After hours of lectures and deadlines, it’s no surprise that 70% of students unwind with video games. Co-op games stand out as the ultimate way to relax with friends: you’re strategizing, laughing, and sometimes arguing over whose turn it was to revive the teammate who ran straight into danger (again!).
From the chaotic kitchens of Overcooked! 2 to the intense missions in Deep Rock Galactic, good coop games bring a mix of fun and teamwork that keeps everyone coming back.
And if that essay deadline is creeping up faster than expected, you can always use a ‘write an essay for me’ service and spend your time reviving teammates in Phasmophobia instead.
Let’s look at the full list of co-op games you’ll want to try.
What Are Co-Op Games
This term is short for 'cooperative video games.' And that's exactly what they are: to play them, you need to grab a friend or several and team up (i.e., cooperate) to beat the game.
They’re perfect for those moments when you want to hang out but need more than just sitting around scrolling through your phones. Some games let you play side-by-side on the couch, while others connect you online from wherever you are. They’re especially great for building teamwork and sharing moments where everyone’s either cheering or face-palming at a plan gone hilariously wrong.
If you’re after something more interactive than just chatting, co-op games make hanging out so much more fun!
Best Two-Player Co-Op Games
Wednesday Addams
Mysterious, dark, and sarcastic
You’re the master of dark humor and love standing out with your unconventional style. Your perfect costume? A modern twist on Wednesday Addams’ gothic look. You’ll own Halloween with your unapologetically eerie vibe. 🖤🕸️
It Takes Two
- Developers: Hazelight Studios
- Release Date: March 26, 2021
- Number of Players: 2
- Type of Co-Op: Split-screen or online co-op
- Genre: Adventure, Puzzle, Platformer
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Steam Link: It Takes Two on Steam
If you’re looking for the best two-player experience, It Takes Two is a game you can’t miss. It’s packed with quirky challenges and wild levels where you and your friend (or partner) have to work together every step of the way. You’ll do everything from battling giant squirrels to fixing a broken clock, all while navigating an emotional story about two parents turned into tiny dolls.
It’s creative, hilarious, and always surprising — perfect for anyone who loves games that keep you on your toes.
Cuphead
- Developers: Studio MDHR
- Release Date: September 29, 2017
- Number of Players: 2
- Type of Co-Op: Local co-op
- Genre: Action, Run-and-Gun, Boss Rush
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Steam Link: Cuphead on Steam
Cuphead is one of the best cheap co-op games that looks charming but will test your patience and your teamwork. It’s a beautifully hand-drawn game inspired by 1930s cartoons. You and your co-op partner play as Cuphead and Mugman, two brothers on a mission to repay their debt to the devil by taking down a series of intense, jaw-dropping bosses.
The gameplay is challenging but fair. Each fight feels like a dance, requiring tight coordination and quick reflexes. One wrong move, and you’ll be yelling, “Revive me!” But every victory feels ridiculously satisfying. It’s an experience that will make you laugh, rage, and celebrate!
Borderlands 3
- Developers: Gearbox Software
- Release Date: September 13, 2019
- Number of Players: 2–4
- Type of Co-Op: Split-screen or online multiplayer
- Genre: Shooter, RPG
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Stadia
- Steam Link: Borderlands 3 on Steam
Borderlands 3 is about mayhem, laughter, and non-stop action. It throws you and your friend into a wild, loot-filled world with guns that shoot anything from lasers to exploding sawblades. You pick one of four unique Vault Hunters, each with their own special abilities, and start taking down over-the-top enemies in some of the craziest locations imaginable.
You can team up on the couch with split-screen or play online, making it super flexible. The humor is sharp, the action never slows down, and the loot? Endless. After a long day of classes, this is the kind of chaos that makes you forget everything else.
We Were Here
- Developers: Total Mayhem Games
- Release Date: February 3, 2017
- Number of Players: 2
- Type of Co-Op: Online only
- Genre: Puzzle, Adventure
- Platforms Available: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Steam Link: We Were Here on Steam
We Were Here is a co-op puzzle game that puts your communication skills to the test. This unique adventure requires two players to work together as they try to escape a mysterious, snow-covered castle. The catch? You’re separated in-game and can only talk to each other through a walkie-talkie.
