Video Games for Couples

Gaming is one of the ways my husband and I enjoy time together. I am a social gamer, and I like to play cooperative games that allow us to work together to achieve something. Also, I’m highly competitive but much less skilled at games than my brilliant husband… which means date night can turn sour if I don’t curb those competitive tendencies.

Video Games for Couples

So here is a list of some of my favorite games that allow us to team up and work together or provide low-stakes competition and still have TONS of fun. 

1. It Takes Two – I’m going to get this one out of the way first because it is designed specifically as a two-played cooperative game for couples. Centered around a husband and wife team who are about to split, the story is compelling and entertaining. The gameplay is diverse and allows for a range of skill. I will say that early on I got very annoyed with this game simply because it highlighted the gap in mine and my husband’s skill levels, but I did warm up to it. It ended up being a great experience for both of us.
2. Stardew Valley – I don’t know that any game has absorbed both of us quite like Stardew Valley. On the Switch, this game allows for local or online co-op, but between us, my hubby and I own four copies of this game (PC and Nintendo Switch versions for each of us) because we like it so much. An engaging farming simulator, Stardew Valley lets you build your farm, build relationships with the town NPCs, and explore the dungeon mines! Bond with your SO by proposing to them in-game or generate all-in-good-fun tension by wooing an NPC and making your SO low key jealous (Here’s looking at you, Elliot! ;)). 
3. Valheim is my absolute favorite game right now. A procedurally-generated survival game, this Viking adventure allows you to play however you want but is best with a partner. A world map with diverse biomes awaits your exploration as you face greater and greater foes. Build a base, explore the world, and face the enemies around you. The server settings allow for a wide range of difficulties and play styles.
4. Overcooked & Overcooked 2 – These are fantastic co-op games! They make for quality fast-paced fun. Be aware, though, that some of the levels definitely require more participation so they also make great party games. 
5. Boomerang Fu also falls along these lines. Become hilarious food-related items and win matches to gain quirky accessories by slicing and dicing the others with boomerangs in various arenas. Fight against each other or as a team; you can join friends or fight the PCs.
6. Fortnite. My husband disagrees here (he isn’t a fan of the game), but I would be remiss if I didn’t put it on the list. I thoroughly enjoy Fortnite with friends, and my hubby and I used to team up regularly with other couples for a long-distance double date. Because of the battle royale style, the game allows you to easily drop into matches and see how far you can get. Teamwork can make the matches easier, and even if your teammate has to carry on without you, spectating is its own entertainment. 

We’ve tried many more than this, but these are our top contenders. What are your favorite games to play alongside someone else?