The best co-op games of all time

What are the best co-op games? Games offer up magic in lots of different guises, but working with a friend to achieve a goal is, arguably, where they shine. So what are the titles that will pull friends together and offer the best cooperative group-based thrills?

The great thing about the horror games. These are some of the very best co-op games for you to share with your favorite people.

The best co-op games in 2025 are:

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World of Tanks

World of Tanks is a game that puts you into the driver's seat of tanks from throughout history as you reenact famous battles… if that sounds a bit dour, there are crossovers with things like Warhammer or Terminator that keep things interesting. Either way, it's basically a game about getting in tanks and blowing things up.

So, where's the co-op angle? Well, you and up to thirteen friends can work together as a team when doing battle against foes on the internet. Together, you can formulate the best strategies for eliminating your enemies, working cooperatively to dominate the battlefield… or maybe you can just all go around blowing up as many people as possible, favoring fun over tactics. However you enjoy playing (even if that's on the go, thanks to the separate mobile version), this is a game worth trying and one of the best tank games we've ever encountered.

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Fragpunk

Competitive FPS games make for excellent co-op experiences, allowing you to strategize and work with a team in order to win matches, and what better way to work as a tight-knit squad than a free-to-play game? Enter Fragpunk, an exhilarating shooter that balances competitive action and casual play for co-op squads of all kinds.

With excellent gun play and a range of heroes to choose from, Fragpunk excels at giving you plenty of action without having to buy the game. An arsenal of weapons to choose from lets you and your team decide how to handle every match, while the interesting mechanic of Shard Cards can change how you engage with the game with fantastic abilities. Be sure to read our Fragpunk tier list to stay on top of which Lancers you should pick and avoid.

There are a few currencies and microtransactions that you can grab if you're looking to outfit your arsenal with some cool-looking skins, or perhaps you want to speed up the progression and unlock different Lancers, but these are only optional – the non-stop action that Fragpunk provides is completely free to enjoy. You can also redeem Fragpunk codes to claim in-game goodies, saving you from having to spend any real cash.

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Schedule 1

There aren't many things more appealing than becoming your own boss, and that's even better when you can do it with people you love. Establish a thriving business alongside three of your friends in Schedule 1, taking you from humble beginnings in your home to renting out multiple buildings across the Schedule 1 map.

The key to living out your dreams is to make customers are always satisfied.

Split Fiction

Co-op game experts, Hazelight Studios, has expanded its excellent portfolio with Split Fiction, taking players on a journey through the works of a science-fiction and fantasy authors, Mio and Zoe. Your journey begins as the pair get a chance to experience their work through the power of their publisher's futuristic technology, but things go wrong when Mio ends up in Zoe's creations. This leads to a clash of heads as these two very different writers are forced to work together to stop the publisher from stealing their ideas.

As our Split Fiction review highlights, this might be Hazelight Studios best game yet, blending multiple genres with unique settings to create an unforgettable co-op experience.

Monster Hunter Wilds

The latest and arguably greatest installment in the Monster Hunter series, Monster Hunter Wilds "improves on almost every aspect of World to deliver a tremendous adventure" according to Ken's glowing 9/10 Monster Hunter Wilds review. He was so impressed by Capcom's best-seller that he even reckons it's "the most rewarding action RPG around" if you can navigate its steep learning curve.

Monster Hunter Wilds comes with a tweaked co-op system that aims to make it easier than ever for you and your pals to go hunting together – check out our MH Wilds crossplay guide to make sure you can play across platforms.

Remnant 2

Remnant 2 is a third-person shooter that incorporates the best roguelike and soulslike game mechanics to bring challenge laced with that urge for "one more run." Its original multiverse sends players on a whirlwind trip through fantastical realms that echo Bloodborne and H.R. Geiger, alongside original worlds that players will recall from Remnant: From the Ashes.

You can embark on this journey alone, but bringing a pal or two along is an unparalleled experience. Loot, shoot, and craft your best builds to take down powerful weapons, and more.

Dead by Daylight

Probably the most popular and well-known asymmetrical horror multiplayer game right now, Dead by Daylight has been going from strength to strength over the last eight years. Despite the occasional grumblings from either killer mains or survivors mains, DBD remains popular, with tens of thousands of players entering the Fog every day.

