The 25 best co-op games of all time

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The best co-op games are designed to be enjoyed by at least two players, so grab a friend, colleague, family member, or loved one because you won't want to miss out on these picks down below.

Be it the best PC games or multiplayer Nintendo classics, we've hand-picked the top titles based on how each handles the co-op gaming experience. Every one of our choices feels essential and just as addictive to play as it does in its solo modes.

So, be it friends and family right next to you on the sofa or someone a little further afield over the internet, these 25 co-op games are specifically designed to be enjoyed together. No competition, just good old-fashioned co-op fun.

25. Unboxing the Cryptic Killer

Co-op style: Online
Platform(s): PC and Android

I'm obsessed with this style of co-op game, where one player can see one set of items, and another player can see something entirely different. It's only through communication that the two of you can figure out the puzzle solutions. Unboxing the Cryptic Killer does this well, although both players will need a copy of the game and be connected to the internet (even if you're playing next to each other). The puzzles are smart, full of brilliant eureka moments, and just enough interactivity that you don't stumble too long on the more abstract elements.

24. Escape Academy

Co-op style: Online and Local
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch

If you love the inherent chaos, cleverness, and silliness of real-life escape rooms, then Escape Academy needs to be on your radar. It's a series of digital escape rooms, which are best experienced in co-op, as you'll usually want one of you on the puzzle itself and the other walking around the space looking for clues. It's brilliantly interactive and does well to incorporate the obscure puzzling you might expect from an escape room into this digital experience.

23. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Co-op type: Local
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X

Unless you've invested in a VR headset, you probably haven't heard of this one. However, it's a uniquely brilliant take on the co-op experience and demands your attention. One person wears the VR headset while a number of other people sit—in the real world—and look at a booklet of bomb-defusal documents.

The person inside the VR headset sees a briefcase with a bomb in it and various devices to disarm, which he/she describes to people in the real world. The idea is to use the bomb disposal docs to defuse the device by... actually talking to each other and cooperating. It's all set to a time limit to add tension, and bombs get increasingly tricky to dismantle as you play. It's brilliant fun and one of the best party games to play right now.

22. Don't Starve Together

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X, PS5

The threat of permadeath is somehow softened when it’s shared. I mean, you’ll all still die, but at least there’s comfort and blame when you’re playing co-op. Don’t Starve’s resource gathering, base-building challenge was already great fun, but it’s even more so with a friend. Especially as you can split the workload and responsibilities as you tend to your home or farm and explore the world to find more of whatever you need to make it through another day. Check out our Don't Starve review if you need more details!

21. Deep Rock Galactic

Co-op style: Online
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S

Think Left 4 Dead with space dwarves, and you won’t be far off. Deep Rock Galactic is a team-based shooter where you and up to three stout friends rocket into a procedurally generated planet in search of minerals. To find what you want, you’ll each have to use your class-specific abilities, slinging grappling hooks, creating platforms, lighting up dark caves and blowing holes in the scenery to create new paths. Every so often, a swarm of alien spiders will jump on you, and you’ll be forced back to back, pulling your trigger for dear life. Its varied, colourful environs never seem to repeat, and when the lights dim and smoke rises, it’s properly atmospheric.

20. Warframe

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC, and Nintendo Switch

Tens of millions of people play Warframe, so it must be doing something right. It’s an online four-player co-op shooter where you explore and fight your way through space in ultra-futuristic suits, gaining powers, abilities and new weapons along the way. That’s basically the main draw here - battle things to get more gear to battle more things. Like the Destinys and Monster Hunters of the world, this is all about chasing better shotguns and space boots. We have a Warframe review for you if you're still undecided on this co-op game.

19. Borderlands 3

Co-op style: Online
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Nintendo Switch

Borderlands has always been better with friends. What good is a shotgun that chains electric damage between enemies or a rifle that spits out bouncing saw blades if you haven’t got a buddy at your side to watch it in action? The main attraction of the series has always been finding ever-wackier guns to shoot at ever-wackier enemies, and Borderlands 3 is the wackiest in the series so far. Many weapons have absurd alternate fire modes, and the world is bigger and far more varied.

