As fun as it is to murder your friends over and over on Call of Duty, in Mortal Kombat, or every other game where you get to exercise your suppressed rage, it’s also fun to work together towards a mutual goal. Sometimes you just want to do a cosy activity with your friend or your partner, and you don’t really want a loser to come out of it. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, you should take a look at co-op games.
Co-op games, short for cooperative games, are games that allow players to work together to achieve a common goal. This can involve completing missions, solving puzzles, or surviving waves of enemies. Co-op games can be played either online or locally, with friends or strangers.
There are several reasons why you should play co-op games. Firstly, playing co-op games can be a great way to socialize and have fun with friends or family members, as you work together towards a shared goal. Secondly, co-op games can provide a unique and challenging gameplay experience that may not be possible in single-player games. The need to communicate and coordinate with your teammates can make for a more engaging and satisfying experience. Finally, co-op games can provide a sense of accomplishment and teamwork, as you overcome challenges together and achieve victory as a team.
All that being said, let’s take a look at the top ten co-op games you can play in 2023.
10. Snipperclips
“Snipperclips” is a cooperative puzzle game developed by SFB Games and published by Nintendo. The game is available on the Nintendo Switch console and requires two players to play. The players control Snip and Clip, two paper characters that must work together to solve a series of puzzles by cutting each other into different shapes.
The gameplay in “Snipperclips” is centred around the unique mechanic of cutting each other into different shapes in order to solve puzzles. The players must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to figure out how to cut each other into the right shapes to complete the objectives of each level. The gameplay ranges from simple tasks, such as filling a shape with water, to more complex challenges, such as navigating a ball through a maze or moving a basketball into a hoop.
The game is a great cooperative experience that is perfect for playing with a friend or family member. The puzzles require communication and teamwork to solve, which can lead to a lot of fun and laughter. It also offers a unique and creative gameplay experience that is not found in many other games. The cutting mechanic is simple yet innovative, and the puzzles are well-designed and challenging. Finally, the game has a lot of replayability, as there are multiple ways to solve each puzzle and different challenges to complete.
Generally “Snipperclips” is a charming and engaging puzzle game that is perfect for players who enjoy cooperative gameplay and creative problem-solving.
9. Human Fall Flat
“Human Fall Flat” is a physics-based puzzle game developed by No Brakes Games and published by Curve Digital. The game is available on a variety of platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Players control a customizable character named Bob who must navigate through a series of surreal and physics-based environments using his unique abilities and problem-solving skills.
The gameplay in “Human Fall Flat” is centered around physics-based puzzles and platforming challenges. Players must use Bob’s wobbly movements and grab the ability to navigate through levels and solve puzzles. The game is open-ended, allowing players to approach each challenge in their own way, and there are multiple solutions to each puzzle. The puzzles range from simple tasks, such as pushing buttons and pulling levers, to more complex challenges, such as building structures and using vehicles to navigate through environments.
“Human Fall Flat” is a unique and engaging experience that offers a lot of freedom and creativity. The physics-based gameplay and open-ended design allow players to experiment and come up with creative solutions to each puzzle. The game also has a lot of replayability, as there are multiple solutions to each puzzle and different ways to approach each challenge. Finally, the game has a charming and quirky art style, with surreal and dreamlike environments that add to the game’s overall charm and appeal.
Overall, “Human Fall Flat” is a fun and challenging puzzle game that is perfect for players who enjoy physics-based gameplay and open-ended design. The game offers a unique and creative experience that is sure to keep players engaged and entertained.
8. Grounded
“Grounded” is a survival game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Xbox Game Studios. The game is available on Xbox and PC and is set in a backyard where the player is shrunk down to the size of an ant and must survive against various dangers in the environment.
The gameplay in “Grounded” is centered around survival and exploration. Players must scavenge for resources, build structures, and craft tools and weapons to survive against various threats like spiders, ants, and other insects. The game also features a day and night cycle, with different creatures and dangers appearing at different times. As players progress, they uncover mysteries and secrets about the backyard and its inhabitants.
