The 15 best co-op games of all time

By | 2025-02-28T15:24:51+00:00 2025/03/02|Consoles, PC, PlayStation, Steam, Xbox|

Gaming is always better with friends. Whether you’re strategizing in a dungeon, solving mind-bending puzzles, or just causing absolute chaos in a virtual kitchen, co-op games create some of the best gaming memories. If you’re looking for a great game to play with your squad, we’ve got you covered. From high-action shooters to chill farming sims, here are 15 of the best co-op games you can play right now.

 

1. Borderlands 3 

Borderlands 3

When it comes to ridiculous, fast-paced co-op fun, Borderlands 3 delivers like no other. This game is all about looting, shooting, and causing absolute mayhem with over-the-top weapons. The humor is wild, the story is chaotic, and the action is relentless. While it’s fun solo, the real magic happens in co-op, where every mission turns into an explosive adventure.

You and your friends can choose from four unique Vault Hunters, each with different abilities and playstyles. Whether you’re summoning a mech, cloning yourself for extra firepower, or throwing elemental grenades, teamwork makes every battle even more exciting. The drop-in, drop-out co-op means you don’t have to stress about schedules—friends can join and leave whenever. And let’s be honest: arguing over legendary loot drops is half the fun. If you love FPS games with humor and insane weapon variety, this is a must-play.

 

2. Destiny 2 

Destiny 2 cover

If you’re into sci-fi and love the idea of teaming up with friends for epic battles, Destiny 2 is one of the best co-op shooters out there. Bungie’s mix of tight gunplay, deep lore, and massive PvE events keeps players coming back for more. The co-op shines in every aspect, from casual strikes to intense six-player raids that require precise teamwork and strategy.

Speaking of raids, they are some of the best multiplayer experiences in gaming. They test your skill, coordination, and patience, but the rewards make it all worth it. And if you just want to explore, the game’s open-world zones let you complete missions, take on world bosses, or just mess around with your fireteam. With new expansions always adding fresh content, Destiny 2 is the kind of game you and your friends can play for years.

 

3. Stardew Valley 

Stardew Valley

Not all co-op games need to be high-energy shooters. Stardew Valley is a charming farming sim that lets you and your friends build the perfect farm together. Whether you’re growing crops, raising animals, mining for resources, or just fishing by the river, this game is pure cozy vibes.

Co-op makes everything better. You can divide tasks, decorate your farm, and even get married (to an NPC… or to each other). It’s the perfect game to unwind with after a long day, and the freedom to play at your own pace makes it ideal for casual gaming sessions. But don’t let the cute pixel art fool you—there’s depth here, from mysterious caves to deep character relationships. If you’re looking for something relaxing yet engaging, this is the game to pick.

 

4. Sea of Thieves 

Sea of Thieves

Sailing the high seas is way more fun with friends, and Sea of Thieves makes sure every pirate adventure is a wild, unpredictable ride. You and your crew take control of a ship, battling rival crews, hunting for treasure, and surviving giant sea monsters.

Teamwork is everything. One person steers, another manages the sails, and someone needs to patch up holes when cannonballs start flying. No two voyages are ever the same—one moment you’re peacefully exploring an island, and the next, you’re being ambushed by skeleton pirates or chased by a Kraken. With constant updates adding new content, Sea of Thieves remains one of the best co-op experiences around.

 

5. Diablo 4 

Diablo IV

Few things feel as satisfying as teaming up with friends and absolutely demolishing hordes of enemies, and Diablo 4 delivers that in spades. This action RPG is all about building powerful characters, grinding for loot, and taking on monstrous bosses in dark dungeons.

The open-world design means you’ll run into other players, but co-op is where the game truly shines. You and your team can combine abilities to clear out dungeons faster, take down massive world bosses, and trade loot to optimize each other’s builds. Whether you prefer tanking as a Barbarian or summoning undead armies as a Necromancer, there’s a playstyle for everyone. If you love hack-and-slash RPGs, this is a must-play.

 

6. Portal 2 

Portal 2

If you and a friend love a good brain challenge, Portal 2 is hands-down one of the best co-op puzzle games ever made. It forces you to communicate, strategize, and sometimes accidentally (or intentionally) drop your friend into a pit of spikes.

The physics-based puzzles require both players to work together, using portals to reach new areas, activate switches, and solve mind-bending challenges. The humor is fantastic, and GLaDOS, the game’s sarcastic AI, makes the whole experience even better. Even if you’ve played the single-player campaign, the co-op mode is a completely different, must-play experience.

 

7. Overcooked 2

Overcooked 2

If you want a game that will test friendships (in the best way possible), Overcooked 2 is perfect. The goal? Cook and serve meals as quickly as possible. The problem? The kitchen is constantly changing, and absolute chaos unfolds every second.

One second you’re chopping veggies, the next you’re dodging fire, rats, and moving platforms. Communication is everything—someone needs to wash dishes, someone has to deliver the food, and everyone needs to stay calm (which never happens). It’s hilarious, frustrating, and incredibly fun. If you and your friends love games that require coordination and quick thinking, this is a must-play.

