Single-player games are great, but sometimes, there’s nothing more rewarding than going on an adventure with friends. So, with that in mind, we’ve decided to rank the best co-op games ever made.
Now that may sound like a difficult task, and you’re right (it’s so hard being a video game journalist sometimes), our gaming team was more than up to the job. So they’ve dug through their collections, looking for the best games to play with someone you love.
They’ve included radiant RPGs, sensational shooters, and even a zombie game for good measure in their quest to find the best titles that put teamwork front and center.
With no further ado, grab your closet bestie (or partner if your relationship is strong enough to endure the inevitable arguments about loot) and dive in to what can only be described as the greatest list ever written… about co-op games.
15. GTA Online
- Release date: October 1, 2013
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
What it’s about: What began as a novelty offshoot of Grand Theft Auto V has since grown into the one of the greatest sandbox multiplayer experiences in all of gaming.
In the world of GTA Online, you’re your own boss, free to engage with pretty much any criminal enterprise under the sun to rake in big bucks. Hyper cars, illegitimate businesses, weapons of mass destruction, they’re all yours for the taking – Los Santos is your oyster.
Why we like it: Lone wolfing GTA Online is perfectly feasible, but it’s with a group of friends in tow when Rockstar’s massively-multiplayer sandbox shines brightest. Late night heist setups with a crew of fellow aspiring criminals and robbing the good folks of San Andreas blind is unfailingly a hoot.
With your newfound wealth, blowing the whole stack on a new ride and collaborating with your cohorts for the chop shop tune-up is its own reward.Written by Joe Pring
14. Baldur’s Gate 3
- Release date: August 3, 2023
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
What it’s about: After waking up with a rather problematic tadpole in your brain, you and the rest of the survivors must navigate the Forgotten Realms and beyond to destroy the Mindflayers who did this to you, and potentially save the world while you’re at it.
Why we like it: Dungeons & Dragons is inherently a collaborative adventure. A DM and players cooperate to craft the perfect story. This is no different in Baldur’s Gate 3, after all, it is a D&D story.
Essentially, while the companions are wonderful (love you Astarion), nothing equates to exploring the Forgotten realms with your friends, falling in love with what (and who) you come across, crafting the ideal team, and witnessing the story together. D&D was made for friends, and Baldur’s Gate 3 is no exception.
Written by Jess Filby
13. Diablo 4
- Release date: June 5, 2023
- Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Windows
What it’s about: Diablo 4 is a fun dungeon crawler that sees you (and a buddy if you choose) play as a powerful hero tasked with protecting Sanctuary from dangerous and conniving demons.
Why we like it: Diablo 4 absolutely shines in co-op, turning every battle into a beautiful mess of spell effects, insane combos, and way too many demons. You get a nice little XP boost, skills sync up in ridiculously overpowered ways, and the game’s difficulty adjusts so things stay challenging but fair.
Cross-play means no one’s left out, couch co-op is actually smooth this time (finally), and teaming up is as easy as clicking a button. Even the story somehow keeps things personal, so you’re not just some sidekick in your friend’s epic journey.
If looking at skill menus together and showing off just how cool your new legendary loot is to your buddies sounds like fun, then Diablo 4 is the co-op game for you.
Written by Cande Maldonado
12. Dead by Daylight
- Release date: June 14, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch / A separate mobile version on Android, iOS
What it’s about: Dead by Daylight is an asymmetrical horror where Killers are set against a gaggle of Survivors in a Trial to brutally, as their name suggests, end them. It’s high-octane hide and seek dialled up to 10, and for Survivors, each match centers around the ultimate aim of emerging victorious by working with your team to repair enough generators to power the exit gates — and escape with your life.
Why we like it: Where else can you find horror’s most iconic characters across gaming and film together in one place? From The Demogorgon to Nicolas Cage, some truly terrifying original Killers, and loads of unique original Survivors, too, DbD is chock to the brim with gut-wrenching scares and loads of player choice as you try to get your bearings — regardless of which side you’re on.
Co-op is on the Survivor side of things for the most part, but limited-time events like 2v8 mode opens up the possibility for Killers, too. What’s more, if you’ve got a group of friends who want to hop onto DbD for a gaming night, custom matches mean you can jump in together as either side in a group of five and see who’ll come out on top.There’s truly nothing quite like DbD, and whether you’re playing alone, with a friend on the Survivor side, or in a custom match with a larger group, it’ll have its hooks in you (sorry, couldn’t resist) before you know it.
