Fun two-player games recommended that you can play using conversation only
All you need are your voices! Here are two-player games you can play using conversation alone.
We’ve gathered games you can enjoy with a friend, a partner, or a parent and child—any time there are two of you.
No props required, so they’re perfect for spare moments or even during a call! From classics like word-chain games to language-based challenges that make you think a little, there’s plenty to choose from.
If the two of you take your time and enjoy these conversation-only games, you’re sure to grow closer! Pick your favorites and give them a try!
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Shiritori, Wordplay, and Language-related (11–20)
NG word game
This is a game where each player holds a card with an NG word written on it above their head, and you advance the conversation to make the other person say their NG word.
The key is that you can’t see your own NG word, which creates a unique, tense atmosphere as you talk while staying on guard.
Your skill is tested in how naturally you can steer the conversation toward topics that make the NG word likely to come up without raising suspicion, and in reading what your opponent is trying to elicit from you.
Since differences in how easily certain words come up can be unfair, it’s also important to set rules—such as banning common filler responses.
Prohibition of voiced and semi-voiced sounds
This is a game where you try not to use voiced or semi-voiced sounds—an important component of Japanese—in conversation.
The fun comes from the awkwardness that arises precisely because you’re desperately avoiding those sounds.
You won’t fail if you don’t speak at all, but that wouldn’t be enjoyable, so keep the conversation going.
However, it only counts as a failure if the other person notices, so it can be even more exciting to strategize and blend it in so they don’t catch on.
Shiritori Conversation Game
It’s a game where you add a shiritori element to everyday conversation to see if you can keep the rules and still talk smoothly.
The fun part is that adding a thinking component makes an ordinary conversation just a bit awkward.
The standard approach is to attach a preface that starts with the last letter of the previous person’s word to what you want to say, and the game tests how well you can connect it.
How many suitable words you know—and how quickly you can recall them—seems to be the key.
A Story That Never Fails (to Get Laughs)
A no-props-needed game of “Unslippable Stories.” It’s a game where you share everyday happenings in a funny, entertaining way.
You can take cues from comedians on TV shows and spice up your own experiences—that’s totally fine.
Stories that spark surprise or empathy work too, not just laughs.
Enjoy it over a video call with friends or a partner, and it’s sure to bring you closer.
Even the most ordinary anecdotes, shared with a bit of humor, turn into friendly, engaging conversations.
It’s a great chance to feel closer to people far away.
Give it a try!
Reverse word game
The “Reverse Words Game” involves flipping reversed words back to their original form.
Play it with one person saying a reversed word and the other answering what the real word is.
For example, “gonri” becomes “ringo” (apple), and “ikaudounu” becomes “undoukai” (sports day).
Gradually increase the number of characters to raise the difficulty.
Set a time limit and see who can answer more within that time to make it competitive and fun! It gets even trickier if you include people’s names, so try using names of acquaintances you both know.
Magical Banana
Magical Banana is a game you can enjoy with just conversation.
“When you hear banana?” “Yellow!” “When you hear yellow?” “Lemon!”—you keep linking words one after another.
The best part is you don’t need any prep and can start anytime, anywhere.
Play with friends, a partner, or family, and you’ll boost your communication skills, too! Unexpected ideas and funny answers are sure to bring lots of smiles.
Give it a try and enjoy the fun of rapid-fire word association.
It’s perfect for relaxing, so it’s also great to try during calls or in your spare time!
Shiritori, wordplay, and language-related (21–30)
Imitation shiritori
Participants face each other and stand on one leg.
Decide the order with rock-paper-scissors or similar, and the first person starts the word chain game (shiritori).
The basic rule of linking words stays the same, but after saying a word, you have to do an impression that matches it.
For example, if you say “gorilla,” you might pound your chest with your fists.
Everyone else copies the impression, and the shiritori continues.
It might sound easy, but you must stay on one leg the entire time.
If you lose your balance or can’t continue the word chain, you lose.
