another dimension to your game time.
Some players may not be used to playing certain games; therefore, it's a good idea to allow them to team up temporarily with other players. This often helps to diffuse those competitive moments and encourages everyone to have a good time. Competitive gameplay is naturally intense, but it's important to make competition fun.
Take Note of the Length: Some Shorter Games Take Less Than 20 Minutes While Others Can Last for Hours
Luckily, there are a plethora of games out there that range in duration from 20 minutes and even up to 4 hours. So, check the approximate time stated on the packaging to ensure you pick the right one for what you have planned, whether that's an upcoming train journey or a regular Friday game night.
Check out our best board games for adults!
If you only have one hour, you're not going to play a game with a long setup that you'll never finish in time. Regardless of the estimate provided on the box, learn how long games take your group to complete. If I don't take one, I'll at least bring four or five shorter games with me, so we're never without something to do.
9 Best 2-Player Board Games in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Asmodee 7 Wonders: Duel | | A Special 2-Player Version of the Captivating Civilization Builder | |
2 | Gen42 Games Hive: A Game Crawling With Possibilities | | A Chess-Style Game That You Can Set Up Anywhere | |
3 | Fantasy Flight Games Hey, That’s My Fish! | | Fast-Paced Action for Those Wanting a Quick Game | |
4 | Winning Moves Bananagrams | | A Legendary Word Game That's Ideal for Travel | |
5 | Z-Man Games Pandemic | | Work Together With a Partner or Friend to Save the World | |
6 | Fantasy Flight Games Star Wars Rebellion | | Choose a Side and Fight for the Galaxy | |
7 | Paul Lamond Games Stupid Deaths | | A Game That'll Have You Trying to Escape the Clutches of the Grim Reaper | |
8 | Lookout Games Patchwork Express | | Quick and Easy, Great for Creative Minds | |
9 | Thames & Kosmos EXIT: Catacombs of Horror | | The Perfect Spooky Story for Older Players |
A Special 2-Player Version of the Captivating Civilization Builder
We love the fact that there’s no one way to win this game – victory can be won through different means which all depend on the cards you draw. You can also buy an expansion pack if you want to create even more exciting scenarios, so this is a product that will keep you playing for hours. Endless entertainment for an affordable price, what more could you ask for?
A Chess-Style Game That You Can Set Up Anywhere
Although Hive doesn’t have a board, this is an advantage because it means you can play it on any flat surface and it doesn’t require setting up. While the rules are simple, this is a detailed game which you’ll love to replay again and again.
Fast-Paced Action for Those Wanting a Quick Game
We recommend this game because although it’s a simple concept, it’s fast-paced and requires lots of strategising. Plus, as each game only lasts about 20 minutes, you can easily fit in a quick round whenever you feel like having some fun.
A Legendary Word Game That's Ideal for Travel
Although this game technically doesn’t have a board, we think it’s such a great game for 2 players that we just had to include it in our list. It’s particularly useful for both adults and kids who want to improve their vocabulary whilst having fun. We also love that it’s inexpensive and very portable – the banana-shaped carry bag means it’s perfect for when you’re on the go!
Work Together With a Partner or Friend to Save the World
The co-operative aspect of this game is a real selling-point, and makes it ideal for just 2 players. The fact that you can take on a new role with different strengths each time means you’ll be sure to re-play this game often!
Choose a Side and Fight for the Galaxy
This is an impressively designed board game that will keep you occupied for many hours. If you’re a hardcore Star Wars fan then you’ll be happy to splash your cash on this game, but for many people it may sadly be a bit too expensive.
A Game That'll Have You Trying to Escape the Clutches of the Grim Reaper
The unique premise of this game is sure to keep you entertained, and it’s pretty affordable. However, once you’ve played it a few times, you’ll start to know the answers – so unfortunately it can lose its appeal fairly quickly.
Quick and Easy, Great for Creative Minds
Whilst we love the design aspect of Patchwork Express, it’s a shame that each game tends to only last around 10 minutes. However, this does mean you can replay it lots of times in one evening if you want to!
The Perfect Spooky Story for Older Players
The downside to this game is that it can only be played once because you have to mark up and tear the materials in order to crack the codes. The difficulty rating is also high, and it’s only suitable for mature players due to the scary content.
Tips From Game Blogger Benjamin Titmus
Spend plenty of time reading through the instruction manual whilst you play the game for the first time so that you probably won't have to refer back to it that often in the future. If you try to 'play by feel', you'll be continually opening the booklet, which will waste time and lead to breaks in the gameplay and lapses in concentration.
It can also be tedious for friends who may not play board games as regularly. Longer, more strategic games will usually have overly comprehensive instructions, so YouTube is a fantastic tool where various channels teach you how to play. It's best to take your time, stop, ask questions so that future play-throughs are much smoother.
Written and Researched by Nicola McClements
Top 5 2-Player Board Games
No. 1: Asmodee｜7 Wonders: Duel
No. 2: Gen42 Games｜Hive: A Game Crawling With Possibilities
No. 3: Fantasy Flight Games｜Hey, That’s My Fish!
No. 4: Winning Moves｜Bananagrams
No. 5: Z-Man Games｜Pandemic
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.