Sometimes, playing single-player games all the time can get boring, and you just want to have some fun with friends. In this article, we've gathered some interesting co-op game projects that offer tons of emotions through gameplay and interaction with friends.
It's worth noting that we’re not mentioning competitive co-op shooters here, as we’ve dedicated a separate article to that topic.
We’ll start with the popular co-op games from Hazelight Studios: A Way Out, It Takes Two, and Split Fiction. These are great projects designed for two players, and they can be played both locally and online. In these games, players must work as a team—otherwise, nothing will get done.
In 2011, Valve released the excellent co-op game Portal 2. This project is designed for two players, where you take on the roles of two test robots, Atlas and P-Body, solving various puzzles.
The game doesn’t take much time to complete, and fans have created a lot of different mods that allow you to continue enjoying it. This game is considered one of the best 2 player games.
The 3D platformer Chained Together by Anegar Games was released in 2024. It allows up to four players to play together, all chained to each other. Your task is to reach the top of the map in order to escape from hell.
The game offers a hard mode where lava rises behind you, or an easier difficulty with checkpoints. This project can help improve teamwork skills, as the outcome of the playthrough depends on the cooperation of all players.
The official release of R.E.P.O. (Retrieve, Extract, Profit Operation) hasn’t happened yet, and the game is currently only available in early access, but it already has a fairly large player base. The title allows up to six players to team up, and the main objective is to find valuable items.
You need to handle objects in the game carefully, as they are quite fragile, and the sound of them breaking can attract enemies. The game also features randomly generated missions, which provides a more unique gameplay experience. That’s why it’s a great option to play with friends and have a good time.
Among multiplayer games, it's also worth noting the indie project Stardew Valley. The gameplay is centered around restoring an old family farm. You need to keep an eye on your character's energy level while performing various tasks. In the game, you can clear land, do gardening and plant care, and there’s also livestock that you can raise.
Stardew Valley supports up to four players. At the same time, there's plenty for everyone to do, which allows for a fun and engaging time with friends.
A co-op version of Pushing it! Together was recently released, with the subtitle “Sisyphus Co-op” added to the name. The game is designed for 2–4 players.
The gameplay revolves around pushing one large boulder uphill while overcoming various obstacles. Coordination between players is key, but it’s also important to stay calm, as frequent failures can lead to frustration or aggression — so be careful.
No list of the most popular co-op games would be complete without the culinary chaos of Overcooked 2. In a group of up to four players, you must prepare and serve a variety of dishes at a fast pace, with time pressure constantly pushing you.
The game is a great test of how well your group handles stress. Overcooked 2 offers a variety of levels and meals to cook, making this kitchen madness a perfect co-op game full of humor and fun.
If you and your friends enjoy Norse mythology, survival games, or both, then you should check out Valheim. It's a great open-world co-op game.
You’ll find yourselves in the forest world of Valheim, where you must track down and defeat supernatural forces that have risen against Odin. To accomplish your mission, you’ll need to explore the world, gather resources, craft gear, and build structures. The co-op mode supports up to 10 players.
It’s also worth paying attention to the first-person shooter about dwarves, Deep Rock Galactic. The game supports up to four players.
You’ll play as space dwarves whose task is to mine resources in various caves. You’ll face different enemies who will try to stop your mission, and you’ll need to defeat them to complete your objectives. Each cave is procedurally generated before the level starts, ensuring a unique gameplay experience every time.
For fans of co-op shooters, we recommend Back 4 Blood from the creators of the legendary Left 4 Dead. The game allows you to play through a story campaign in a team of four players, and it also features a PvP mode for up to eight players.
In the game, you must survive in an apocalyptic world, fighting off hordes of zombies. Back 4 Blood guarantees fast-paced and dynamic gameplay full of action. The campaign includes various missions such as evacuation, breakthrough, and defense.
For fans of calm, engineering-focused games centered around building and resource gathering, Satisfactory is worth checking out. As employees of FICSIT, you arrive on an unknown planet where your task is to build a factory with automated production. To complete your mission, you'll need to explore a vast world, mine resources, design logistics systems, and much more.
The We Were Here series of cooperative puzzle games offers a rather unique gameplay experience. Designed for two players, you find yourselves trapped in a fortress and must find a way out. However, you're separated and can only communicate via walkie-talkie. Communication becomes a crucial element, as each player has unique information needed to solve the puzzles.
Among puzzle games, Unravel Two is also worth mentioning. Players take on the role of small yarn creatures connected by a single thread. The main goal is to solve puzzles in order to help children escape danger. The thread plays a key role in gameplay and can be used as a swing, to build bridges, and much more.
The wacky mini-golf game Golf With Your Friends supports up to 12 players. It’s simple—you play mini-golf as a group, but aiming and determining the strength of your shot can be quite a challenge. Don’t forget about your friends, who can get in your way. This game is considered a great option for spending a fun evening with friends and having a good laugh.
Of course, we have to mention one of the best co-op games—Minecraft. This sandbox game gives players complete freedom to explore a vast open world, gather resources, and build structures. It also features tons of additional content, making it even more engaging.
Pirate fans should take a look at Sea of Thieves. This project by Rare allows you to play cooperatively in a large open world where you engage in piracy and treasure hunting.
You’ll have the chance to battle real players or various creatures, including the Kraken.
If you and your friends don’t want to stress out and just want to have fun, then Fall Guys is worth checking out. All you need to do is make it to the final round by overcoming various obstacles to become the winner out of 60 players.
Of course, among co-op games, we can also highlight sports simulators. In this genre, you can play football (EA FC, eFootball), basketball (NBA2K), hockey (NHL), and many more. Fighting games also deserve a mention, with a wide variety available—Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Tekken, UFC, Undisputed, and other series.
As you can see, there are plenty of sports simulators you can enjoy with friends, both locally and online. So you’re sure to find a title that suits your preferences.