Written by Ava Thompson-Powell
11. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies
- Release date: October 25, 2024
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
What it’s about: Slay increasingly difficult waves of zombies and other horrors as you upgrade your weapons, get new abilities, and complete quests with up to three friends.
Why we like it: Constant action, frequent content updates, and an evolving storyline make Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode a must-play for co-op shooter fans. The zombie-slaying action kicks off immediately, and only gets more hectic as the rounds go on. But, you’re free to play at your own pace.
You can chill out and chat while racking up kills or chug a can of Monster and work together to complete the tough Easter Egg Main Quests. Or, if you’re like me, mindlessly shoot things as your friends who actually know what they’re doing complete the Easter Egg steps.
It’s as slick as a trail of zombie guts, there are a wide variety of weapons from the classic baseball bat to a sniper rifle that literally shoots rockets, and even more blood-soaked maps are still to come.
Written by Liam Mackay
10. Helldivers 2
- Release date: February 8, 2024
- Platforms: PlayStation, Windows
What it’s about: Titular Helldivers voluntarily enlist themselves in a collaborative galaxy-wide war against humanity’s enemies, ranging from building-sized insects to cyborgs that make Arnie’s T-800 look like an antique.
To get the job done, your crew is equipped with the best ordnance money can buy. Just be careful – friendly fire can and will be more dangerous than your enemies.
Why we like it: All wrapped up in a genuinely funny pastiche on Starship Troopers, Helldivers 2 is the ultimate party game for anyone with even a passing interest in third-person shooters.
Inadvertently or otherwise, hindering your own team’s progress with a poorly-placed orbital bombardment or artillery cannon is what makes Helldivers 2 memorable. You’ll swiftly find your hard drive filling up with clips of extractions or strategies gone wrong without even trying – perfect for a post-game group watchathon.
Written by Joe Pring
9. Fortnite
- Release date: 21 July 2017
- Platform: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
What it’s about: Fortnite started with its co-op Save the World mode but quickly became known for its massively popular Battle Royale. Now, it’s a dynamic sandbox, offering Creative maps, Racing, Music modes, and a competitive FPS experience.
Why we like it: It offers one of the richest co-op experiences ever, with constant updates, live events, collaborations, cross-platform play, and a massive player base. The Battle Royale mode remains the heart of the game, excelling for both casual and competitive players. Meanwhile, Fortnite’s ever-expanding modes and shifting seasons with unique metas keep things fresh, offering something for everyone.
Written by Josh Taylor
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8. Minecraft
- Release date: November 18, 2011
- Platforms: PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch
What it’s about: Players are thrown into a blocky open-world with nothing but their fist and a region filled with resources. After that, what you do with Minecraft is entirely up to you. Build a mansion, mine into the deepest caves, travel across worlds, or just make the cutest farm you possibly can.
Why we like it: Minecraft is easily one of the most cooperative games ever created. Tons of players get the chance to work together to craft a world of their making all while collaborating on design ideas, resource management, and roles throughout the adventure. In Minecraft, the world is there for the taking, and there’s no better way to complete it than with your friends.
Written by Jess Filby
7. Left 4 Dead 2
- Release date: November 17, 2009
- Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Xbox
What it’s about: An arcade-style FPS set in a zombie apocalypse. Players control one of four survivors, working together to battle hordes of infected while navigating through campaigns with unique environments.
Why we like it: It’s pure co-op chaos, and that’s exactly why we love it. Battling through each level with friends never gets old, especially with the unpredictable AI and a terrifying roster of different zombies with unique abilities keeping you on your toes. From sprinting away from a Tank to panicking over a Witch, the thrill of last-second rescues and narrow escapes never gets old.
Written by Josh Taylor
6. Sea of Thieves
- Release date: March 20, 2018
- Platforms: PC, Xbox, PlayStation
What it’s about: Sea of Thieves places wannabe pirates onto a ship and lets them sail the beautiful open seas in search of treasure, pirate lords, hidden secrets, those that came before, or just a really nice calm fishing trip. Just watch out for the Galleon that’s readying its cannons right next to you.
Why we like it: Sea of Thieves can be played single player or co-op, but the latter is undeniably its preferred way. Whether you’re playing with one friend or an entire crew, collaboration is key in everything you do. Sailing requires masterful communication, the PvP turns into a bloodbath if you don’t work together (I’ve still not mastered it) and even the puzzles you come across force a team to think like they’re in an escape room.
