The 30 GREATEST Co-Op Games of All Time

Top 30 Greatest Co-Op Games of All Time

Welcome to MojoPlays, and guess the heck what? We’re gonna be here for a while, a damn GOOD while! Grab a friend, and sit back, these are the 30 Greatest Co-Op Games of All Time.

#30: “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” (2023)

We couldn’t talk great co-op games without the most famous video game duo team of all time making AT LEAST one appearance, and what better appearance than one of our latest adventures for the Super Mario Brothers! With decades of learning, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, takes everything that’s been good about previous co-op experiences in the series, and puts them to the test. For instance, you can enjoy local co-op with up to four players in the same household, each taking on different characters. Or, go online for a different kind of co-op experience. Play with your little brother, play with your older brother, play with your Mum! I DON’T CARE! IT WORKS NO MATTER WHAT!!

#29: “Lethal Company” (2023)

One of the newest gaming hits comes in the form of the ALWAYS fun Lethal Company. Gather some friends, and go planet to planet, hunting down scrap and avoiding terrifying monsters. It’s Phasmophobia meets treasure hunting... Meets me screaming A LOT. If you're searching for a top-notch survival horror game with a good dose of humor, Lethal Company is a recent standout that’s been making waves on TikTok... And I know what you’re thinking, but I promise that’s a good thing.

#28: “Remnant II” (2023)

I promise, having the first three entries be from 2023 is pure coincidence... That being said, well done 2023, you kicked it right in the low meat. When you're responsible for saving a world and preserving your very existence, it’s great not to tackle it solo. In Remnant II, you can choose to face the challenge alone or team up with a friend to share the load. As you explore the game's diverse worlds, you'll encounter formidable bosses that are tough to defeat alone. There’s a metaphor in there somewhere, but there’s 30 of these goddamn games to talk about, so let’s move on.

#27: “Borderlands II” (2012)

Well... No way this could be worse than the movie! …I’ve never seen the movie, I’m just jumping on the topic because I’m a piece of s***. Co-op gameplay is where Borderlands 2 (above all other Borderlands games) truly excels. The game's over-the-top humor shines brightest when two to four players are creating chaos together, and using a variety of weapons helps compensate for any single strategy’s shortcomings. While other Borderlands titles also provide fun experiences, Borderlands 2 stands out as the most finely tuned and polished of the series.

#26: “Twisted Metal: Black” (2001)

People often forget the PS2 as one of the best co-op systems, as their long LONG list of single player gems is so long and so substantial. BUT, there are at least 3, surely. When it comes to car combat on the PS2, Twisted Metal: Black is hard to surpass. This reboot of the classic Twisted Metal series keeps the arena shooter mechanics but introduces more characters and a darker narrative for two players to experience together.

#25: “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” (2015)

Don’t be confused, because a LOT of people are. You don’t need a VR headset to play this game anymore. Go play it with friends right now, because it is insanely fun. One player views a briefcase containing a bomb and various disarmament tools, which they must describe to their friends. The goal is to use the bomb disposal manual (which the friends manage) to defuse the device through effective communication and teamwork. The game is set against a ticking clock to heighten the suspense, and if you’re a loose cannon, like a certain person currently narrating this video, it’s gonna get loud.

#24: “Don’t Starve Together” (2014)

The impact of permadeath can destroy an entire weekend, but it feels far less daunting when experienced with a friend... Or a sibling. While you’ll still face the risk of dying in Don’t Starve Together, playing co-op offers the solace of shared responsibility and camaraderie... Or sibling rivalry-turned-cooperation. You can divide tasks and responsibilities, whether it's managing your home or farm or exploring the world for essential resources to survive another day together, sometimes reluctantly... If you guys can’t tell, I play this with my brother, and he’s a real piece of s***.

