Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for couples to celebrate their love and connection. While traditional celebrations might include dinner dates, flowers, and chocolates, why not add a twist this year with video games? Gaming together can be a fun and engaging way to spend quality time, create memories, and even strengthen your bond. In this guide, I will share some of the best video games that are perfect for couples to play on Valentine’s Day.
Cozy and Romantic Video Games For Couples
Stardew Valley
Release Date: February 26, 2016.
Platforms: The game is available on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Developer: Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, an American indie game designer.
What is Stardew Valley about?
Stardew Valley is an open-ended country-life RPG. In this game, players inherit their grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. With some basic tools and a few coins, players start their new life, aiming to turn the overgrown fields into a thriving farm. The game involves various activities like raising animals, going fishing, tending to crops, crafting items, and even interacting with the residents of Pelican Town. There are also options to explore caves, encounter monsters, and find treasures. The game’s open-ended structure allows players to shape their experience as they see fit, offering a blend of farming simulation with RPG elements.
Why is it best for couples?
Stardew Valley is an excellent choice for couples to play on Valentine’s Day for several reasons:
Cooperative Gameplay: The game supports multiplayer, including a cooperative mode where players can share a common farm. This encourages teamwork and collaboration, making it a bonding experience for couples.
Shared Goals and Adventures: Couples can work together to achieve goals like restoring the community center or building up their farm. They can also explore the world of Stardew Valley together, experiencing in-game seasons and festivals.
Relaxing and Engaging: Stardew Valley’s charming pixel art, engaging gameplay, and relaxing music create an immersive and cozy atmosphere that can be a delightful way for couples to spend time together on Valentine’s Day.
Boyfriend Dungeon
Release Date: Initially planned for 2020, Boyfriend Dungeon was released in 2021.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Developer: Kitfox Games, known for its innovative and quirky game designs.
What is the Game About: Boyfriend Dungeon uniquely combines the genres of a dungeon crawler and a dating simulator. In this game, players navigate through dungeons (dunj) with their weapon partners, who are capable of transforming into humans. These weapon partners have their unique personalities, and players can date them, to level them up. The game offers a crafting system where players can create gifts and clothes, which provide various bonuses, and zines that give new abilities in combat.
Why Boyfriend Dungeon is Ideal for Couples?
Shared Gaming and Bonding Experience: Playing Boyfriend Dungeon together provides couples with a shared activity that is both engaging and entertaining. The blend of action and dating sim elements allows for diverse gameplay experiences, catering to different gaming preferences within the couple.
Inclusive and Diverse Relationships: The game’s focus on inclusive and diverse relationships can be a conversation starter for couples. It allows for discussions about different types of relationships and preferences, fostering deeper understanding and connection between partners.
Unique Game Concept: The unique concept of weapons transforming into potential romantic partners is not only novel but also adds a whimsical element to the game. This can be particularly appealing for couples looking for a light-hearted and unconventional gaming experience
Coral Island
Release Date: November 14, 2023.
Platforms: Coral Island is available on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S.
Developer: Stairway Games, an Indonesian studio.
What is Coral Island About: Coral Island is a farm life simulation game set on a picturesque tropical island. The gameplay involves players moving away from city life to a small farming community on an island. Here, they work on rejuvenating an overrun farm, engage in activities like planting crops, exploring mines, romancing non-player characters (NPCs), and even participating in environmental cleanup activities like dealing with oil spills and recycling trash. The game’s vibrant 3D art style is inspired by Disney animation and offers players a relaxing and immersive farm sim experience.
Why Coral Island is Best for Couples?
Shared Relaxing Experience: Coral Island’s laid-back and enchanting island living provides a serene backdrop for couples to enjoy a relaxing gaming experience together.
Collaborative Gameplay: The game’s focus on building and nurturing a farm offers couples an opportunity to make collective decisions and work together towards common goals.
Social Interactions: With over 70 characters to interact with, couples can explore the social aspect of the game together, discussing and deciding how to approach different NPCs and situations.
Community Engagement: The game’s emphasis on community and environmental wellbeing resonates with shared values, making it a meaningful experience for couples who enjoy engaging in socially conscious activities.
Romance Options: The ability to romance various characters in the game adds an element of fun and can be a playful aspect for couples to explore within the game’s narrative.
