Summoner Wars is easily the best tactical, card-based 2-player duel game, blending deep strategy with fast-paced action. it's a masterpiece in balancing tactical depth and fun. Truly a must-have for any board game enthusiast!
Great list! I would add several fast games for two players only: Jaipur, Hanamikoji, Hive. Also the classical one - Stratego. Detective game - Mr. Jack. Lost ruins of Arnak plays nice for two as well (IMHO). Wingspan (especially Asia bird extension, which is a standalone game for two players exactly, with even more interesting balance for two). Thanks for the video a lot. Astonishingly great!
Summoner Wars is GOAT! Also really good 2 player card game is Pagan: Fate of Roanoke! It's totally asymmetric 1v1 duel game, where one player is Witch and other is Witch Hunter. Each role has different win conditions and character building aspect of the game reminds me of Android: Netrunner. It's really cool and unique idea and explaining it will take a full paragraph, so you should definitely try it!
there is a very pressing question that keeps me up at night, who are the 2 coolest dudes in the Board gaming industry? Board Game Hangover or The Brothers Murph? 🤔... I lean more towards you guys , because you clearly love Summoner Wars 2nd edition, whereas The Brothers Murph refuse to even try it ! 🤯 lol , and it is in my top 10 games of all time, so great to see it here at no. 1 ! anyways, you guys are the best! thanks for the awesome content 👏🫡
Good list. For me, the following games are much better and more enjoyable than your No.1st: Undaunted (the latest version is the 2200 Callisto) Unmatched Hive Quoridor Android: Netrunner (Still good with Nisei) Imperium: Classics, Legends and Horizons (You can play it with more than 2 players but you don't want to do that :D )
Thanks for the video guys ! I totally agree with that list and I own almost every games on it. If I may add one that I particularly love (maybe my favorite 1vs1 game) that is unfortunately not know enough is Gosu X. You can try it on Board Game Arena and they just released a new faction. 3 ways to win and every game is different because you have to choose 3 factions out of 10 (for now) to create your deck.
First trace of latvian i notice on your channel and it is literally the only latvian word i had any chance to understand -thanks to a design i worked on in Mezaparks a while ago-... so i can now boastfully speculate that Mezaparks simply means "Forrest park"... is it? 🤯 And great vid as always!
Very nice list, although I'm missing my 2 favorite 2P games here: Ironwood: A fantastic assymetrical wargame by Mindclash Play. Very tight gameplay, each party plays with a unique deck of cards in which every card in itself is also unique. Beautiful artwork and high quality production. Pagan, Fate of Roanoke: Assymetrical card driven 2P boardgame with hidden role / hidden movement. Again very strategical, very tactical and lot's of fun. Please do check them out.. Would be great to see such great games pop up.
I would add Blitzkrieg! to this list, have also Ceasar! in my collection which I still have to try. Another favorite would be Unmatched but I believe it required bit more investment at this time and so many sets. For medium euro would include Targi.
Interesting list with not just only the standard games. Still for me this wasn't the best video as I missed insights in why games where ranked in the top 10 and why they where place x. It felt like 90% was game explanation and 0%-10% was about why the game is a good 2 player game and better than other ones, ex Forest Shuffle compared to Earth/Wingspan. Will always watch you guys and always leave entertained :)
@boardgamehangover you mentioned that it is your goal to destroy 4 of your opponents bases in SW: Deckbuilding Game. The rulebook says the goal is to destroy 3 bases. Is that a house rule you invented? Plus you've talked about a house rule for the Imperium Row in one of your last videos. Do you just use the token so each player is able to reset the Imperium Row once per game or do you also stack identical cards as you do in Dune: Imperium?
Really great list. I’d maybe take Forrest shuffle off because it plays so much better at 3p, but that’s nitpicking. Have you guys played Match of the Century? This eliminated watergate for me. Other games you should try if you haven’t is Caper: Europe, Star Wars rebellion, and Targi
if I ever made a top 2 player games list like this one, I would just put Dune war for Arrakis, War of the Ring and Star Wars Rebellion in the same no. 1, all 3 in the rank, because they are similiar games mechanistically and similar in the epic highly thematic experience they provide.
