Looking for a fresh date night idea? A game might be just the thing. Playing together is a fun way to break out of your usual routine, put away your phones, and spend quality time connecting. It can also strengthen your relationship.
“Gaming as a couple can bring out different elements and characteristics of yours that may not be apparent in day-to-day life,” explains certified sex educator and Bumble’s sex and relationships expert Shan Boodram. “You can see new sides of your partner by doing challenging and fun games together, and you may even gain new skills. That’s a win-win, in my book!”
Try these couple games for a phone-free date night that can be as cozy or as competitive as you want.
Where Should We Begin
This card game from Esther Perel, host of the popular relationship podcast by the same name, will get you and your loved one sharing stories. With a mix of story cards and prompts, it may uncover tales from your past that even you forgot about that can teach you and your significant other even more about each other.
We’re Not Really Strangers
Designed to be played by anyone, from total strangers to intimate partners, this game will take players through three levels: Perceptions, Connection and finally, Reflection. It’ll put you in your feelings and draw you closer, guaranteed.
Overcooked (or Overcooked 2)
You’ll need a gaming platform for this high-stress, intensely fun cooking game, but the investment will give you hours of playtime. Avoid obstacles and work together to serve up recipes within a time limit. How does your partner handle pressure? How well do you work together? Wait until you accidentally catch your kitchen on fire and you’re all out of hamburgers, and you will surely find out.
The Ultimate Game for Couples
Doesn’t the title say it all? This is one part connection game, one part silly challenges, and even gives you the opportunity to play against other couples to demonstrate your titanium bond. Plus, with 200 cards, you can play over and over without the gameplay feeling stale.
Marital Bliss Game
Played over the course of a week instead of a single sitting, this creative card game sends you on secret missions to collect points through performing acts of kindness for your sweetie. It keeps the fun going for several days instead of a one-and-done.
Couple Connect
This card game for couples was created by licensed psychologist Dr. Tania Sharma, so you know it’s based on tried-and-true techniques. The questions will help you think deeply about your relationship, and it’s portable enough to bring on road trips, camping, or to a coffee shop date.
The Couples Game That’s Actually Fun
Once again, this one’s all in the name. Take a break from soul-searching for a game that will get you giggling. This easy, silly game is perfect for a low-budget date night at home.
The Gottman Institute Quiz
There’s a reason why this is the O.G. relationship quiz: it’ll teach you everything from your partners’ life philosophies to their approach to everyday scenarios. Pour each other a glass of your favorite beverage and get into it.
TAKE QUIZ
Monogamy Board Game
This board game is sort of like truth or dare without the truth. As your piece moves around the board, players get prompted to do various actions that increase in intimacy and intensity as time goes on.
Online Escape Room
If you love escape rooms but don’t want to leave the comfort of your couch, play online instead. The collaboration, communication and puzzle-solving required will definitely give your relationship a boost.
PLAY ONLINE ESCAPE ROOM
Wheel of Love
If you played Spin the Bottle in high school, turn it up a notch with this wheel that follows a similar idea. It's got even spicier options that are more appropriate for already established couples than kids at a party, if you know what we mean.
Marriage.com Couple Quiz
Spend an evening figuring out just how well you really know each other with this bank of couple quizzes that run the gamut in topic and difficulty. With 65 of them, you can play for hours.
Love Lingual
Go deep with this question deck that covers five categories: Family, Intimacy, Couple, Individual, and Past & Future. Stick to one category you want to explore further or shuffle them up for a more surprising experience.
