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Sometimes you'd rather collaborate with friends and family than compete against them. That's the idea behind co-op games! Cooperative, or co-op, games feature two or more people working together to achieve common goals. The term can apply to either online co-op or local "couch" co-op. These games can be a great way for people of all types and personalities to connect.
We've done our research and found 10 co-op games that reviewers love. Our top pick is It Takes Two by Hazelight Studios, an action-packed co-op adventure that is full of fun and surprises. For more favorites, check out our 10 best list below, and peruse our buying guide for suggestions on how to choose the right co-op game for you.
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Table of Contents
Playing co-op games with friends can really make hanging out more fun. Before you play, here are some suggestions on how to find the right co-op game for you!
Like films and books, there are many genres of co-op games. Adventure and simulation are popular genres, offering fun-filled exploration and customizable worlds. If you're looking for more heart-pounding experiences, horror and action also work excellently in co-op, delivering thrills and screams.
If you're unsure which genre is right for you, take a look at reviews to see the pace of the game. A relaxed management sim like Stardew Valley plays a lot differently than a frantic action game like Overcooked. If you have a Steam account, Steam has a detailed search engine that easily groups similar games together, allowing you to determine which genre is right for you.
The best co-op games feature mechanics that make all players feel crucial to the outcome. Without a strong sense of cooperation, players will feel like they're playing separately. Standout examples like Overcooked center the action around working together, requiring players to communicate about who will tackle cutting vegetables, washing plates or numerous other tasks as they assemble orders in a frantic kitchen.
Some primarily single-player games include co-op modes as an afterthought, leading to an unsatisfying experience for the second player. Such games reserve the bulk of gameplay, like jumping and exploring, to player one, and merely allow player two to assist the action as a floating faerie or helpful hand.
In the best co-op games, both players should feel engaged, such as in It Takes Two, where no level can be completed or explored alone.
Although most co-op games have online co-op, some only have local co-op, and some games have no local co-op at all. This may be important if you lack online services, or if you're just looking to play with a friend on the couch. Other games require more than two players, so be sure the game matches the number of people you're hoping to play with.
If you're playing online, you should also know that some games are not cross-platform. If you have an Xbox copy of the game, you might not be able to play with your friend on Playstation. In recent years, more and more games are available to play online regardless of platform, but be sure to investigate a game's cross-platform status before you buy.
Co-op games can range from five-minute rounds to endless open-world gameplay. If you want a game that can end in the same hour, try co-op games that are easy to learn, have simple goals, or are competitive.
Co-op games can also vary in difficulty. If you have a group of experienced gamers, you might prefer titles that are tactical, combative, or grindy. If not, plenty other co-op games suit people of all skill levels, welcoming newcomers and experienced players alike with creative, adventurous challenges.
If you're playing with teenagers or children, make sure that the game is appropriate for their age. At best, a game meant for an older audience can be confusing or overwhelming. At worst, such as with horror titles, it can be frightening or overwhelming.
To determine the recommended age range, check out the ESRB rating in the bottom-left corner of the game's cover. E means suitable for everyone, E10+ for children over 10, T for teenagers, and M for mature adults only. Luckily, a majority of co-op games are excellent for children and adults alike.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Hazelight Studios Out of Space | $19.88 Low Mid | Best Co-op Adventure | ||
2 | Ghost Town Games, Team17 Overcooked! 2 | $24.99 Mid | Best Action-Packed Cooking Game | ||
3 | ConcernedApe Stardew Valley | $14.99 Low Mid | Best Heartwarming Farm Life Game | ||
4 | Kinetic Games Phasmophobia | $13.99 Low | Best Frightening Co-op Game | ||
5 | Bit Loom Games PHOGS! | $24.99 Mid | Best Playful Puzzle Game | ||
6 | Thunder Lotus Games Spiritfarer | $23.39 Mid | Best Cozy Management Game | ||
7 | Obsidian Entertainment Grounded | $29.99 High Mid | Best Co-op Survival Game | ||
8 | Nintendo Luigi’s Mansion 3 | $46.99 High | Best Haunted House Game | ||
9 | Question The Blackout Club | $29.99 High Mid | Best Co-op Mystery Horror Game | ||
10 | The Game Bakers Haven | $24.99 Mid | Best Story-Rich Co-op Game |
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After Cody and May tell their daughter they plan to get divorced, she makes a wish to keep them together, which magically turns them both into dolls. Now the troubled couple must learn to work together to become human again, with the help of a boisterous book of love named Dr. Hakim.
Some reviewers on PC complained that it was sometimes difficult to find a co-op partner online, though this was not the case on other platforms. Overall, reviewers praised this adventure's variety of gameplay, which sees players engage in platforming, fighting, shooting and more.
