Top Co-Op Games to Play With Friends

Gaming is always more fun with friends. Whether you’re in the same room or across the world, co-op games bring people together through teamwork, challenge, and a whole lot of laughter. In recent years, the selection of co-op experiences has exploded across every genre from chaotic kitchens to zombie apocalypses.

This guide highlights some of the top co-op games to play with friends, covering a variety of platforms, genres, and difficulty levels. Whether you’re looking for intense action or casual fun, there’s something here for every kind of crew.

Why Co-Op Games Are So Popular

Cooperative games aren’t just about completing missions or leveling up. They’re about communication, shared goals, and sometimes, hilarious failure. Playing with friends either locally or online enhances the gaming experience in a way solo campaigns often can’t match.

Co-op games build bonds, test friendships, and often become go-to activities for weekly hangouts or late-night sessions. Let’s dive into the best multiplayer co-op games available right now.

Best Action/Adventure Co-Op Games

It Takes Two

One of the most creative and heartfelt co-op titles of all time, It Takes Two is a two-player adventure built entirely around cooperation. You and a friend control a couple turned into dolls, navigating a surreal world to fix their broken relationship. It’s split-screen only local or online but worth every minute.

A Way Out

From the same developers as It Takes Two, this game follows two prisoners breaking out and surviving on the run. With split-screen storytelling and synchronized actions, it’s a cinematic co-op experience designed specifically for two players.

Lego Games (e.g., Lego Star Wars, Lego Marvel Super Heroes)

Family-friendly, funny, and surprisingly deep, Lego games are perfect local co-op games. They offer charming puzzles, light combat, and a massive cast of beloved characters.

Top Survival and Crafting Co-Op Games

Valheim

This Norse-themed survival game is perfect for groups who love building, battling, and exploring. With up to 10 players in a shared world, you can craft, sail, and slay your way to glory.

Minecraft

An evergreen choice for creative minds. Build castles, mine resources, or survive the night together. Its sandbox nature makes it one of the best co-op games to play with friends of all ages.

Don’t Starve Together

Quirky, eerie, and a little chaotic, this co-op survival game demands teamwork and quick thinking. Whether you’re gathering food or fleeing from monsters, survival is always better with friends.

Must-Play Shooter Co-Op Games

Left 4 Dead 2 / Back 4 Blood

Zombies, chaos, and teamwork. These games are all about surviving relentless waves of infected. Great for groups who love fast-paced, high-pressure gameplay.

Deep Rock Galactic

You and up to three other players are space dwarves mining alien planets. With procedurally generated caves and hostile creatures, it combines humor with intense action.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Relive the iconic Halo campaigns with friends in split-screen or online co-op. The collection brings together classic shooter action and epic sci-fi storytelling.

Best Strategy and Simulation Co-Op Games

Overcooked! 2

Frantic, funny, and sometimes infuriating in the best way. This cooking sim demands perfect coordination as you and your teammates race to prepare meals in wild kitchens.

Stardew Valley

Want a more relaxing experience? Farm, fish, mine, and build a life with your friends. Up to four players can share a farm and work together (or independently) at their own pace.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

One player defuses a bomb while others give instructions from a manual they can’t see. It’s perfect for parties, couch co-op, or even video calls.

Fun Party and Casual Co-Op Games

Among Us

Although not strictly co-op, teamwork is key to survival unless you’re the imposter. This social deduction game is easy to learn and endlessly entertaining in groups.

Gang Beasts

Ridiculous physics-based brawls make this game a laugh-out-loud hit. You and your friends will grapple, throw, and flail your way through neon-colored chaos.

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout

Compete and cooperate through wild obstacle courses. The bright visuals and short matches make this ideal for casual gaming sessions.

Great Cross-Platform Co-Op Games

If you’re gaming across different systems, these titles support crossplay, making it easier to connect:

• Fortnite

• Minecraft

• Rocket League

• Sea of Thieves

• Dead by Daylight

These cross-platform co-op games let you join friends on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, or Switch—no matter where you game.

Best Free Co-Op Games

On a budget? These free co-op games still deliver hours of fun:

• Warframe – A sci-fi looter-shooter with deep progression and team-based missions.

• Dauntless – A monster-hunting experience similar to Monster Hunter, but more accessible.

• Destiny 2 – A hybrid of MMO and FPS, with strong co-op missions and public events.

• Valorant or Apex Legends – While competitive, both have co-op squads and team play focus.

How to Choose the Right Co-Op Game

Here are a few tips to help you pick:

• Player Count: Some games are two-player only, others support large groups.

• Difficulty Level: Is your group competitive or casual? Choose accordingly.

• Genre Preference: Shooters, survival, puzzle, or party what fits your vibe?

• Play Style: Prefer online co-op games or split-screen local co-op games?

Match your game to the experience you’re hoping to have, and you’ll avoid frustration and maximize the fun.

Conclusion

From intense shooters to relaxed farming sims, the best multiplayer co-op games offer something for every type of player. They bring people together, create memorable moments, and provide unique challenges you just can’t get playing solo.