35 co-op video games that won't drive your family apart

A Way Out is a cooperative action-adventure game about working together, not against each other. It puts you and a friend in the shoes of either Leo or Vincent, two convicts on the run from the law. The game's unique selling point is its cooperative multiplayer mechanics, which allow you and your partner to work together to progress through the story and overcome obstacles. Whether you're playing online or in split-screen mode, you'll need to communicate, coordinate, and rely on each other to succeed. From stealthy prison breaks to high-speed car chases, A Way Out delivers an unforgettable co-op experience that will test your skills and friendship. So grab a buddy, strap in, and get ready for a wild ride. 

As Dusk Falls is an interactive story that spans decades and generations, following two interconnected families as they navigate love, loss, and the consequences of their choices. With its focus on character development, branching narratives, and meaningful decisions, this game offers a rich, emotional experience that will keep you hooked from start to finish. As Dusk Falls' cooperative multiplayer mechanics are not a feature of the game, so you'll be forging your path through its intricately woven tales. Whether you're a fan of drama, family sagas, or just a good yarn, this game is sure to captivate you with its powerful storytelling and complex characters. And you won't have to fight your co-op partner to "win," either.

If you're a zombie fan, you're in for a real treat with Back 4 Blood. It's a cooperative multiplayer shooter that has you battling against hordes of monsters. The game combines elements of traditional first-person shooters with those of Left 4 Dead-style games. You'll work together with up to three other players to complete missions and fight off the invading forces of the Ridden. The stakes are high, and the action is intense, so grab your weapons and get ready to fight for survival! But if you're planning on playing with the fam, don't worry. You'll be able to revive your fallen teammates and keep the fight going. Teamwork makes the dream work, and you're gonna need a lot of it.

You're in for a wild ride with Borderlands 3. This first-person shooter is set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with dangerous creatures and even deadlier bandits. With its unique cel-shaded graphics and over-the-top humor, it's a real crowd-pleaser, which makes it perfect for enjoying with others. 

You and up to three friends can team up and take on the enemies of Pandora together. There's plenty of loot for everyone to go around, too, so everything you shoot out of those bad guys? Everyone gets their own, so no one misses out. Grab your weapons, grab your friends, and get ready to shoot your way through the lawless frontier of Borderlands 3!

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a heartwarming and emotionally charged adventure game that takes you on a journey with two brothers as they travel to find a cure for their ailing father. With its unique control system, where each thumbstick controls a different brother, you'll need to use both hands and both brothers to solve puzzles and navigate the world. 

It's a beautifully crafted experience with stunning landscapes and a touching storyline. You can recruit a friend to play and work together to overcome challenges and reach their goal. So, if you're looking for a game that will tug at your heartstrings and test your coordination, this game is a perfect choice.

Come With Me is a co-op multiplayer adventure game that takes you and a friend on a dream-like journey through a world filled with magical creatures and challenging puzzles. The cooperative mechanics are an integral part of the game, requiring you to work with your partner and utilize each other's abilities to overcome obstacles and reach the end of each level. 

The whimsical art style and charming music will transport you to a fantastical world where you'll giggle with delight one moment and be scratching your head, trying to solve a puzzle the next. With its unique gameplay and imaginative world, Come With Me offers a one-of-a-kind experience for players who love to work together and explore new worlds. So grab your family or a good friend, sharpen your problem-solving skills, and join the adventure.

Cuphead is a classic run-and-gun platformer with a twist. You'll have to dodge and jump your way through a world inspired by 1930s cartoons, taking on a series of challenging bosses along the way. The twist? This game is hard. Like, really hard. But that's part of what makes it so much fun! 

You'll feel like a champion when you finally manage to take down one of these behemoth bosses. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, you can bring a friend along for the ride in local co-op. That's right: You and a friend can take on this wild and wacky world together, fighting your way to victory. So, if you're up for a challenge and want to relive the golden age of animation, Cuphead is the game for you.

Diablo III: Eternal Collection is an action role-playing game that takes you on a journey through the dark and dangerous world of Sanctuary. With its fast-paced, hack-and-slash gameplay and epic story, it's a thrilling ride that you won't soon forget. The co-op multiplayer mechanics in Diablo III are top-notch, allowing you to team up with up to three other players and take on the evil forces of Hell together. 

Whether you prefer to play solo or with friends, you'll have plenty of opportunities to show off your skills as you battle through hordes of demons, skeletons, and other foul creatures. The game's beautiful graphics, deep customization options, and intense combat make it an unforgettable experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Divinity: Original Sin is a medieval-style RPG with a compelling, story-driven single-player mode and the option to double the fun with its co-op multiplayer feature. In this game, you'll embark on an epic journey through a vast world filled with magic and mythical creatures, where every choice you make will have meaningful consequences. In co-op mode, you and a friend can play together, each controlling one of the two main characters. 

