The Best Online Games for Couples to Play Together

Why Gaming Works for Long Distance Couples

Online gaming has become one of the most popular activities for couples separated by distance, and for good reason. Games provide structure to your time together, create shared experiences, and offer a fun escape from the stress of being apart.

Research shows that couples who play video games together report higher relationship satisfaction, improved communication, and stronger emotional bonds. Gaming creates opportunities for teamwork, problem-solving, and even healthy competition—all valuable skills in relationships.

Whether you're casual gamers or dedicated enthusiasts, there's a perfect game waiting for you and your partner. This comprehensive guide covers games across all platforms and skill levels.

Cooperative Adventure Games

These games let you work together toward common goals, perfect for couples who want to build teamwork skills.

It Takes Two

Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Price: $39.99 (only one person needs to buy it)
Best for: Couples who want a story-driven experience

Winner of multiple Game of the Year awards, It Takes Two is specifically designed for two players. You play as a couple turned into dolls who must work together to restore their relationship. The game features incredible variety, creative puzzles, and touching storytelling. Every level introduces new mechanics, keeping gameplay fresh for 12-15 hours.

Why couples love it: The game's narrative about working through relationship challenges resonates deeply with long distance couples. You'll need to communicate constantly, support each other, and celebrate victories together.

Stardew Valley

Platform: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile
Price: $14.99 per person
Best for: Relaxed, open-ended gameplay

Build a farm together in this charming pixel-art game. Plant crops, raise animals, explore mines, fish, and participate in seasonal festivals. Stardew Valley offers endless activities and no pressure—you can play at your own pace.

Why couples love it: You're building something together that persists between gaming sessions. The game feels like maintaining a shared home, and the relaxing gameplay makes it perfect for unwinding together after long days.

Minecraft

Platform: Everything (PC, Mac, consoles, mobile)
Price: $26.95 per person
Best for: Creative couples

The world's best-selling game offers unlimited creative possibilities. Build elaborate structures, explore vast worlds, survive against monsters, or create your own mini-games within the game.

Why couples love it: You can literally build your dream home together. Many couples create virtual versions of their future house, towns representing places meaningful to their relationship, or fantasy worlds limited only by imagination.

Portal 2 (Co-op Mode)

Platform: PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox
Price: $9.99 per person
Best for: Puzzle-loving couples

Solve mind-bending physics puzzles together using portal guns. The co-op campaign features entirely different puzzles from the single-player game, requiring precise coordination and communication.

Why couples love it: Few games require such precise teamwork. You'll develop unique communication patterns and celebrate solving particularly difficult puzzles together.

Competitive Games

Sometimes a little friendly competition keeps relationships exciting.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Price: $59.99 per person + Nintendo Switch Online ($19.99/year)
Best for: Fun, lighthearted competition

Race against each other on creative tracks filled with power-ups and shortcuts. The game balances skill and luck, so anyone can win.

Why couples love it: It's easy to learn, matches are quick (perfect for limited time together), and the chaos of items keeps things unpredictable and funny.

Chess.com or Lichess

Platform: Web, iOS, Android
Price: Free (premium optional)
Best for: Strategic thinkers

Classic chess with modern features. Play live games, try different time controls, analyze your games together, and even practice puzzles side-by-side.

Why couples love it: Chess requires no internet bandwidth, can be played asynchronously, and improvement becomes a shared journey. Plus, the trash talk opportunities are endless.

Among Us

Platform: PC, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Price: Free on mobile, $5 on other platforms
Best for: Groups of friends (4-15 players)

While not exclusively for two people, this social deduction game is perfect when you want to include other long-distance friends. Work together to identify the impostor... unless one of you IS the impostor.

Why couples love it: Testing if your partner can tell when you're lying is hilarious and revealing. Plus, working together to solve who the impostor is creates great team moments.

MMORPGs and Online Worlds

Massive multiplayer games offer persistent worlds to explore together over months or years.

Final Fantasy XIV

Platform: PC, Mac, PlayStation
Price: Free trial (extensive), $12.99/month after
Best for: Couples wanting an ongoing adventure

This MMORPG features one of gaming's best stories, beautiful worlds, and countless activities beyond combat. Get married in-game, decorate a house together, participate in seasonal events, or take screenshots in stunning locations.

