The 25 best co-op games to play in 2026

Peak screenshot showing players climbing an icy cliff

(Image credit: Aggro Crab | Landfall)

If you're looking for the best co-op games you can play with friends and family in 2026, then we're here to help.

Whether you're looking for something that will test your communication and teamworking skills, or you're looking share in some best game stories together, there's so much out there to explore. Here, we've brought together a varied selection of fantastic co-op games and included information on what platforms you can play them on, whether they're online or local co-op, and the number of players they support so you can find something to suit you.

The best co-op games to play in 2026, starting with...

25. Forza Horizon 5

Co-op style: Online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Number of players: Up to 6

Forza Horizon 5 is the latest and most polished entry in Playground Games open-world series, and happily, you can happily experience what is one of the best racing games around right now with pals.

First releasing on Xbox Series X and PC before landing on PS5 in 2025, Forza Horizon 5 cross-play support means you can also explore Mexico and race with friends and family across platforms. If you're decided whether you should hit road, be sure to check out our Forza Horizon 5 review.

24. Escape Academy

A screenshot of one of the best co-op games, Escape Academy. — (Image credit: Skybound Games)

Co-op style: Online and Local
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch
Number of players: 2

If you love the inherent chaos, cleverness, and silliness of real-life escape rooms, then Escape Academy needs to be on your radar. It's a series of digital escape rooms, which are best experienced in co-op, as you'll usually want one of you on the puzzle itself and the other walking around the space looking for clues. It's brilliantly interactive and does well to incorporate the obscure puzzling you might expect from an escape room into this digital experience.

23. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

A bomb with a timer and other panels in Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Co-op type: Local
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Switch, iOS, Android
Number of players: 2

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is uniquely brilliant take on the co-op experience and demands your attention. While previously played with a VR headset, the standard mode allows you to work together with a pal as one looks at the screen to defuse the bomb, while the other uses a booklet of bomb-defusal documents.

The person directly handling the defusal sees a briefcase with a bomb in it and various devices to disarm, which they describe to people in the real world. The idea is to use the bomb disposal docs to defuse the device by... actually talking to each other and cooperating. It's all set to a time limit to add tension, and bombs get increasingly tricky to dismantle as you play. It's brilliant fun and one of the best party games to play right now.

22. Don't Starve Together

Four characters standing around a small fire on a rug in Don't Starve Together

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4
Number of players: Up to 6 (online) / 2 (local)

The threat of permadeath is somehow softened when it's shared. I mean, you’ll all still die, but at least there’s comfort and blame when you're playing co-op. Don’t Starve's resource gathering, base-building challenge was already great fun, but it’s even more so with a friend.

Especially as you can split the workload and responsibilities as you tend to your home or farm and explore the world to find more of whatever you need to make it through another day. Check out our Don't Starve review if you need more details!

21. Deep Rock Galactic

Players mining and fighting off giant ants in Deep Rock Galactic — (Image credit: Ghost Ship Games)

Co-op style: Online
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S
Number of players: Up to 4

Think Left 4 Dead with space dwarves, and you won't be far off. Deep Rock Galactic is a team-based shooter where you and up to three stout friends rocket into a procedurally generated planet in search of minerals. To find what you want, you'll each have to use your class-specific abilities, slinging grappling hooks, creating platforms, lighting up dark caves and blowing holes in the scenery to create new paths.

Every so often, a swarm of alien spiders will jump on you, and you’ll be forced back to back, pulling your trigger for dear life. Its varied, colorful environs never seem to repeat, and when the lights dim and smoke rises, it's properly atmospheric.

20. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Ultramarines fighting with boltguns and chainswords against Chaos Space Marines — (Image credit: Saber Interactive)

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Number of players: Up to 3

Ah, nothing helps you bond quite like fighting against Tyranids. Yes, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a great option if you're looking to get stuck into some action with pals.

With 3 player co-op support, you can take on the whole campaign together, work as a team to take on Operation missions, or go up against Heretics in a PVP mode. If you're looking to play with friends we have a helpful guide that'll run you through how to unlock multiplayer in Space Marine 2.

And if you're still undecided, you can learn more in our Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 review.