You'll have to work together to solve puzzles, battle enemies, and navigate through the world as a team. The game allows for a high degree of customization and experimentation, allowing you to choose your path and play style. With its deep character development and immersive storyline, Divinity: Original Sin promises a truly epic adventure.

As an adventurer in Divinity: Original Sin II, you'll embark on a journey through a rich, sprawling world filled with magic, mystery, and plenty of danger. The role-playing game allows you to create and control a character as you explore, solve puzzles, and fight your way through various challenges. 

One of the most entertaining features of the game is its co-op multiplayer mechanics, which allow you to team up with a friend to embark on your quest together. You'll each control a different character, but you'll need to work together to overcome obstacles, defeat enemies, and ultimately achieve your goals. With its engaging storyline, complex characters, and challenging battles, Divinity: Original Sin II is a quality co-op pick. 

Gang Beasts is a multiplayer brawler that'll have you and your friends flailing about in ridiculous ragdoll physics. It's like sumo wrestling but with more flailing, jiggling, and punching. The objective is to knock your opponents out of the ring, but the journey to get there is the real fun. 

In co-op mode, you and your friends can team up to take on other players in the ring or beat the living stuffing out of each other. With a variety of weird levels, absurdly wobbly characters, and endless hilarity that ensues, Gang Beasts is sure to bring out your inner child (and inner brute) for hours of silly fun. And even if you end up on the losing side? It's still hilarious.

Gears 5 is a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled shooter that puts you in the heart of the action as you battle through various intense scenarios. You play as Kait Diaz, a member of the Gears team tasked with uncovering the truth behind the Locust and their origins in both single-player and co-op modes. In co-op, you and up to three friends can work together to complete objectives and defeat enemies — each contributing to the team's overall success. With various weapons and abilities at your disposal and a pulse-pounding storyline to follow, the fifth core Gears of War title is sure to keep you engaged and entertained. Lace up your combat boots and recruit friends and family to dive into the fight.

Guacamelee! is a platformer that's equal parts zany and challenging. You play as a luchador, fighting your way through hordes of skeletons, goats, and other strange enemies. But it's not all solo action. The game's co-op multiplayer mechanics allow you and a friend to jump, grapple, and uppercut your way through levels together. You'll unlock new moves as you progress, making you feel like a true wrestling champion, minus the sweat and spandex. Whether you're playing by yourself or with a friend, Guacamelee! is sure to offer a wild ride filled with non-stop lucha libre action...and plenty of ways to challenge yourself. 

Haven is a game that takes you on a journey to an idyllic, mysterious world where you play as two lovers who have fled to this new land to be together. It's a game meant to be savored with a peaceful pace and beautiful environments to explore. The game's co-op multiplayer mechanics work by allowing two players to control the two main characters and embark on this journey together. You'll be able to switch between controlling either character, and both characters will play a role in solving puzzles, overcoming obstacles, and discovering the world's secrets.

As a human, you might be tempted to believe that the phrase "it takes two" refers to a romantic pairing, but in video games, it means two players teaming up for a unique and whimsical adventure. It Takes Two is a delightful romp through a fantastical world best experienced with a partner in co-op. You and a friend will control two characters with unique abilities as you solve puzzles and battle obstacles together. As a co-op adventure, both players have to work and contribute equally, without one person sitting and watching the other at any time. And with a charming narrative filled with humor and heart, you'll quickly find what it takes to save the day in this fun little adventure.

Journey through a world left behind by society as Kirby, the lovable, pink, ball-shaped hero who can inhale enemies and gain their abilities. You'll encounter plenty of quirky creatures and obstacles in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, but have no fear! With the ability to bring a friend along for the ride in co-op multiplayer, the journey becomes a bit more manageable. Your partner controls Waddle Dee, Kirby's trusty companion, and together, you'll embark on a fun-filled adventure through the vast, unknown land. The co-op mechanics add a new level of excitement and challenge to the game, so grab a friend and get ready for some wholesome, pink, blobby fun!

You're in for a brick-tastic adventure with Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. This game is a unique take on the Star Wars universe, presenting the iconic characters, ships, and battles in charming Lego form. The co-op multiplayer mechanics in this game allow you to journey through the galaxy far, far away with a friend, working together to solve puzzles and conquer enemies. The game features all nine Skywalker saga films, and you can start from any of them, which makes it a great pick for Star Wars veterans and newcomers. Get ready to put on your Jedi robes, hop in your X-wing, and embark on a journey filled with humor, heart, and a healthy dose of the Force.