Of course, there are aspects of both cooperative and PvP in Dead by Daylight depending on which team you pick, but if it's co-op play you're looking for, it doesn't come much more life and death than as a DBD survivor. Whether playing with friends or strangers, getting out is really only possible when you work together. Five generators need fixing and one of two doors needs opening, and there's no way you're doing it alone. Keep an eye on the HUD on the left-hand side of your screen to see what everyone else is up to, whether they're keeping the killer off your tail or working hard on an objective, or communicating in voice chat for even better results. Sadly, there is no in-game voice chat for online strangers, but we'd say there's something enjoyable (if not also frustrating) in those solo queue games.

Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2

We've played plenty of Warhammer 40k games in the past that have lacked elements that would take the game to a different level. Well, it appears Space Marine 2 has finally managed to unlock the series' potential, culminating in an excellent third-person shooter. Stepping into the big shoes of Lieutenant Demetrian Titus, you're tasked with destroying swarms of Tyranids currently plaguing the galaxy.

Space Marine often gets compared to the Gears of War series, but it's fair to say the series has gone in a different direction that elevates the third-person shooter genre. While you do have an arsenal of Space Marine 2 weapons to pick from, there are six classes to select which all feature unique abilities, giving you the freedom to customize aspects of your Space Marine to suit your playstyle. Grab two friends and make your way through the campaign, taking you from planet to planet as you wipe out waves of deadly Tyranids.

Chained Together

indie game's name suggests, you're also chained together, forcing you to traverse platforms with careful planning and coordination in a hellish prison break that'll test your friendship to the limit.

Chained Together can be played solo, but the single-player experience doesn't match up to the perfect blend of hilarity and exasperation that comes with trying to fight against janky physics and your co-op partner's reflexes. It also includes local and remote play, letting you spend a glorious evening bickering on the couch with your sibling, parent, or housemate. If you enjoy physics-based "rage bait" like Getting Over It and Only Up, Chained Together is the co-op game for you.

Sker Ritual

Fans of zombie killing may be aware of Sker Ritual, the latest wave-based shooter from Wales Interactive, the developers behind the survival horror game, Maid of Sker. Sker Ritual ramps up the intensity and introduces a co-op element, giving you the chance to bring three other players with you as you take on the frightening waves of Quiet Ones.

Sker Ritual has been attracting old-school Call of Duty Zombies fans for its Easter Egg-filled maps. providing fun weapons and abilities that you can use to wipe out oncoming hordes of enemies. Sker Ritual 1.0 finally launched in 2024, tidying the last few remaining game-breaking bugs and adding some more chapters to the game's story.

Lightyear Frontier

Everybody loves a cozy farming game, but Frame Break, the developers of Lightyear Frontier, has found a way to improve that classic formula by adding mechs. That's right, you and up to three friends can climb aboard versatile mechs as you explore an alien world filled with unique crops, animals, and mysteries. While mechs are known for their destructive capabilities in some games, Lightyear Frontier features no combat whatsoever, you don't have to worry about getting into any fights.

What you do need to worry about are general farming chores, things like finding Caroot Oil to unlock special mech upgrades. Lightyear Frontier is a nice reminder that video games don't always have to be about violence, they can be about fun farming adventures with your friends.

Helldivers 2

One of the more surprising hits of 2024 is the drastically different sequel to Helldivers, which was originally a twin-stick shooter. Arrowhead Game Studios has struck gold with Helldivers 2 loadouts frequently, you gain access to new stratagems and other tools to make short work of those arachnid scum.

All that said, it can be quite tricky to as the Helldivers 2 weapons for their arsenal.

Lethal Company

your mates on a mission to make some quick cash for the mystery 'Company'. All you need to do is land on a random planet, acquire some scrap, and trade it in for some cash. Sounds easy, right? Well, every planet is home to some of the most horrifying and deadly Lethal Company monsters you've ever seen, capable of wiping you out within seconds of seeing them. Fortunately, with a little help from your friends, a bit of teamwork and coordination is all you need to survive.

What makes this game so special is that you have to rely on the in-game communication system, forcing players to stick together to be heard correctly. You might think you're doing well, but it only takes a second for your teammate to stop replying suddenly. Once you realize you're on your own, you're going to need some luck heading back to your ship. Considering how cheap the base game is, it's no surprise to see how popular Lethal Company has become on Steam, breaking numerous records as the highest-selling Steam game in November 2023.

It Takes Two

This glorious co-op platformer takes the concept of Honey I Shrunk the Kids and instead shrinks two bickering parents down to the size of small dolls. On the verge of a divorce and arguing in front of their daughter, Cody and May must work together to get back to their bodies after they're mysteriously turned into tiny, walking toys.