19. Borderlands 4

Co-op style: Online / Local (consoles)
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Number of players: Up to 4 (online) / 2-player split screen (local on console)

Carrying on the tradition of the best Borderlands games, Gearbox's latest looter shooter, Borderlands 4, is better with friends. With a suite of improvements made to co-op, you can get stuck into the action on the planet of Kairos in groups of four as you take on the role of one of the Vault Hunters who have their own weapons and fighting style.

As you team up to down foes and gather all the loot you can get your hands on, you'll work together to take on the tyrannical ruler of Kairos known as the Timekeeper. Complete with a big world to explore together, this a great option if you and your pals want to get stuck into something action-packed (with so many weapons to play around with). For more, check out our Borderlands 4 review.

17. The Outlast Trials

Mother Gooseberry during one of the best co-op games, The Outlast Trials. — (Image credit: Red Barrels)

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Number of players: Up to 4

The Outlast Trials is a horror fan's dream and is the perfect choice for any friends who love chaotic and challenging puzzles. The third game in the Outlast series, The Outlast Trials, puts you in your own slasher movie as you are forced to take part in a series of horrifying tests after being kidnapped by the Murkoff Corporation.

While you can play the game solo, it's during the multiplayer mode that this title comes to life. Racing through the gorey map, laughing in terror as Mother Gooseberry hunts you down and strategically completing objectives together is hours upon hours of fun. For more information, check out our The Outlast Trials review.

16. GTA Online

Three masked characters wielding guns in a skyscraper in GTA Online

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S
Number of players: Up to 4 in most co-op missions

There was a time when GTA 5's style of murderous online meant you needed a friend, preferably several if you want to just survive for more than a few seconds. Now, however, there’s a vast array of activities and things to do, even without simple player-created goals like 'breaking into the army base' or 'shooting everyone you can see'.

After years of updates and additions, GTA Online has become an expansive digital playground of things to do with friends. Everything from team games to bank heists, races, stunt courses, and more, and it's evolving all the time.

15. Marvel Cosmic Invasion

Spider-Man battles Beetle in front of Damage Control HQ in Marvel Cosmic Invasion — (Image credit: Marvel, DotEmu)

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Switch 2
Number of players: Up to 4

Marvel Cosmic Invasion lets you choose from 15 different Marvel superheroes, and with online and local co-op for up to four players, you can team up with pals as you try to save the very galaxy from a deadly Annihilation Wave.

The beat-em-up is infused with nostalgic vibes with pixelated graphics and classic retro arcade action. Easy to jump in and out of with other players, it's an absolute blast to get heroic with friends and taken on all kinds of villainous foes as a cast of iconic characters. Learn more in our Marvel Cosmic Invasion review.

14. Peak

Peak screenshot — (Image credit: Aggro Crab)

Co-op style: Online co-op
Platform(s): PC
Number of players: Up to 4

While Peak can be played solo should you wish to, the experience of playing Team Peak's climbing adventure is made far more memorable when you have a team by your side as you work together to reach the summit of a mysterious island in hope of being rescued.

With the ability to help your pals scale cliffs and steep inclines, and proximity chat adding to the hilarity and chaos, a single misstep can lead to some disastrous results, but nothing beats the joy of overcoming every bump on the rocky path with some good company. This is one for anyone looking to test their teamwork.

13. Stardew Valley

A character looks at his crops on his farm in Stardew Valley — (Image credit: ConcernedApe)

Co-op style: Online and local
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Switch
Number of players: Up to 8 (PC) / Up to 4 (console)

Stardew Valley hands you the keys to a run-down farm in a small, lazy town and asks you to turn its fortunes around. But it’s not pushy: you and your friends can do as many or as few chores as you want. You can chop up wood and plant crops, fish and trade, craft and scavenge, or you can wander around town chatting to the pleasant townsfolk. This game became famous for its relaxing single-player mode, but the online co-op is, in our opinion, the best way to play.

If you’ve already got a save going, you need to build some cabins to add your friends, or you can all start a new game with a shared farm (progress only saves for the host). With up to three co-op partners, you can come up with freeform projects, dividing up tasks to hasten production. Or sit around, watching the sun go up and down – it’s your farm, your rules. If you're after more relaxing co-op games, read our list of the best games like Stardew Valley to play today.

12. Elden Ring: Nightreign

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Number of players: 3

Elden Ring: Nightreign ushers in a new stand alone adventure that sees you team up with other players to take on the dangers of the night. With online co-op support for up to three players, you embody the role of one of several different Nightfarers, who all have their own unique weapons of choice, as well as distinct abilities that offer up various playstyles.

