30 Long Distance Relationship Games (Beyond 'How Was Your Day?')
The video call connects. You see their face. You smile. And then... "So, how was your day?" Again. For the 47th time this month. Long distance relationships don't fail because of the miles — they fade because video calls turn into status updates instead of actual quality time together.
The couples who make distance work have figured out something important: you need shared experiences, not just conversations about your separate lives. Games give you something to do together, laugh about together, and remember together. They turn a 45-minute FaceTime into an actual date instead of a scheduled check-in.
How This Guide Is Organized
Every couple is different. Some of you have 10 minutes between busy schedules. Others have entire evenings. Some want deep conversations, others want to laugh until you cry. This guide covers games for every format: quick text games, video call activities, online games you can play together, and apps designed specifically for couples. Find what fits your vibe.
Games to Play Over Text (No Call Needed)
For the in-between moments — when you're at work, commuting, or just not able to video chat. These keep you connected throughout the day without requiring a scheduled call.
1. 20 Questions (Relationship Edition)
One person thinks of something — a memory you share, a place you've been together, something about themselves. The other gets 20 yes-or-no questions to figure it out. The twist: make it about your relationship. "Is it something from our first date?" "Did this happen before we said I love you?"
Why It Works:
Forces you to think about shared memories and experiences. You end up reminiscing together without it feeling forced or sentimental.
2. Two Truths and a Lie
Classic for a reason. Text three statements — two true, one false. Your partner guesses the lie. Even when you think you know everything about each other, you'll be surprised. "Wait, you've actually been skydiving?"
Level Up:
- Theme it: childhood memories, embarrassing moments, future dreams
- Make truths sound unbelievable and lies sound mundane
- Loser has to send a voice note singing a song of winner's choice
3. Story Builder
One person texts a sentence to start a story. The other adds the next sentence. Keep going back and forth. No rules about genre or logic — let it get weird. The story usually ends up absurd, which is the point.
"She opened the door to find a penguin holding a pizza." "The penguin spoke fluent Italian and seemed upset about the toppings."
4. Word Association
One person texts a word. The other immediately responds with the first word that comes to mind. Keep the chain going as fast as possible. Eventually you'll circle back to something meaningful or inside joke territory.
5. This or That (Personal Edition)
Take turns asking "this or that" questions specific to your relationship. "Our first apartment or our dream house?" "The restaurant from our anniversary or that random diner we found on the road trip?" Reveals what moments matter most to each of you. For endless question ideas, check out our 250+ This or That questions for couples, including romantic, deep, and fun categories perfect for long-distance connections.
6. Photo Roulette
Close your eyes, scroll through your camera roll, and send whatever photo you land on. Then explain the story behind it. Works especially well with older photos you've both forgotten about.
7. Emoji Translation
Describe a movie, song, or memory using only emojis. Your partner guesses what it is. Simple but surprisingly difficult. Try describing your first date in emojis only.
Games to Play on Video Calls
For when you're on FaceTime, Zoom, or any video call and want to do something together instead of just talking at each other. These require no downloads or setup — just you, your partner, and a screen.
8. Most Likely To
Take turns asking "Who's most likely to..." questions. Both of you point at who you think it is (yourself or your partner) on the count of three. Matching answers are satisfying. Disagreements are hilarious.
Couples Edition Questions:
- Most likely to forget an anniversary
- Most likely to cry at a movie
- Most likely to get lost even with GPS
- Most likely to fall asleep first on the couch
- Most likely to apologize first after a fight
- Most likely to plan a surprise trip
Want hundreds more questions? Play online with your partner.
9. Would You Rather (Deep Edition)
Skip the silly ones. Use this game to explore actual preferences and values. "Would you rather live in a big city or small town for the rest of your life?" "Would you rather have a job you love that pays average or a boring job that pays amazingly?" Leads to real conversations about your future together.
10. Never Have I Ever (Couples Edition)
Classic party game, intimate twist. Stick to relationship and personal experiences. You'll learn things about each other you never thought to ask directly. Keep it light or go deep — your call.
