Co-Op Games: What, Where and How You Can Game Together

Whether you’re looking for a quality couch co-op title or want to game online with your friends, you’ve got plenty of options. Here are some of the best co-op games on every system. 

1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is one of the best co-op games of all time. Everyone can pick from a massive character selection and spend all night battling. You know it has to be fun since you can choose fighters like Kirby, Isabelle from “Animal Crossing” or the Wii Fit Trainer — and you get stages like the “Duck Hunt” screen or the living room from the “Nintendogs” game.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is a crossover brawler.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch.

• How: Online or local co-op. Game with up to eight friends. 

2. Stardew Valley

As co-op games go, “Stardew Valley” is practically a classic. Care for your farm to grow your crops and interact with the townsfolk to grow your relationships. You and your friends can enjoy seasons, special occasions and in-game events.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Stardew Valley” is a farm life simulation RPG. 

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Online or local co-op. Game with up to four friends. 

3. Untitled Goose Game

In “Untitled Goose Game,” you and your friend are geese. Your only goal is to cause chaos in the in-game world by completing quests. It’s the perfect co-op game if you want something lighthearted and easy to jump into.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Untitled Goose Game” is a stealth-based puzzle game.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Playstation or PC. 

• How: Local co-op. Game with one friend.

4. Gang Beasts

“Gang Beasts” is one of the best couch co-op games. After you and your friends customize your characters — which are just colorful, humanoid blobs — you can pick from multiple game modes like team combat or enemy wave survival. 

Here’s the game:

• What: “Gang Beasts” is a physics-based brawler.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Playstation or PC.

• How: Online or local co-op. Game with up to three friends.

5. Fallout 76

In “Fallout 76,” you play a vault dweller exploring newly-irradiated Appalachia. You and your friends can fight ghouls, build bases and participate in limited-time events. It’s had multiple massive updates, so there’s plenty of new stuff to explore, even if you’ve played before.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Fallout 76” is an open-world RPG.

• Where: Play on Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Online co-op. Game with up to 23 other people.

6. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

“Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” is an open-world Lego Star Wars game with hundreds of playable characters and dozens of vehicles. You can even explore 23 different planets. Whether or not you’ve played a Lego game before, you’ll definitely enjoy this title.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” is a Lego-themed action-adventure game.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Local co-op. Game with one friend.

7. Castle Crashers

“Castle Crashers” provides classic, lighthearted fun. You play as a group of knights on a mission to save kidnapped princesses. You’ll face exciting bosses, battle waves of enemies and pick up cool loot — what more can a gamer ask for?

Here’s the game:

• What: “Castle Crashers” is a side-scrolling hack-and-slash game.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC.

• How: Online or local co-op. Game with up to three friends.

8. Unravel 2

Have you ever wondered what being a sentient ball of yarn would be like? “Unravel 2” will answer that question for you. This is one of the best co-op games because it’s cozy, intriguing and visually stunning. Plus, the unique gameplay all but forces you to work as a team.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Unravel 2” is a puzzle platform game.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Local co-op. Game with one friend.

9. Astroneer

As co-op games go, “Astroneer” is one of the most fun. You play as a customizable astronaut in space. While you manage resources and expand your base, you can try to uncover the secrets left behind on your planet. You can go anywhere, break anything and build whatever you’d like.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Astroneer” is a sandbox adventure game.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Online co-op. Game with up to three friends.

10. Goat Simulator 3

The “Goat Simulator” series are some of the best co-op games for friends who want to laugh while causing mindless destruction. This game has plenty to do and tons of tongue-in-cheek quips about other modern video games. 

Here’s the game:

• What: “Goat Simulator 3” is a simulation sandbox game.

• Where: Play on Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Online or local co-op. Game with up to three friends.

11. Spiritfarer

“Spiritfarer” places you in a watercolor world as Stella, the newly-appointed ferrymaster to the dearly departed. Your friend gets to be a cream-colored cat named Daffodil — Stella’s pet and constant companion. You can work together to shepherd spirits and build your ferry. 

Here’s the game:

• What: “Spiritfarer” is a management simulator.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Local co-op. Game with one friend.

12. Sons of the Forest

“Sons of the Forest” is one of the most story-rich co-op games. If you’re in the mood for tense survival situations and intense fights with cannibals, you’ll find no better video game. While it’s not scheduled for a full release until February 2024, you can play it right now. 

Here’s the game:

• What: “Sons of the Forest” is a horror survival game.

• Where: Play on PC. 

• How: Online co-op. Game with up to seven friends. 

13. Moving Out

In “Moving Out,” you’re a newly-hired mover. While you get rewards for keeping everything intact and moving quickly, nothing stops you from throwing couches through windows or stealing the homeowner’s belongings. This should be your go-to game if you and your friends need a laugh.

Here’s the game:

• What: “Moving Out” is a physics-based moving simulator.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Local co-op. Game with up to three friends.

14. Battleblock Theater

“Battleblock Theater” might be older, but it’s still one of the best co-op games to play with friends. The story is entertaining and hilarious, with plenty of crude jokes. If you get tired of working as a team, you can always shove your friend into spikes or sabotage them. 

Here’s the game:

• What: “Battleblock Theater” is a comedic platform game.

• Where: Play on Xbox or PC. 

• How: Local co-op. Game with one friend in story mode or up to four in the arena.

15. Resident Evil 6

“Resident Evil 6” has been around for years, but it’s still one of the best co-op games. You’ll fight off mutated monsters as iconic characters like Leon Kennedy, Chris Redfield, Sherry Birkin and Ada Wong. If you’re in the mood to take out zombies in style with support from some friends, this is title you want. 

Here’s the game:

• What: “Resident Evil 6” is a horror-based third-person shooter.

• Where: Play on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation or PC. 

• How: Online or local co-op. Game with one friend.

These Co-Op Games Are Some of the Best

Lately, it seems like quality co-op games are hard to come by. Whether you’ve already played popular titles like “It Takes Two” or you just need some inspiration, this list should be helpful. No matter what system you use or what genre you like, you’ll find something interesting here.