With various bosses to take on and dangers to face, Nightreign offers up a satisfying co-operative challenge. And thanks to the Forsaken Hollows DLC dropping in 2025, there's more to get stuck into together.

11. Sea of Thieves

A pirate carries a giant chest of treasure followed by four of their crewmates down the boardwalk inSea of Thieves

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Number of players: Up to 4

Although you can play Sea of Thieves solo, this is very much a game that encourages you to tell stories and, more importantly, create those tales with other people. Galleons can be sailed by crews of up to four, with adventures spinning out from the various voyages you undertake.

That might be finding buried treasure, collecting goods to trade with the merchants, or hunting down undead pirate captains. Or, you know, fighting a Kraken or taking on a huge Skeleton Fort. Whatever you do in Sea of Thieves, you'll need a crew. Then, just let the hilarity commence. Check out our Sea of Thieves review for more details!

10. Diablo 4

A screenshot of players in the game, Diablo 4 Season 2 promo art. — (Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)

Co-op style: Online and Local
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4
Number of players: Up to 4 (online) / 2 (local)

At their heart, the best Diablo games have always been about the pursuit of ever-shinier loot. Having someone to share your latest, shiniest ring with makes those rare finds all the more thrilling. Diablo 4 is the latest to challenge all of those sensations.

With an excellent campaign and evolving seasons to provide you and your pals with new challenges continually. It's also a great experience for fantasy-loving couples to play, and if you need more convincing, head over to our five-star Diablo 4 review for more information.

9. Lethal Company

A player in a base during the co-op game, Lethal Company. — (Image credit: Zeekerss)

Co-op style: Online
Platform(s): PC
Number of players: Up to 4

If you're looking for one of the best survival horror games with a generous helping of hilarity, then Lethal Company is a newer addition to this best co-op games list you might have seen all over TikTok of late.

In it, you have to salvage items on abandoned moons and sell enough to hit a certain quota over three days. If you don't, bad things happen - worse than the beating you'll get from the native creatures that roam the moons themselves.

9. Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 screenshot of two soldiers cheering in the desert — (Image credit: Arrowhead Game Studios / PlayStation)

Co-op type: Online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
Number of players: 2-4

When everything in a hostile galaxy is out to get you, it really is dangerous to go it alone. Thankfully, Helldivers 2 lets up to four players team up to take on enemies and complete missions together. As an online co-op experience that's easy to dive into with pals, this is a great option if you're looking for a third-person shooter.

And with Helldivers 2 crossplay support, you can get stuck into the action together across platforms. From trying to capture planets to defending against waves of foes, and more, there's plenty of missions to try out together.

8. Portal 2

Two robots embrace in one of the best co-op games, Portal 2. — (Image credit: Valve)

Co-op style: Online and Local
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S (via backwards compatibility), Switch (Portal: Companion Collection)
Number of players: 2

Portal 2 is a classic, and if you haven't played it yet, well, you're in for one of the best co-op experiences of your life. The co-op campaign is a noticeable jump in difficulty from the already fiendish original. Not only will you and a friend, who each control a loveable robot, have to put your heads together to figure out how to finish a test chamber, but you’ll often have to time your movements and actions just right. If one player jumps a split second early or activates a button too late, the whole plan falls apart.

It makes communication vital and each puzzle all the more rewarding to solve. On top of those puzzles is a layer of Valve's unmistakable humor, and GLaDOS (remember her?) is once again the star. You can high-five your friend, play rock paper scissors, or, if you’re feeling evil, dunk them into deadly goo by pulling a bridge up from under their feet.

7. Overcooked 2

A kitchen working across two floating airships in Overcooked 2

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Switch
Number of players: 2-4

Overcooked 2 sounds simple - prepare a bunch of meals as chefs within a certain time limit. Easy. Well, not so much. While there are up to four of you playing, it starts to get tricky to keep track of the game's various commands and stipulations, as well as avoiding various hazards in the kitchen itself. This can lead to some frantic play, and only the most cohesive of teams will get those dishes out on time.

The levels are insane, the menus increasingly complex, and overall, this is a mad, mad existence of a game. But, hilarious fun, too. Warning: as we mention in our Overcooked 2 review, it may cause bickering among even the closest friends, partners and family members.