Each area offers something different, from every little nook and cranny of the tool shed to the boughs and alcoves of garden trees. You'll meet quirky characters along the way, including an army of squirrels, talking tools, and menacing bosses that embody old arguments between the couple.

The Book of Love is the irritating guide who pops up on your quest, providing tools for each player like a hammer and nails or a grapple, forcing you to work together to reach new places as you swoop, swing, and climb to solve puzzles in this charming and twee tale of love and hope. Unsurprisingly, all the positive It Takes Two reviews made it one of the highest-reviewed games back in 2021, so don't just take our word for it. 

Diablo 4

The long-awaited RPG game is finally here, and it's precisely what fans have been asking for from Blizzard. There's nothing better than working together with your mates in co-op as you rip and tear your way through Hell's minions. Featuring five couch co-op is exclusive to console s. Bummer.

According to our 10/10 Diablo 4 best builds article to discover how you should be spending your skill points.

Portal 2

Valve's hugely clever, genuinely funny puzzler is frequently cited as the king of co-op. And with good reason. Success in Portal 2 requires genuine teamwork to solve conundrums, preventing that frequent co-op problem of one player running off and impatiently doing everything before the other has a chance to even move the mouse. A microphone and a good friend are recommended, but Portal 2 has a neat voiceless chat system that uses emotes and pointing to make co-op with strangers easier in the puzzle game.

While the original Portal is rightly heralded as one of the best games of all time, there's no denying this sequel's dedicated co-op campaign is also a work of genius. And Portal 2 is rarely more clever than when it throws up puzzles that require both players to work together simultaneously. More than the amazing noodle-scratchers, though, it's the addition of Steam Workshop features that makes Portal 2's co-op a must-play. The range of -created puzzle chambers is vast, with phenomenally well-designed challenges that can make Valve's work seem like preschool logic toys.

Don't Starve Together

A game that lets you share moments you'll never want to speak of again. Example? In Don't Starve Together, you can kill and eat your pig-men slaves while your chums watch.

Klei's Burton-esque open-world game remains open, and your pockets are just as empty – but this time, another player or three can you in an identical predicament. The standalone game currently features two modes. You can either spawn next to your fellow survivors and enjoy infinite lives or be scattered randomly across the map and be subject to permadeath.

In the first, dead players can float about as ghosts and drive the rest of the gang mad. That's not a figure of speech – a good haunting will lower their sanity and put their lives in even greater danger. Resurrection is easy, for a price: a piece of your max health. Weird and unique, Don't Starve Together isn't just a great co-op game; it's also one of the best survival games on PC. While the isolation of the brilliant original was one of its strengths, fending off starvation together is simply a better way to live.

Cuphead

This devilishly difficult co-op game becomes a little easier when you add a Mugman to the mix. Well, that's not entirely true, but at least it gives you someone to blame when you die repeatedly to a 1930s-style wibbly carnation, as beautifully animated as it is unsettling.

Playing as the eponymous Cuphead and his crockery-in-crime Mugman, you make your way through a top-down overworld, unlocking new areas by beating levels that usually consist of boss fights with multiple evolving stages. Learning the enemy's various attack patterns and coordinating parries and attacks is key to victory, but if – no, let's face it, when – one of you messes up and takes a projectile too many, you're able to parry their immortal soul back to the land of the living – if you can reach them in time before they slip off-screen into the afterlife.

While Cuphead is famed for its difficulty, don't let that put you off – failing over and over again is all part of the appeal, and it means you forge real animosity toward the grinning cartoon villains you're up against.

Borderlands 3

After a hefty hiatus, you may have expected more change in Gearbox Software's looter shooter FPS. Borderlands 3 does boast plenty of new content, but the core gameplay loop of slaying, looting new guns, and slaying again is untouched, and that's a good thing. Of course, this time around there are a ridiculous one billion guns to get hold of, and even more shiny gold Borderlands 3 legendary weapons to farm.

But the best changes to Borderlands 3 can be found in its refined co-op gameplay. The four new Borderlands 3 builds in co-op are a sight to behold, with Fl4k's pets marauding around, Zane juking foes with clones, and Amara phase-shifting enemies into the air for Moze to pummel in her giant mech.

Welcome additions to the Borderlands 3 endgame, like the Proving Grounds game mode, Mayhem Mode, and Guardian ranks, provide you and your friends with plenty to do after the credits have rolled. And perhaps best of all, there's now an option to instanced loot, so if you're playing co-op with random players online, then you won't have to race to hoover up all of that loot.

