Finding shared hobbies that resonate with both you and your partner can sometimes feel like dealing with a particularly tough boss in a video game — the kind of challenge that requires patience, a dash of strategy, and the right energy. But here’s our pro tip for you: video games for couples.
Yep, you read that right. Cast aside the notion of gaming as the solitary passion of lone wolves, because that new video game your significant other has been playing for days could very well become your new obsession, too.
Over the last few decades, the gaming industry has pumped out an array of video games for every taste, whether you enjoy fantasy worlds, racing against each other on twisty tracks, or engaging in a friendly face-off where the loser owes the winner a pizza.
If swapping the movie remote for game controllers might be something that appeals to you and your other half, you’ve landed on the right page! We’ve personally curated a roster of the best video games for couples aiming to add some playful competition to their hangouts.
Scroll down and take a look — as always, we encourage you to share your thoughts, upvote your favorite titles, and contribute to the gaming community right here on Bored Panda!
This post may include affiliate links.
It Takes Two
This game is all about communication. Trapped inside their daughter's dolls, a married couple planning to divorce will have to work together to get back into their bodies and save their family. Electronic Arts gifted us with a great game, specifically designed for split-screen cooperative multiplayer through either local or online play. Highly recommended!
Spiritfarer
Do you prefer slower-paced gameplay? Spiritfarer is a chill adventure game set on a ship that carries spirits towards the afterlife. As the ferrymaster, you’ll have to provide the passengers with everything they need while also uncovering more of each spirit’s backstory. The game will keep you hooked with its charming characters and impactful stories.
Heave-Ho!
An exemplary cooperative game, Heave Ho! Will challenge players through a series of increasingly complex levels. Customize your characters with accessories and skins, and you’re ready to go! The game encourages players to communicate and plan the next move, while still remaining utterly chaotic and hilarious.
What’s the Difference Between Co-op Games and Multiplayer Games?
Understanding the gaming jargon is the first step to diving into the world of video games for couples. Two terms that often pop up are co-op games and multiplayer games. Though they might seem synonymous, they have distinct features that cater to different gaming experiences.
Co-op Games
Cooperative, or co-op games, are designed for players to work together towards a common goal. These games include local co-op games and couch co-op games, where you and your partner can team up on the same system, either sharing the screen or enjoying a split-screen experience. In these games, you join forces to tackle challenges, solve puzzles, or defeat enemies. The essence is teamwork and collaboration. Titles like Overcooked and A Way Out are examples of co-op games.
Multiplayer Games
On the flip side, multiplayer games are a broader category that includes any game where multiple players can participate, regardless of whether they’re teaming up or competing against each other. These games often host a competitive arena where players fight for the top spot, although cooperative play can also be a part of the multiplayer experience. Games like Fortnite and Call of Duty are perfect for those who enjoy challenging each other, while Minecraft and Among Us offer both competitive and cooperative gameplay dynamics.
The choice between co-op and multiplayer games depends on the kind of interaction you and your partner enjoy. If working together to achieve shared victories warms your heart, co-op games may fit you best. But if a bit of friendly competition spices up your gaming sessions, choosing a multiplayer game might be more up your alley.
Overcooked
The Overcooked saga is a chaotic cooperative game where you and your fellow chefs must prepare, cook and serve up a variety of tasty orders before the customers storm out in a huff. The way Overcooked challenges couples to work together is what makes it so great. It's hard enough for one player to handle the kitchen’s hectic routine, but when things get really tough, it requires both players to pull their weight and communicate effectively.
Mario Party Superstars
This list wouldn’t be complete without a Mario Party game! With 100 mini-games, both you and your sweetheart will enjoy dozens of hours of pure fun. Race to get the most stars and sabotage the other players on boards like the stellar Space Land or the spooky Horror Land! Party at your own pace by suspending a game and picking up right where you left off!
Until Dawn
Until Dawn is a choice-based survival horror game that's all about making the right decisions. You'll control multiple characters throughout the story, and each one has their own personality traits, skills and memories. The decisions you make will affect how the story unfolds and who survives in the end. Until Dawn is not a multiplayer kind of game, but playing it on the couch with your partner and reflecting on the decisions together makes everything a lot more fun. And, I mean, would you really lose the opportunity to see them screaming at every jumpscare?
Is It Healthy for Couples to Play Video Games Together?
Absolutely! Engaging in shared hobbies such as video gaming can be a delightful way for couples to bond, enhance communication, and foster teamwork.
While navigating through challenges in a game, couples may find opportunities for dialogue and problem-solving, which could potentially reflect positively in real-world interactions.