One player might describe strange symbols on the wall while the other looks for matching patterns to unlock doors. Every puzzle feels like a test of how well you and your friend can describe what you see. And trust us, things get intense when the clock is ticking.
Outward
- Developers: Nine Dots Studio
- Release Date: March 26, 2019
- Number of Players: 1–2
- Type of Co-Op: Split-screen or online multiplayer
- Genre: RPG, Survival
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Steam Link: Outward on Steam
Outward is a co-op RPG that throws you into a gritty, unforgiving world where survival is just as important as fighting. It’s not your typical fantasy game. You’re just a regular person trying to make it through the day without freezing to death, catching a disease, or running out of food.
The best part is that you can face the game’s challenges with a friend, either through online co-op or split-screen. Teaming up makes everything better, from exploring dangerous dungeons to figuring out how to cook something edible over your campfire. It’s tough, but every small victory feels earned.
And if your essays are piling up, you can always buy essays online and get back to gaming stress-free.
Escape Room Simulator
- Developers: Pine Studio
- Release Date: June 19, 2020
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Puzzle
- Platforms Available: PC
- Steam Link: Escape Room Simulator on Steam
Escape Room Simulator is exactly what it sounds like: a game that lets you and your friends solve escape room puzzles without leaving the comfort of your home. It has different rooms where you’ll have to crack codes, find hidden clues, and piece together the solutions before time runs out.
What makes this game so fun is how interactive it feels. You can pick up and examine almost anything in the room, from books to mysterious keys, and every detail could be the one thing you need to escape. It’s perfect for anyone who loves puzzles, mysteries, or just yelling at their friends when they miss something obvious.
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes
- Developers: Steel Crate Games
- Release Date: October 8, 2015
- Number of Players: 2+
- Type of Co-Op: Local multiplayer (one on PC/VR, others with the manual)
- Genre: Puzzle, Party
- Platforms Available: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, VR
- Steam Link: Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes on Steam
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes is one of those chaotic, high-pressure co-op games. One player is stuck in a virtual room with a ticking bomb, and the other players have the manual to defuse it, but they can’t see the bomb. Your job is to describe what you see and follow their instructions to stop the clock before it’s too late.
The tension builds fast as the timer counts down and mistakes start piling up. It’s one of those games where you’ll either feel like a genius team or end up shouting, “Cut the red wire, not the blue one!” It’s an absolute blast for groups of friends who love fast-paced challenges.
Deep Rock Galactic
- Developers: Ghost Ship Games
- Release Date: May 13, 2020
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Shooter, Action, Exploration
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Steam Link: Deep Rock Galactic on Steam
Deep Rock Galactic is one of the top coop games PC players rave about. where you and up to three friends play as dwarves exploring alien caves to mine precious resources and fend off swarms of monstrous creatures. Each player chooses a unique class like Gunner, Scout, Driller, or Engineer, and together you do missions filled with enemies, hazards, and treasures.
The game’s procedurally generated maps mean no two missions feel the same. One moment you’re drilling through walls to escape a horde, and the next you’re ziplining across massive caverns to grab a shiny mineral.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2
- Developers: Fatshark
- Release Date: March 8, 2018
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Action, Hack-and-Slash, RPG
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Steam Link: Warhammer: Vermintide 2 on Steam
Warhammer: Vermintide 2 puts you in the thick of chaos, quite literally. This game challenges you and your squad to battle relentless hordes of Skaven and Chaos Warriors in a grim, Warhammer-inspired world.
Each player picks from five distinct heroes, each with unique roles and abilities, and you’ll fight through sprawling levels filled with hidden paths and deadly ambushes. Whether you’re cleaving through enemies with a greatsword or blasting them with powerful magic, the adrenaline never stops. It’s intense and perfect for anyone who loves high-stakes teamwork.