6. Fortnite

The character line-up for Fortnite Season 2. — (Image credit: Epic Games)

Co-op type: Online and Local (split-screen available in limited modes)
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch, Switch 2
Number of players: 2-4

Fortnite is a shining example of a game that gets more fun the more friends you have playing with you, and what's even better is that its popular Battle Royale mode is totally free. Weekly challenges keep things fresh, so you have something new to do every week.

Epic's charming Save The World base-defense/shooter/survival game hybrid is a better platform for cooperative play than many full releases. Not only does playing with a handful of friends give you a better chance to fend off waves of husks or construct the ultimate base, but those friends can also provide you valuable XP boosts and a better chance to nab some of Fortnite's massive catalogue of rare loot. If you're after more, we have a list of the best games like Fortnite, for you as well.

5. Minecraft

A recreation of a Super Mario level in Minecraft.

Co-op type: Local (on console and PC) and online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Switch
Number of players: Up to 4 (local) / up to 8 (online)

Yes, Minecraft gets everywhere, but for good reason: its digital building block world has endless imagination-filled potential. You can team up with friends to build pointless structures or grand engineering feats of construction. Or you can bounce about the place, creating chaos and generally hanging out.

Its lack of rigid structure means you and your friends can get up to anything - whether that’s an evening of messing about or a longer-term project you can take your time over. Seriously, it's one of the best multiplayer games for a reason, and you can read more about it in our Minecraft review.

4. A Way Out

Two men playing Connect 4 in the co-op game, A Way Out.

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5
Number of players: 2

It's rare that a game is only playable in co-op, but that's exactly what A Way Out does. Whether you're splashing the water to usher fish to each other, going back to back to shimmy up a wall gap, passing a chisel between cells to find an exit route, or even just playing Connect Four or a game of basketball, the co-op never feels like an added extra.

You're two criminals trying to find a way out of prison and a step closer to redemption, but more importantly, this is one story that you must experience together. For more, read our A Way Out review.

3. Baldur's Gate 3

Co-op type: Online and local
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X
Number of players: 2-4 (online) / 2 local split screen)

Baldur's Gate 3 takes you on a sweeping adventure across the Sword Coast as you set out to try and rid yourself of a tadpole that's been lodged in your head. With so many choices to make, stories to explore, and characters to get to know (and woo if you're so inclined), it's one of the best RPGs we've seen in recent times, and better yet, you can experience it with pals.

With co-op support both online and locally for up to 4 players, you can assemble a party of your very own and get stuck into Larian's D&D fueled dice-rolling journey in good company. Read our glowing Baldur's Gate 3 review for more.

2. Split Fiction

Side by side shots of a futuristic city level in Split Fiction, where one character is wall-running and the other is standing holding a neon sword — (Image credit: EA)

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch 2
Number of players: 2

Hazelight Studios' latest co-op adventure is an absolute must for anyone looking for an experience to get stuck into with a pal or loved one. Also featuring the Friend Pass that lets you play with a pal online with just one copy of the game, Split Fiction mashes together sci-fi and fantasy worlds as you take on the role of either Mio or Zoe, two writers who get thrown into their own fictional worlds.

With two play split screen, you have a blast trying out the many different mechanics and inventive level designs on offer. For more, read our Split Fiction review.

1. It Takes Two

Two dolls career down an icy mountain with magnets on their back in It Takes Two — (Image credit: EA)

Co-op type: Local and online
Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Switch
Number of players: 2

It Takes Two is the latest game from the team that brought you A Way Out, and it's another game specifically built to be played co-operatively. This time around, you're playing as a husband and wife duo who have been turned into a pair of dolls by their daughter, unhappy about the news that they're divorcing.

Cue gameplay that's part Pixar, part Honey I Shrunk the Kids, add in a sprinkle of marriage counseling courtesy of an anthropomorphic self-help book, and you've got a glimpse into what to expect with It Takes Two. But it's also much more than that: a little slice of magic and literally the best co-op game around. Just read our It Takes Two review if you need more convincing. And, only one of you has to own it if you want to play online with a friend, thanks to the game's Friend Pass system. Bonus!

For more multiplayer fun, read our lists of the best two-player Switch games and the best online games.

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