Gaming has always been better with friends — the laughter, the teamwork, the friendly banter (or chaos) that breaks out when everything goes hilariously off-script. Whether you’re looking to team up for epic quests, survive together in the wild, or cook under pressure in a cartoon kitchen, co-op games offer some of the most unforgettable multiplayer experiences.
In a world filled with competitive shooters and massive online battles, co-op games remind us of the simple joy of working (or failing) together. If you’re looking for your next game night favorite, here are some of the best co-op games to dive into — whether you’re online or couch-bound with snacks and good company.
1. It Takes Two
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S
Players: 2
Genre: Action/Adventure, Puzzle
Let’s start with a masterpiece. It Takes Two isn’t just a game — it’s a perfectly crafted cooperative journey designed exclusively for two players. You and a friend play as Cody and May, a couple navigating their crumbling relationship inside a whimsical, magical world full of clever mechanics and beautiful environments.
Each level introduces new challenges that demand teamwork, creativity, and coordination. Whether you’re flying a plane made of underwear or navigating a clock tower, no two levels feel the same. This game requires true cooperation, making it one of the best couch (or online) co-op experiences of the last decade.
2. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series X|S, Switch
Players: 1–4
Genre: Party, Cooking Simulation
Chaos has a name, and it’s Overcooked. If you think cooking a meal is stressful, try doing it in a kitchen that’s also a moving truck, floating raft, or active volcano.
In Overcooked, you and your friends must prepare and serve meals in increasingly ridiculous kitchens, racing against the clock and each other. Communication is key — and yelling is inevitable. The “All You Can Eat” edition combines both games and adds updated visuals and accessibility features.
It’s hilarious, frantic, and often ends in disaster — which is exactly why it’s so fun.
3. Deep Rock Galactic
Platform: PC, Xbox One/Series X|S, PS4/PS5
Players: 1–4
Genre: FPS, Sci-fi, Co-op PvE
In this underground adventure, you and your team of space dwarves are sent deep into alien caves to mine precious resources — and fight off hordes of creepy creatures. Each player picks a class with different abilities (Engineer, Scout, Driller, Gunner), and teamwork is essential for surviving the depths.
Deep Rock Galactic nails the co-op formula with procedurally generated missions, explosive action, and just the right amount of absurdity (beers at the in-game space bar included). It’s a must-play for squads who love strategic shooting and digging themselves into (and out of) trouble.
4. Minecraft
Platform: Pretty much everything
Players: 2–∞
Genre: Sandbox, Survival, Creative
It’s impossible to talk about co-op without mentioning Minecraft. Whether you’re surviving the night, exploring the Nether, or building a life-sized replica of Hogwarts, the possibilities are endless — especially with friends.
Multiplayer Minecraft can be chill and creative or intense and mission-driven. Host your own server or join one of the many that cater to co-op playstyles. And with mods and updates constantly rolling out, Minecraft stays fresh, no matter how many hours you’ve logged.
5. Phasmophobia
Platform: PC (VR & non-VR)
Players: 1–4
Genre: Horror, Investigation
Looking for a spooky (and hilarious) group experience? Phasmophobia is a ghost-hunting sim where you and your friends play as paranormal investigators. Use tools like EMF readers, spirit boxes, and thermometers to identify the ghost haunting each location — just try not to panic when it starts whispering your name or slamming doors.
With proximity-based voice chat and random ghost behaviors, Phasmophobia delivers genuine scares and plenty of laughs. It’s proof that screaming together is bonding at its finest.
6. Don’t Starve Together
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
Players: 1–6 (more with mods)
Genre: Survival, Indie
Survive (and likely die) together in this stylish, Tim Burton-esque world filled with monsters, hunger, darkness, and insanity. Don’t Starve Together is all about resource management, exploration, and collaboration — with a steep learning curve that makes victory feel earned.
Each character has unique abilities, and surviving winter, hounds, or shadow creatures is all about planning and sticking together. It’s challenging, beautiful, and oddly charming in its bleakness.
7. Left 4 Dead 2 / Back 4 Blood
Platform: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Players: 1–4
Genre: FPS, Zombie, Action
For fans of fast-paced co-op shooting and surviving the zombie apocalypse with buddies, both Left 4 Dead 2 (a classic) and Back 4 Blood (a modern spiritual successor) deliver the goods.
With intense levels, waves of undead, and team-based strategy, these games thrive on quick reactions and good communication. You can heal each other, revive downed teammates, and scream at the person who opened a door too soon — what’s not to love?
8. Portal 2 (Co-Op Campaign)
Platform: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
Players: 2
Genre: Puzzle, Sci-fi
While Portal 2 is known for its solo story, its two-player co-op campaign is a brain-bending experience that requires precise coordination and out-of-the-box thinking. You and a friend play as two adorable robots navigating a series of complex puzzles with — you guessed it — portals.
It’s less about action and more about timing, logic, and trust. Perfect for duos who love solving puzzles and high-fiving after a big “a-ha” moment.
Game Night, Upgraded
Whether you’re in it for laughs, scares, problem-solving, or good old-fashioned chaos, co-op games bring people together in the best way. They’re not just about winning — they’re about sharing moments, building memories, and laughing through failure.
So round up your squad, charge those controllers, and dive into some cooperative madness. Just remember: teamwork makes the dream work… or at least the chaos more entertaining.
Got a Favorite Co-Op Game?
Share your top picks in the comments or let us know which game has tested (or strengthened) your friendships the most. And if you’re looking for more recommendations — from chill couch co-ops to competitive multiplayer madness — stay tuned for future gaming roundups!