As with many aspects of life, moderation is key. Balancing gaming with other life responsibilities is essential to ensure it remains a fun and enriching experience rather than a source of disagreement. Being open to each other’s gaming preferences and finding common ground in the games to play with your girlfriend or boyfriend can significantly contribute to a more enjoyable and beneficial gaming experience for both.
The Dark Pictures Anthology
The Dark Pictures Anthology is an ongoing series of eight horror games by the same authors of Until Dawn. Currently, four games have been released, with the fifth one, Directive 8020, set to kick off the anthology's second season. The games have players making decisions for their characters and watching their consequences play out. They support co-operative multiplayer play, where each player controls one character, making them great video games for couples.
Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox-style game where you can build anything you want. It's still an incredibly popular game with a huge following despite being released in 2011. No wonder it’s the best selling video game of all time! Minecraft is available on every major console and computer platform, so it's easy to play with your partner no matter what device they're using.
Portal 2
I LOVE this game!!! ... Unfortunately I happened to be a little hmmm sharper? than my SO.... I lose my s**t too fast and I end up apologizing whilst he storms off the room lol. The only time I was able to actually complete this game was with a very smart 12 yo boy I used to babysit lol.
What to Do if Your Partner Plays Video Games All the Time?
Flip the coin, and you may find yourself in a situation where your partner dedicates a significant amount of time to video gaming, which at times, can feel isolating.
Start by understanding the attraction of gaming for your partner. Is it a stress reliever? A social outlet? Having a heart-to-heart about how you feel regarding their gaming habits and expressing your concerns in a supportive manner is key to ensuring you’re not coming across as dismissive of what they enjoy.
If you’re open to it, venturing into gaming together could serve as a bridge. As we mentioned before, there’s a positive impact on relationship satisfaction when sharing gaming experiences.
However, like any hobby, gaming needs to fit comfortably within the broader dynamics of your relationship and daily responsibilities. It’s about striking a balance between the needs and interests of both of you. If gaming is causing significant disagreement, professional counseling might provide the necessary tools to navigate through this.
Wattam
Have you ever dreamed of befriending a piece of… poop? Nope, we’re not talking about that annoying colleague that your whole team can’t stand. From the creator of the Katamari Damacy series, Wattam consists of making friends among the inhabitants of the game world, including trees, flowers, rocks, toilets, mouths and more crazy objects by holding hands (among other moves), uncovering secrets, playing minigames, and solving puzzles. Yeah, pretty crazy.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a quiet, quirky game about building a life for yourself on a deserted island, working hard to earn money, making friends with the animal villagers who inhabit your island, and expanding your home and town. You can enjoy the game at your own pace, and it gets even better when you add another player, with an abundance of light-hearted activities to do together and features (from building furniture to decorating your house to catching bugs) that will keep you enthralled for hours.
Snipperclips
This game is soooo fun and extremely frustrating if your partner doesn't listen LMAO.
How Do You Get Your Partner to Play Video Games?
If you find yourself on the other side of the spectrum and wish to introduce your partner to gaming, here are some of our tips for you!
Begin by identifying games that align with their interests. Are they into mysteries, open-world adventures, or perhaps they have a knack for solving puzzles? The gaming industry is vast and diverse, likely housing titles that echo their hobbies and tastes.
Engage in a gentle conversation about giving gaming a try, highlighting what you enjoy about your favorite games and the cooperative and interactive elements that can make it a fun, shared experience.
You could set aside a gaming night where you both explore a beginner-friendly game. Stick to a relaxed and casual setting, coupled with games that are easy to grasp, allowing them to discover the fun at their own pace.
Remember, the goal is to have fun and explore new horizons together. It’s about creating memorable experiences, whether in a virtual world or the real one.
Last but not least, be patient and understanding if they don’t wish to give it a try. Respecting that they may not share the same interests should always be a priority.
A Way Out
What is the Best Console for Couples?
Each console has its own realm of games and unique features that could mesh well with your favorite types of games. Below, we’ve broken down the popular gaming platforms to help you and your partner find the right fit for you.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a gem for social and cooperative gaming, making it a favorite among those who adore indie or cozy video games. And hey, it’s portable, so your gaming adventures can tag along wherever you go!
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life Simulation
- Luigi’s Mansion 3 | Action-Adventure
- Overcooked! 2 | Cooking Simulation
PlayStation
Boasting high-performance hardware and a vast library of games, PlayStation delivers a top-notch gaming experience. Its exclusive titles, known for their visually stunning and emotionally engaging narratives, rapidly secure spots as fan favorites.
- It Takes Two | Action-Adventure Platform
- Fortnite | Battle Royale
- Diablo IV | Action RPG
Xbox Series X/S
With the Xbox Series X/S, you unlock a comprehensive game library through Xbox Game Pass, allowing couples to explore a myriad of gaming worlds together. Known for its robust online community, it’s the go-to platform to find many great multiplayer games for couples.