Haven
Release Date: December 2020.
Platforms: It’s available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Developer: Developed by The Game Bakers.
What is it About? Haven is a role-playing adventure game that focuses on the story of two lovers, Yu and Kay, who escape to an alien planet to be together. The game combines exploration, survival, and combat elements with a strong narrative focus. Players control both characters, either solo or in a two-player cooperative mode, as they explore the planet, gather resources, and face challenges.
Why Haven Is Best for Couples to Play:
Cooperative Gameplay: Haven is designed with co-op play in mind, making it an ideal game for couples to play together.
Story of Love and Relationship: The game’s central theme of love and commitment resonates with couples, offering a shared emotional experience.
Exploration and Adventure: The game’s beautiful alien world provides an exciting backdrop for couples to explore and experience together.
A Fold Apart
Release Date: April 16, 2020.
Platforms: A Fold Apart is available on Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Sony PlayStation (Americas & Europe), Microsoft Xbox, and PC.
Developer: Lightning Rod Games.
What is A Fold Apart About: A Fold Apart is an award-winning puzzle game that delves into the emotional intricacies of a long-distance relationship. Set in a world of folding paper, it tells the story of a Teacher and an Architect who vow to make their long-distance relationship work despite career choices leading them on separate paths. The game features over 50 handcrafted paper folding puzzles, and players must flip, fold, unfold, and rotate these puzzles to navigate the complexities of the relationship. It boasts beautiful 3D graphics with a tactile, homemade paper aesthetic, and players can choose the couple that best represents them, including LGBTQ+ options.
Why A Fold Apart is Best for Couples This Valentine’s Day?
Emotional Connection: The game’s focus on the emotional aspects of a long-distance relationship can resonate with many couples, making it a relatable experience.
Puzzle Solving Together: The paper folding puzzles offer a fun and unique challenge for couples to solve together, promoting teamwork and problem-solving.
Understanding Relationship Dynamics: By exploring the story of a long-distance relationship, couples can gain insights into communication and the emotional ups and downs that relationships can endure.
Inclusive Representation: The ability to choose a couple that represents the players adds a personal touch, making it an inclusive game for all types of couples.
Award-Winning Gameplay: Having received multiple accolades, including Best Mobile Game and nominations for Best Narrative and Best Art Direction, the game is recognized for its quality and immersive experience.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Release Date: March 20, 2020.
Platforms: It is exclusively available for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
Developer: Developed by Nintendo.
What is Animal Crossing: New Horizons About: This game offers a unique and immersive escape to a deserted island where players create and customize their paradise. It’s a social simulation game where you can explore the island, gather resources, and engage in various activities like fishing, gardening, and decorating. The game operates in real-time, with the in-game environment changing with seasons and time of day, offering continuous surprises and activities throughout the year.
What Makes Animal Crossing Best for Couples?
Shared Exploration and Creativity: Couples can enjoy creating and customizing their island together, making it a shared space that reflects their style and preferences.
Relaxing and Stress-Free Gameplay: The game’s laid-back nature makes it perfect for couples looking to unwind and enjoy a peaceful gaming experience.
Social Interaction: Players can interact with a variety of charming animal residents, adding a fun and engaging social aspect to the game.
Multiplayer Options: Animal Crossing supports local and online multiplayer, allowing couples to visit each other’s islands and play together, enhancing the shared experience.
Continuous Engagement: The game’s real-time progression means there’s always something new to discover, keeping the gameplay experience fresh and engaging for long-term play.
Fun and Light-Hearted Multiplayer Games For Couples
Overcooked 1 &2
Release Dates:
- Overcooked in 2016.
- Overcooked 2 in 2018.
Platforms: Both games are available on multiple platforms, including PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Developer: Ghost Town Games and published by Team17.
What are Overcooked 1 & 2 About Overcooked and its sequel, Overcooked 2, are cooperative cooking simulation games. Players take on the roles of chefs in increasingly challenging and bizarre kitchens, where they must prepare and cook orders within a limited time. The games are known for their chaotic and fast-paced gameplay, requiring players to coordinate closely to chop ingredients, cook, plate, and serve dishes. The levels feature various obstacles and layouts, adding to the game’s difficulty and fun.
Why They’re Best for Couples:
Teamwork and Communication: Both games require excellent communication and coordination, making them great for couples looking to strengthen their teamwork skills.