#23: “Deep Rock Galactic” (2018)

If you imagine Left 4 Dead with Lethal Company, then you’re close to what Deep Rock Galactic offers. This team-based shooter lets you and up to three friends blast off to a procedurally generated planet in search of valuable minerals. To succeed, you'll need to utilize your class-specific abilities, whether it’s using grappling hooks, creating platforms, illuminating dark caves, or screaming at everyone uselessly and not taking responsibility for your actions, BEN! You guys don’t know who Ben is, but trust me, this is funny to exactly two people... Which I think is worth it.

#22: “Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy” (2006)

Lego Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy offers a space-faring co-op experience that’s fun for all ages, contrasting the teen and adult focus of Star Wars: Battlefront II. With its simple drop-in/drop-out co-op feature, anyone can enjoy this vibrant take on George Lucas’ iconic space saga. I recently played with my nephew, who is 7, and it was still incredibly fun! We also played with my other nephew, who is 4, by giving him a fake controller, and luckily he’s 4 and dumb. Playing Lego Star Wars II in co-op is pure joy for anyone who loves these two beloved franchises.

#21: “State of Decay II” (2018)

Set in an open-world environment, State of Decay II lets you switch between different characters, each with unique traits and skills essential for survival, a staple of the original game. NOW, it’s co-op. You can team up with friends to build shelters, gather resources, and fend off zombie hordes, all while navigating dynamic day and night cycles. Vehicles are available for travel, which is some of the more fun times in your zombie friendship bonanza.

#20: “Destiny 2” (2017)

Bungie's sci-fi epic, Destiny 2, thrives on the ability to team up with other players at every turn. It also thrives on the ability to ruin friendships with their hours-long raids. The game offers a wide array of content, including Adventures, Strikes, Nightfalls, and six-person raids, all of which encourage cooperation. You'll also frequently join forces with random players you meet in the world, especially during Public Events that literally drop from the sky, challenging everyone nearby to fend off waves of enemies for extra loot. Warning, my friends call me the loot rat... And it’s not a compliment.

#19: “Phasmophobia” (2020)

This might be the entry that I’ve spent the most time playing in co-op on this list, and easily the game I’ve spent the most time screaming at ghosts while my friends tell me to calm down on the list. Players step into the role of investigators on a paranormal team, tasked with exploring various locations and identifying the types of spirits they encounter. It could be a wraith, it could be a poltergeist, it could be a piece of dust that I mistake for a ghoul, who knows?

#18: “Cuphead” (2017)

Who would have thought that this puffing billy visual style side scroller would cause me to throw a controller into a wall? Everyone? Everyone would have thought that? Yeah. You play as the titular Cuphead, while a second player can join as his brother, Mugman, as you navigate through various levels and intense boss fights to repay a debt to the Devil. The game is renowned for its stunning hand-drawn art style and a soundtrack that’s sure to be remembered for years. I ALSO played this game with my brother when I went home for Christmas, and let’s just say, I ruined Christmas... For real, I ruined Christmas.

#17: “Dead by Daylight” (2016)

Dead by Daylight is a survival horror game where one player assumes the role of a killer, while four others play as survivors. Over the years, the game has introduced unique content inspired by classic horror films and games, featuring iconic villains as the killers, including Freddie Krueger from A Nightmare On Elm Street, and the Demogorgon from Stranger Things. Recent additions include content from The Ring and the Silent Hill series.

#16: “Streets of Rage 4” (2020)

Here’s a classic series that you could really play any of and have the best time with up to three of your friends. Today however, we’re focusing on the latest entry, Streets of Rage 4. The series was a hit in the early ’90s for its side-scrolling beat 'em up action, and that appeal remains strong. Grab your mates and battle through waves of enemies, collecting dropped items and power-ups just like in the classic arcade game. If you enjoyed titles like The Simpsons arcade game, there’s a good chance you’ll love Streets of Rage 4. And I genuinely am not joking, the pizza place down the road from me just got rid of their Streets of Rage arcade machine to replace it with a TMNT arcade machine, and I’ve never been more mad.

