Best games to play with a partner or housemate: 9 two-player picks

Playing with a partner or housemate is a different job from a big co-op night. It’s two people, often the same two people every week, sometimes with very different levels of gaming experience. The best picks are the ones where both of you matter – not one person carrying while the other watches.

We’ve grouped these by how you like to play. Dates are worldwide unless noted, and online play usually needs the platform’s paid subscription (PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Switch Online or Game Pass, depending on where you play), so check that before date night.

Built for exactly two

It Takes Two

Hazelight’s adventure about a couple shrunk into dolls can’t be played solo – it’s two players or nothing, which makes it the obvious place to start. It’s on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch, and as of 15 October there’s a Switch 2 version with a free upgrade for Switch owners. Fair warning: it’s a story about a relationship in trouble, which is either very funny or a little too real.

Split Fiction

The follow-up sends two writers into their own sci-fi and fantasy stories. It’s strictly two-player on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Switch 2, and the Friend’s Pass means only one of you needs to buy it to play online together – handy if your housemate isn’t sure yet.

We Were Here Tomorrow – from 20 October

The We Were Here series is all about talking: each of you sees different clues, and you solve puzzles by describing what’s in front of you over walkie-talkies. The new one is co-op only and lands on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S on 20 October. Brilliant for couples who communicate well – and an education for those who don’t.

Sofa co-op for mixed abilities

Unravel Two

Two little yarn creatures tied together, swinging and climbing through gorgeous scenery. It’s gentle, forgiving and ideal if one of you rarely plays games. Two-player local co-op on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.

Cuphead

The opposite end of the scale: a gloriously hard 1930s-cartoon boss-rush for two on one sofa. You’ll die constantly, but reviving each other is half the fun. Two-player local co-op on PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Switch.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat

Still the ultimate “how well do we actually work together?” test. Up to four players, but it works perfectly with two – one chops, one cooks, both shout. On PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Switch.

A shared long-term project

Stardew Valley

The classic housemate game: build a farm together, split the chores and slowly argue over the layout. Up to four players on consoles, and up to eight on PC since update 1.6 (plus Switch 2 online). Easily months of evenings.

Something lighter for game night

Nintendo Switch Sports Resort – from 22 October

A Switch 2 exclusive set on Wuhu Island with 12 motion-controlled sports, from bowling to thumb wrestling. Up to four people locally, so it doubles as the “friends are over” game. Out worldwide on 22 October.

Sonic Pico Park – from 12 November

Cooperation puzzles for two to eight players locally or online, with cross-platform play, on PS5, Xbox, Switch 2, Switch and PC. Simple to pick up, chaotic to finish.

How to pick

• One of you is new to games: Unravel Two or Stardew Valley.
• You both love a story: It Takes Two or Split Fiction.
• You want to be tested: Cuphead or We Were Here Tomorrow.
• Short sessions after work: Overcooked or Switch Sports Resort.

Make the setup work for two

Two people on one sofa means two controllers, two charging cables and – in a shared home – often two headsets so you don’t wake anyone. Our cosy gaming corner guide has ideas, and if you play on Switch 2, What2Buy (a UK buying-guide site, prices in pounds) has a round-up of Switch 2 accessories under £20. For a bigger group, see our co-op games for winter nights.

And if you want a little something for your gaming partner after you finally beat that boss together, have a browse of the fan-made bits at Nightfandom on Etsy – our own small shop.