Fun and Fast-Paced Gameplay: The chaotic nature of the game, with its tight deadlines and quirky kitchen layouts, offers a fun and engaging experience.
Humorous and Light-Hearted: The whimsical art style and humorous situations provide a light-hearted and enjoyable gaming atmosphere.
Multiplayer Fun: Both games support local and online multiplayer, allowing couples to play together and even team up with other friends for a shared gaming experience.
Moving Out
Release Date: April 28, 2020.
Platforms: It is available on multiple platforms, including Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Developer: SMG Studio and DevM Games.
What is Moving Out About Moving Out is a physics-based moving simulator that introduces a humorous twist to the concept of “couch co-op.” Players assume the role of Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technicians and undertake various moving jobs across the busy town of Packmore. The game is known for its whimsical and comedic approach to moving furniture from houses into moving vans, navigating through quirky and challenging levels with exaggerated physics.
Why It’s Best for Couples:
Teamwork-Focused Gameplay: The game’s cooperative nature requires players to work together to move furniture, encouraging communication and collaboration.
Humorous and Light-hearted: Its funny scenarios and playful physics make for an entertaining experience that can lead to lots of laughter and fun moments.
Challenging and Creative: Each level presents unique challenges that require creative problem-solving, keeping the gameplay exciting and engaging.
Inclusive and Accessible: The game includes an “Assist Mode,” making it accessible for players of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can join in the fun.
Local Co-op Fun: Designed for couch co-op play, it’s perfect for couples looking for a shared gaming experience in the comfort of their home.
Adventure Games For Couples
It Takes Two
Release Date: March 26, 2021.
Platforms: The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
Developer: Developed by Hazelight Studios and directed by Josef Fares.
What is It Takes Two About: It Takes Two is an action-adventure platform game, focused entirely on cooperative play. The game narrates the story of Cody and May, a couple transformed into dolls by a magic spell, who must work together to fix their relationship. The gameplay is designed around various mechanics and setpieces that change as the story progresses, reflecting the evolving relationship between the characters. Josef Fares, known for his previous work on “A Way Out,” has described the game as a “romantic comedy.”
Why It Takes Two is One of The Best Choices for Couples?
Exclusive Co-op Play: The game is designed for two players, making it an ideal shared experience for couples.
Variety in Gameplay: The constant introduction of new mechanics keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting.
Narrative and Gameplay Integration: The story and gameplay are intertwined, offering an immersive experience that mirrors the ups and downs of a relationship.
Challenges and Teamwork: As players navigate the characters through various obstacles, they must communicate and collaborate effectively, mirroring the cooperative aspects of a relationship.
Friend’s Pass Feature: Allows one player to invite another to join the game for free, making it accessible for couples to play together.
It Takes Two has been acclaimed for its innovative co-op gameplay and narrative, winning several awards including “Game of the Year” at The Game Awards 2021
The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
Release Date: March 3, 2017.
Platforms: It is available for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles.
Developer: Developed and published by Nintendo.
What is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild About: The game is set in the kingdom of Hyrule and follows Link, who awakens from a hundred-year slumber to defeat Calamity Ganon and save Princess Zelda. The game is renowned for its open-ended gameplay in a vast open world, encouraging exploration and interaction with the environment. Players have the freedom to approach objectives in various ways, thanks to a consistent physics engine and a ‘chemistry’ engine that governs how objects interact. The game integrates elements of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving, with a focus on non-linear gameplay.
Why It’s Best for Couples:
Exploration and Discovery: The open-world design offers couples a vast landscape to explore together, filled with adventures, mysteries, and beautiful scenery.
Shared Problem-Solving: The game’s puzzles and challenges encourage teamwork and collaboration, making it an engaging experience for couples.
Freedom of Play: Couples can choose their path and play style, whether they prefer combat, exploration, puzzle-solving, or simply enjoying the game’s world and story.
Stunning Visuals and Storytelling: The game’s rich narrative and breathtaking visuals provide an immersive experience that can be enjoyed together.
Minecraft
Release Date: The game was initially released to the public in May 2009 and officially released on November 18, 2011.
Platforms: Minecraft is available on a wide range of platforms, including PC (Windows, Linux, macOS), mobile devices (iOS, Android), and gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch).