The Division 2

Good co-op action has been woven into the fabric of The Division from the word go. As you can read from our The Divison 2 review, everything was pretty good from the word go, but it makes sense for it to excel in multiplayer, as any military-influenced game worth its salt delivers on themes of friendship and teamwork — alongside some chuffin' good loot. While some bounced off Ubisoft's post-apocalyptic shooter due to a lack of endgame content, Ubisoft gradually expanded on the game, taking it from strength to strength with a slew of updates. All of that work is present in The Division 2's Washington setting, which is why it's one of the best co-op games on PC.

Much like the original, you can take to the battlefield with three pals to take down gangs of looters and pyromaniacs. Aside from the story, you can also take your squad into the Dark Zone, where you'll go shoulder-to-shoulder with other players to duke it out for more loot. There's a wonderful hint of role-play to it, too. If you'd like to play the good guy and protect others from getting picked on, that's fine. Want to be the big baddie dishing out the hurt? That's doable, too – if not slightly mean.

Once you're geared to your ears with Warlords of New York, which lets you boost to level 30 to enjoy blasting your way around the Big Apple.

Destiny 2

If the PC launch of Destiny 2 has been your first introduction to Bungie's colossal console game, then you may have initially been a bit confused. As you can read in our original online game equivalent of a bar where you can shoot aliens – it all comes together as one of PC's best co-op games.

Be it speeding across a planet's surface on a Sparrow hoverbike, spelunking into a cave searching for powerful loot, or taking on PvE strikes for new free MMO's activities are tuned to work at their best when played with friends.

Combining class skills, mastering Destiny 2 The Final Shape review to see what we thought of Bungie's epic finale.

Fortnite

Ditching the unbearably brown color scheme Epic has loved so much in the past, Fortnite instead favors a lurid and vibrant style that's now brought to life by Unreal Engine 5. Its battle royale mode has practically taken over the world, becoming one of the most popular free PC games around.

Epic has managed to keep the game feeling fresh by launching regular updates, including Fortnite skins. Fortnite is the only game where you can group up with Naruto, Kratos, Magneto, and Spider-Man to take down rival players. If that's not something to love, we don't know what to tell you.

Overcooked 2

Undoubtedly, Overcooked 2 is the most insane, stressful, and joyful game on this list. Tasking four players with making food may sound simple, but as anyone who's ever worked in catering will tell you, a kitchen is the devil's own workhouse. As timers tick down, you'll need to coordinate on veg chopping, burger frying, soup stirring, and dishwashing. Each subsequent level introduces a more varied menu and increasingly complex dishes.

A set of incredibly designed levels only adds to the challenge; sometimes your restaurant will be broken in two by an earthquake, meaning you'll have to not only cooperate in separate halves but time things so you can them to the right side of the kitchen when the opportunity arises. It's this chaos that creates Overcooked's best moments. Like the best strategy games on PC, this charming cook-'em-up demands constant thought and communication. Shield your ear as screams cross the living room as you gleefully panic your way to victory.

Left 4 Dead 2

One of Valve's true classics, Left 4 Dead 2, puts the focus on tight teamwork against the backdrop of an exceptionally gruesome zombie outbreak. Thanks to the sheer number of undead, it's vital to stick together and assess threats at each turn of the campaign's sprawling maps. You'll need to make sure there's always someone ready to save you from a surprise, special infected attack, or to help thin the horde so you can make your escape.

It's best played with friends equipped with headsets, as the frantic pace means you need to be able to re-plan and alert your friends within seconds of things happening. But playing with strangers isn't impossible, especially if they're willing to teach you a few tricks. Try to keep away from filling spaces up with bots, though: they're barely capable with a gun and won't help you respawn should you die. Spiritual successor Back 4 Blood doesn't quite reach the same lofty heights, so even though it's getting on a bit, Left 4 Dead co-op is still one of the best games around.

Minecraft

Minecraft is one of the most popular single-player games of the last decade, but it's also an incredibly fun co-op game. You might not be able to play couch co-op in Minecraft, but if you know Minecraft builds before halving the fear of entering the Nether and the difficulty of defeating the Ender Dragon.

There are also some fantastic and creative co-op Minecraft maps at your disposal, a lot of which play out like Portal 2, requiring both players to work together – but there's also plenty that pit you against one another if that's more your style.

