The best video games and board games for couples in self-isolation
Stuck in the house with nothing but your partner's charming wit to see you through the coronavirus
crisis? We've got you covered with the best video games and board games for two players to enjoy
Being stuck inside may not be ideal, but when the two of you have nothing to do and have run out of
things to talk about, a game might be the perfect solution. You can order games online, both video
and board varieties, to play at home to pass the time. It's up to you whether you prefer something
cooperative or you want to compete against your significant other to decide who is ultimately
the best.
We have compiled a list of video games and board games that can be played by two people.
After this is all over with these games you'll have either made your relationship stronger than ever
before, or broken up after one of you gets tired of losing and flips the board game in a huff.
Best video games for couples
Overcooked
You're chopping onions on a pirate ship. The mushrooms are burning on the stove but you can't
get to them because the kitchen counters are slowly sliding towards you as the ship tilts to
the left. Your partner is furiously scrubbing dishes when the hob sets on fire, but the extinguisher
is too far away to reach. This is Overcooked, where you have to work together in unusual situations
to fulfill all the orders. It's complete chaos but will certainly keep you occupied.
Rocket League
Combine football with a racing game and you get Rocket League. You and your partner each control
one car, either on the same or opposing teams, pushing around a giant ball and zooming around
the walls. You can shoot into the air and pull off a car's version of a header. There are explosions
and speed boosts, and spectacular shots will get you more points. This game can be played online,
but is best using split screen with a partner to get the full drama of it.
Spelunky
If you can't explore the outside world, you can explore the caves in this 2D game. It can be
a little frustrating as a single player as you die and die again, but with a partner you can travel
through the game, killing harmful cave-creatures together and saving damsels in distress.
This game started out life as freeware from an indie game developer, but was so successful that
it was revamped and released on several major gaming platforms.
Don't Starve Together
This game is all about survival. With a kind of creepy Tim Burton aesthetic, you are thrown into
the game and forced to find resources to help you keep going. There's wilderness to be explored
where you can chop down trees, interact with different animals and insects, and plunder the remains
of those who have died before you. The longer you play, the more days get added to your total but
your hunger and sanity levels will slowly decrease. You can play either cooperatively or
competitively with your partner, depending on what kind of mood you're in.
Cuphead
Designed in the style of 1930s cartoons, you play as little cup-headed characters strolling through
the forest. The cups have made a deal with the devil and need to repay the debt by collecting the
contracts of others who owe him. There are boss fights where you have to avoid attacks and
wear down your enemies, and obstacles to overcome. The hand-drawn artwork has built a dedicated
fanbase, and makes for an enjoyable, albeit challenging game.
Minecraft
If you prefer something a little more calm, Minecraft could be the perfect game to play with
your partner. On consoles you can use split screen for up to four players to build your perfect
world. The initial grind to get supplies goes a lot faster when you have multiple people and
you can watch each others backs during the night when the creatures come calling.
The best board games for couples
Pandemic
If an actual worldwide pandemic isn't enough for you, a board game that replicates the spread
of a deadly disease across the world may add a sprinkling of extra excitement. You play
an expert, such as a scientist, medic or researcher, working together to fight the diseases.
It's challenging and hard to win, so be prepared to plunge deeper into despair.
Hey, That's My Fish!
You are a penguin and the aim is to catch as many fish as possible. Each turn, you move in
a line across hexagon-shaped tiles -- whichever tile you leave a tile, you can collect it thus
collecting the number of fish on it, and preventing other players from moving into that space.
When a penguin can no longer move, they are out. The player with the most fish at the end wins.
It's a game of strategy, and things can get pretty competitive.
Dobble
Dobble is like snap on steroids. On each card there are eight different symbols and any two cards
will always have one symbol in common, you just have to find it. The beauty of Dobble is that
there are multiple ways to play it -- the rule book provides different variations on the game
so you can mix it up or stick to your favourite way to play.
Mr Jack
One of you plays Jack the Ripper, the other an independent investigator trying to find out which
character he is. Each turn, players move the characters around the board, Mr Jack trying to
evade detection, and the investigator trying to use a process of elimination to deduce
who the murderer is. The investigator can only accuse one person in the game -- if they are
right they win, if not, Mr Jack wins.
Codenames: Duet
This is a pared-down version of a popular game, made for two people. Instead of competing
against each other, you cooperate to find all nine agents. You or your partner begins by giving
a one word clue, relating to one or more of the cards in the middle they want you to pick up.
Its a word-association game combined with spies -- but if you pick up the wrong card
by mistake, you risk losing for both of you.
Patchwork
If you have taken up crafts while self isolating, this could be the board game for you.
Two players have an array of patches between them which they use in competition to create
the most beautiful (and points-scoring) patchwork quilt. Pay in buttons to get the patches
you want and earn buttons by getting better patches. Any gaps in your quilt equal minus points.
The player with the most points when their quilt is completed is the winner.