Whether you’re looking to spend quality time with a friend or just want to dive into a game that brings out your teamwork skills, co-op and multiplayer games are a fantastic way to enjoy each other’s company. These games often require communication, strategy, and a little bit of friendly competition, making them perfect for bonding and creating lasting memories. If you’re wondering what games to play with your friend, here’s a roundup of some of the best co-op and multiplayer games to bring you closer and add some fun to your gaming sessions!
1. Overcooked! 2
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Co-op Cooking Simulation
If you want a game that’s chaotic, hilarious, and full of teamwork, look no further than Overcooked! 2. This game tasks you and your friend with preparing and serving food in increasingly difficult kitchens. The challenge is not only to complete the orders on time but also to deal with shifting environments, such as moving platforms, fire hazards, and more. It’s a perfect game for friends who enjoy light-hearted, frantic fun and want to test their communication and coordination skills.
Why Play: If you love a challenge that leads to a lot of laughs and moments of frustration that only strengthen friendships, Overcooked! 2 is a must-play.
2. Minecraft
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
- Genre: Sandbox, Survival
For friends who love creativity and exploration, Minecraft is the ultimate multiplayer experience. Whether you’re building massive castles, surviving the night in hardcore mode, or exploring endless caves and biomes, there’s no shortage of things to do in this blocky, open-world game. You can choose to play together in a peaceful creative mode or ramp up the challenge in survival mode, where you’ll need to gather resources, fight off enemies, and thrive together.
Why Play: Minecraft is a sandbox world where you can create, explore, and survive together. It’s a perfect fit for friends who love to collaborate and build something amazing from scratch.
3. It Takes Two
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Genre: Puzzle Platformer
It Takes Two is a unique, story-driven platformer designed specifically for co-op play. In this critically acclaimed game, you and your friend play as two dolls representing a married couple navigating through their strained relationship. The game’s levels are designed around various themes of teamwork, and each player must utilize their unique abilities to solve puzzles and progress. The storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and quirky characters make this a truly memorable experience.
Why Play: This game is ideal for friends who enjoy immersive, narrative-driven experiences and love working together to solve creative puzzles.
4. Rocket League
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Sports, Action
If you’re into fast-paced, competitive games with a twist, Rocket League is a must-try. It’s soccer—except you’re driving rocket-powered cars instead of kicking a ball. The game is easy to pick up but difficult to master, and it offers both local and online multiplayer modes. Whether you’re playing casually or getting into intense ranked matches, Rocket League provides a fun and adrenaline-pumping experience for friends who love a little competition.
Why Play: For friends who enjoy competitive, skill-based games with a fun twist, Rocket League offers endless excitement and fast-paced action.
5. Borderlands 3
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, RPG
If you’re looking for a game that mixes humor, action, and loot, Borderlands 3 is the perfect co-op experience. This first-person shooter with RPG elements lets you team up with your friend to fight off enemies, complete quests, and explore the beautiful, colorful world of Pandora. The game features a variety of characters with unique abilities, allowing you to craft your own playstyle. Whether you’re in it for the hilarious dialogue, epic loot, or fast-paced shooting action, Borderlands 3 is a great pick for friends who want to dive into a thrilling adventure together.
Why Play: Borderlands 3 is perfect for friends who enjoy shooting, looting, and a healthy dose of humor. The co-op mechanics are well-designed, making it fun and rewarding to team up and take on the world together.
6. Left 4 Dead 2
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox
- Genre: First-Person Shooter, Survival Horror
For fans of intense action and zombie survival, Left 4 Dead 2 offers a highly engaging multiplayer experience. In this cooperative shooter, you and your friends team up to survive through waves of zombies, all while working together to complete objectives and stay alive. The game has a strong emphasis on teamwork, as coordination is key to surviving the apocalypse. With multiple game modes, various characters, and a huge array of weapons, Left 4 Dead 2 is an exhilarating game for friends who love a good challenge.
Why Play: Left 4 Dead 2 is perfect for friends who enjoy fast-paced, action-packed survival games with a lot of tension and strategy. It’s a thrilling, cooperative experience with endless replayability.
7. Sea of Thieves
- Platform(s): PC, Xbox
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Pirates
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the high seas with your friends as pirates, Sea of Thieves is the game for you. In this multiplayer action-adventure, you and your friends form a pirate crew and embark on adventures such as hunting for treasure, fighting rival pirates, and exploring a vibrant open world. With a mix of humor, strategy, and chaos, Sea of Thieves provides a dynamic and memorable gaming experience.
Why Play: For friends who enjoy open-world exploration, cooperation, and a bit of chaos, Sea of Thieves offers a unique pirate adventure that’s fun and unpredictable.
8. A Way Out
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Genre: Co-op, Action-Adventure
A Way Out is a unique, co-op-only game where you and a friend must escape from prison and navigate through an action-packed narrative. The game features split-screen cooperative gameplay, with each player controlling one of the two protagonists. Whether you’re solving puzzles, engaging in intense action sequences, or simply trying to stay ahead of the law, A Way Out is an immersive and thrilling experience for those who want a cinematic, cooperative adventure.
Why Play: A Way Out is ideal for friends who enjoy narrative-driven games with lots of action, and who want to experience a cooperative game that requires strong teamwork.
9. Cuphead
- Platform(s): PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Action, Platformer
Cuphead is a visually stunning, difficult platformer that features hand-drawn animation inspired by 1930s cartoons. You and your friend play as Cuphead and Mugman, two characters who must battle through a series of wild and creative bosses. While the game is challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding, and working together to overcome obstacles makes it a fantastic co-op experience. If you and your friend enjoy tough, skill-based games with a charming aesthetic, Cuphead will keep you hooked.
Why Play: For friends who love a challenge and appreciate vintage cartoon aesthetics, Cuphead offers a fun yet tough cooperative experience that rewards perseverance and skill.
10. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
- Genre: Life Simulation, Casual
If you’re looking for a relaxing multiplayer game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the perfect game to unwind with a friend. You and your friend can visit each other’s islands, decorate homes, catch bugs, fish, and interact with quirky villagers. While the game doesn’t have intense action, it’s a great way to relax, chat, and create a cozy, virtual world together.
Why Play: If you’re in the mood for a chill, laid-back game with tons of customization and social elements, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a perfect, low-pressure multiplayer experience.
The best co-op and multiplayer games offer fun, challenges, and opportunities for bonding. Whether you want to work together to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, or build something epic, these games provide experiences that will strengthen your friendship and create lasting memories. Grab your controller, pick a game, and get ready for an unforgettable gaming session with your friend!