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When "The Unbread" becomes a global threat, it's up to you and your team of chefs to stave off their hunger and save the world! You will cook a variety of world foods, including burgers, pizza, sushi, cakes, and more. Levels include challenges like teleporters, moving platforms, and throwing ingredients, requiring players to constantly communicate to deliver orders in time.
The main complaint about this game is that multiplayer games only let the host progress in the story mode. Some reviewers also had connection issues while playing online. Besides these issues, most reviewers say this game is a great couch party game for people of all ages and tastes.
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After your grandfather passes, you inherit his old farm plot and set out to start your life in Stardew Valley. With some hand-me-down tools and hard work, you can turn your overgrown field into a thriving farm and become a part of the local community. In co-op, up to four players can tackle farming, fighting, mining, building relationships with villagers, and more.
The only complaints are that this game has no manual saving function, but instead can only be saved once at the end of each in-game day. Some reviewers also disliked the tough fishing mechanic. Other than these issues, most reviewers find this game very relaxing and fulfilling, and love the enormous amount of content.
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With reports of rising paranormal activity, you and your team must seek out ghosts and gather evidence. You will have ghost hunting and recording equipment like night vision cameras. The longer you explore a haunted location, the more hostile the ghost may become.
One of the main complaints is that the default player movement speed is much slower than most games, which is especially annoying in larger maps. But, most reviewers love that this game does not rely on cheap jumpscares. Instead, its strength is its immersive atmosphere and the feature allowing players to talk directly to ghosts.
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PHOGS! is a colorful physics puzzle game about two conjoined, legless, but very stretchy dogs. They must make their way through a world of food, sleep, and play. Each level contains teamwork-based puzzles and challenges, which make it great for couples, friends and kids.
The only complaints from reviewers are that some of them had issues with their controllers in this game, and there are a few in-game glitches. Besides that, most reviewers praise the game's adorable art style, whimsical gameplay, and vibrant world.
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In Spiritfarer, you and your friend play as Stella, the master of a ferry that guides the deceased to the afterlife, and Daffodil, her pet cat. Build a boat, craft resources, and create lasting memories with your spirit passengers.
Some reviewers say this game is more focused on grinding than the characters or story. They recommend it for people who are looking for an atmospheric management game. Most praise the gorgeous art and animation, wonderful characters, and relaxing gameplay. They say the game not to be rushed through, but to be experienced.
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The world hasn't changed, except you've been shrunk to the size of an ant! In Grounded, you play as a miniature character who must learn to survive where the grass is taller than you and insects are giant. Players work together to collect food, find new areas and survive a perilous backyard.
Reviewers warn this game needs an Xbox Live account. Some also said the game has some bugs (besides the giant insects.) Other than that, most reviewers say this game is highly immersive and extremely detailed. They love the building mechanics, animated graphics, and the game concept.
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When Mario, Peach, and Toads go missing in the Last Resort hotel, it's up to Luigi to go save them. Equipped with the Poltergust G-00, Luigi must vacuum up ghosts and take on mischievous bosses on every floor.
Some reviewers complain this game is not very challenging for adults, or dislike how the game lacks a lot of instructions or help. Despite the complaints, most reviewers say this game has excellent animations, graphics, and personality. They like using the vacuum as a weapon and say the puzzles are fun and entertaining.
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Every night in a small town, everyone sleepwalks. A group of teenagers has woken up during these "blackouts," but no one believes them. When their friend goes missing, they decide to take matters into their own hands. Unfortunately, the enemy can only be seen with their eyes closed.
Some reviewers dislike the character perks system, stating that it only allows one maxed-out deck. A few also say that once you know how the enemies work, this game can get somewhat repetitive. However, many state this game is very underrated. They like the character customization options and variety of tasks.
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Yu and Kay left everything behind and escaped to a forgotten planet. They must explore, fight off enemies, seek resources, and fix up their ship to make a cozy home. Explore the beautiful scenery and enjoy the everyday moments of a young couple trying to survive.
Some reviewers complained that the co-op aspect is limited, as both players control both characters at once. Despite these issues, most reviewers enjoyed the characters' dynamic, and say this game is more about the writing and aesthetics than the gameplay. Many reviewers recommended it for couples and people who like romance.
Video games are a great way to pass the time and there's something for everyone. Check out some of our other articles for more ideas!
No. 1: Hazelight Studios|Out of Space
No. 2: Ghost Town Games, Team17|Overcooked! 2
No. 3: ConcernedApe|Stardew Valley
No. 4: Kinetic Games|Phasmophobia
No. 5: Bit Loom Games|PHOGS!
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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