Forza Horizon 5
- Developers: Playground Games
- Release Date: November 9, 2021
- Number of Players: 1–12 (online co-op)
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Racing, Open World
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox
- Steam Link: Forza Horizon 5 on Steam
Forza Horizon 5 is the kind of co-op game that makes you wish every road trip could be this fun. Set in a stunning, open-world version of Mexico, you’ll be exploring, trying crazy stunts, and messing around with your friends. This is a racing game where you can chill and cruise or push your limits in high-speed challenges.
You and your friends can join up online, form a convoy, and take on co-op challenges like off-road adventures or massive team races. Plus, the cars are insane, from supercars to monster trucks, and the customizations make them feel like your own.
Stardew Valley
- Developers: ConcernedApe
- Release Date: February 26, 2016
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online or local split-screen multiplayer
- Genre: Farming Sim, RPG
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Steam Link: Stardew Valley on Steam
Stardew Valley is the perfect game for when you just want to relax and hang out with a friend. Together, you and your co-op buddy can plant crops, take care of animals, explore the mines, and even go fishing. There’s no rush — just good vibes and plenty to do.
You can split the work. One of you might be out chopping wood while the other focuses on planting crops or upgrading tools. It’s super flexible, so you can do things your way. Plus, the little town is full of interesting characters to meet and stories to uncover.
Grand Theft Auto 5 Online
- Developers: Rockstar Games
- Release Date: April 14, 2015 (PC release for Online)
- Number of Players: 1–30 (Online)
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Open World, Action, Adventure
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Steam Link: Grand Theft Auto V on Steam
Grand Theft Auto 5 Online is basically the biggest playground you and your friends could ever ask for. It takes the huge, detailed world of Los Santos and lets you do pretty much anything you can imagine. Rob a bank together? Check. Race supercars through the city? Absolutely. Spend hours customizing your character and messing around? Of course.
The heists are where it gets real. You and your crew plan out every move — who’s handling the hacking, who’s driving the getaway car, and who’s keeping watch. And when things inevitably go sideways, that’s half the fun.
Pico Park
- Developers: TECOPARK
- Release Date: April 6, 2021
- Number of Players: 2–8
- Type of Co-Op: Local or online multiplayer
- Genre: Puzzle, Platformer
- Platforms Available: PC, Nintendo Switch
- Steam Link: Pico Park on Steam
Pico Park is one of those good coop games that seems super easy until you and your friends start playing. It’s a cooperative video game where the only way to win is by working together. You’ll control these tiny, cute characters and have to solve puzzles as a team. But every move depends on everyone else, so if one person messes up, you’re all going back to square one.
It’s pure chaos, but the fun kind. You might be stacking on top of each other to reach a ledge or trying to push a block while someone accidentally runs off the edge.
Gang Beasts
- Developers: Boneloaf
- Release Date: December 12, 2017
- Number of Players: 2–8
- Type of Co-Op: Local or online multiplayer
- Genre: Party, Fighting
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Steam Link: Gang Beasts on Steam
Gang Beasts is a goofy, chaotic brawler where you and your friends control wobbly, jelly-like characters and try to knock each other out or throw each other off absurdly dangerous arenas. Every punch, grab, and stumble looks hilariously clumsy, which makes even losing feel fun.
The levels are pure madness. One moment you’re fighting on a moving truck, and the next you’re hanging on for dear life to a Ferris wheel. Up to 8 players can join in locally or online, making it perfect for parties or just a chill gaming session. There’s no real strategy. Just button mashing, chaos, and a lot of yelling.
Palworld
- Developers: Pocket Pair
- Release Date: January 19, 2024
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Adventure, Creature-Collecting, Survival
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox
- Steam Link: Palworld on Steam
Palworld is like Pokémon, but with a twist — and by twist, we mean adding guns, factories, and survival elements. This game drops you into a massive open world filled with creatures called Pals. You can capture them, train them, and make them work for you. But unlike most creature-collecting games, you can also build factories, use your Pals as labor, and even battle with them in survival mode.