Vermintide 2

Vermintide 2 is a sequel that addresses pretty much every qualm you had with the original splat-the-rat simulator. Not enough enemy variation? Here are several new boss types and heaps of Chaos grunts to hack, slash, shoot, and burn your way through. Wanted more class-based progression? Now, every hero has three specializations for you to level through, effectively tripling the number of classes for the sequel. Is Vermintide 1 too dank and dreary? Vermintide 2 maps are plentiful, varied, and gorgeous.

All of this builds on the already perfect chassis of one of the best co-op games of all time, Left 4 Dead 2. Swapping zombies out for rat men and rotting Chaos troops is the easy part, though: what Vermintide 2 really nails is making you feel every decapitation, bludgeoning, and incineration. Combat might be a simple case of clicking until all the vermin have been turned to gore, but you won't notice that, as every weapon feels as good as Unreal Tournament Flak Cannon. Pop three of your best mates alongside you, and there are few better ways to whittle away the hours.

Valheim

If you love Valheim bosses, but it's a lot more relaxing than it sounds. Valheim slows down the pace of progression as you forage for materials, slowly build up your base, and earn better gear, fighting enemies along the way.

You can set up a dedicated Valheim server, too, so you can play online with up to nine other people in PvE. From defending your base against trolls to taming boars and brewing beer — Valheim is a beautiful journey, and still receives substantial updates, adding new bosses, biomes, and items.

Tetris Effect Connected

One of our favorite relaxing games, Tetris Effect Connected is undoubtedly one of the best co-op games, too, since the chilled version of the classic block-dropping game lets you compete with pals for the win or work together for the best score — with even the competitive mode somehow still retaining the relaxing feel of the game thanks to its gorgeous wallpapers and soothing soundtrack. Forget a tense atmosphere and fierce arguments. Tetris Effect Connected is perfect for a little friendly competition.

Baldur's Gate 3

Group up with three of your mates as you explore the dense world of Baldur's Gate 3, Larian Studios' latest smash hit. Whether you're playing as a custom character or an Origin hero like Shadowheart, there's so much to do and discover in the Forgotten Realms, and somehow, Larian has found a way to make the game work seamlessly in co-op for up to four players.

Baldur's Gate 3 review to see what we thought of 2023's GOTY.

Elden Ring

Souls fans understand the pain and pleasure that comes with each of the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree expansion finally here, there's a brand-new set of bosses to tear your hair out over.

The fun doesn't stop there if you're playing on PC, however, as you have access to Elden Ring mods. Unlike the stock game which only allows you to summon your friends at specific moments, the Seamless Co-op removes this limitation entirely, giving you the freedom to explore The Lands Between with multiple people.

Ghost of Tsushima

Sony's strategy of bringing its console-exclusive games to PC continues to pay off for us computer s, with Ghost of Tsushima being the latest game in the pipeline. If you thought Ghost of Tsushima was worth picking up for the campaign, you're in luck, as you're also going to love the Legends co-op mode.  The Director's Cut version of the game includes the underrated Legends co-op game mode, a four-player samurai adventure with supernatural elements compared to the grounded main campaign.

Each player gets to control a ninja as they attempt to take down the villainous entity known as Iyo, represented by a large white mask. Working together, the ninja squad must coordinate their attacks, dropping items like smoke bombs at the right time to wipe out a group of enemies in just a few seconds. Give our excellent Ghost of Tsushima review a read to see what we thought of Insomniac Games' newest series.

We Were Here Forever

If you're looking for a co-op puzzler that hinges on seamless teamwork with your bestie, then the We Were Here games are for you. The latest installment in the long-running series, We Were Here Forever, traps you and your duo in the drab confines of Castle Rock. Together, you'll have to work your way through a litany of beautifully presented conundrums to earn your freedom.

While you can sit in a Discord call and yap to each other, we highly recommend utilizing the in-game walkie-talkie system to fully immerse yourselves in the experience. Most puzzles require a constant stream of communication, as one player searches for the solution to the other's stumbling block. If you're not entirely sold, the original We Were Here is free-to-play, offering itself up as a taster for you to enjoy.

Pummel Party

The ultimate test of dexterity, wit, and your friendships, Pummel Party is the perfect co-op party game if you've got a bone to pick with your homies – or if you just want to launch them into the abyss (in-game, of course). This board game-based experience incorporates tons of amazing minigames that up to four of you can simultaneously enjoy locally, or eight of you if you play online. Pummel Party's devilishly good fun, and you should all prepare to lose hours of your lives to it.

Those are our picks of the best co-op games. 2024 has graced us with some of the best social deduction games – where you only have to pretend to cooperate?