Why couples love it: The game actively encourages playing together with systems that pair experienced and new players. Many real-life couples have met and bonded through FFXIV.

World of Warcraft

Platform: PC, Mac
Price: $15/month subscription
Best for: Classic MMORPG experience

The grandfather of MMORPGs still offers unmatched content. Quest together, run dungeons, collect mounts and pets, or engage in PvP battles.

Why couples love it: The depth of content means you'll never run out of things to do together. Coordinating your class choices and developing teamwork in dungeons creates strong bonds.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Platform: Nintendo Switch
Price: $59.99 per person + Nintendo Switch Online
Best for: Wholesome, relaxed gaming

Build and decorate your island paradise, visit each other's islands, trade items, and participate in seasonal events. The real-time gameplay means there's always something new.

Why couples love it: You can leave surprise gifts on each other's islands, design clothing for your partner, or work toward completing museum collections together. The game's gentle pace makes it perfect for destressing together.

Mobile Games for Quick Sessions

Perfect for when you have limited time or prefer casual gaming.

Words With Friends

Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free (ad-supported) or $9.99/month premium
Best for: Ongoing, asynchronous play

Scrabble-style word game that you can play at your own pace. Make moves throughout the day when you have a free moment.

Why couples love it: It keeps you connected all day without requiring scheduled time together. Plus, finding a really good word feels like a small victory to share.

QuizUp

Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free
Best for: Trivia enthusiasts

Challenge each other in thousands of trivia categories. Learn new things about your partner's knowledge and interests.

Why couples love it: Quick matches fit into busy schedules, and discovering obscure topics your partner excels in is endearing and surprising.

Sky: Children of the Light

Platform: iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch
Price: Free (optional purchases)
Best for: Beautiful, emotional experiences

Explore beautiful realms together, solve environmental puzzles, and experience a touching narrative about connection and sacrifice.

Why couples love it: The game emphasizes cooperation and even includes a "hold hands" feature. Its beauty and emotional storytelling create memorable shared experiences.

Party and Social Games

Games focused on communication, creativity, and laughter.

Jackbox Party Packs

Platform: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Price: $29.99 per pack (only one person needs to buy)
Best for: Game nights with friends

Collections of party games playable through any web browser using smartphones as controllers. Includes drawing games, trivia, word games, and more.

Why couples love it: One person streams the game, and everyone else joins on their phones—no special setup required. Games like Drawful and Quiplash create hilarious moments.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Platform: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile
Price: $14.99 (only one person needs the game)
Best for: Testing communication skills

One person sees a bomb and must describe it, while the other person has the instruction manual and must give defusal instructions. Tension and miscommunication create comedy gold.

Why couples love it: It's hilarious, intense, and reveals how well you communicate under pressure. Success requires developing your own communication system.

Puzzle and Escape Room Games

Challenge your minds together with these brain-teasers.

We Were Here Series

Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Price: Free to $12.99 depending on entry
Best for: Puzzle and communication lovers

You and your partner are separated in a mysterious castle and must communicate (voice chat only—you can't see each other's screens) to solve puzzles and escape.

Why couples love it: The communication-based puzzle solving is unique and requires describing exactly what you see. Great practice for clear communication.

The Room Series (Mobile)

Platform: iOS, Android
Price: $0.99-$4.99 per game
Best for: Taking turns solving puzzles

Beautiful 3D puzzle games with mysterious narratives. While single-player, they're perfect for video calls where you take turns controlling and solving puzzles together.

Why couples love it: The stunning graphics and satisfying puzzle mechanics make for engaging viewing even when you're not controlling. Collaboration on tough puzzles is rewarding.

How to Choose the Right Game

With so many options, how do you pick?

Consider These Factors

• Gaming experience: Match games to the less experienced player's comfort level
• Available time: Some games require 2+ hour sessions, others work in 15-minute chunks
• Budget: Many excellent free options exist, but some premium games offer better experiences
• Platform compatibility: Ensure you both have access to the same platform
• Relationship stage: New couples might prefer lighthearted games; established couples might enjoy complex challenges
• Personal preferences: Does your partner prefer competition or cooperation? Action or thinking?

Gaming Style Compatibility Quiz

Both partners answer these questions:

• Do you prefer competition or cooperation?
• Fast-paced action or thoughtful strategy?
• Serious challenges or lighthearted fun?
• Short sessions or long immersive experiences?
• Story-driven or gameplay-focused?

