My partner used to roll their eyes every time I picked up the controller. Not in a dramatic way – just that quiet, slightly tired look that said are we doing this again?
So I made it my mission to find games we could actually play together. Not games I could play while my partner sat next to me playing online poker on the phone. Actual together games, where both of us were involved, both of us were laughing, and neither of us wanted to throw the controller across the room.
It took some trial and error. A lot of trial and error, honestly. But I got there. And if your partner currently falls into the “I don’t really like video games” category, this list is for you.
1. It Takes Two
Seriously. Don’t overthink it, don’t browse around looking for something better. Start here.
The reason is simple – It Takes Two is a co-op game, which means you literally can’t play it without two people. There’s no single player option at all. You both hold a controller, you play through the same story together, you solve different puzzles and minigames together. It’s just like what the name says – a game built around two people who must work together to get anywhere. Just decide who’s Cody and who’s May.
Why it works for someone who’s never played video games (or tried and decided they don’t like it) is that every chapter is different. One takes you on an emotional journey to repair that relationship, other makes you solve a puzzle, and some even feel like a shooter game.
The point is that nothing lasts too long to become boring or frustrating. Just when you think it may get stuck, the game takes you on a completely new route.
2. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
If your partner is secretly competitive – and most people are, a little – Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a great game. It’s colorful, it’s cute, it’s set to brilliant music, and it has a multiplayer mode where you and your partner run through levels together. But there’s no pressure. The game is easy to play, and the levels are really creative. What makes Sackboy a perfect fit for this list is that there’s enough room for one of you to beat the other, which is exactly where the fun lives.
You follow the main character, a little stuffed guy made of cloth, who tries to save his village from the evil Vex. You’ll travel through different worlds together and master new mechanics on each level on your quest to save the village.
The game is visually beautiful. Even someone who doesn’t care about games at all will admit it looks lovely. That matters more than people think – if your partner’s first impression is positive, they’re far more likely to stay engaged.
3. Stardew Valley
Now, something completely different. Not everyone likes adventures and problem-solving. Stardew Valley ticks all the right boxes for these people – no action, no pressure, no timer counting down while something chases you.
You’re farming. Growing things, fishing, mining, talking to little pixel villagers, decorating a farmhouse. There’s a multiplayer mode where you share a farm and can split up tasks or just drift around doing your own thing. But you can also slay some monsters if you like. Although the combat is pretty basic, just clicking to swing your sword, it’s just enough to get your heart pumping when you need a break from the crops.
I know how this sounds. But believe me, partners who find action games overwhelming love Stardew. The pace is slow, nothing bad really happens (unless you don’t have the right armor or weapons), and it has this quality of making the entire evening pass, and you don’t even notice it. It’s genuinely relaxing, and relaxing together seems underrated these days.
4. Fall Guys
Let’s get back to the chaos, shall we? This whole game is chaos, but in the best possible way. It’s a party-style battle royale where you’re a little jellybean person running through obstacle courses. I know, it’s funny already.
You’ll jump, run, dive, grab while getting knocked over, falling off platforms and failing in the most epic and ridiculous ways that will make both of you laugh until it hurts. It’s impossible to take Fall Guys seriously, which means it’s impossible to seriously get mad or frustrated. And that’s the whole point, right?
This game doesn’t require any specific skill, it’s easy to pick up, so it makes perfect sense to play it with your partner who has no clue about video games. Why? Because being bad at Fall Guys is simply hilarious. And not just for you. You don’t need skill. You just need to be ready to laugh at yourself, and most people can handle that.
Did You Uncover the Secret Yet?
It’s not all about finding the perfect game. You can also pick a title that has recently won the Game of the Year Award at The Game Awards for its storytelling, design, soundtrack, or some unique features. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 or Astro Bot are good examples.
In this story, it’s about not making your partner feel stupid or embarrassed when they do something wrong. No sighs when they miss something obvious. No frowning. Just pure enjoyment. That’s what matters most. So, try one of these games and just have fun. You can thank me later.
