Top 10 Best Co-Op Video Games
#10: “Castle Crashers” (2008)
The beat ‘em up genre is a tried and true method of couch co-op greatness. And “Castle Crashers” is one of the best of the modern era. The game follows four knights tasked with defeating an evil wizard, who of course has piles of minions to throw at you and your friends. With a cartoonish art style, character design, and humor, “Castle Crashers” makes for a silly and delightful playthough. But its gameplay, which is simple enough for anyone to pick up, also makes it a blast to slash and bash your way through enemies. Fans of “Castle Crashers” should also check out the developer’s other great couch co-op games, such as the increasingly whacky platformer, “BattleBlock Theater”.
#9: “Snipperclips Plus” (2017)
While some only had eyes for “Breath of the Wild” in the Switch’s launch line-up, those wanting a game to play with others found the undeniably charming “Snipperclips.” Players control the appropriately named Snip and Clip, rotating and cutting them into different shapes to solve puzzles. The game is filled with beautiful “A-ha!” moments for you and a friend to bask in. And the cute craft aesthetic never wears out its welcome. The game was such a treat that an enhanced version was released less than a year later. With 30 extra levels and new modes, there’s a lot here that can be enjoyed by any type of player.
#8: “Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2” (2009)
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Before the MCU adapted the “Civil War” comic storyline, fans got the chance to play through it. This action RPG placed players on either Team Cap or Team Iron Man. It was nice to experience both sides of the story, which connected at certain points. But the biggest draw was obviously the massive and varied roster, which includes Wolverine, the Human Torch, Green Goblin, Storm, and a whole lot of others. While not very deep, it’s a great mix of beat ‘em up and dungeon crawler. Different groups of heroes offer various stat boosts and special fusion attacks make the team-ups all the more impressive.
#7: “Unravel Two” (2018)
Players can control both Yarnys themselves in this puzzle platformer, but it is much more enjoyable with a pal. Following a devastating storm, one yarn doll washes up on shore and connects, literally, with another. From there, communication is the foundation for how you’ll make it through. With the dolls linked, you’ll need to come up with solutions to each platforming obstacle and puzzle. Much like the first one, the level design in “Unravel Two” is comprised of lovingly recreated, upscaled versions of the real world. There’s also a touching tale that plays out in its background, which you and your friend will love exploring from a unique perspective.
#6: “Cuphead” (2017)
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Studio MDHR saw the difficulty of classic run and gunners and said, “We can top that.” “Cuphead” follows the titular hero and his brother Mugman as they collect souls owed to the Devil in order to save their own. Though its animation and music is wonderful, the bosses will pummel you again and again. It’s more than worth it to add a second player, even if it does make each foe beefier. The ability to revive each other, instead of starting a lengthy fight over upon death, is a literal life saver. Plus, there’s nothing like the shared feeling of vanquishing an annoying boss together. “Cuphead” is made for those glorious moments.
#5: “Overcooked! All You Can Eat” (2020)
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The “Overcooked” series is one of the most joyfully frantic co-op experiences money can currently buy. “All You Can Eat” bundles together both games and all DLC for the most complete food-filled adventure. Players control a pair of chefs as they prepare various dishes for hungry customers. However, dishes get more complex as you go on and you’ll also have to deal with dirty dishes, fires, and a variety of obstacles. The themed levels, which can have you cooking on a pirate ship or above lava, will certainly keep you on your toes. You’ll be shouting orders at each other in no time as hazards hinder your progress and the time limit ticks down. For similar hectic gameplay, players should also check out “Moving Out”.
#4: “Rayman Legends” (2013)
“Rayman Legends” is a whacky, action-packed platformer that’s plenty of fun by yourself. But adding another player or two just means you can share in the game’s zany shenanigans. The game follows Rayman and friends as they rescue each world’s princesses and citizens called Teensies. Gameplay is simple but incredibly fun, having you bash, dash, bounce, and float your way through obstacles. Its sound design is also superb, from the silly enemy sound effects to the stellar soundtrack. That would be enough, but there are also more than 40 remastered levels from “Rayman Origins,” an appreciated inclusion.
#3: “It Takes Two” (2021)
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It didn’t win Best Multiplayer Game at the 2021 Game Awards for nothing. “It Takes Two” follows a soon-to-be-divorced couple who are transferred into the bodies of their daughter’s homemade dolls. Like “Unravel,” it does a great job at turning ordinary environments like a garage and a bedroom into sprawling levels. The gameplay is honestly splendid, with every area bringing in different mechanics. And both characters get different abilities or items, heightening the focus on cooperation. One clock-themed level saw Cody reverse time and May make copies of herself to solve puzzles. Regardless of level, “It Takes Two” is a collaborative game you will cherish. It and 2018’s “A Way Out” have made Hazelight Studios a haven for great cooperative experiences.
#2: “Super Mario 3D World” (2013)
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Mario has starred in several co-op games, but “Super Mario 3D World” is the peak. It combines the unique character styles of “Super Mario Bros. 2,” the chaos of “New Super Mario Bros. Wii,” and the freedom of 3D Mario into one pristine package. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad travel to the Sprixie Kingdom to put an end to Bowser’s tyranny. It can be a lot of fun running around its levels together, or a lot of stress depending on who you’re playing with. There are fun new power-ups like the Lucky Bell that turns players into cats. There’s even a fun competitive twist over who gets the most points, and therefore wears the crown. It’s multiplayer Mario at its most inventive. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“‘Splosion Man” (2009) & “Ms. Splosion Man” (2011)
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“Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime” (2015)
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LEGO Games
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“Secret of Mana” (1993)
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#1: “Portal 2” (2011)
Sure, the single-player campaign is more than enjoyable. But the co-op campaign makes “Portal 2” one of the most creatively ingenious sequels we’ve ever had the pleasure of playing. It utilizes the same gameplay hook that made the first so enjoyable; use the Portal gun to transfer yourself and objects around each room to solve puzzles. But adding another player brings a whole new layer to that creativity. Puzzles are designed around having two players and therefore four portals. And they’re all so good that they’ll make you and your friend feel like bonafide geniuses for solving them. The game is excellently balanced and produces memories that only the best co-op games can.
