Best 2 player cooperative board games! Cooperative board games for couples are one of our favorite types of games to play on our at home board game date nights. Cooperative board games are perfect for date night because they get you working together to defeat the game, rather than battling each other to win (not exactly romantic!). Keep reading to see our favorite cooperative board games for couples!
[Stephanie’s note: If the voice sounds different it’s because this post was written by Tyler, my husband, and originally published on Kidsloveboardgames.com which is now defunct!]
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Pin this round-up of 2 person co-op board games with this photo or link!
Best 2 player cooperative board games
When you’re shopping for games, consider looking on Facebook marketplace for secondhand, buying from your local, small board game shop/toy shop, searching on Ebay, or checking Kidizen for used games. These are linked to Amazon for convenience but we’d much prefer you shop secondhand and/or small when you’re able!
1. Forbidden Island, Forbidden Desert, Forbidden Sky by Gamewright
If you haven’t played cooperative board games before, I would definitely start with the Forbidden series by Gamewright. Forbidden Island is the first game in the series, followed by Forbidden Desert, and finally Forbidden Sky. The game all have a similar premise (collect items to escape before you are stranded), and game dynamics. The later versions add new wrinkles and complexities. All versions are fun and we really enjoyed the 2 player experience with each of these games.
2. Pandemic or Pandemic Legacy by Z-Man Games
Who wouldn’t want to save the world during their board game, date night in? In Pandemic players work together as members of the CDC fighting to stop a disease outbreak before it takes over the world! The original game has great dynamics to make each game play slightly different and keep you coming back for more. Pandemic Legacy adds a story to the original Pandemic game with 12 different scenarios for you to play through. We really enjoyed the character development aspect of Pandemic Legacy and how the stories really bring the game to life, and the ‘what will happen next?’ TV drama also made us keep coming back.
3. Nautilion by Z-Man Games
Nautilion sets you on a submarine voyage to collect your crew and vanquish the dark house before Phantom submarine (the dark house henchman) reaches your homeland. This is a light roll and move game, but it has an interesting dynamic where you decide which dice to assign to you, the dark house, and the phantom submarine each turn. The game also comes with multiple expansions to help each game play differently. The game can be played with 1 player, but the 2 player cooperative mode is a great challenge and a lot of fun for a date night in.
4. Spirit Island by Fabled Nexus
Spirit island is more complex than the first three games on the list, so if you’re looking for a little more brain busting this is a good one. In Spirit Island, players control different island spirits and use their spirit powers to stop invaders from taking the island from the native people or destroying all the island’s resources. I really liked that gameplay of this one involved some complex decision making and discussion, but it also plays relatively quick (30 to 45 minutes). So many complex games require a one to two hour time commitment, which isn’t always realistic. Spirit Island is perfect to meet the needs of serious gamers when you don’t have time for a long gaming session.
5. Legend of Andor by Kosmos
Legend of Andor is another more complex cooperative board game. Players control a hero and work cooperatively and work to stop invading enemies from overrunning the kingdom. We really liked how this game played with two players. The game has great balance of allowing you to improve your character to counter a continually more challenging onslaught of enemies. This game plays in 60-90 minutes so be prepared for a little longer gameplay with this one.
Go get started!
I hope you love these cooperative board games for couples as much as we do, comment below and let me know what your favorite cooperative board games for a date night at home are.
If you’re looking for some motivation to start your board games date night, check out our perfect date night in. Also check out our top 5 couples board games for serious gamers.
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