Given all that is so vital throughout your pirating journey, such collaboration has been perfected in Sea of Thieves, creating a fantastic co-op adventure any group of friends should try out.
Written by Jess Filby
5. Borderlands 2
- Release date: September 18, 2012
- Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
What’s it about: Set five years after the events of the original Borderlands, this looter shooter tasks the player and up to 3 friends in co-op with traveling across Pandora. The planet is ruled by the tyrannical Handsome Jack, and it’s the Vault Hunter’s job to take him down.
Why we like it: You can’t get more chaotic than Borderlands, and there’s a reason 2 is still so beloved. Compared to the first entry, there’s a lot more loot to find, new Vault Hunters to play, and arguably the best antagonist in the franchise (and one of the best video game characters of all time).
Borderlands 2 is always a great choice for some pure video game fun with friends. You can complete the main campaign together, enjoy some wacky side quests, or just strive to find the weirdest weapons. While you wait for Borderlands 4, it’s worth revisiting this gem.
Written by Tyler Constable
4. Overcooked 2
- Release date: August 7, 2018
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PC, Nintendo Switch
What’s it about: A colorful co-op game where you play as chefs. You’ll have to prepare and cook meals in many ridiculous restaurants. Whether dealing with a moving floor or impassable fires, teamwork is key to providing the best service in Overcooked 2.
Why we like it: Overcooked 2 is a perfect party game. Whether you’re good under pressure or not, the sheer panic of trying to rustle up recipes under absurd circumstances is always a fun time. Be warned, this isn’t a relaxing experience, but you’ll never get bored (though you might start a few arguments)
Overcooked 2 took the foundations of the original game and made things even more hectic. Whether you’re jumping through portals to get to the oven or crash-landing a hot-air balloon into a sushi restaurant, it always keeps you on your toes. You and up to three friends can join the chaos together, and you can even play as adorable animals (and who doesn’t love adorable animals?)
Written by Tyler Constable
It Takes Two
- Release date: March 26, 2021
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Switch, Windows
What it’s about: It Takes Two is a relationship simulator disguised as a chaotic, co-op game. You and your partner (or unlucky friend roped into this emotional rollercoaster) are thrown into a Pixar-worthy adventure where divorce papers turn into doll-sized body swaps.
Why we like it: It Takes Two demands teamwork and patience. If you’re the gamer partner, you’ll leap through puzzles and have to wait for your partner to get there. You either work together or fail spectacularly.
Unlike most co-op games, this one never gets repetitive. One minute you’re platforming through a literal toolbox war, the next you’re deep in an existential crisis about your in-game marriage (and maybe your real one, too).
Every level is a genre-bending, mind-melting metaphor for love, miscommunication, and the absolute necessity of synchronized button-mashing.
Written by Cande Maldonado
2. Destiny 2
- Release date: September 6, 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation, Windows, Xbox
What it’s about: Blessed by the Traveler’s Light, Guardians are humanity’s last line of defence against its eternal enemy, the Darkness. To defend their spherical savior, players join together in Fireteams to defend the Sol System and reap rich rewards in the process.
Why we like it: Yes, Bungie’s looter shooter has had its fair share of ups and downs over the years, but Destiny 2’s been going for as long as it has for a reason.
Backed by top-tier gunplay and build variety in both PvE and PvP, teaming up with friends to take on Dungeons, the Crucible or myriad other activities added over eight expansions is quintessential Saturday night gaming.
Go full send on endgame Dungeons or jump on for a chill evening of private matches with the crew; the choice is always yours.
Written by Joe Pring
1. Portal 2
- Release date: April 18, 2011
- Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
What it’s about: Portal 2 is a puzzle platformer where players use portal guns to solve physics-based puzzles and navigate through test chambers inside Aperture Science Labs. You must work together to figure out clever ways to progress through complex environments, all while uncovering a witty narrative filled with humor and mind-bending challenges.
Why we like it: There was nothing like heading to a friend’s house or teaming up in multiplayer in Portal 2, solving endless levels with iconic Portal guns while uncovering its slightly eerie storyline, which is completely separate in co-op mode. Even though it can be frustratingly challenging, the satisfaction of solving a level together makes it incredibly addictive. The game’s cult-like following still cries out for a sequel over 10 years later, and it’s easy to see why it’s the best co-op game of all time.
Written by Josh Taylor
Looking for more great co-op games? Check out our list of the best games like It Takes Two, or we have a guide breaking down the best games of 2025 (so far) if you’re looking for something new to play.