4 Awesome Board & Card Games for Date Night
There’s nothing better than sharing the activities we love with the people we love. That’s why board gaming date nights are such a fun way to spend time with your loved ones! Unfortunately, not every game we play is the perfect fit to share. Not every significant other will be as enthused to jump into a pre-existing campaign of Gloomhaven, or a lengthy game of Arkham Horror.
That’s why we wanted to curate this list of 4 Board & Card games that are a perfect fit for a light-hearted and fun board gaming date night!
#1 - Fox in the Forest
If you’re looking for an engaging and enjoyable 2-player date night game, look no further than The Fox in the Forest! It is a beautifully illustrated, “trick-taking” card game with a fun fairy tale theme. Players compete head-to-head by playing cards featuring abilities inspired by classic fables & stories. The goal is to win just the right number of tricks - not too many or too few - and earn the highest points each round. It combines strategy & luck, and keep players on their toes every round.
Fox in the Forest is a perfect fit for date night, as it combines light strategy with an intimate, head-to-head competition in a relaxed setting. The artwork and simple mechanics make it engaging without being overly intense or competitive, and it allows room for conversation and connection throughout. Whether you're sharing a friendly rivalry or simply enjoying the cozy, storybook aesthetic, The Fox in the Forest creates the perfect blend of challenge and charm for a memorable evening together.
#2 - Love Letter
If you’re looking for an even shorter experience for your date night, you should absolutely give Love Letter a try. It’s one of the most popular card games around, and it’s been iterated with so many beloved franchises that you can pick the one that fits your exact date night vibe.
Love Letter is a fast-paced, deduction-based card game, where players assume the roles of potential suitors each trying to deliver their own love letter to the princess - while out-smarting their rival suitors. Because each deck only contains 16 cards, each turn presents an impactful move that can make or break your opportunity. It’s a very simple game, and rounds only last around 15-minutes - so it’s a perfect bite-sized game, and presents endless replayability!
Plus, each different version of Love Letter - from Marvel to Bridgerton - offers up some slight gameplay and art variety, to keep you entertained!
#3 - Codenames : Duet XXL
If you regularly play board games with large parties, odds are high that you’ve run into Codenames before. It’s a massively popular party game that pits teams against each other in a word association game where you guide you teammate to correct pick your key words, and avoid the enemies - and deadly “assassin cards.” Unfortunately, the base game requires up to four players - which can only work for larger events and groups.
However, if you wanted to play Codenames with just two people, there is no option! Enter, Codenames: Duet! This special variation of Codenames pairs you and your partners as agents working cooperatively - instead of against each other! It’s a perfect fit for date nights looking for a cooperative spin.
#4 - Wingspan
When you’re planning a board gaming date night, you might not always be looking for a high-stakes, action-packed game. If you’re searching for an option with a more relaxing vibe, take a look at Wingspan, an engine-building game that puts players take in the role of bird enthusiasts. You’re tasked with collecting various bird species and building you’re very own wildlife preserve.
Wingspan comes with some truly beautifully illustrated cards and it’s played at a very relaxing pace - perfect for a laid back date night. It combines strategy, resource management, and a love of nature in a way that’s both engaging and visually enjoyable. There are even expansions currently available that open up Co-Op options where players are pitted against the “Automata” automated deck.
Board gaming brings us together, and getting to share laughs and adventures over gaming is such a joy! We hope these suggestions give you a starting point, and a nudge to check out some incredible games. We even host a Date Night Gaming Event at our store location in Buffalo, NY!
Happy Gaming, and if you have any other great date night gaming suggestions, let us know!