When it comes to finding the perfect way to spend quality time with a friend or a loved one, few activities beat the fun and challenge of 2 player board games. Whether you enjoy strategic battles, lighthearted competition, or testing your skills under pressure, there’s something special about 2 player board games. In this article, we explore some of the best 2 person board games, highlighting what makes them stand out and why they’re a must-try for board game enthusiasts.
Raptor
- 9+
- 2 Players
- 30 mins
What is Raptor about?
Raptor is a thrilling 2 player board game that pits a team of scientists against a cunning mother raptor and her babies. One player takes on the role of the scientist, attempting to capture three baby raptors from experiments. While the other plays as the mother raptor, whose goal is to protect her offspring and eliminate the intruders.
Raptor is a fun and strategic game where players try to outsmart each other, making every move count in an exciting battle of brains.
How to Win in Raptor
The Raptor player wins if:
• Three baby raptors have escaped from the board OR
• There are no more scientists on the board
The Scientist player wins if:
• The mother has 5 sleep tokens, which neutralizes her OR
• Three baby raptors have been captured
Overview of How to Play Raptor
Once you have chosen which landscape to use (jungle or savannah) and set out the Raptors and Scientists as per the instructions.
You begin by placing one of your three cards face down in front of you. At the same time, you both reveal your cards. If they both have the same value, the round ends with no effect. If the values are different, the player with the lowest value gains an advantage. They get to carry out the effects of their card first.
Subsequently, your opponent will receive a number of action points that is equal to the difference in the card values.
Next, both players draw a card, making sure they always have three cards. This is the start of a new round. Played action cards are shown face up so you both can see their values.
Game Play
To add a fun element, of course the scientists and raptors all move in different ways, e.g., a free adjacent space or a space beside a raptor.
Both the scientists and raptors can spend action points for various actions, such as moving a scientist or baby raptor, putting out a fire, moving the raptor, shooting the mother raptor or killing the scientist, capturing a sleeping baby raptor, or putting a baby raptor to sleep.
Play continues until the Raptor has three of her babies escape (wins) OR the Scientist player wins immediately if the mother raptor has 5 sleep tokens or if three of her baby raptors have been captured.
Boop
- 10+
- 2 Players
- 20-30 mins
What is Boop?
For those looking for a quick, abstract challenge, Boop is an ideal choice among 2 player board games. In Boop, players take turns placing and moving cute cat pieces on a 5×5 grid. The goal is to “boop” the opponent’s pieces off the board, but there’s a catch—players can only move in specific ways, adding a layer of strategy to the game.
While the rules are simple, Boop offers plenty of room for strategic thinking and clever planning. Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves and position their pieces carefully to avoid getting booped. It’s a fast, fun, and surprisingly challenging game that’s perfect for those who enjoy light yet thought-provoking abstract games. If you’re looking for a quick 2 player board game to play that’s easy to learn but hard to master, Boop is a great option.
Blokus Duo
- 7+
- 15 mins
What is Blus Duo
Blokus is a well-known strategy game, and Blokus Duo takes the core gameplay and refines it as a 2 player board game.
The game involves alternating turns to place pieces on the board, with the goal of covering as much space as possible while blocking your opponent’s moves.
What makes Blokus Duo exciting is the constant need to adapt to your opponent’s strategy, balancing offense and defense.
It’s a fast-paced, yet deeply strategic game that’s perfect for 2 players looking for a quick but engaging challenge. Blokus Duo is a must-try addition to your collection of 2 player board games.
King of Tokyo Duel
- 8+
- 20 mins
What is King of Tokyo Duel
For fans of monster mayhem, King of Tokyo Duel brings the same fun, dice-rolling chaos of King of Tokyo but in a version specifically designed for 2 player gamers. In this competitive game, players take control of powerful monsters (Kaiju) and battle for control of Tokyo.
Each player rolls dice to attack, heal, or gain energy, with the ultimate goal of defeating the opponent or claiming dominance over the city.
Fast Paced 2 Player Board Game
The game is fast-paced, with each dice roll offering a new opportunity for attack or defense. The tension builds as players face off in a strategic battle of luck and skill.
Special abilities and upgrades allow players to tailor their monster’s powers to fit their strategy. King of Tokyo Duel is an exciting and one of those dynamic 2 player board games that blends tactical decision-making with the thrill of combat. Perfect for fans of fast-paced action and monster battles, this game delivers fun in every session.
Splendor Duel
- 10+
- 30 mins
What is Splendor Duel
One of my favourite games. In Splendor Duel, the two-player version of the popular Splendor, players compete to collect precious gems, trade them for valuable cards, and amass points to win. The game is all about resource management, with each player trying to build the most impressive collection of cards while also hindering their opponent’s progress.
What makes Splendor Duel stand out is its simplicity and depth. The rules are easy to learn, but players must carefully balance short-term gains with long-term goals. The fast pace of the game keeps players on their toes, while the strategic choices involved in collecting and trading gems provide a satisfying challenge.
Splendor Duel is a standout among 2 player board games, offering a strategic twist on classic card gameplay for those who enjoy depth and competition.
Finding the Perfect 2 Player Board Game
If you enjoy intense strategy, casual fun, or fast-paced action, the world of 2 player board games has something for everyone. Games like Raptor, Boop, Blokus Duo, King of Tokyo Duel, Splendor Duel, and Midnight Taboo offer a wide range of mechanics and challenges that ensure hours of entertainment.
If you’re looking for more competitive two player board games or new additions to your collection, these titles are a great place to start. Each game is designed to be engaging and memorable, providing endless opportunities for strategic play and friendly competition. Grab a friend, set up the board, and enjoy a fantastic two player board game experience. If you looking for more inspiration, check out our other article on two player games.
Or explore adults board games, games by age, and games by type.