In previous Borderlands, loot was shared between players, which meant you had to fight over the best guns. You can play Borderlands 3 that way (it's called Coopetition), but in Cooperation mode, you’ll get your own discrete pile of weapons showering out of enemies, so you never have to share. For more check out our Borderlands 3 review, or read our list of the best Borderlands games to play right now.

18. Divinity: Original Sin 2

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X

Perhaps not one for a quick casual game with a friend, given this is a huge RPG environment filled with more potential, stories and events than most of us will ever see in one go. But, if you fancy a really deep co-op experience, then this will keep you busy for years. As well as an entire nuanced world to explore, you can play co-operatively or competitively, with players potentially trying to complete missions in different ways or to different ends.

17. The Outlast Trials

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S

The Outlast Trials is a horror fan's dream and is the perfect choice for any friends who love chaotic and challenging puzzles. The third game in the Outlast series, The Outlast Trials, puts you in your own slasher movie as you are forced to take part in a series of horrifying tests after being kidnapped by the Murkoff Corporation.

While you can play the game solo, it's during the multiplayer mode that this title comes to life. Racing through the gorey map, laughing in terror as Mother Gooseberry hunts you down and strategically completing objectives together is hours upon hours of fun. For more information, check out our The Outlast Trials review.

16. GTA Online

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S

There was a time when GTA 5’s style of murderous online meant you needed a friend, preferably several if you want to just survive for more than a few seconds. Now, however, there’s a vast array of activities and things to do, even without simple player-created goals like ‘breaking into the army base’ or ‘shooting everyone you can see’.

After years of updates and additions, GTA Online has become an expansive digital playground of things to do with friends. Everything from team games to bank heists, races, stunt courses, and more, and it's evolving all the time.

15. Destiny 2

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S

Bungie's sci-fi epic is built on the ability to join up with other players as much as possible. Part FPS, part MMO, Destiny 2's outstanding shooting mechanics and tempting loot grinds will keep you and your friends in for the long run, or at least until Destiny 3 inevitably comes out and everyone jumps ship. Not only are there a ton of Adventures, Strikes, Nightfalls, and six-person raids to participate in, but you'll also find yourself working with random players you encounter in the world.

Public Events literally fall out of the sky, tasking you and anyone nearby to fight off hordes of enemies for that extra piece of loot. If you've somehow never jumped on the Destiny train, you still have time to find and friend and become a Guardian of the galaxy today. For more action from one of the best shooters in history, check out our Destiny 2 review.

14. PHOGS

Co-op style: Online and local
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One (also on Game Pass)

Completing Phogs definitely requires plenty of cooperation as you and your pal will take control of a two-headed sausage dog - each of you taking one of its heads, connected together by a long, stretchy body. Together, you'll have to bite, bounce, and bark your way through a series of puzzles set across three unique worlds.

Each one is utterly adorable and is themed around a phog's favourite things - Food, Sleep, and Play. As you work your way through them, it's easy to appreciate the fact each world - and the levels within it - offers a unique way to utilize your good phog abilities and your co-op power. It's a delight that also feels like going on a walk in a cheese dream with a friend. Just wait until you see the hat shops, too.

13. Stardew Valley

Co-op style: Online and local
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X

Stardew Valley hands you the keys to a run-down farm in a small, lazy town and asks you to turn its fortunes around. But it’s not pushy: you and your friends can do as many or as few chores as you want. You can chop up wood and plant crops, fish and trade, craft and scavenge, or you can wander around town chatting to the pleasant townsfolk. This game became famous for its relaxing single-player mode, but the online co-op is, in our opinion, the best way to play.

