Instead of the cliche dinner and a movie, why not try something a little more interactive this Valentine’s Day? Curl up on the floor and enjoy a classic board game together! But how do you find a game your rugged manly significant other will enjoy? If you want him to be enthused about the evening you can’t settle for childish games or boring old classics your Grandma plays.
Valentine’s Day Game Ideas Even Your Boyfriend or Husband Will Enjoy
As a typical beer-drinking, unshaven, husband who barely tucks in his shirt, Let me share with you seven board games that other men like me would actually enjoy playing with their sweetheart. After all, isn’t Valentine’s Day evening better when both of you are excited about it and your man isn’t just there because he feels obligated? (Not saying this is everyone but I think we know it’s not a holiday men mark on their calendars).
So ditch the games where you share your feelings or awkwardly follow salacious instructions on a card and play a game you can both enjoy and get that quality time you crave ladies!
Seven Wonders Duel
Seven Wonders Duel is the perfect Valentine’s game for couples who love to compete on an epic scale. This two-player-only game lets you build civilizations focussing on what will pique a man’s natural interests: gathering resources, competing for scientific advances, and military dominance.
The clever mechanics keep you on your toes, forcing you to think ahead while anticipating your partner’s moves. It’s a battle of wits with just enough tension to keep things exciting, but not so much that you’ll hold a grudge over losing (probably).
Looking for more Valentine’s Day Games? Check these out:
Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride is a fantastic choice for a Valentine’s Day game night, blending just the right amount of competition and strategy to keep things exciting. The goal is simple: build train routes across a beautifully illustrated map while blocking your partner’s plans (in the most loving way, of course).
It’s easy to learn, with gameplay that’s strategic without feeling overwhelming, making it great for both casual players and board game enthusiasts. There is straightforward planning and mapping, which are all things guys love, but enough colors and attributes for you to find the game aesthetic to be quite lovely.
Forbidden Island
Always dreamed up an island getaway in paradise? Forbidden Island offers a taste of an exotic getaway while providing the adventure and danger that will keep him interested. As a fully cooperative game, it forces you to strategize together, combining strengths to survive a sinking island—a romantic bonding experience, minus the actual danger.
With simple mechanics, beautiful visuals, and a fast 30-minute playtime, it’s ideal for both board game newbies and seasoned players. Best of all, you win (or lose) together, so there’s no need to argue over who’s better—just teamwork, fun, and maybe a kiss when you escape with the treasures.
Exploding Kittens
Let’s be honest, many men today are a bit immature. If this is the case, Exploding Kittens is the choice for you. This quick, card-based game is easy to learn and perfect for enjoying some lighthearted competition in a pretty absurd manner: avoid exploding felines.
The premise is simple: avoid drawing an exploding kitten card while sabotaging your partner with ridiculous actions like stealing cards or forcing them to draw extra ones. With its quirky artwork, absurd humor, and quick rounds, it’s a fun, low-pressure way to spend time together—because nothing says romance like gleefully dooming your partner to explode.
Pandemic
Pandemic is a perfect pick if you think a little global crisis will intrigue your boyfriend or husband. The best part is that you must work together rather than competing so you don’t have to risk embarrassing him if you win. In this cooperative game where you’ll race against the clock to stop worldwide outbreaks, combining strategic planning with just the right amount of tension. Saving the world together? That’s romance with high stakes.
Spirit Island
Spirit Island won’t be for every guy. But if your man is into movies and games with heavy fantasy themes, this game is very immersive. It takes teamwork to the next level, throwing you into the role of nature spirits defending an island from invaders.
It’s deeply strategic, beautifully designed, and full of immersive storytelling, making it ideal for couples who love thinking several moves ahead and celebrating hard-won victories together. It is one of the more complex games on this list to learn out of the box, so if your man likes complexity this is the game, just make sure you have plenty of time to read and learn how to play.
Escape Room
Escape rooms have become an ideal date night experience, however, this requires heading out of the house and dealing with crowds, waiting in line, etc. If a romantic evening at home is your goal, you can find several Escape Room Games that deliver all the thrill of puzzling your way out of a locked space without leaving your living room. These games are packed with codes to crack, riddles to solve, and moments of triumphant teamwork, making them perfect for a date night filled with shared victories and a little suspenseful fun.
Not only will your husband/boyfriend enjoy the challenge, but he will appreciate not having to foot the bill for a night out!
