Some games are fun alone. Others become unforgettable when you play them with a friend. Here are our favourite co-op games, with player counts and platforms so you can find one that suits your group.
The list mixes story games for two, team shooters, survival games and relaxed sandboxes. If you only have a minute, jump to the quick picks table near the end.
Before you choose: three questions
A great co-op game for one group can be a bad fit for another. These three questions help:
- How many of you will play? Some games are built for exactly two players. Others work best with a full squad of four.
- How much time do you have? Story games need regular sessions together. Mission-based games work well for one evening at a time.
- Does everyone play games often? Some games on this list are friendly to beginners. Others expect quick reactions and teamwork.
1. Split Fiction
Players: 2 · Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 · Released: 2025
From the studio behind It Takes Two. Two writers are trapped inside their own sci-fi and fantasy stories, and every level throws new ideas at you. Only one player needs to own it thanks to the Friend’s Pass.
It’s the best pick on this list for two friends who want a full story together. The constant change of ideas means neither player gets bored doing the same job for long.
2. It Takes Two
Players: 2 · Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch · Released: 2021
A couple turned into dolls must work together to get home. It’s creative and funny, and it also has a Friend’s Pass.
Every chapter gives each player different abilities that only work together. It’s a strong choice for couples and for one experienced player paired with a less experienced one.
3. Baldur’s Gate 3
Players: up to 4 · Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S · Released: 2023
A huge fantasy role-playing game. In co-op, every player makes their own choices, which leads to great (and chaotic) stories.
Combat is turn-based, so nobody needs fast reflexes. The catch is time: this is a very long game, and it works best for a group that can meet regularly.
4. Helldivers 2
Players: up to 4 · Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S · Released: 2024
Fight bugs and robots for “democracy”. Friendly fire is always on, which is exactly why it’s so funny.
Missions are short enough for a quick evening session. The game rewards a team that talks, so voice chat makes a big difference.
5. Deep Rock Galactic
Players: up to 4 · Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox · Released: 2020
Space dwarves mining in alien caves. Great teamwork, a friendly community and lots of content for a low price.
Each of the four classes has a clear job, such as building platforms or lighting up dark caves. That makes it easy for new players to understand how they can help the team.
6. Valheim
Players: up to 10 · Platforms: PC, Xbox · Released: 2021 (early access)
A Viking survival game where you build, explore and fight bosses together.
Valheim is at its best with a group that likes long-term projects. One player builds the base, another explores, and everyone meets up for the boss fights. If that sounds like your thing, our best survival games list has more.
7. Stardew Valley
Players: up to 4 (up to 8 on PC) · Platforms: almost everything · Released: 2016
Run a farm together. Relaxing, cosy, and perfect for friends who don’t usually play games.
There’s no pressure and no way to really fail. Each player can choose their own role, from fishing to farming to exploring the mines.
8. Overcooked! 2
Players: up to 4 · Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch · Released: 2018
Cook in crazy kitchens under time pressure. A legendary couch co-op game, and a famous friendship tester. For bigger groups, see our party games for groups.
Rounds last only a few minutes, which makes it ideal for a games night with people of all skill levels. Expect a lot of shouting.
9. Portal 2
Players: 2 · Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch (and older consoles) · Released: 2011
The co-op campaign is a separate story with puzzles designed for two players. Still one of the cleverest co-op games ever made.
It’s a thinking game, not a reaction test. Pairs who enjoy talking through a problem will love it.
10. Lethal Company
Players: up to 4 · Platforms: PC · Released: 2023 (early access)
Collect scrap in spooky abandoned buildings. The proximity voice chat turns every trip into a horror comedy.
Proximity chat means you only hear friends who are close to you in the game. When someone wanders off alone, things get scary and funny very quickly.
11. Sea of Thieves
Players: up to 4 per ship · Platforms: PC, Xbox, PS5 · Released: 2018
Be pirates together: sail, search for treasure and fight other crews.
Sailing a big ship needs everyone: one player steers, one handles the sails, one reads the map. Other crews share the same sea, so be ready for surprise attacks.
12. Minecraft
Players: many · Platforms: almost everything · Released: 2011
Still unbeatable for building and exploring together, especially with younger players.
Creative mode removes all danger and is perfect for building projects. Survival mode adds monsters and a bit more challenge for groups who want a goal.
Tip: Check how each game does co-op before you buy. Some games support couch co-op (split-screen on one screen), some are online only, and crossplay between PC and consoles varies from game to game. The store page or the game’s official website usually lists all three.
Quick picks
| Looking for… | Play |
|---|---|
| A story for two | Split Fiction or It Takes Two |
| A big group | Valheim or Minecraft |
| Pure chaos | Helldivers 2 or Overcooked! 2 |
| Something relaxing | Stardew Valley |
| Horror laughs | Lethal Company |
Tips for a better co-op night
- Check platforms first. Make sure everyone owns a version that can play together before the evening starts.
- Install and update early. Big updates can take a while, and nobody wants to wait an hour before playing.
- Use voice chat. Almost every game on this list is more fun when you can talk.
- Match the game to the least experienced player. A relaxed game everyone enjoys beats a hard one that frustrates half the group.
- Fix lag before you start. If one player keeps freezing, our guide on how to lower ping and fix lag can help.
Prefer something gentle? Our list of the best cosy games has more relaxed picks for playing together or alone.
From PixelAlex: I play co-op games with my friends and family, and I’ve learned that the best co-op game is the one your whole group enjoys. If you’re unsure, start with something easy to learn so everyone can join in quickly.
Read next: Best split-screen games · Stardew Valley beginner guide · 10 best online co-op shooters
Quick answers
What is the best co-op game for two players? Split Fiction and It Takes Two are designed entirely for two people and are the strongest choices on this list.
Which co-op games only need one copy? Split Fiction and It Takes Two both have a Friend’s Pass, so only one player needs to buy the game.
What is a good co-op game for people who don’t play many games? Stardew Valley and Minecraft are relaxed and easy to learn. Overcooked! 2 is simple to understand, though it gets hectic.
What are the best co-op games for a big group? Valheim supports up to 10 players, and Minecraft also works well with many friends.
What is a good co-op game for a short session? Helldivers 2, Overcooked! 2 and Lethal Company all work well in short bursts.
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