If you’ve already got a save going, you need to build some cabins to add your friends, or you can all start a new game with a shared farm (progress only saves for the host). With up to three co-op partners, you can come up with freeform projects, dividing up tasks to hasten production. Or sit around, watching the sun go up and down – it’s your farm, your rules. If you're after more relaxing co-op games, read our list of the best games like Stardew Valley to play today.

12. Knights and Bikes

Co-op type: Local and Online
Platform(s): PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Xbox Series X (Also on Game Pass)

Taking on the roles of tough girls Nessa and Demelza, Knight and Bikes sees you exploring Penfurzy Island in a Goonies-inspired tale where bikes are king and mischief is paramount. It's made by Moo Yu and Rex Crowle, who are both ex-Media Molecule, so, as you can imagine, it's infused with quirk, cuteness, and the kind of spirit you can only find in a Famous Five book.

Yes, the gameplay is about puzzle solving, mini-games of crazy golf, and riding your bike as fast as you can humanly pedal, but it's also a heartfelt adventure about two kids that offer the kind of gameplay experience that you can rarely have. And it's even better with a real-world friend by your side.

11. Sea of Thieves

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, PS5

Although you can play Sea of Thieves solo, this is very much a game that encourages you to tell stories and, more importantly, create those tales with other people. Galleons can be sailed by crews of up to four, with adventures spinning out from the various voyages you undertake. That might be finding buried treasure, collecting goods to trade with the merchants, or hunting down undead pirate captains. Or, you know, fighting a Kraken or taking on a huge Skeleton Fort.

Whatever you do in Sea of Thieves, you'll need a crew. Then, just let the hilarity commence. Check out our Sea of Thieves review for more details!

10. Diablo 4

Co-op style: Online and Local
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X

At their heart, the best Diablo games have always been about the pursuit of ever-shinier loot. Having someone to share your latest, shiniest ring with makes those rare finds all the more thrilling. Don’t worry too much about picking complimentary classes: jump in and start swinging (or casting, or punching, or throwing…).

Diablo 4 is the latest to challenge all of those sensations, with an excellent campaign and evolving seasons to provide you and your pals with new challenges continually. It's also a great experience for fantasy-loving couples to play, and if you need more convincing, head over to our five-star Diablo 4 review for more information.

9. Lethal Company

Co-op style: Online
Platform(s): PC

If you're looking for one of the best survival horror games with a generous helping of hilarity, then Lethal Company is a newer addition to this best co-op games list you might have seen all over TikTok of late. In it, you have to salvage items on abandoned moons and sell enough to hit a certain quota over three days. If you don't, bad things happen - worse than the beating you'll get from the native creatures that roam the moons themselves.

8. Snipperclips

Co-op type: Local
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

This two-person puzzler’s main gimmick is such a clever idea that you and a friend will easily waste half an hour just playing around with that alone before even trying to solve anything. You each control a flat 2D character with the ability to cut pieces out of each other according to where you overlap.

By using this ability you have to get through levels and solve puzzlers. It’s a simple but incredibly rich concept and something that works perfectly on Switch, with each of you taking one Joy-Con to direct your little paper person about. Snipperclips is tons of fun and easily one of the best Switch games to play right now.

7. Portal 2

Co-op style: Online and Local
Platform(s): PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X (via backwards compatibility)

Portal 2 is a classic, and if you haven't played it yet, well, you’re in for one of the best co-op experiences of your life. The co-op campaign is a noticeable jump in difficulty from the already fiendish original. Not only will you and a friend, who each control a loveable robot, have to put your heads together to figure out how to finish a test chamber, but you’ll often have to time your movements and actions just right. If one player jumps a split second early or activates a button too late, the whole plan falls apart.

It makes communication vital and each puzzle all the more rewarding to solve. On top of those puzzles is a layer of Valve’s unmistakable humour, and GLaDOS (remember her?) is once again the star. You can high-five your friend, play rock paper scissors, or, if you’re feeling evil, dunk them into deadly goo by pulling a bridge up from under their feet.