As you embark on this intergalactic journey, be prepared to work in tandem with your partner. In Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, co-op is key. You'll have to navigate your ship through hostile territory, manning turrets, activating shields, and plotting a course to safety. The catch? You only have two hands between you, so communication and coordination are crucial if you want to survive. With its whimsical visuals, frantic gameplay, and emphasis on teamwork, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a charming, quirky love letter to couch co-op games. Don't be surprised if you bond with your partner over your shared experiences in the dangers of spacetime.

You're in for a blocky, adventure-filled journey in Minecraft Dungeons. It's an action role-playing game set in the familiar world of Minecraft, but with a twist. Instead of building and crafting, you'll be battling menacing mobs and collecting loot. The game's co-op multiplayer mechanics are just as fun and engaging as its single-player mode. You and up to three friends can band together to tackle the game's levels, taking on tough enemies and solving puzzles as a team. Cooperation is key to success, with each player controlling a unique hero and wielding their own weapons and abilities.

Monster Hunter Rise is about collaborating with friends to take down the most ferocious beasts imaginable. You'll be tasked with taking down massive beasts and crafting gear from their remains. With each successful hunt, you'll become more and more formidable until, finally, you're ready to face off against the biggest, baddest monsters of them all. And when it comes to taking down these giant monsters, you don't have to go it alone. 

Monster Hunter Rise features co-op multiplayer that allows you to team up with up to three other players and take on these massive monsters together. With its diverse weapons and deep combat system, Monster Hunter Rise will keep you engaged but also remind you why you're probably glad you're not a hunter in real life.

Overcooked! 2 is a chaotic kitchen simulator where you and up to three other players manage the culinary operations of a restaurant. The objective is to cook and serve various dishes to customers as efficiently as possible. The catch is that the kitchen is filled with various obstacles and hazards, such as conveyor belts, fires, and even portals, that make things a bit more complicated. The co-op mechanics are seamless, as you and your friends take control of different kitchen tasks, working together to ensure that orders are fulfilled on time. Whether you're chopping vegetables, frying up meat, or putting the finishing touches on a dish, you'll have to communicate and coordinate with your co-op partners to keep the kitchen running smoothly. 

Phogs! puts a unique spin on the classic platformer. Imagine two adorable dogs that make up one elongated character you control (kind of like CatDog), and you'll get a general idea. The game is built for co-op play and is perfect for family members to explore together. You both take on the role of each end of the Phog, maneuvering through whimsical levels and solving puzzles together. Be prepared for some fun, laughter, and challenges as you and your co-op partner navigate the wacky world of Phogs.

Portal 2 is a first-person puzzle game that builds on the original game in significant ways. It challenges you to complete increasingly difficult test chambers using portals to move between rooms, surfaces, and even time. In addition to its single-player campaign, Portal 2 also features a co-op mode that allows two players to work together to solve puzzles. This mode allows you and a friend to control two robots who must work together to complete each test. By communicating and coordinating your actions, you'll be able to overcome obstacles and reach the end of each chamber together, but only if you can work effectively and efficiently. These puzzles are no joke.

Looking for a wild adventure with some side-scrolling platforming action? Rayman Legends is your jam. You play as Rayman, a lanky hero with an impressive set of limbs (they're just invisible), as you jump, run, and punch through levels filled with whimsical creatures and tough challenges. But why go alone when you can bring a friend? 

Rayman Legends has a co-op mode where you and a buddy can play together, taking on levels and solving puzzles as a team. Whether working together to defeat tough bosses or helping each other through tricky platforming sections, the game is exponentially better with a friend or family member along for the ride. 

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a standalone spinoff of the LittleBigPlanet series. As the titular Sackboy, you'll jump, run, and spin through levels filled with obstacles and enemies. But the fun doesn't have to stop there because this game also features co-op mode. You and up to three friends can join forces and play together, making your journey even more memorable. With seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op, you and your friends can take on the adventure anytime. There are tons of things to collect and inventive levels to explore. Watching Sackboy interact with each area is pretty fun, too.

You're in for a high-seas adventure with Sea of Thieves, a pirate-themed sandbox game. You'll navigate the open seas, engage in ship-to-ship battles, treasure hunt, and much more with other players in a shared world. When playing together, it's all about teamwork, as you and your crew work together to man the ship, fend off other pirates and sail toward your next adventure. Whether you choose to be a pirate king, a legendary explorer, or a mischievous scallywag, the choice is yours. The journey is more fun with friends. Plus, the game is often updated, meaning there are more things to do as time wears on.