Need ideas? See our Never Have I Ever question list.
11. Trivia About Us
Write down questions about your relationship and each other. Take turns asking. Keep score if you want, but the real fun is seeing what your partner remembers (or completely forgot).
Sample Questions:
- What was I wearing when we first met?
- What's my go-to comfort food?
- What's the first movie we watched together?
- What's my biggest pet peeve?
- What do I order at our favorite restaurant?
- What's my most embarrassing childhood story?
12. Virtual Charades
One person acts out a word or phrase, the other guesses. Works perfectly over video. Theme it: movies, songs, things about your relationship, inside jokes only you two would understand.
13. Pictionary Over Video
Grab paper and a marker. One person draws while holding it up to camera, the other guesses. Low-tech, high-fun. Bad drawing skills make it funnier.
14. Truth or Dare
Adapted for distance. Truths work the same. Dares get creative: "Send me a video of you doing 10 jumping jacks right now" or "Post a story about how much you miss me." Keep it playful.
More ideas in our Truth or Dare guide.
15. Cook Together
Pick a recipe. Both of you buy the ingredients. Video call while you cook the same dish "together." Eat "together" after. It's the closest thing to an actual dinner date when you're apart.
Pro Tip: Date Night Structure
Don't just call and "see what happens." Schedule an actual date night with a plan: "7pm, we're cooking pasta together, then playing trivia, then watching a movie." Structure makes it feel like a real date, not just another call.
Online Games to Play Together
For when you want to actually play something on your screens together. These range from browser games you can play in minutes to video games for longer sessions.
16. GeoGuessr
Platform: Browser, App | Cost: Free (limited) / $3.99/mo
You're dropped somewhere in Google Street View. Together, you have to figure out where in the world you are. Collaborate on clues: road signs, architecture, language, which side cars drive on. Surprisingly addictive and educational. Great for planning future trips together.
17. Skribbl.io
Platform: Browser | Cost: Free
Online Pictionary. One person draws, others guess. Create a private room for just the two of you, or invite other friends for a group date night. No download required — just share a link.
18. Codenames Online
Platform: Browser | Cost: Free
Word association game where you give one-word clues to help your partner guess multiple words on a grid. Requires getting into each other's heads. You'll learn how each other thinks. Best with 4+ people but has a duet mode for couples.
19. Psych!
Platform: iOS, Android | Cost: Free with ads
From Ellen DeGeneres. Players make up fake answers to real trivia questions. You try to pick the real answer among the fakes. Great for couples because you learn how well you can fool each other.
20. Wordle (Competitive)
Platform: Browser | Cost: Free
Both do the daily Wordle. Screenshot your results and compare. Who got it in fewer guesses? Make a running tally. Small daily competition that gives you something to text about every day.
21. Chess.com or Lichess
Platform: Browser, App | Cost: Free
Play chess together online. Works asynchronously — take turns whenever you have a moment — or in real-time. If you're both beginners, learn together. If one's better, the other gets a queen handicap.
22. Jackbox Games
Platform: All consoles, PC, Mac | Cost: $15-30 per pack
One person buys and screen-shares the game. The other plays on their phone. Includes drawing games, trivia, debate games, and more. Some packs work great with just two people (Fibbage, Quiplash). Best investment for long-distance game nights.
Co-op Video Games for Couples
For couples who want longer gaming sessions together. These are designed for two players to cooperate, not compete. You'll need the same gaming platform.
23. It Takes Two
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch | Cost: ~$40 (includes partner pass)
Literally designed for couples. You play as a married couple turned into dolls who must work together to return to normal. Every level has different mechanics requiring constant communication and cooperation. Won Game of the Year 2021. About 12-15 hours to complete.
Friend Pass: Only one person needs to buy It Takes Two. The other can download a free trial and play the entire game with the owner.
24. Stardew Valley
Platform: PC, consoles, mobile | Cost: ~$15
Run a farm together. Fish, mine, raise animals, decorate your farmhouse. Peaceful, low-pressure, and endless. Perfect for couples who want something relaxing to do together while chatting. Can be played in short sessions or long marathons.
