Best 2-Player Games to Play with a Friend
There is nothing like a bit of friendly competition, and you do not need two computers to make it happen. Each of these games is built for two players sharing a single screen, so all you need is a friend beside you. Here are the best local multiplayer games to settle who is really the champion.
Air Hockey
Fast, frantic and instantly fun. Each player steers a mallet in their own half and tries to smack the puck into the opponent's goal. First to seven wins, and the pace rarely lets up.
Tank Duel
A top-down tank battle in a walled arena full of obstacles. Fire shells that ricochet off walls to catch your rival from unexpected angles. First to five rounds takes the match, and bank shots are hugely satisfying.
Sumo Push
A simple, hilarious duel of momentum. Build up speed, ram your rival, and try to shove them out of the ring before they do the same to you. Best of nine rounds, and it gets wonderfully chaotic.
Light Cycles
A two-player Tron duel where you leave a wall of light behind you and try to force your opponent into a crash. Quick reflexes and a bit of cunning win the day. First to five rounds wins.
Dots & Boxes
The classic pencil-and-paper game brought to the screen. Take turns drawing lines, complete boxes to claim them and earn extra turns, and count up who owns the most at the end. Great for slower, strategic head-to-heads.
Checkers
Play classic 8x8 checkers against a friend on one device, complete with mandatory jumps and multi-jump chains. Chaining a big capture right in front of your opponent never gets old.
Four in a Row
Take turns dropping discs and try to line up four of your colour first. It is fast, easy to learn and endlessly rematch-able, making it a perfect quick duel between friends.
Gather a friend, pick a game and let the trash talk begin. When you need a fresh challenge, browse the [full game list](/ or check out our other articles for more ideas.