Are you bored in the office? Or are you trying to pass the time while relaxing on vacation? Two-player mobile games are one of the best ways to pass the time no matter where you are or what you are doing.
So, with that in mind, here are the best two-player mobile games you can play on the same device, on different phones, or over the internet…
Two-Player Games to Play on the Same Device
If you want to avoid logging in online or establishing a Bluetooth or local connection, these 1v1 two-player mobile games will let you play with someone on the same device…
1. Glow Hockey 2
Genre: Arcade
Glow Hockey 2, which brings air hockey to your phone, is another real-world classic turned into a fun mobile game. While a smartphone or tablet screen makes the physical scale of the game much smaller, the competitive stakes feel the same, making it an excellent match for two players.
The gameplay is straightforward but incredibly enjoyable. Guide your striker with your finger. Then, while defending your own goal, try to get the puck into your opponent’s goal.
2. Dots and Boxes
Genre: Strategy
Dots and Boxes transforms a classic childhood pen-and-paper game into a fun way to kill time on your phone.
With local multiplayer, two people can play the game using the same Android or iOS device.
This offline functionality makes it worthwhile when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi. It’s a simple game that’s also competitive and addictive.
3. Crossy Road
Genre: Arcade
It takes inspiration from the classic retro game Frogger, delivering the same frustrating and addictive gameplay with a fun block aesthetic. The two-player mode lets you play on the same device using a split-screen input format.
You can compete and sabotage your opponent at the same time. The game is also compatible with Android TV, which allows you to play on a larger screen.
4. Badland
Genre: Adventure/Sidescroller
It is a unique title with a great art style that critics have praised if you’re looking for something a little different. The game aims to guide your blob through obstacles until you reach the stage’s end.
There are cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes in the game. You play on the same device, which is the best way to real-time coordinate your characters.
Two-Player Online Mobile Games
If you want to connect remotely through online play, several two-player games are available for Android and iPhones. Some offer a competitive 1v1 game format, while others are cooperative.
5. Words With Friends 2
Genre: Word
Following the success of the Scrabble-inspired Words With Friends game, Zynga released Words With Friends 2—an updated version. Two-player Android games that mimic classic board games are prevalent; this one is no exception.
You can play online either with random opponents or friends. Another benefit of the game is that you can continue your turn later if you’re interrupted.
6. Bowmasters
Genre: Action/Fighting
Bowmasters is a fun game that combines ragdoll physics, a charming art style, and cartoon violence. The goal is to eliminate your opponent by launching a weapon at them.
Calculating your weapon’s trajectory is half the fun. Meanwhile, the other half lands the target and watches your friend’s dismay.
You must complete the tutorial and a few matches before accessing the game’s PvP modes. Following that, two players can compete against each other on the same device or online.
7. Clash Royale
Genre: Card/Strategy
It comes from the creators of Clash of Clans and is a mixture of a battle card and tower defense game.
Opponents draw attackers and defenders from their deck of cards to destroy the opponent’s towers before your own.
Before playing against a friend, you must complete the tutorial. Once you’ve unlocked this mode, you must add a friend and start a match.
8. Battlelands Royale
Genre: Battle Royale/Shooter
It is a battle royale game similar to Fortnite and PUBG but does not require as much strategy or a high-end device.
It’s excellent for short bouts of gaming with a friend, who you can team up with online through the game in its duos and squad modes.
Controls are simple, and games are short, making it perfect as a quick time-waster for two players.
9. Uno
Genre: Card
While matches in the Uno mobile game typically have four players, there is a 2v2 mode that lets you team up with a friend to play against opponents.
You must first complete a public match to gain access to this mode. But once you have done this, you can invite friends to partner with you to battle against others.
10. Boggle With Friends
Genre: Word
It is another traditional word game that Zynga has successfully adapted for mobile use. In Boggle With Friends, the aim is to find as many words as possible from a randomly generated set of letters.
However, you can only connect letters adjacent to each other (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally) (vertically, horizontally, or diagonally). You win if you reach more points than your opponent before the timer runs out.
While each round is timed, the timer only starts once you start your turn. This means you can play the game whenever you have some free time.
11. Genshin Impact
Genre: RPG
If you’re looking for something more immersive, there’s Genshin Impact. The title is a cross-platform mobile game that can be played with friends thanks to its co-op mode.
To get started, you must sign up for or log into your Hoyoverse account. Even after downloading the app, you must load additional data before playing the game. It is advised that you do this over Wi-Fi.
Once you’re in the game, you can invite your friends for a co-op session. If you want to add new friends, enter their user ID.
12. Golf Battle
Genre: Sports
Golf Battle lets you play 1v1 matches online with your friends on your smartphone, but you can hold rounds with up to six people. The catch is that you need to connect via Facebook.
However, the game has much going for it—providing plenty of casual fun with short challenges and matches.
It also doesn’t require too much concentration and doesn’t have a steep learning curve, making it easy to hop in and enjoy.
If your friends aren’t available, you can join public matches—the game’s default multiplayer mode.
Two-Player Games You Play Over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
While these games are more uncommon, you can also try some two-player games that allow you to connect to your opponent via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Here are a few to consider…
13. Sea Battle 2
Genre: Strategy
It is a Battleship-inspired game with a unique pen-and-paper look. You can play on the same device with a friend by connecting via Bluetooth, sending a game invite, or joining = online.
Because secrecy is such an essential aspect of gameplay, it’s best not to play the game on the same screen—but the option is there.
14. Soul Knight
Genre: Dungeon/Roguelike
It is an incredibly fun dungeon crawler, reminiscent of games like Enter the Gungeon. Roguelike games on mobile are the ideal package, thanks to their simple controls and repetitive cycle of gameplay.
Connecting to the same Wi-Fi network allows you to play with friends. The game will detect whether or not someone on your network is hosting a match.
15. Tank Stars
Genre: Tactical
Tank Stars is a Worms-inspired tactical game with a similar graphical style to Bowmasters. The game is a fun way to challenge your friends because of the variety of tanks and weapons available and the precision element of aiming.
You can play on the same device or via the same Wi-Fi network. Both modes, however, must be unlocked by playing a few practice AI matches.
16. Terraria
Genre: Sandbox
While most of these games are designed for short bursts of gameplay, Terraria is a multiplayer mobile game that can keep you entertained for hours. The mobile version of the famous PC game lets you play with friends via local Wi-Fi or connect to a PC-hosted dedicated mobile server.
It’s a cheap way for two people to enjoy a mobile game together, and the experience is well worth the money.
More Mobile Games to Add to Your Collection
Mobile games were once considered overly simplistic and repetitive, but they’ve evolved into a massive phenomenon. There are still idle clickers and match-three games, but many excellent titles are also available.
These games transform mobile gaming from a solitary activity to one that can be shared with a friend.