25. Minecraft
Platform: Everything | Cost: ~$30
Build a world together. Survive together. Create projects together. There's no "end" — just endless shared creativity. Some couples build replicas of their dream house. Others just punch trees and survive.
26. Overcooked 2
Platform: PC, consoles | Cost: ~$25
Chaotic cooking game that requires intense communication. You'll be yelling "I need lettuce!" and "THE KITCHEN IS ON FIRE" a lot. Fair warning: this game tests relationships. In a good way. Mostly.
27. Portal 2 Co-op
Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Cost: ~$10
Puzzle game requiring two players to solve physics-based challenges together. Constant communication required. Incredibly satisfying when you crack a tough puzzle together. The co-op campaign is separate from single-player, so both can be new to it.
Apps Designed for Couples
These apps were specifically built for long-distance relationships. Some have games, others have activities, all are designed to keep couples connected.
28. Paired
Platform: iOS, Android | Cost: Free / Premium $70/year
Daily questions and quizzes about each other. See how your answers match (or don't). Includes relationship advice and conversation starters. The free version is solid; premium adds more content.
29. Between
Platform: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Private chat app just for the two of you. Includes shared calendar, memory box for photos, and small games. The "draw together" feature lets you doodle on the same canvas simultaneously.
30. Rave
Platform: iOS, Android | Cost: Free
Watch Netflix, YouTube, or Disney+ together in sync. Video chat overlays while you watch. Solves the "3, 2, 1, play" problem of trying to watch movies together. Essential for long-distance movie nights.
How to Actually Make Game Night Happen
Schedule It
"We should play games sometime" doesn't work. Put a recurring game night on both calendars. Treat it like a real date — something you don't cancel unless absolutely necessary.
Rotate Who Picks
Take turns choosing the game or activity. This week you pick, next week they pick. Prevents one person from always defaulting to their comfort zone.
Create Stakes
Keep a running scoreboard across different games. Loser at the end of the month has to plan the next visit, cook dinner next time you're together, or whatever motivates you both.
Involve Friends
Some games work great with other people. Invite mutual friends for a virtual double date. Jackbox games especially shine with more players.
Making Distance Work
Long distance is hard. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. But the couples who survive it — and even grow stronger from it — are the ones who find ways to share experiences despite the miles. Games aren't just a way to pass time. They're a way to laugh together, compete together, and make memories together even when you can't be in the same room.
The goal isn't just to "get through" the distance. The goal is to have dates that are genuinely fun. Dates you actually look forward to. Dates that make you forget, at least for a few hours, that you're not sitting next to each other.
Pick a game from this list. Text your partner. Schedule your first proper game night. And stop asking "how was your day?" — start making the day something worth talking about.
Start Your Game Night Now
No downloads, no setup. Just questions you both answer and laugh about. Works on any phone, any video call.
Play a Quick Game TogetherFrequently Asked Questions
What games can I play with my boyfriend over text?
The best texting games for couples include 20 Questions, Two Truths and a Lie, Story Builder (taking turns adding sentences), Word Association, and Emoji Translation (describing movies or memories using only emojis). These work asynchronously so you can play throughout the day between activities.
What games can we play on FaceTime?
Great FaceTime games include Trivia About Us, Would You Rather, virtual Charades, Pictionary (holding paper up to camera), Most Likely To, and cooking the same recipe together. These require no downloads and work with just your video call.
What's the best online game for long distance couples?
For a quick browser game, try GeoGuessr or Skribbl.io. For a deeper gaming experience, It Takes Two was literally designed for couples and only requires one person to own it. Stardew Valley is perfect for relaxed, low-pressure sessions where you can chat while playing.
How do I make long distance video calls less boring?
Structure your calls like actual dates: plan an activity, not just a conversation. Cook the same meal together, play a game, watch a movie synced with an app like Rave, or take an online class together. The key is doing something together, not just talking about your separate days.