6. Overcooked 2

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): Xbox One, PS4, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S

Overcooked 2 sounds simple - prepare a bunch of meals as chefs within a certain time limit. Easy. Well, not so much. While there are up to four of you playing, it starts to get tricky to keep track of the game's various commands and stipulations, as well as avoiding various hazards in the kitchen itself. This can lead to some frantic play, and only the most cohesive of teams will get those dishes out on time.

The levels are insane, the menus increasingly complex, and overall, this is a mad, mad existence of a game. But, hilarious fun, too. Warning: as we mention in our Overcooked 2 review, it may cause bickering among even the closest friends, partners and family members.

5. Fortnite

Co-op type: Online and Local (split-screen available in limited modes)
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series X

Fortnite is a shining example of a game that gets more fun the more friends you have playing with you, and what's even better is that its insanely popular Battle Royale mode is totally free. Weekly challenges keep things fresh, so you have something new to do every week, and as each season comes and goes, there are new updates thrown in and major map changes as the story subtly evolves.

Epic's charming Save The World base-defence/shooter/survival game hybrid is a better platform for cooperative play than many full releases. Not only does playing with a handful of friends give you a better chance to fend off waves of husks or construct the ultimate base, but those friends can also provide you valuable XP boosts and a better chance to nab some of Fortnite's massive catalogue of rare loot. If you're after more, we have a list of the best games like Fortnite, for you as well.

4. Minecraft

Co-op type: Local (on console and PC) and online
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, Android, Xbox Series X, PS5

Yes, Minecraft gets everywhere, but for good reason: its digital building block world has endless imagination-filled potential. You can team up with friends to build pointless structures or grand engineering feats of construction.

Or you can bounce about the place, creating chaos and generally hanging out. Its lack of rigid structure means you and your friends can get up to anything - whether that’s an evening of messing about or a longer-term project you can take your time over. Seriously, it's one of the best multiplayer games for a reason, and you can read more about it in our Minecraft review.

3. The Past Within

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PC, Android, iOS

There are very few asynchronous co-op games in the wild, but The Past Within is extra brilliant because of it. You can play on whatever device works for you; all you need is a friend who also owns the game (again, on any platform) because the co-op works on communication alone. It's a puzzle game at heart, and progression is gated by your ability to work out how what you see relates to what your pal can see.

One of you will play in the Past, the other in the Future, and then you'll have to figure out how the two are connected. It might be a password here or a hidden instruction there, but it's wonderfully done, often creepy, and never not surprising. It's the first co-op game from the Rusty Lake team, and it's a smasher.

2. A Way Out

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, PS5

It's rare that a game is only playable in co-op, but that's exactly what A Way Out does. Whether you're splashing the water to usher fish to each other, going back to back to shimmy up a wall gap, passing a chisel between cells to find an exit route, or even just playing Connect Four or a game of basketball, the co-op never feels like an added extra.

It’s all built for you to enjoy together in a way that’s satisfying and worthwhile, regardless of the scale of the interaction. You're two criminals trying to find a way out of prison and a step closer to redemption, but more importantly, this is one story that you must experience together. And it's the best co-op game we've ever played.

1. It Takes Two

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S, PS5, Nintendo Switch

It Takes Two is the latest game from the team that brought you A Way Out, and it's another game specifically built to be played co-operatively. This time around, you're playing as a husband and wife duo who have been turned into a pair of dolls by their daughter, unhappy about the news that they're divorcing.

Cue gameplay that's part Pixar, part Honey I Shrunk the Kids, add in a sprinkle of marriage counseling courtesy of an anthropomorphic self-help book, and you've got a glimpse into what to expect with It Takes Two. But it's also much more than that: a little slice of magic and literally the best co-op game around. Just read our It Takes Two review if you need more convincing.

And, only one of you has to own it if you want to play online with a friend, thanks to the game's Friend Pass system. Bonus!

For more multiplayer fun, read our lists of the best two-player Switch games and the best online games.