Playing with friends makes it even better. You can team up to explore, trade Pals, and take on challenges together. It has everything: adventure, survival, crafting, and plenty of moments where you’ll all be laughing or frantically running for your lives.
Don’t Starve Together
- Developers: Klei Entertainment
- Release Date: April 21, 2016
- Number of Players: 2–6 (or more with mods)
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Survival, Adventure
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Steam Link: Don’t Starve Together on Steam
Don’t Starve Together is a survival game that feels like camping with friends (if the campsite was filled with monsters, you were constantly starving, and winter could actually kill you). Made by Klei Entertainment, it’s a cooperative video game where you and your buddies have to figure out how to stay alive in a world that’s out to make sure you don’t.
You’ll scramble to gather food, build shelters, and avoid going completely insane. Every decision matters: do you spend the day hunting or collecting firewood before night falls? It’s stressful, hilarious, and weirdly satisfying when you all manage to survive another day.
Overcooked! 2
- Developers: Ghost Town Games
- Release Date: August 7, 2018
- Number of Players: 2–4
- Type of Co-Op: Local or online multiplayer
- Genre: Party, Simulation
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Steam Link: Overcooked! 2 on Steam
Overcooked! 2 is pure, chaotic fun. It’s one of those good coop games where you and your friends try to whip up meals in the most ridiculous kitchens imaginable. One second you’re chopping onions, and the next, the kitchen splits in half because it’s on a moving hot-air balloon.
Someone needs to grab ingredients, someone else chops, and another player plates and delivers orders. It sounds simple, but the chaos ramps up fast. Expect a lot of shouting, laughing, and maybe some arguments about why nobody washed the dishes.
Jackbox Party
- Developers: Jackbox Games
- Release Date: Varies by Party Pack (First released in 2014)
- Number of Players: 2–8+ (some games allow larger audiences)
- Type of Co-Op: Local or online multiplayer
- Genre: Party, Trivia, Comedy
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Steam Link: Jackbox Party Pack on Steam
Jackbox Party games are the go-to for a hilarious game night with friends. These packs are filled with quick, easy-to-learn games that anyone can play. All you need is one device to host the game (like a laptop or TV) and your friends just join in using their phones.
The fun is in the variety. One minute you’re drawing ridiculous pictures in Drawful, and the next you’re throwing out the wittiest answer in Quiplash. It’s perfect for chilling with friends in person or even over Zoom.
Styx: Shards of Darkness
- Developers: Cyanide Studio
- Release Date: March 14, 2017
- Number of Players: 2
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Stealth, Adventure
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Steam Link: Styx: Shards of Darkness on Steam
If sneaking around in the dark and pulling off clever heists sounds like your kind of fun, Styx: Shards of Darkness is a great cooperative video game for stealth lovers. Here, you play as Styx, a sarcastic goblin thief, and team up with a friend to outsmart guards, avoid traps, and snag treasures.
You’ll be climbing walls, hiding in shadows, and setting up distractions to keep enemies off your tail. Timing is everything, and when you and your friend nail a tricky section, it feels like a huge win. It’s clever, intense, and a nice change of pace if you’re tired of all-out action games.
Lethal Company
- Developers: Zeekerss
- Release Date: October 23, 2023
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Survival Horror
- Platforms Available: PC
- Steam Link: Lethal Company on Steam
Lethal Company makes you question your friendships in the best way possible. It’s a survival horror game where you and up to three friends are sent into creepy, abandoned buildings to collect items for "The Company." Sounds simple, right? Except there are monsters lurking in the shadows, and if you’re not careful, they’ll catch you before you can escape.
What makes it fun is the chaos. You’re all trying to grab what you need while shouting out warnings or arguing over who triggered the trap that got someone killed. The proximity chat makes it even better (and scarier).