#15: “Stardew Valley” (2016)

We had to pick an absolute banger for halfway through our list to wake everyone up, and of course, that entry can only go to the unbelievably therapeutic Stardew Valley. Stardew Valley gives you control of a neglected farm in a quiet town and challenges you to restore it to its former glory. However, the game is laid-back, you and your friends can take on as many or as few tasks as you like. You can chop wood and plant crops, fish and trade, craft and scavenge, or simply stroll around town, chatting with the friendly locals. It’s a great way to chill out, and not get mad at your friends for once. “Aidan, why are you standing completely still in my farm?” “I’m in the kitchen making myself a G&T” “Amazing, live your best life, homie”.

#14: “Sea of Thieves” (2018)

RARE was a staple developer and publisher of the 90s, putting out classics like Donkey Kong Country, Goldeneye 007, and Banjo Kazooie. Throughout the 2000s they were responsible for some substantial titles, but nothing like their 90s output. That was until Sea of Thieves, their landmark title that combined a beautiful world with fun gameplay. While you can play Sea of Thieves solo, the game truly shines when you’re creating and sharing stories with others. Crews of up to four can sail galleons, embarking on adventures that unfold from the various voyages you undertake.

#13: “Diablo IV” (2023)

At their core, the best Diablo games have always been about the relentless pursuit of ever-better loot. Having someone to share your latest, most coveted find with only enhances the excitement. Now I’d like to make it clear from the get-go, I wanted to put Diablo 2 on this list instead, but I was worried the internet would destroy me, because it seems that for co-op fans, Diablo 4 continues to deliver on those thrills, with an excellent campaign and evolving seasons that constantly introduce new challenges for you and your friends.

#12: “Monster Hunter World” (2018)

Hey, I can’t get my friends to get into Monster Hunter, so if you’re a cool human being who likes playing Monster-related games with chubby YouTubers, comment below, seeking teammates. While solo CAN still be fun, Monster Hunter: World masterfully preserves its complexity, challenge, and awe in multiplayer mode. Whether you’re tracking a majestic beast or goofing around at the hub, the thrill of preparing for a tough battle and narrowly surviving is something you have to experience with friends, not just your Palicos.

#11: “GTA Online” (2013)

There was a time when surviving GTA 5’s chaotic online world meant you needed a friend, or several, just to last more than a few seconds. “Alright guys, I’m gonna get in that car, ya’ll just watch my b-I’m dead”. Nowadays, though, there’s a vast array of activities to dive into, even without player-created objectives like ‘stab that guy in the mouth’, and ‘dance on his body’. After years of updates and new content, GTA Online has evolved into a massive digital playground filled with things to do with friends. Player made activities turn it from an online game to an online community.

#10: “Star Wars Battlefront II” (2005)

Don’t get us confused here, although the modern Star Wars Battlefront II is a totally fine co-op experience, none of the Battlefront games have managed to live up to the pure beast status that the 2005 entry did, which brought the galaxy far, far away to the PlayStation 2. The standout feature of Star Wars: Battlefront II is its co-op-friendly Galactic Conquest mode. This mode challenges players to take over the galaxy through epic space battles that seamlessly transition to ground combat. Teaming up with a friend to engage in battles from both the original and prequel trilogies lets you fulfill your dreams of facing AT-ATs on Hoth, battling Gungans on Naboo, and Widdlesnops on Linglorm... What’s funny to me, is that if I didn’t say anything, there are a lot of people who wouldn’t have batted an eye just now.

#9: “Fortnite” (2017)

We couldn’t possibly do a multiplayer list without talking about Fortnite, which enrages me with equal levels of hate and respect. Fortnite is a prime example of a game that becomes even more enjoyable with friends, and its immensely popular Battle Royale mode is completely free. Playing with friends not only increases your chances of surviving waves of husks and building the ultimate base, but it also provides valuable XP boosts and better opportunities to acquire some of Fortnite’s extensive collection of rare loot. It also means you can prove that playing Fortnite doesn’t mean you have no friends, and that officially marks my 100th Fortnite joke for Mojo.

