For two players: from games without equipment to tabletop games and apps
Have you ever found yourself at a loss for what to do when you’re spending time with someone—family, friends, or a partner—just the two of you?
In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of two-player time-killing games that are perfect for those situations!
We’ve picked a wide range: simple activities that require no props at all—or just a bit of paper and a pen—deeper tabletop options like card and board games, and even smartphone apps that two people can enjoy together.
There are plenty of fun games that might start as a way to kill time but before you know it, you’ll be totally hooked! Use this as a handy reference when you’re looking to pass the time.
- Perfect for killing time! Games you can play with two people.
- Fun two-player games recommended that you can play using conversation only
- A card game for two players
- [For 2 Players] Easy Pen-and-Paper Time-Killing Game
- Recommended games for two people that you can enjoy without any equipment
- Brain-teasing game roundup
- Exciting! Multiplayer games everyone can play. Time-killing app games
- Games you can play with just conversation. Classic and popular activities you can enjoy without any props!
- Games for two people to enjoy. A roundup of party games that liven up drinking gatherings.
- Games you can play in the car! Fun activities to liven up drives and traffic jams
- [Solo Time] A roundup of ways to kill time without using your smartphone
- A collection of icebreakers you can enjoy with a small group
- Single-player games: a roundup of time-killing games
App(s) (1–10)
drawing from hazy memory
Have you ever killed time with a drawing battle—someone sets a prompt, everyone sketches on paper, then you all show each other? Doodle From Memory lets you do that in an app.
The app gives you a prompt, you draw based on it, and when you’re done it shows the correct image.
There isn’t a single right answer, but it’s fun to get excited about who drew it better.
Your drawings are saved and you can post them on social media, too!
Could not find the app link.
Eraser Drop
This eraser-flick game works great as a time-killer, but it also has a versus mode so couples can enjoy it too.
You pick your own eraser, flick it toward your opponent’s eraser to hit it and knock it off.
Depending on the stage, there are various obstacles on the desk.
Also, the eraser you choose affects weight and movement, creating differences in strength.
Call of Duty Mobile
A type of first-person shooting game that has gained popularity in Japan alongside the rise of e-sports, this hit mobile app recorded 180 million downloads just three months after its release.
Its wide range of customizable control settings lets players enjoy the game in a style that suits them, which is a great feature.
Because you play from the character’s point of view, it feels immersive, and it’s a mobile app that can get exciting whether you play solo or with friends and family.
Call of Duty®: MobileCategory: Games Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.30501
iPhone / iPadAndroid
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RB match
A free smartphone app featuring 10 mini-games that two people can play using a single phone.
The games are all simple, so both seasoned players and beginners can enjoy them casually.
Each game wraps up quickly, so you’ll rarely need to stop mid-match—even if you’re just killing time while waiting for something.
With a variety of games, short match times, and the convenience of playing on one device, it’s the perfect app for passing the time.
Could not find the app link.
Drawing collaboration
It’s a unique smartphone game where you and strangers playing the same game split up an assigned theme and complete a single drawing together.
For example, if the theme is a cat, one person draws the head and another draws the body, resulting in creations you’d never get when drawing alone.
You can also set an ID to play with friends, making it a fun app where you cooperate to finish a picture.
If you’re bored with conventional ways of passing time in games, give this one a try.
Animal Shogi
Have you heard of a game called Doubutsu Shogi (Animal Shogi)? When people think of shogi, it often seems very difficult.
There are many types of pieces, and just memorizing how they move can be a challenge.
Doubutsu Shogi was created to make shogi much simpler so that even children can play.
It’s played on a 3×4 grid using four kinds of pieces: the Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, and Chick.
The pieces are large, and they have markings showing which directions they can move, so you don’t have to memorize their movements.
The illustrations are cute, too, making it easy and fun to play even for those who find regular shogi difficult.
Dobutsu Shogi (Official)Category: Games ¥150 iOS Universal Rating: 3.58716
iPhone / iPadAndroid
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Animal Tower Battle
A smartphone game released in 2017 that adds a competitive element to the 2016 title “Animal Tower.” In multiplayer, you and a randomly matched opponent take turns stacking animal panels, and the first player to drop a panel loses.
In friend matches, you can set a passcode to match with specific players, making head-to-head games with friends possible.
Like multiplayer, you can go all out competitively or cooperate to see how high you can stack.
With its simple gameplay, it’s perfect for passing the time.
Animal Tower Battle - Online Versus GameCategory: Games Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.55478
iPhone / iPadAndroid
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