Are you bored in the office? Or perhaps you’re trying to pass the time while relaxing on vacation. Wherever you are and whatever you’re doing, two-player mobile games are one of the best ways to while away your free time.
So, with that in mind, here are the best two-player mobile games that you can play on the same device, separate phones, or over the internet…
Two-Player Games to Play on the Same Device
1. Dots and Boxes
Genre: Strategy
Dots and Boxes turns a traditional childhood pen-and-paper game into a convenient way to kill time with your phone. With local multiplayer, two people can play the game using the same Android or iOS device.
This offline functionality makes it useful when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi. It’s a simple, yet competitive and addictive game.
Download: Dots and Boxes for Android | iOS (Free)
2. Crossy Road
Genre: Arcade
Crossy Road takes inspiration from the classic retro game Frogger, delivering the same frustrating and addictive gameplay with a fun block aesthetic. The two-player mode allows you to play on the same device using a split-screen format for input.
You can simultaneously compete with and sabotage your opponent. The game also works with Android TV, allowing you to play on a larger screen.
Download: Crossy Road for Android | iOS (Free)
3. Glow Hockey 2
Genre: Arcade
Another real-world classic turned into a fun mobile game is Glow Hockey 2, bringing air hockey to your phone. While a smartphone or tablet screen makes the physical scale of the game much smaller, the competitive stakes feel the same, making it a great game for two players.
The gameplay is simple, yet incredibly fun. Use your finger to guide your striker. Then try to get the puck into your opponent’s goal while simultaneously defending your own goal.
Download: Glow Hockey 2 for Android | iOS (Free)
4. Badland
Genre: Adventure/Sidescroller
If you’re looking for something a little different, Badland is a unique title with a great art-style that the critics have praised. The aim of the game is to guide your blob through obstacles until you reach the end of the stage.
The game has both co-operative and competitive multiplayer modes. You play on the same device, which is the best way to coordinate your characters in real-time.
Download: Badland for Android | iOS (Free)
5. Duel Otters
Genre: Compilation
Duel Otters is the perfect local multiplayer mobile game for some quick, competitive fun. It is packed with simple mini-games that rely on reflexes, timing, and coordination.
Dueling mini-games include pong-type batting games, matching games, speed-clicking matches, counting games, and an assortment of other fast and frenetic games.
Download: Duel Otters for Android | iOS (Free)
Two-Player Mobile Games That You Play Online
6. Bowmasters
Genre: Action/Fighting
Bowmasters combines ragdoll physics, a charming art style, and cartoon violence to create a game that is fiendishly fun. The aim is to eliminate your opponent by lobbing a weapon towards them. Calculating the trajectory of your weapon is half the fun. Meanwhile, the other half is landing the target and watching your friend’s dismay.
Before you can unlock the game’s PvP modes, you will need to complete the tutorial and a few matches. After that, two players can compete on the same device or online.
Download: Bowmasters for Android | iOS (Free)
7. Words With Friends 2
Genre: Word
After the success that was the Scrabble-inspired game Words With Friends, Zynga launched Words With Friends 2—an updated version. Two-player Android games that emulate classic board games are notoriously popular and this one is no different.
You can play online either with random opponents or friends. Another benefit of the game is that if you’re interrupted, you can continue your turn later.
Download: Words With Friends 2 for Android | iOS (Free)
8. Clash Royale
Genre: Card/Strategy
Clash Royale 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, with the aim of destroying the competitor’s towers before your own are destroyed.
You’ll need to finish the tutorial before you can play against a friend. Once you unlock this mode, you simply need to add your friend and start a match.
Download: Clash Royale for Android | iOS (Free)
9. Battlelands Royale
Genre: Battle Royale/Shooter
Battlelands Royale is a battle royale game similar to Fortnite and PUBG, but doesn’t require as much strategy or a high-end device. It’s great 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.
Download: Battlelands Royale for Android | iOS (Free)
10. QuizUp
Genre: Trivia
A great way to pass the time is by testing out your trivia knowledge. QuizUp raises the stakes by allowing you to directly compete with other people. Like real quizzes, the match happens in real-time rather than using a turn-based system. Your goal is to answer quickly and correctly, outscoring your opponent.
To invite a friend to a match, you will need to add their username to your friends list in the game.
Download: QuizUp for Android | iOS (Free)
11. Boggle With Friends
Genre: Word
Boggle is another traditional word game that Zynga has turned into a mobile success. 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). You win if you reach a higher number of 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 that you can play the game whenever you have time to spare.
Download: Boggle With Friends for Android | iOS (Free)
Two-Player Games You Play Over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
12. Sea Battle 2
Genre: Strategy
Sea Battle 2 is a Battleship-inspired game with an interesting pen-and-paper aesthetic. You can play with a friend on the same device, connecting via Bluetooth, sending a game invite, or joining online. Since secrecy is a major element of gameplay, it’s better not to play the game on the same screen—but the option is there.
Download: Sea Battle 2 on Android | iOS (Free)
13. Soul Knight
Genre: Dungeon/Roguelike
Soul Knight is an incredibly fun dungeon crawler, reminiscent of games like Enter the Gungeon. Considering the simple controls and repetitive cycle of the genre’s gameplay, roguelike games on mobile are the perfect package.
You can play with friends by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network. The game will automatically detect whether someone connected to your network is hosting a match.
Download: Soul Knight for Android | iOS (Free)
14. Terraria
Genre: Sandbox
While most of these games are designed for short bouts of gameplay, Terraria is a multiplayer mobile game that you can spend hours playing. It is a mobile port of the popular PC game and allows you to play with friends using local Wi-Fi or by connecting to a PC-hosted dedicated mobile server.
It’s an inexpensive way for two players to enjoy a mobile game together and offers an experience well worth the price tag.
Download: Terraria for Android | iOS ($ 4.99)
15. Tank Stars
Genre: Tactical
Tank Stars is a Worms-inspired tactical game that has a very similar graphical style to Bowmasters. The variety of tanks and weapons, combined with the precision element of aiming, makes the game a fulfilling way to challenge your friends.
You can play on the same device or by connecting over the same Wi-Fi network. However, both modes need to be unlocked by completing a few practice AI matches.
Download: Tank Stars for Android | iOS (Free)
More Mobile Games to Add to Your Collection
While mobile games were once seen as overly simplistic and repetitive, they’ve evolved to become a massive phenomenon. You’ll still find idle clickers and match-three games, but there are also many amazing titles out there.
If you want to add some more awesome mobile games to your collection, make sure to check out our list of the best hidden-gem mobile games you should try.
Image Credit: Avemario/Depositphotos
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