Have you guys heard of Far Away by Cherry Picked Games? It DEFINITELY should have made this list! They just launched their KS campaign for their new expansion. It's my top 2 player game next to Mr.Jack NY.
My list is completely different 😂 But thats fine, since its a question of taste. And it would be quite boring if everyone loved the same games. My favourite 2-Player-Games are „Air, Land & Sea“, Star Wars Rebellion, Santorini and Radlands.
Of those mentioned, I enjoy Forest Shuffle and Mindbug. Similarly, on the light side, but very enjoyable are Canopy, Hanamikoji and Raptor. On the heavier side, there is Star Wars Rebellion and Twilight Struggle. Somewhere in the middle are a few, two-player Star Wars games I really like: Armada, Destiny, X-Wing and the LCG -- all four, of which, are customizable games (which are hard to get to the table, as you need to find an opponent who also owns the game and took the time to compile his or her own teams/squads). And speaking of customizable, two-player games, my favorite: Dice Masters.
Have you seen the Newest review of SUSD about this 1v1 microgame called Compile? It seems super interesting and simply looks stunning! Amazing production & value. Wanna review it yourself? 😊
Bro where is netrunner and Warhammer conquest lcg? (I also have horus heresy the board game, a hidden gem of 2013 i think; and after lots of plays is better and more complex than lord of the rings)
deckbuilding is different than the base deck but anyways boy do I politely disagree with you here I've spent countless hours brewing decks and could spent countless more. And with more and more decks being released, the possibilities keep expanding
The 2nd edition of Summoner Wars brought in higher life point Summoners and this greatly unbalanced the game from the 1st edition, which I think plays better and is superior and not so forgiving of mistakes made with Summoners as the 2nd edition is. Mind control of some of the summoners in this game is so broken in 2nd edition with the increased life points and makes one of the factions too over powered.
Summoner Wars is easily the best tactical, card-based 2-player duel game, blending deep strategy with fast-paced action. it's a masterpiece in balancing tactical depth and fun. Truly a must-have for any board game enthusiast!
For me, best game ever in the 2 player category.
You are not wrong.
Love that you guys continuing to highlight Summoner Wars as a fantastic game! One of my favorite games of all time!
Absolutely love this list my #1 two player game is Summoner Wars 2e and they've put it there too. If you've never tried it you HAVE to give it a go!!!
Great list! I would add several fast games for two players only: Jaipur, Hanamikoji, Hive.
Also the classical one - Stratego.
Detective game - Mr. Jack.
Lost ruins of Arnak plays nice for two as well (IMHO).
Wingspan (especially Asia bird extension, which is a standalone game for two players exactly, with even more interesting balance for two).
Thanks for the video a lot. Astonishingly great!
Summoner Wars is GOAT! Also really good 2 player card game is Pagan: Fate of Roanoke! It's totally asymmetric 1v1 duel game, where one player is Witch and other is Witch Hunter. Each role has different win conditions and character building aspect of the game reminds me of Android: Netrunner. It's really cool and unique idea and explaining it will take a full paragraph, so you should definitely try it!
You guys should try Tash-Kalar or Targi, these are from my top 10 games for two players. 😊
Ankh: Gods of egypt. Incredible at two players
At last someone who likes strategy games. For me this is the best 2 player game video I have ever seen, thank you.
Absolutely loveee Watergate and it does not get enough hype! Also favourite 2 player games Orlog, 7W duel, SW deckbuilder, White castle
Good 2 player games are Star wars Rebellion, Ark Nova and Gloomhaven😄
Summoner Wars ❤
What a great game! Love it
exactly!!!!
You two have become my favorite board game channel. I love the banter. The list is good, of course, BUT THE BANTER HAHAHA
there is a very pressing question that keeps me up at night, who are the 2 coolest dudes in the Board gaming industry? Board Game Hangover or The Brothers Murph? 🤔... I lean more towards you guys , because you clearly love Summoner Wars 2nd edition, whereas The Brothers Murph refuse to even try it ! 🤯 lol , and it is in my top 10 games of all time, so great to see it here at no. 1 ! anyways, you guys are the best! thanks for the awesome content 👏🫡
51st state is an amazing two players game
yazzzz! especially with expansions!