There are various reasons why one should consider playing “Grounded”. Firstly, the game provides an exceptional and captivating experience where the player is reduced to the size of an ant and must maneuver through the dangers of a backyard environment. The gameplay is enriched with well-designed survival mechanics and crafting elements, adding depth to the game’s overall appeal. Secondly, the game offers high replay value, as players can tackle each challenge using different strategies and approaches. Lastly, the game features an enchanting and peculiar art style with intricately detailed environments and creatures that enhance the game’s overall charm.
In summary, “Grounded” is a thrilling and captivating survival game that caters to players who enjoy exploration and crafting. The game’s exceptional concept and immersive gameplay make it a must-play for enthusiasts of the genre.
7. Don’t Starve Together
“Don’t Starve Together” is a multiplayer survival game developed by Klei Entertainment. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch and allows players to work together to survive in a dark and ominous world filled with creatures, dangers, and mysteries.
The gameplay in “Don’t Starve Together” is centered around survival and exploration. Players must gather resources, craft tools, and weapons, and build structures to protect themselves from the environment and the various creatures that inhabit it. The game also features a day and night cycle, with different challenges and dangers appearing at different times. As players progress, they uncover secrets and unlock new areas of the game world.
“Don’t Starve Together” offers a unique and challenging survival experience that is perfect for players who enjoy multiplayer gameplay. The game’s mechanics are well-designed and offer a lot of depth, with different roles and characters to play and a variety of ways to approach each challenge. The game also encourages teamwork and communication, as players must work together to survive and complete objectives. Finally, the game has a charming and distinctive art style, with hand-drawn characters and environments that add to the game’s overall charm and appeal.
6. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
“Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” is a cooperative puzzle game developed by Steel Crate Games. The game is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch and requires at least two players to play. One player is tasked with defusing a bomb while the other players provide instructions on how to disarm it.
The gameplay in “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” is centered around communication and problem-solving. The player tasked with defusing the bomb must describe the bomb to the other players, who have access to a bomb defusal manual. The other players must then use the manual to provide instructions on how to disarm the bomb. The game features a variety of different bombs, each with its own unique challenges and puzzles.
There are numerous reasons why “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” is worth playing. To begin with, the game presents a distinctive and entertaining cooperative experience that is ideal for playing with friends or family. Since the game necessitates communication and teamwork to progress, it can result in a lot of enjoyable moments and laughter. Additionally, the game boasts high replay value since there are various bombs and challenges to conquer, with different approaches to each puzzle. Lastly, the game’s uncomplicated yet effective art style and soundtrack contribute to its overall appeal.
In conclusion, “Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes” is an amusing and demanding cooperative game that is tailor-made for players who relish communication and problem-solving. The game’s exclusive idea and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for aficionados of the genre.
5. Rayman Legends
“Rayman Legends” is a platformer game developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft. The game is available on a variety of platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Players control Rayman, a limbless hero, as he navigates through a series of colorful and imaginative levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and secrets.
The gameplay in “Rayman Legends” is centered around platforming and exploration. Players must use Rayman’s abilities, such as jumping, running, and punching, to navigate through levels and defeat enemies. The game also features a variety of power-ups and collectibles, which add to the game’s overall depth and replayability. The game also allows for up to 4-player local co-op, which adds to the game’s overall fun and social experience.
There are several reasons why you should play “Rayman Legends”. Firstly, the game offers a fun and engaging platforming experience that is perfect for players of all ages. The game’s levels are well-designed, with a lot of creativity and imagination put into them, and the game’s mechanics are easy to learn but challenging to master. Secondly, the game has a lot of replayability, with different challenges and secrets to uncover at each level. Finally, the game has a charming and colorful art style, with eye-catching visuals and a whimsical soundtrack that add to the game’s overall charm and appeal.