Back 4 Blood
- Developers: Turtle Rock Studios
- Release Date: October 12, 2021
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Survival Horror
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
- Steam Link: Back 4 Blood on Steam
Back 4 Blood is one of the best co op games if you want to blow up a ton of zombies (or “Ridden,” as they’re called here). It’s fast-paced and very chaotic. You and three friends suit up as “Cleaners” and try to survive wave after wave of these nasty creatures, each with their own horrifying twists.
The missions are wild: you’ll be running, shooting, and reloading every five seconds. What keeps it fresh is the card system, where you pick perks that can totally change how you play.
Dead by Daylight
- Developers: Behaviour Interactive
- Release Date: June 14, 2016
- Number of Players: 5 (4 Survivors vs. 1 Killer)
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Survival Horror, Action
- Platforms Available: PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Steam Link: Dead by Daylight on Steam
Dead by Daylight is a game that’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying. It’s a 4v1 survival horror where four players work together as Survivors trying to escape from a fifth player, the Killer, who’s faster, stronger, and has special powers, so teamwork is your only shot at survival.
The maps are creepy, the tension is real, and every match feels unique. One moment you’re fixing a generator with a friend, and the next you’re screaming as the Killer comes out of nowhere.
Phasmophobia
- Developers: Kinetic Games
- Release Date: September 18, 2020 (Early Access)
- Number of Players: 1–4
- Type of Co-Op: Online multiplayer
- Genre: Survival Horror, Psychological Horror
- Platforms Available: PC, VR
- Steam Link: Phasmophobia on Steam
Phasmophobia is what happens when you and your friends decide hunting ghosts is a good idea and instantly regret it. It’s a co-op horror game where you’re sent into creepy places like haunted houses and schools to figure out what kind of ghost is lurking there. You have gadgets like spirit boxes and EMF readers to help, but the ghost isn’t happy you’re there.
The twist is that ghost reacts to your actual voice, making it a favorite among top coop games pc players. So if you’re yelling, it knows and it’ll come after you. It’s terrifying, ridiculous, and somehow always ends with everyone blaming each other.
Need a break from ghost-hunting chaos? Use this moment to work on that reflection paper and jump back in when you’re ready for more thrills.
Let the Fun Keep Rolling
Co-op games bring people together in the best ways. They’re full of those hilarious “Did that really happen?” moments, last-second victories, and friendly smack talk that keeps the mood light.
But if life’s pressures are piling up, our dissertation writers can help with that term paper or thesis while you take a well-earned break. With so many incredible co-op games ready to go, game nights are never boring. So, call your friends, pick a favorite, and get ready for a mix of teamwork, chaos, and memories you’ll be talking about for years.
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FAQ
What is Coop in Games?
Coop, short for cooperative gameplay, refers to a mode in video games where players work together as a team to achieve a common objective, often against computer-controlled enemies or to complete missions. This mode emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, allowing players to assist each other, share resources, and strategize together to overcome challenges.
Is Co-Op the Same as Multiplayer?
Co-op is a type of multiplayer gameplay, but not all multiplayer modes are co-op. Multiplayer encompasses various modes where multiple players can play together, which can include competitive modes like deathmatches or battle royales, in addition to cooperative modes where players team up.
What is the Best Multiplayer Game Right Now?
Currently, some of the best multiplayer games include:
- Apex Legends: A fast-paced battle royale set in the Titanfall universe, known for its unique characters.
- Valorant: A tactical shooter combining elements from CS: GO and Overwatch, featuring competitive 5v5 matches.
- Call of Duty: Warzone: A top choice for its large-scale battle royale mode and cross-platform play.
Is Co-Op Only Two Players?
No, co-op gameplay is not limited to just two players. While many games support two-player co-op, others allow for more players, sometimes accommodating up to four, six, or even more participants. The maximum number of players in a co-op mode depends on the game's design and the platform's capabilities.
Annie Lambert
specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.
- Steam Community :: Bopl Battle. (n.d.). Steamcommunity.com. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://steamcommunity.com/app/1686940#scrollTop=0
- The best PS5 multiplayer games 2024. (2024, May 2). The Loadout. https://www.theloadout.com/best-ps5-multiplayer-games
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