The Best Two Player Table Top Games That Aren't Monopoly

This is for the Editorial Fellowship

Hi, I'm Mandee and I'm a massive tabletop board gamer. Together my partner and I have a collection of around 100 tabletop games, and like everyone else haven't been able to get together with our usual board game friends due to the pandemic. So here's a list of some of my favorite two player compatible games that have been getting us through Covid.

1. Duelosaur Island

Pandasaurus Games / Via pandasaurusgames.com

In Duelosaur Island you and your opponent are rival theme park creators both trying to create the best dino-park. Using the cards in your hand and the DNA earned by the vibrant dice you create dinosaurs and attractions while also managing personnel and safety. Every decision you makes also impacts your opponent. In addition to the satisfying competitive gameplay, Duelosaur Island is beautifully designed with amazingly colorful art (with a not-so-subtle Jurassic Park inspiration).

2. Evolution

North Star Games / Via northstargames.com

Alright, so full disclaimer: I fucking love dinosaurs. That's why there are two dinosaur themed games on this list. However, even without the dinosaur theme this game is fantastic. You and your opponents are trying to create the best creatures using the features you have available to you. Every feature has an advantage and disadvantage. For example, carnivores can potentially take down an entire species that an opponent created, but if the opponent gave that creature a feature that caused harm to predators you might be stuck with your carnivore feeding off of one of your other creatures or else it might starve to death. There are so many possibilities with creature creation in this game that the replay value is through the roof. This game is 2-6 players, but it plays very well with just two.

3. Gloom

Atlas Games / Via atlas-games.com

If like Lydia Deets you find yourself strange and unusual Gloom is the game for you! Gloom is a macabre story telling game where you are the narrator for a family of five. As a narrator you try to make the family you're in charge of as miserable as possible before their untimely deaths. At the same time you can cheer up your opponents family, taking away their points with every bit of happiness you send their way. While the cards themselves only have the generic details of each misfortune, it's up to you to sell it with some convincing storytelling. The overall theme and art style is reminiscent of Edward Gorey, in particular the Gashlycrumb Tinies. And the clear cards featured in the game offer a play style unique compared to other card games. While I personally like this game best with 3-4 players, it still works very well as a 2 player game, especially if you're in the mood for some creative story telling.

4. Half Truth

Target / Via target.com

Half Truth was created by Jeopardy super champ, Ken Jennings and creator of Magic the Gathering, Richard Garfield, so it's no surprise the gameplay is more unique than other trivia games and the questions are fun and refreshing. In this game trivia is combined with some light gambling. Each trivia card has six possible answers, with half being correct. You get to bet on up to three answers for each question, with more points awarded for bigger bets, but all choices must be correct or you don't gain anything. If you love trivia games, you'll love this one.

5. Root

Leder Games / Via ledergames.com

Now this one is a little more complicated but it is so, so worth it... and also the most adorable game on this list. Root is an asymmetrical style of game, with everyone playing a different animal faction. The original game has four animal factions to choose from, each with a unique play style. Root has recommended factions to start with for the two player experience, but once you're comfortable you can expand to more combinations, and even get the expansion pack (there's a lizard cult indoctrinating the forest in the expansion. What's not to love?)

6. King of Tokyo

Iello / Via iellousa.com

King of Tokyo is basically Yahtzee with Kaiju, so it's super easy to learn and very fast paced. My partner and I pull this one out when we feel like playing a game, but want to play something on the more laid back side. Plus, the Kaiju include a robot cat and a space penguin.

7. Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth

Fantasy Flight Games / Via fantasyflightgames.com

Have you ever wanted to be in Middle-earth? Then this is the game for you! Lord fo the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth is a role play game that is guided through an immersive app that remembers where you left off in the story. My partner and I are currently playing through as Legolas and Gimli (truly the best duo in LOTR). LOTR is a long term commitment, but it's something that every Tolkien nerd needs in their life. And what better time than a pandemic to dive into a meaty role play game?

8. Tokaido

amazon.com / Via amazon.com

Tokaido is the perfect game for a peaceful game night. While it is a competitive game, the person who wins is the person who had the best journey across Japan. The gameplay is unique and full of possibilities to have the best vacation: from collecting souvenirs to eating the best food. If you want a chill game night with your bestie, Tokaido is your game!

9. Rick and Morty: Total Rickall Card Game

Cryptozoic / Via cryptozoic.com

This is a cooperative game game based on the Rick and Morty episode of the same name. Using cards based on Rick and fam you deduct who is real and who is a parasite, but more characters spawn each turn. But beware, some of the characters are real and you lose if you are a Beth and shoot 3 of them. Don't be a Beth.

10. Bananagrams

Bananagrams / Via bananagrams.com

Bananagrams is speed scrabble and can get incredibly intense (I was banned from playing with a group of college friends because nobody could beat me). Everyone makes their own "board" in front of them trying get rid of all the tiles. This is probably the most traditional game on the list, but it's a worthwhile addition to any board game collection.

11. Magic the Gathering

Wizards of the Coast / Via amazon.com

Magic the Gathering is probably my nerdiest hobby, but I have absolutely no shame about it. Since it's a deck builder the possibilities are endless. If you're not as into deck customization you can also get pre-made battle decks. Some players prefer to order individual cards and build complicated decks that can play at a competition level, while others prefer to open packs and see what they can build out of the cards they get by chance. I personally love opening new packs and seeing what I can create since it brings me back to my Pokemon collecting days.

12. Guillotine

Avalon Hill / Via amazon.com

Guillotine is "the revolutionary card game where you win by getting a head". You and your opponents are executioners during the French Revolution, competing to get the most prestigious French nobles. Gameplay is simple, with each executioner using their turn to try and alter the line to their benefit. If you didn't spend your stimulus check to build an actual guillotine, then this card game is the next best bet.