Patchwork, santorini, jaipur, splendor duel ... for more family friendly.
Good list. For me, the following games are much better and more enjoyable than your No.1st:
Undaunted (the latest version is the 2200 Callisto)
Unmatched
Hive
Quoridor
Android: Netrunner (Still good with Nisei)
Imperium: Classics, Legends and Horizons (You can play it with more than 2 players but you don't want to do that :D )
Nisei are called Null Signal now. But I agree Netrunner is great.
Love the content. Have you tried Skulk Hollow?
radlands is a fun two player deck building game. it’s super cheap too!
Good game, but not a deck builder, more about hand management.
@@rjcarr316 that’s true, thanks :)
Radlands is great!
I also still not understand, why it is not on the list?🤷♂️
No Unmatched? That’s crazy.
Make a top 10 of games you played but dont wanna play it again, be different than everyone else :)
I like this idea, sounds fun
I wanted to get war of the ring, is it really hard as rules? I am used to play twilight struggle and labyrinth.
@@jalalfiguigui7936there is no way a TS and Labyrinth player will be overwhelmed by WftR
Thanks for the video guys !
I totally agree with that list and I own almost every games on it.
If I may add one that I particularly love (maybe my favorite 1vs1 game) that is unfortunately not know enough is Gosu X. You can try it on Board Game Arena and they just released a new faction. 3 ways to win and every game is different because you have to choose 3 factions out of 10 (for now) to create your deck.
We played Watergate - didn't feel like it had the replayability of other games. Once you've seen the cards there is a certain same-ness.
First trace of latvian i notice on your channel and it is literally the only latvian word i had any chance to understand -thanks to a design i worked on in Mezaparks a while ago-... so i can now boastfully speculate that Mezaparks simply means "Forrest park"... is it? 🤯
And great vid as always!
Very nice list, although I'm missing my 2 favorite 2P games here:
Ironwood: A fantastic assymetrical wargame by Mindclash Play. Very tight gameplay, each party plays with a unique deck of cards in which every card in itself is also unique.
Beautiful artwork and high quality production.
Pagan, Fate of Roanoke: Assymetrical card driven 2P boardgame with hidden role / hidden movement. Again very strategical, very tactical and lot's of fun.
Please do check them out.. Would be great to see such great games pop up.
My top two 2p games so far are Res Arcana and Grand Austria Hotel. I do need to try Summoner Wars sometime.
I would add Blitzkrieg! to this list, have also Ceasar! in my collection which I still have to try.
Another favorite would be Unmatched but I believe it required bit more investment at this time and so many sets.
For medium euro would include Targi.
Interesting list with not just only the standard games. Still for me this wasn't the best video as I missed insights in why games where ranked in the top 10 and why they where place x. It felt like 90% was game explanation and 0%-10% was about why the game is a good 2 player game and better than other ones, ex Forest Shuffle compared to Earth/Wingspan.
Will always watch you guys and always leave entertained :)
Just at a glance of my collection, 2 player is my weakest link for player count. Thanks for the list!
@boardgamehangover you mentioned that it is your goal to destroy 4 of your opponents bases in SW: Deckbuilding Game. The rulebook says the goal is to destroy 3 bases. Is that a house rule you invented? Plus you've talked about a house rule for the Imperium Row in one of your last videos. Do you just use the token so each player is able to reset the Imperium Row once per game or do you also stack identical cards as you do in Dune: Imperium?
Really great list. I’d maybe take Forrest shuffle off because it plays so much better at 3p, but that’s nitpicking.
Have you guys played Match of the Century? This eliminated watergate for me.
Other games you should try if you haven’t is Caper: Europe, Star Wars rebellion, and Targi
Nice video!
My pick for a dueling game is Unmatched, just to share that also :)
if I ever made a top 2 player games list like this one, I would just put Dune war for Arrakis, War of the Ring and Star Wars Rebellion in the same no. 1, all 3 in the rank, because they are similiar games mechanistically and similar in the epic highly thematic experience they provide.
Love it!!! We would love for you guys to play and review our game: Caveman Rumble. We would love the opportunity board game hangover.
Great vid fellas! Iron wood just came delivered. Haven’t had a chance to play yet. Wondering if we’ll get a review from you guys. Looks really good.