Overall, “Rayman Legends” is a fun and entertaining platformer game that is perfect for players who enjoy colorful and imaginative gameplay. The game’s well-designed levels, easy-to-learn mechanics, and charming art style make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
4. Overcooked
“Overcooked” is a cooperative cooking simulation game developed by Ghost Town Games and published by Team17. The game is available on a variety of platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Players work together to cook and serve meals while navigating through various obstacles and challenges.
The gameplay in “Overcooked” is centered around teamwork and time management. Players must work together to prepare and cook meals while dealing with obstacles such as fires, rats, and time constraints. Each level presents new challenges and obstacles, encouraging players to work together and communicate effectively to succeed.
But that’s not all – “Overcooked” also boasts high replay value, with different levels, challenges, and recipes to unlock. And with its charming and colorful art style, complete with a whimsical soundtrack, “Overcooked” is a feast for the senses.
Overall, “Overcooked” is a must-play for fans of cooperative gameplay and time management challenges. So gather your friends, fire up the stove, and get ready for a wild ride in the kitchen!
3. Cuphead
“Cuphead” is a run-and-gun platformer game developed and published by StudioMDHR. The game stands out from other titles due to its distinctive 1930s cartoon-inspired art style, which is entirely hand-drawn and animated using traditional techniques. The game has been praised for its art direction, with many critics and fans citing it as one of the most visually stunning games ever created.
The gameplay in “Cuphead” centers around boss battles, with players taking on a variety of challenging and imaginative foes. The game is notorious for its difficulty, with each boss requiring precise timing, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking to defeat. The game also features a variety of power-ups and upgrades, adding to the game’s overall depth and replayability.
One of the reasons why “Cuphead” is so special is its attention to detail. The game’s creators, brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer spent years perfecting the game’s art style and gameplay mechanics, resulting in a game that is both challenging and visually stunning. The game’s soundtrack, which features authentic jazz and big band music from the 1930s, also adds to the game’s overall charm and appeal.
2. Unravel
“Unravel” is a puzzle-platformer game developed by Coldwood Interactive and published by Electronic Arts. The game follows the adventure of Yarny, a small creature made of red yarn, as he navigates through a series of environments inspired by the Swedish countryside. The game’s central mechanic involves using Yarny’s yarn to solve puzzles and traverse obstacles.
One of the reasons why “Unravel” is special is its unique art style and visual design. The game’s environments are beautifully rendered, with a focus on realism and detail. The use of yarn as a central gameplay mechanic also adds to the game’s overall charm and appeal.
Another standout feature of “Unravel” is its emotional storytelling. The game’s narrative explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia, with Yarny serving as a metaphor for the connections that bind us together. The game is both poignant and uplifting, with a message that resonates with players long after they have completed the game.
Finally, “Unravel” is special because of its focus on environmentalism and sustainability. The game’s developers have made a concerted effort to use sustainable materials and practices in the creation of the game, and the game itself features a strong environmental message.
1. It Takes Two
“It Takes Two” is an action-adventure game developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. The game follows the story of a couple named Cody and May, who have been turned into dolls by their daughter’s magical tears. The couple must work together and navigate through a series of fantastical environments in order to repair their broken relationship and return to their normal lives.
One of the standout features of “It Takes Two” is its cooperative gameplay. The game can only be played in split-screen co-op, with each player controlling one of the characters. The game’s mechanics are designed to encourage cooperation and communication between the two players, making it a great game to play with a partner or friend.
Another standout feature of “It Takes Two” is its inventive and varied gameplay mechanics. The game features a wide range of activities, from platforming and puzzles to racing and shooting. Each level introduces new mechanics and challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging throughout.
Finally, “It Takes Two” is special because of its emotional storytelling. The game’s narrative explores themes of love, forgiveness, and family, with the couple’s journey serving as a metaphor for the ups and downs of relationships.
Overall, “It Takes Two” is a fantastic game that is well worth playing. The game’s cooperative gameplay, inventive mechanics, and emotional storytelling make it a standout title in the action-adventure genre. Whether you’re playing with a partner or friend, “It Takes Two” is an experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