 

8. Fortnite 

Fortnite

Sure, Fortnite is known for its battle royale mode, but it’s also an excellent co-op experience with its creative mode and Save the World campaign. Whether you’re building crazy structures in Creative, completing challenges together, or surviving waves of enemies in Save the World, Fortnite offers more co-op options than people realize.

With constant updates, themed events, and cross-platform play, it’s one of the most accessible games out there. Plus, the battle royale mode is always more fun when you’ve got a squad to back you up. If you want a game with endless content and variety, Fortnite is a solid pick.

9. Minecraft 

Minecraft

What’s better than exploring a massive, blocky world? Doing it with friends. Minecraft is one of the most flexible co-op games ever, letting you and your friends build, explore, and survive however you want.

You can construct massive cities, dive into deep caves, fight the Ender Dragon, or just chill and farm. The best part? Every world feels unique, and the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re playing in Creative mode or struggling to survive in Hardcore, Minecraft offers some of the best co-op gameplay around. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, you can download custom maps or mods that completely change the game. There’s no wrong way to play, and that’s what makes Minecraft one of the best co-op games of all time.

 

10. A Way Out 

A Way Out

Unlike most co-op games that allow single-player, A Way Out is designed strictly for two players. This action-packed, story-driven game puts you and a friend in the roles of two prisoners trying to escape from jail. You’ll need to work together, whether it’s distracting guards, solving puzzles, or engaging in intense action sequences.

One of the most interesting aspects is how the game plays out in split-screen, even when playing online. This allows both players to see each other’s perspective at all times, making for some incredibly cinematic and immersive moments. The story is emotional, filled with twists, and the ending? Let’s just say you and your co-op partner won’t forget it anytime soon. If you love narrative-driven experiences, this is a must-play.

 

11. It Takes Two

It Takes Two

From the same developers as A Way Out, It Takes Two takes co-op storytelling to a whole new level. You and a friend play as a couple on the verge of divorce who are magically transformed into tiny dolls. What follows is one of the most creative and fun platforming adventures ever made.

Every level introduces new mechanics that require teamwork, whether it’s manipulating time, reversing gravity, or even using musical instruments to solve puzzles. The game constantly surprises you with fresh ideas, making sure no two sections feel the same. It’s packed with humor, emotion, and clever gameplay moments that will leave you and your co-op partner grinning the entire time. If you have a friend or partner to play with, It Takes Two is an absolute must-play.

 

12. Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 spiel

If you and your friends love RPGs, Baldur’s Gate 3 is hands-down one of the best co-op games available. Inspired by classic Dungeons & Dragons mechanics, this game offers deep storytelling, turn-based combat, and a world that reacts to your choices in ways that feel truly immersive.

You and your party can explore dungeons, engage in strategic battles, and interact with NPCs in a way that mirrors a true tabletop RPG experience. Every choice matters, and the game’s branching storylines mean that no two playthroughs are the same. Whether you’re sneaking into enemy camps, charming your way out of danger, or launching fireballs at everything in sight, Baldur’s Gate 3 is an unforgettable co-op adventure.

 

13. Deep Rock Galactic 

Deep Rock Galactic

Space dwarves, massive caves, and destructible environments—Deep Rock Galactic is one of the most unique co-op games out there. This first-person shooter has you and your friends working together as a team of dwarven miners, drilling through alien-infested caves to collect valuable resources.

Each mission is procedurally generated, so you never know what dangers or surprises await. You can choose from four distinct classes, each with their own abilities: the Gunner, Driller, Engineer, and Scout. The game requires real teamwork, as you navigate dangerous underground tunnels filled with hostile creatures. And let’s not forget the best part—calling in a supply drop and celebrating with some well-earned space beer after a successful mission.

 

14. Escape Academy 

Escape Academy

If you love escape rooms, then Escape Academy is the perfect co-op game. This unique puzzle game puts you and a friend in the role of students at a mysterious school where every test is an elaborate escape room.

You’ll have to solve riddles, crack codes, and uncover secrets to progress through increasingly difficult levels. The puzzles are designed to be solved together, meaning communication is key. Some challenges will require split-second decision-making, while others will test your ability to think outside the box. Whether you’re playing locally or online, Escape Academy is an incredibly fun and rewarding co-op experience.

 

15. Phasmophobia 

Phasmophobia

Horror and co-op don’t always go hand in hand, but Phasmophobia manages to make ghost hunting one of the most intense and fun multiplayer experiences. You and your team take on the role of paranormal investigators, using real ghost-hunting equipment to identify and survive encounters with spirits.

The game’s creepy atmosphere and realistic audio design make every session nerve-wracking. You’ll need to communicate with your team, use tools like spirit boxes and EMF readers, and gather enough evidence before the ghost decides it’s had enough of you. The best (or worst) part? The game’s voice recognition system allows the ghosts to hear and react to what you’re saying, so calling their name might not be the best idea. If you and your friends love a good scare, Phasmophobia is an unforgettable co-op horror experience.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for intense action, deep strategy, or lighthearted fun, these co-op games offer something for everyone. Co-op gaming isn’t just about playing together—it’s about creating hilarious, unforgettable moments with friends. So grab your squad, pick a game, and jump into some of the best multiplayer experiences gaming has to offer.