Long-distance relationships suck. Even if you're just stuck in different apartments for the night because of work or a nasty cold, the gap feels massive. You want to connect. You try a movie sync, but one of you falls asleep. You try FaceTime, but eventually, you run out of things to say while staring at a pixelated version of their forehead. This is where games for couples to play online usually enter the chat, but honestly, most recommendations are garbage.
People always suggest Among Us or Call of Duty. If you want to end your relationship by accusing your boyfriend of venting in Electrical or getting screamed at by a twelve-year-old in a lobby, go for it. But for the rest of us? We need something that actually builds a vibe.
The Co-op Trap and How to Avoid It
Most people think "co-op" means "working together," but in gaming, it often means "one person doing everything while the other feels like a burden." That’s a romance killer. You want games that require genuine communication, not just one person being a "backseat gamer" while holding their own controller.
Take It Takes Two. It’s basically the gold standard. Developed by Hazelight Studios, it literally cannot be played alone. You have to work through a story about a couple facing divorce—which sounds heavy, I know—but the mechanics are pure magic. One of you might be changing size while the other controls time. It forces you to talk. "Hey, jump now!" "Wait, hold the platform!" It creates a shared language.
But here is the thing: it’s hard. If your partner has never touched a PlayStation or a PC, the platforming sections in It Takes Two might actually cause an argument.
If you need something chiller, look at Stardew Valley. It’s basically digital homesteading. You get a farm. You clear rocks. You plant parsnips. It sounds boring until you’re three hours deep into a session, debating whether to spend your shared gold on a coop or upgraded backpacks. Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone built a masterpiece here because it lets couples exist in a space together without the pressure of a timer or a "Game Over" screen. You can literally just sit on a digital porch and watch the pixelated rain.
When Competitive Gaming Actually Works
Usually, playing against your partner is a recipe for a silent night. But some games for couples to play online thrive on a little friction. The trick is choosing "low-stakes" competition.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the classic example, though you’ll need a Nintendo Switch and an Online subscription. It’s chaotic. It’s unfair. Getting hit by a Blue Shell right before the finish line is a universal experience of pain. But because the game is so heavily influenced by luck and items, the skill gap doesn't feel as insulting as it does in a shooter or a fighting game.
The Word Game Renaissance
Maybe you aren't "gamers." That’s fine. The New York Times Games app has quietly become the most essential tool for modern couples. Doing the Mini Crossword together while on a voice call is a top-tier bonding activity. You aren't "playing" in the traditional sense, but you're solving. You're thinking.
👉 See also: How the Dark and Darker Bonk Cleric Build Actually Works and Why It Dominates
Then there’s Sky: Children of the Light. It’s from the creators of Journey. It’s beautiful, social, and mostly about holding hands and flying through clouds. It’s free on mobile, too. If you want something that feels like a digital hug, this is it. It’s less about winning and more about the atmosphere. Sometimes you just want to see your partner’s avatar spin around in the air while you listen to a lo-fi playlist together.
The Technical Side Nobody Tells You
Before you drop $40 on a game, check for "Remote Play Together" on Steam. This is a lifesaver. It allows one person to own the game while the other person joins for free via a stream. It saves money and prevents the "I can't get this to install" headache.
Also, cross-platform play is a nightmare. If you have a Mac and they have a PC, your options shrink. If one of you is on Xbox and the other is on PS5, you’re basically looking at Fortnite or Dead by Daylight. Always, always check the "Cross-play" tag on the store page before you get your hopes up.
Communication Tools are Half the Battle
Don't rely on in-game voice chat. It’s usually glitchy and sounds like you’re talking through a tin can. Use Discord. Set up a private server for just the two of you. You can drop memes in there, keep a "to-do list" for your Minecraft world, and the audio quality is infinitely better.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Portal 2 is still one of the best experiences out there. It’s old, it runs on a potato, and the co-op campaign is entirely separate from the main story. It’s all about physics puzzles. It tests your patience, sure, but solving a room that’s been mocking you for twenty minutes? That’s a better rush than any candlelit dinner.
Why "Escape Simulator" is the Dark Horse
Lately, Escape Simulator has been blowing up for couples. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a first-person escape room. You can pick up objects, read notes, and throw things at each other’s heads (digitally). It mimics the real-life date night experience without the $30-per-person price tag. Plus, there are thousands of community-made rooms. You could play a different room every night for a year and never run out.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Game Night
Don't just send a link and say "let's play this." That’s how plans die. Follow these steps to actually make it happen:
✨ Don't miss: Getting Through the List of Missions in GTA 5 Without Losing Your Mind
- Audit the hardware. Figure out if you both have the same console or compatible PCs. If not, stick to mobile games like Sky or Wordle.
- Check the "Friend's Pass." Games like It Takes Two and A Way Out offer a free version for the second player. Only one of you has to buy the full game.
- Set a "No-Sweat" Rule. If one person is getting frustrated, turn it off. The goal is connection, not a high score.
- Start with "Overcooked! All You Can Eat." It’s the ultimate stress test. If you can survive a level where the kitchen is splitting in half and you're screaming about tomatoes without breaking up, you’re soulmates.
The reality of games for couples to play online is that the game itself matters less than the rhythm you find. Whether you're building a sprawling castle in Valheim or just playing Uno on your phones, you're filling the space between you. Pick something that makes you laugh, not something that makes you sweat.