Developer: Created by Markus “Notch” Persson and later developed and published by Mojang, which is now a subsidiary of Microsoft.
What is Minecraft About: Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds made up of blocky 3D objects. The game is known for its two main modes: Survival, where players must gather resources, maintain health, and fend off creatures; and Creative, where they have unlimited resources and the ability to fly. Minecraft’s worlds are procedurally generated, offering limitless terrain to explore, including forests, mountains, caves, and various water bodies. The game also includes a variety of activities like crafting, combat, and redstone circuitry for more complex builds.
Why It’s Best for Couples:
Creative Collaboration: Couples can work together to build structures, create artworks, or set up entire worlds, allowing for collaborative and creative expression.
Exploration and Adventure: The vast, open-world environment offers endless exploration opportunities, perfect for couples who enjoy discovering new places together.
Problem-Solving and Strategy: In survival mode, couples can strategize and problem-solve together to build shelters, gather resources, and survive against mobs (in-game creatures).
Educational and Relaxing: The game is not only entertaining but can also be educational, teaching basic concepts of geometry, physics, and resource management.
Community and Multiplayer Experience: Minecraft’s multiplayer servers and community-driven content, like custom maps and mods, provide additional layers of interaction and fun.
Story-Driven Games for Emotional Connection
Life Is Strange
Release Date: Life Is Strange was initially released episodically, with the first episode coming out in January 2015.
Platforms: The game is available on various platforms, including PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC, as well as iOS and Android devices.
Developer: Developed by Dontnod Entertainment and published by Square Enix.
What is it About? Life Is Strange is a graphic adventure game set in the fictional town of Arcadia Bay. The story revolves around Max Caulfield, a photography senior who discovers she can rewind time. The narrative explores her relationship with her childhood friend, Chloe Price, and their investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a fellow student. The game is known for its emotional depth, branching narrative based on player choices, and unique time-rewinding mechanic.
Why It’s Best for Couples to Play:
Deep Narrative and Character Development: The game’s focus on story and character development offers an emotionally engaging experience for couples.
Shared Decision-Making: Since the game’s outcome depends on the player’s choices, couples can discuss and decide together, making it a shared interactive experience.
Themes of Friendship and Mystery: The game’s themes of friendship, mystery, and the supernatural can lead to intriguing conversations and bonding over shared experiences.
Innovative Gameplay: The time-rewinding feature adds a unique twist to the gameplay, allowing couples to experiment with different narrative paths.
Firewatch
Release Date: February 9, 2016.
Platforms: Available on Windows, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One.
Developer: Campo Santo
What is Firewatch About: Set in 1989 in the Wyoming wilderness, Firewatch is a first-person mystery game. The player assumes the role of Henry, a fire lookout in Shoshone National Forest, dealing with his wife’s early-onset dementia. The game’s narrative unfolds through Henry’s interactions with Delilah, his supervisor, via a handheld radio. As Henry investigates mysterious occurrences in the forest, the story delves into themes of isolation, connection, and the complexities of human relationships.
Why Firewatch Is Ideal for Couples:
Engaging Story: Firewatch’s strong narrative focus offers an emotionally resonant experience that can lead to meaningful discussions between partners.
Beautiful Scenery: The game’s stunning visuals of the Wyoming wilderness provide a picturesque backdrop for a shared gaming experience.
Character Development: The development of Henry and his interactions with Delilah allows couples to reflect on their own relationships and the importance of communication.
Mystery and Exploration: The game’s mystery elements and exploration of the wilderness add an element of adventure and discovery for couples to experience together.
Emotional Depth: Firewatch’s focus on adult themes and emotional depth makes it a mature and thought-provoking game for couples to play.
The Last Of Us
Release Date: The Last of Us was originally released for PlayStation 3 in June 2013. The remastered version for PlayStation 4 came out in July 2014, and “The Last of Us Part I,” a remake, was released in September 2022 for PlayStation 5 and March 2023 for Windows.
Platforms: Available on PlayStation 3 (original), PlayStation 4 (remastered version), PlayStation 5, and Windows (remake).
Developer: Developed by Naughty Dog, known for their narrative-driven and visually impressive games.
