Listed below are games that I’ve played more than once with my wife.
Each of the games below are great to play with small (1-2 players), mid (3-4 players), and with larger groups (5+) so they’ve seen play outside of just me and my wife. All games listed below are great games and are recommended for folks looking to expand on their collection of couple friendly games that can also be played quickly and with larger groups. Some can even be used to introduce your kids or other young humans you know into board games.
All of these games can be found at your local game shops. If you live in Ottawa, I recommend Fandom 2 if you're down town, Out of the Box and Wizards Tower if you live in the west end, and Kessel Run if you live in the east end. Otherwise Amazon or Meeplemart (based on Toronto) can ship free or at minimum cost.
Each game has won awards and in the case of some multiple game of year awards. Most of these games can be previewed on Youtube channels like Tabletop or Watch it Played, and reviewed by folks from Shut up and Sitdown.
Lets take a look after the break.
Hero Realms
2-4 players
20-30 mins
A fantasy deck building game where the players will build their decks to defeat each other. You can also buy the custom starter decks, called character packs, allowing you to play as a specific class with a unique starting hand. There are also other add-ons. Two of them allow you to take on the role of a Lich or Dragon for a many versus one game. The last is the first of a planned series of campaigns where characters will gain upgrades and develop between games. Work together or fight each other, both games styles play very well.
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| Hero Realms core set and each of the Character Packs |
Scythe
1-7 players
45-90 mins
Probably the largest game listed here. I've also talked about it in more detail here. Saturated with beautiful art of its alternate 1920's steampunk setting, its smooth gameplay is focused on asymmetric actions where players can work towards their faction’s goals. Two expansions have been released; one bringing the game from 1-5 players to 1-7 players and another adding airships. The game can drag on if both players are passive or taking their time working to their objectives, but that might be how the two of you enjoy your games. A slow burn build up to a big finish.
I'd recommend this for couple looking for bigger game and fans of world building through art and play. This game takes a few mins to set up and put away but it comes with plenty of organizers to keep the fuss to a minimum. Similar to games like Settlers of Catan, Twilight Imperium but in between in complexity of play and level of effort.
Lords of Waterdeep
2-6 players
30-60 mins
This Dungeons & Dragons boardgame came out looking like a dud. A poor use of the Dungeons & Dragons licence in an over-saturated market. This changed after the players tried it out it became a hit. In this worker placement game you are one of the secret Lords of Waterdeep. You send out your agents to do your biding and every turn you deploy your gathered adventurers (seen as cubed resources) to complete missions (quests) to increase your influence in the city. It scales beautifully from 2 players to 5 players. Dungeons & Dragons players have been an Adventurer caught in the intrigues of others, in Lords of Waterdeep you assume the role of puppet master.
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| Lords of Waterdeep image used without permission |
Charterstone
1-6 players
30-60 mins
A settlement building worker placement legacy game. This game comes with a double sided board so once you finish a campaign, you can pick up a re-charge pack and play again making different choices. Most reviews have players only unlocking two thirds to a half of the game’s contents in a single campaign of 12 games. Plus you can always play the game after you completed a campaign but now with the completed board that evolved with your choices over your campaign. This year at GENCON four of the events is playing on a group's unique completed board and they are all sold out (this may change to stake a look)
I have a first look that I posted recently, take a look but don't go too far you may get a very early spoiler. Currently playing with my wife and we’re loving it. Looks simple but has some depth to it with some very unique mechanics.
Pandemic Legacy Season 1
2-4 players
60 mins
To original co-op game Pandemic was designed and published in Canada. Now Pandemic Legacy Season 1 is the first game to gain mainstream success with the Legacy rules. Each game is played in a month, if you fail you get one more chance if you succeed you play on to the next month. Players will play through 12-24 games depending on their success. Permanent changes to the board will affect future games and careful planning will take you far until a new twist is unlocked. This game is followed on with Season 2 which carries over your choices onto a whole new set of games.
We play this game exclusively with a couple from Toronto (JRex and Britsky) who introduced us to Pandemic, and Snakes and Lattes. I have to say if I had not played Risk Legacy, I think it would have been hard for me to help JRex (who got it as a gift) rip up cards and, put stickers on the board, and pull out that permanent marker to the game.
Monarch
2-4 players
30-50 mins
An independent game where you play as a princess who needs to prove to the queen you are the right choice to take follow her. Cooperatively build the kingdom with your fellow players but individually build the better court. Your court will be filled with creatures, characters, gowns, armor, all rendered with a unique and gorgeous art style. Beautiful art and simple game design allowing younger players to play alongside adults who enjoy the depth of play and won’t get bored. No expansions have been released.
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| Art example from the Monarch Kickstarter Image used without permission |
2-8 players
30-60 mins
This was the first game I got my wife to play. Currently in its third edition the main box comes with the classic game (which can still purchased), the Dark City expansion, and an additional brand new add-on. You spend your turn picking a role and, drawing building designs as cards, and building the collected designs. Each round you pick a new role in secret, the role determines play order and each role has a unique effect that kicks in when its your turn. You only have three things to do in your turn. Reveal your role when its your turn. Draw two cards and pick one, or take 2 gold. Lastly spend gold to build in your city by paying the cards listed cost.
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| The bits and pieces of Citadels from the 2018 edition Image used without permission |
Forbidden Desert
2-5 players
45 mins
Another co-operative game from the guy who also designed Pandemic. This was the very first boardgame I got Shonty to play when we were only a few months dating. Each player takes a role for the game and must navigate the desert looking for the four pieces of their crashed airship to escape. You will fight the sun, desert storms, and manage water while you collect resources and ship parts to escape.
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| Forbidden Desert Image used without permission |
This is a more complex version of Forbidden Island where working together and efficiently is the only way to win. Try that game out first and if you like it jump off the island and into the desert. This game can also be played with young gamers, it's cooperative plenty of visual flair, and it's game mechanically simple.
So that's this list in no order or preference. Shonty and I have had lots of fun playing these games solo and with other folks. I hope you give a few of them a chance and pick them up from your local game shop.
-Cheers
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