Quite a good list!
I guess you guys have a similar taste as me because I agree with most games on the list, the only downside is that I already have half of these games.
Have you guys heard of Far Away by Cherry Picked Games?
It DEFINITELY should have made this list! They just launched their KS campaign for their new expansion. It's my top 2 player game next to Mr.Jack NY.
Did you leave out campaign/legacy games on purpose? Because I think many of those are great in 2p as well.
Great list! Though I’d have Radlands in there for sure.
Twilight Struggle is #1 for us
summoner wars should have more support and tournaments. the game is so great but lacks exposure and presence in local game stores
My list is completely different 😂
But thats fine, since its a question of taste. And it would be quite boring if everyone loved the same games.
My favourite 2-Player-Games are „Air, Land & Sea“, Star Wars Rebellion, Santorini and Radlands.
Have to give the Air, Land & Sea a go. We have heard so much about it.
Of those mentioned, I enjoy Forest Shuffle and Mindbug. Similarly, on the light side, but very enjoyable are Canopy, Hanamikoji and Raptor.
On the heavier side, there is Star Wars Rebellion and Twilight Struggle.
Somewhere in the middle are a few, two-player Star Wars games I really like: Armada, Destiny, X-Wing and the LCG -- all four, of which, are customizable games (which are hard to get to the table, as you need to find an opponent who also owns the game and took the time to compile his or her own teams/squads).
And speaking of customizable, two-player games, my favorite: Dice Masters.
Omg you both make me want them all❤
You should try LOTR duel for middle earth! It is better than 7wd
very good games but I think Pagan fate of Roanoke is missing
No Twilight Struggle? 😢 But otherwise the games on the list are really nice
Great videos boys. The books are better 😊
Guys, hace you played sunrise sunset ? Art looks good
you forgot Spirit Island !! Now you must do the video again!!!! 😅😅
Have you seen the Newest review of SUSD about this 1v1 microgame called Compile? It seems super interesting and simply looks stunning! Amazing production & value. Wanna review it yourself? 😊
Have you guys ever played dice throne? If you like dice games, it's 10/10
I like the idea of the game, but the cards to modify dice get annoying, and all of the different types of damages are confusing.
@rjcarr316 I agree it's confusing at first but using the rules as more of a reference helps get through it. Definitely my households favorite game.
Wingspan Asia is also great for 2p.
Unfortunately, Forest Shuffle is broken - deer/wolf strategy is the stronger one.
How is Battleline not on here, ya'll are nuts
Where are SW: Rebellion and Pagan?
Made my day 😂
2 things: yes books are better 😜 and would be amaaazing to have minis for summoner wars 🤩
Come on where is SW Rebelion?! :D
Bro where is netrunner and Warhammer conquest lcg?
(I also have horus heresy the board game, a hidden gem of 2013 i think; and after lots of plays is better and more complex than lord of the rings)
The hornicopters are back 😂
I don't see the attraction for SW Deckingbuilding. It's just too simple and gets repetitve fast. Not sure how it keeps getting on these list.
deckbuilding is different than the base deck but anyways boy do I politely disagree with you here I've spent countless hours brewing decks and could spent countless more. And with more and more decks being released, the possibilities keep expanding
Patchwork, Jaipur
1953 Koch Harbor
Caper Europe!
No Spirit Island :-/ My heart is broken
We prioritized games that we enjoyed the most when playing with 2 players. For us almost any amount of players in Spirit Island is great 👍
No slay the spire?
We prioritized games that we enjoyed the most when playing with 2 players. Slay the Spire works great with any amount :)
Crystal Clans is better than Summoner Wars and super cheap on secondary market.
Star wars rebellion!!!!!!!!
What!!! No Star Wars: Rebellion😒
Targi
💙💙💙💙
Dune GOTY
No
* Dice throne
No
* Unmatched
No
*Radlands
🙄
The 2nd edition of Summoner Wars brought in higher life point Summoners and this greatly unbalanced the game from the 1st edition, which I think plays better and is superior and not so forgiving of mistakes made with Summoners as the 2nd edition is. Mind control of some of the summoners in this game is so broken in 2nd edition with the increased life points and makes one of the factions too over powered.