Similar answers suggest you'll enjoy the same types of games. Different answers mean you might need to alternate between different game types.

Setting Up Your Gaming Sessions

Technical setup can make or break your gaming experience.

Communication Setup

• Discord: Best for PC gamers, excellent voice quality, can share screens
• In-game voice chat: Convenient but quality varies
• FaceTime/Video call: Nice to see each other's reactions, but might lag on slower connections
• Phone call: Most reliable for stable audio

Technical Requirements

• Stable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps for most games)
• Compatible gaming systems or PCs
• Headset for clear communication
• Gaming subscription if needed (PlayStation Plus, Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online)

Scheduling Regular Game Nights

• Set a recurring date and time
• Choose games in advance to avoid decision paralysis
• Have backup games ready if one isn't working
• Schedule breaks for longer sessions
• End with a ritual (talking about highlights, planning next session)

Gaming Etiquette for Couples

Keep gaming fun and relationship-positive with these guidelines.

Communication Guidelines

• Be patient: If one person is learning, the experienced player should guide without frustration
• Celebrate victories: Cheer for each other's achievements
• Handle defeat graciously: Losing together can be bonding if you laugh it off
• No toxic behavior: Save trash talk for playful banter, not hurtful comments
• Take breaks: Gaming shouldn't be your only activity together

Balancing Competition

Competitive games can be tricky in relationships. Some tips:

• Agree on whether you're playing seriously or casually
• If skill gap is large, add handicaps or play asymmetrical games
• Alternate between competitive and cooperative games
• Remember: the goal is quality time, not just winning
• If competition causes genuine upset, stick to co-op games

Beyond Just Playing: Building Connections Through Gaming

Create Gaming Traditions

• Take screenshots of memorable moments
• Create inside jokes from gaming mishaps
• Celebrate gaming milestones (beating a boss, reaching a level, completing a game)
• Design matching avatars or characters
• Keep a shared document of game recommendations and reviews

Expand Your Gaming Community

• Join couple-friendly gaming communities and Discord servers
• Watch gaming streams together and discuss them
• Read lore and backstories between sessions
• Follow gaming news related to games you play
• Attend virtual gaming events together

Free vs. Paid: Budget Gaming Options

Great gaming experiences don't require big budgets.

Completely Free Options

• We Were Here (first entry)
• Fortnite (battle royale or creative mode)
• Genshin Impact
• Valorant
• League of Legends
• Sky: Children of the Light
• Browser-based games (Skribbl.io, Gartic Phone)

Best Value for Money

• Xbox Game Pass: $9.99/month for 100+ games including many co-op titles
• Steam sales: Wait for seasonal sales (up to 90% off)
• Humble Bundle: Get bundles of games for $12-$20
• Epic Games Store: Free games every week

Troubleshooting Common Gaming Issues

Technical Problems

• Lag/connection issues: Close bandwidth-heavy applications, connect via ethernet if possible
• Can't hear each other: Test audio settings before starting game
• Game crashes: Update graphics drivers, verify game files
• Cross-platform issues: Ensure the game truly supports cross-play between your platforms

Relationship Issues

• Frustration with skill differences: Choose games with difficulty settings or try different genres
• Gaming taking over all your time: Set boundaries and alternate with non-gaming dates
• One person more interested than the other: Compromise—maybe game for half your date, do something else after
• Arguments during competitive play: Take a break, talk about why it bothered you, maybe stick to co-op

Conclusion

Gaming together offers long distance couples a unique way to spend quality time, build teamwork skills, and create lasting memories. Whether you're building a farm in Stardew Valley, solving puzzles in Portal 2, or racing in Mario Kart, the games themselves matter less than the connection they facilitate.

Start with one or two games that match your interests and gaming experience levels. Don't be afraid to try different genres—you might discover you both love something unexpected. Remember, the best game is the one you both enjoy playing together.

The beauty of gaming in a long distance relationship is that it gives you structured activities, shared goals, and plenty of opportunities for laughter and bonding. So grab your controllers, headsets, or keyboards, and start your next virtual adventure together.

Looking for more ways to connect? Explore our guides on cooking together virtually, virtual escape room dates, and creative Zoom date ideas.