Two-Player Games on One Device: A Guide for Friends and Families
Some of the best games are the ones you play with someone sitting next to you. Several Streaky games have a two-player mode that runs on a single phone, tablet or computer: no second device, no account and no internet connection between players needed. Here's how those modes work and how to get the most out of them.
Two ways to share a device
Two-player games on one screen generally work in one of two ways. In turn-based games you pass the device back and forth. Several Streaky games, such as Flash Tap, give both players exactly the same boards, so the comparison is fair. In head-to-head games both players play at the same time on the same screen, each controlling their own side, as in Puck Duel or the split-screen mode of Color Match. Turn-based modes work well on phones; simultaneous modes are more comfortable on a tablet or computer, where there's room for two pairs of hands.
Keeping it fair
- Agree on the difficulty before you start, and keep it the same for the whole match.
- Alternate who goes first. Going first or second can make a difference, and many games already alternate for you within a match.
- In turn-based games, the waiting player shouldn't watch the screen if the boards are the same for both. Turn around, or take the chance to stretch.
- Play a best of three rather than a single round. One unlucky moment shouldn't decide a match.
Matching games to players
If players have very different experience, choose a game where skill shows gradually rather than all at once. Puzzle and memory games such as Flash Memory or Odd One Out tend to be good levelers because careful play counts as much as speed. Fast arcade games reward practice more heavily, which is great between evenly matched players and frustrating otherwise. And not every two-player game is a contest: in the co-op puzzle platformer Ember & Tide, two players work together to get both heroes through each cavern, which is a good choice when someone would rather not compete. If you want a lively rivalry instead, Territory is a short race to paint the most floor.
For families
Pass-and-play games are a simple way to play together without anyone needing their own device or account. Short rounds suit short attention spans, and a best-of-three match fits into a few minutes. For younger players, turn-based games are easier than simultaneous ones, since nobody's hands get in the way, and the slower pace leaves room to talk about what's happening.
Good habits
- Hand the device over carefully. A dropped phone ends more matches than bad play.
- Keep the screen clean and the brightness up so both players see the same thing.
- Celebrate good plays from both sides. A friendly rivalry keeps people coming back.
Local two-player matches are for fun: they aren't ranked and don't post to leaderboards. You'll find every game with a two-player mode on the two-player games page.