What is it About? Set in a post-apocalyptic world, The Last of Us follows the journey of Joel, a hardened survivor, and Ellie, a brave teenage girl, as they traverse a ravaged United States. The game blends action-adventure gameplay with a compelling story, focusing on their struggle for survival against infected humans and other survivors. It’s known for its deep narrative, character development, and immersive gameplay.
Why It’s Best for Couples to Play:
Emotional Storytelling: The game’s narrative depth and character-driven story provide an emotionally impactful experience that can resonate with couples.
Shared Experience in Decision Making: While it’s a single-player game, the story and decisions made in-game can foster discussions and shared experiences for couples.
Teamwork and Strategy: Couples can collaborate on strategies for gameplay, making it a cooperative experience.
Critical Acclaim: Its status as one of the most acclaimed video games offers a high-quality experience that couples can enjoy together.
Competitive Games for Couples
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Release Date: on April 28, 2017.
Platforms: This game is available on the Nintendo Switch.
Developer: Developed by Nintendo.
What is it About? Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing game that features characters from the Mario universe. It includes various race tracks, some of which are inspired by other Nintendo franchises. The game is known for its colorful graphics, creative track designs, and the inclusion of power-ups that can be used to gain an advantage over opponents.
Why It’s Best for Couples to Play:
Fun and Competitive: The game strikes a balance between being fun and competitive, making it ideal for couples who enjoy light-hearted competition.
Multiplayer Experience: With options for local multiplayer, couples can race against each other or team up to compete against others.
Variety of Tracks and Characters: The wide selection of tracks and characters keeps the game exciting and fresh for repeated play sessions.
Accessible to All Skill Levels: Features like Smart Steering and Auto-Accelerate make the game accessible to players of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can have fun regardless of their gaming experience.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Release Date: December 7, 2018.
Platforms: The game is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch.
Developer: Developed by Nintendo.
What is it About? Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a crossover fighting game that features a wide range of characters from various Nintendo franchises and other video games. The game involves characters battling each other in various stages, to knock opponents off the stage. It is known for its fast-paced action, diverse character roster, and dynamic battle stages.
Why It’s Best for Couples to Play:
Diverse Roster and Stages: The game’s vast array of characters and stages offers something for every type of player, making it enjoyable for couples with different gaming preferences.
Competitive and Fun: The competitive nature of the game, combined with its fun and dynamic gameplay, makes it an excellent choice for couples who enjoy spirited competition.
Local and Online Multiplayer: With both local and online multiplayer options, couples can enjoy playing together in the same room or connect with others for a broader competitive experience.
Customizable Matches: The ability to customize matches and select different game modes allows couples to tailor the gaming experience to their liking.
Army Of Two
Release Date: March 2008.
Platforms: The game is available on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Developer: Developed by EA Montreal and published by Electronic Arts.
What is it About? Army of Two focuses on two-player cooperative gameplay. Players take on the roles of two private military contractors, Rios and Salem, who work in war-torn environments. The game is known for its focus on cooperative tactics, where players must work closely together to complete various combat missions. It features a mix of gunfights, strategic positioning, and synchronized actions.
Why It’s Best for Couples to Play:
Designed for Co-op Play: The game is specifically designed for two players, making it an ideal choice for couples looking to engage in a shared gaming experience.
Teamwork and Strategy: Success in the game relies heavily on effective communication and coordination between players, fostering teamwork and partnership.
Action-Packed Gameplay: For couples who enjoy action and combat in their games, Army of Two offers plenty of excitement and intensity.
Customization Options: Players can customize their weapons and gear, adding a personalized touch to the gaming experience.
Overwatch 2
Release Date: October 4, 2022
Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment.
What is it About? Overwatch 2 is a team-based multiplayer first-person shooter and the sequel to Overwatch. The game is expected to expand on the original’s formula with new heroes, maps, and game modes. It is known for its colorful and diverse cast of characters, each with unique abilities and roles, such as Damage, Tank, and Support.
Why It’s Best for Couples to Play:
Teamwork and Collaboration: Overwatch 2’s emphasis on team-based gameplay makes it ideal for couples to work together and strategize.
Diverse Hero Selection: The variety of heroes allows players to choose characters that suit their playstyles, providing a personalized gaming experience.
Competitive and Social Play: The game offers both competitive and casual play modes, suitable for all skill levels and gaming preferences.