#8: “Minecraft” (2011)

Yes, Minecraft is everywhere right now, and for good reason! Its digital building block world offers limitless creative potential. We probably could have stopped at games though, and left movies alone... But we’ll see. You can join friends to construct everything from whimsical structures to impressive engineering marvels, or just roam around causing chaos and hanging out. Its open-ended nature means you and your friends can engage in anything, from a casual evening of fun to a more ambitious, long-term project.

#7: “Overcooked 2” (2018)

Overcooked 2 might sound straightforward, prepare a series of meals as chefs within a time limit, but it’s anything but easy. In fact, it caused more party gaming arguments in my life than Mario Party. With up to four players, keeping track of the various commands, requirements, and kitchen hazards becomes increasingly challenging, and if communication isn’t your strong suit, then you’re doomed once you get deeper into this game.

#6: “Left 4 Dead” (2008)

Left 4 Dead is a prime example of Xbox 360’s cooperative gameplay capabilities. The game emphasizes co-op play, allowing players to engage in four different modes, either together on one screen or online via Xbox Live. (I played it on PC, but if you dare emphasize the PC version over the Xbox 360, the fanboys will come for you). It offers more replay value than many other games on this list. Like Portal 2, the game has received numerous awards and is widely recognized as one of the greatest co-op adventures of the late 2000s.

#5: “Halo: The Master Chief Collection” (2014)

I took all the risk out of this entry by cramming a lot of Halo games into one entry. You may call me cowardly, or opportunistic... That’s all. All four campaigns can be enjoyed either solo or cooperatively with others, but why would you go solo? Each of the original four games has been remastered for modern consoles, offering a fantastic demonstration of the value of cooperative play. Pick your favourite, and go have fun.

#4: “BattleBlock Theatre” (2013)

Co-op platforming can be a blast, but it often comes with frustrations as players frequently get in each other’s way. Battleblock Theater embraces the inherent absurdity of this concept and turns it into something hilariously enjoyable. Its cleverly designed levels capitalize on co-op dynamics while reveling in the inevitable comedy of errors, creating a delightfully chaotic experience. Making it a recommendation for both platformer enthusiasts and anyone seeking a great multiplayer experience is not a difficult thing to do.

#3: “Portal 2” (2011)

Who didn’t see this one coming? Portal 2 is a classic, and if you haven’t played it yet, you’re in for one of the best co-op experiences ever, and also one of the best single player experiences ever, BUT NO TIME FOR THAT RIGHT NOW. The co-op campaign presents a significant increase in difficulty from the already challenging original, and also, it’s a totally separate game within the game! So you basically get two games for the price of one, which is a lot for a developer to do, so praise where it’s earnt. You and a friend, each controlling a charming robot, will need to work together to solve test chambers. Precision is key, if one player jumps a moment too early or presses a button too late, the entire plan can burn up in tears and punching, and then more tears.

#2: “Baldur’s Gate 3” (2023)

In today’s gaming landscape, many expansive titles offer co-op or multiplayer modes to enjoy with friends. If you’re looking for an RPG experience with this feature, Baldur’s Gate 3 is the game to try, and it does it unlike any other. It’s hard to create a new experience this far into gaming history, but somehow they did it. The best part is that it’s not a case of one player leading while others follow. Instead, all players are equal partners in the journey. With up to four players in a party, you have numerous ways to approach the game, coordinate to defeat powerful bosses, embark on separate quests, or even create some chaos among your group just for fun. And it IS fun.

#1: “It Takes Two” (2022)

Now, we made the choice to just include one game from this developer as their other title A Way Out, could have easily taken the 2nd spot. But, to be fair to others, we’ve given them one spot, with their groundbreaking co-op title, It Takes Two. In this game, you control a husband and wife who have been transformed into dolls by their daughter, upset about their impending divorce. It's a magical experience that constantly changes as you progress, keeping gameplay fresh from beginning to end.