Work together with a partner in Snipperclips: Cut it Out, Together!, and you'll have the time of your life on Nintendo Switch. In this charming puzzle game, you control paper characters shaped like scissors that can snip each other into different shapes to solve challenges. The co-op mode is where the game truly shines, as teamwork is essential to progress through the game's increasingly difficult levels. The puzzles require precise cutting, creative problem-solving, and great communication between players. It's a delightful combination of strategy, skill, and humor that will leave you snipping away with a grin.

Starbound is an expansive sci-fi adventure game that lets you explore an infinite number of procedurally generated planets. Each planet is unique, and you'll encounter all sorts of strange creatures, ancient ruins, and mysterious artifacts. You play as a character stranded in space and must find a way back home. With your trusty spaceship at the ready, you'll blast off to new worlds, gathering resources and making new allies. You can do this with multiple players — joining forces and exploring the universe together. Whether you're fighting off fearsome beasts or solving puzzles together, playing Starbound with friends is a great way to make the experience more memorable. There's a big universe out there, after all. 

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury combines the classic Mario gameplay with some new school 3D flair, giving you a world to explore from every angle. With the game's co-op options, you and up to three friends can work together, sharing the action and supporting each other as you make your way through levels and defeat enemies. You'll love the teamwork involved in this game and the colorful and whimsical environments, power-ups, and characters that await you on your journey. Whether you're a seasoned Mario player or starting, you'll find something to love in this game!

In Terraria, you'll engage in battles, gather resources, and build your own abode, all while exploring the vast and diverse landscape. That means heading out into a generated world filled with monsters, treasure, and oddities galore and trying to carve out some sort of existence. When the going gets tough, call in some backup! In the game's co-op mode, up to four players can join forces and take on the trials and tribulations of Terraria. From battling fierce bosses to lending a hand in constructing a massive castle, you and your friends will work in tandem to survive and thrive in this sandbox world. 

The Quarry is a horror adventure in the vein of Until Dawn that takes you to an abandoned mining town. You play as a treasure hunter on a mission to unearth the secrets and riches within the depths of the town's massive quarry and summer camp. It features an immersive single-player mode, but the fun begins when you and a friend team up to enjoy the story and make decisions. 

As you work together to unravel the mysteries behind a mysterious beast lurking about, you'll find yourself relying on each other's skills and expertise to survive. Whether you're communicating with hand gestures or shouting directions to each other, you'll never be quite ready for everything you'll see in this strange and horrific movie-like experience. 

Enter the Dungeons and Dragons-inspired of Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, where anything goes, and the adventure is up to you. A first-person shooter with a healthy dose of humor and mayhem, this Borderlands spin-off introduces a new cast of characters and a new world to explore, all under the manic Tiny Tina's control. With the ability to customize weapons and magic spells, you can take on hordes of enemies in various ways. And if you're feeling lonely, you can bring along a friend for some co-op chaos, as the game offers seamless co-op play for up to four players. So gear up, grab the fam, and dive in. There's plenty of loot to go around. 

You're in for a whimsical and heartwarming journey in Unravel 2. You play as a cute and quirky little yarn creature as you explore gorgeous natural landscapes and solve light-hearted puzzles with a friend. You can invite a second player to join as another yarn creature as you solve challenges. The game's cooperative nature is emphasized in its puzzle design, which often requires players to work together and utilize each other's unique abilities. Overall, Unravel 2 is a delightful, cooperative adventure that promises to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart.

While some games have co-op modes as an afterthought, We Were Here was made specifically for multiple players. It's about solving puzzles and working together to advance in a dark fantasy world. Think of it like a digital escape room where you and a friend navigate a castle, piecing together clues and using communication to progress. Both players will take on the roles of two explorers, each with unique abilities and perspectives you'll need to combine to survive. 

Don't have a friend to play with? No worries! The game's matchmaking system will pair you with a random player for a spontaneous partnership. So, gather your wits and sharpen your communication skills because We Were Here is a game that will have you on the edge of your seat and working together like a well-oiled machine.

Yoshi's Crafted World, in addition to being one of the cutest games ever made, is a side-scrolling platformer that takes you on a journey through a world made of household items and crafting materials. Explore charming levels and collect hidden items while riding on Yoshi's back. For extra fun, bring a friend along for the ride in co-op mode! One player controls Yoshi, while the other helps collect items and can even flutter jump for a little extra height. This is the perfect game for parents to play with kids or for younger siblings to play together. It's also a game for anyone who likes cute things and having fun with others.