- Gears of War 5 | Third-person Shooter
- Halo Infinite | First-person Shooter
- Spiritfarer | Management Sim
PC
PC gaming is celebrated for its virtually limitless library, catering to every conceivable genre. Offering the most flexible gaming experience with a vast array of modding opportunities, it adds a personalized touch to your gaming adventures.
- Stardew Valley | Farming Simulation
- Minecraft | Sandbox
- Portal 2 | Puzzle/Platformer
The Sims 4
Luigi's Mansion 3
Resident Evil: Revelations 2
Don’t Starve Together
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes
Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime
Great co-op game that scales really well between 2,3, and 4 players. Many cool weapons and upgrades to discover and debate over.
Rayman Legends
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Ultimate Chicken Horse
Child Of Light
Yes! This is beautifully done and a great coop. I love puzzle games and my friend likes turn-based combat systems so there was something for everyone.
Human Fall Flat
Splatoon 2
Knack 2
Knack 2 Baybeeee! ...I've never played it, I've never even seen the original video that I referenced, I am a failed fan.
Divinity: Original Sin II
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise
What is a Good Game to Play as a Couple?
Here we are at the end of our list of video games for couples! Already spotted something that could work for you and your other half? Just in case, to ease your search, we’ve rounded up some top recommendations across a variety of gaming modes and genres.
Cooperative Games
These games are designed for players to work together towards a common goal. They are great for fostering teamwork and communication.
- It Takes Two: An action-adventure platformer often hailed as one of the best couch co-op games, designed for two players to work together through a whimsical world.
- Overcooked! 2: A cooking simulation game where couples can team up to prepare meals and overcome kitchen challenges.
- Portal 2: A puzzle-platformer that requires teamwork to solve intricate puzzles and navigate through levels.
Competitive Games
If you both enjoy a friendly competition, these games can add a little spice to your gaming sessions.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Race against each other in this fun, iconic racing game.
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Engage in friendly battles in this crossover fighting game featuring various iconic characters.
- Rocket League: It’s soccer but with rocket-powered cars — compete or cooperate to score goals.
Relaxing Games
If you prefer a calmer gaming experience for you and your partner, these games offer a chill environment for exploration and creativity.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons: A classic life simulation game where you can create and manage your own island paradise.
- Stardew Valley: Trade city chaos for rural romance as you nurture a neglected farm back to life.
- Minecraft: A sandbox game of infinite potential, Minecraft invites you to shape, explore, and endure in a block-built universe.
Single-Player Narrative-Driven Games
Not all games need to be multiplayer to enjoy them as a couple. Single-player games with captivating narratives or interesting gameplay mechanics can also provide a shared experience as you switch turns, make decisions together, or simply enjoy the story unfolding.
- The Last of Us: This action-adventure game is primarily known for its single-player mode that offers a deep narrative, and it’s some of the best you can find out there. It includes an online multiplayer mode.
- Firewatch: This first-person adventure game will take you through a beautiful, natural environment and a captivating story.
- Life is Strange: A story-driven adventure franchise that hinges on choices and consequences. Enjoy the story as it unfolds and make (hard!) decisions together.
Which games have brought you closer? Share your experiences and favorites in the comments below. Your insights might just be the co-op assist other gaming duos have been searching for!
That moment you realized you play too many video games yet not enough. For anyone looking for games to play at home with their partner, housemate, or young ones, make sure you pay attention if the game allows LOCAL MULTIPLAYER. Some of the above games are co-op, but only if people have their own systems and their own copy of the games.
I spent a long time looking for co-op story games to play with my brother. Certain shooters lend to the format well (gears of war, that one halo game - I forget which, borderlands), but outside of the genre, one of the only ones I found was called Aragami. Of course co-op adventures are making a comeback, there's a reason It Takes Two is #1 on the list.
Mario Party 9, Epic Mickey 2, Lego Star Wars the Complete Saga, Fling Smash, Go Vacation, and Wii Sports Resort are all great 2-player games
That moment you realized you play too many video games yet not enough. For anyone looking for games to play at home with their partner, housemate, or young ones, make sure you pay attention if the game allows LOCAL MULTIPLAYER. Some of the above games are co-op, but only if people have their own systems and their own copy of the games.
I spent a long time looking for co-op story games to play with my brother. Certain shooters lend to the format well (gears of war, that one halo game - I forget which, borderlands), but outside of the genre, one of the only ones I found was called Aragami. Of course co-op adventures are making a comeback, there's a reason It Takes Two is #1 on the list.
Mario Party 9, Epic Mickey 2, Lego Star Wars the Complete Saga, Fling Smash, Go Vacation, and Wii Sports Resort are all great 2-player games
