Gaming has changed a lot over the years, but one thing remains the same — people love playing games together, either in person or online. Whether you’re solving a puzzle, hunting monsters or escaping Hell, it’s better with a friend (or three).
So it shouldn’t be surprising that games like Split Fiction and It Takes Two from Hazelight Studios, which focus on cooperative play, were critical successes. Some of my best memories are marathon gaming sessions with friends, squished together on a couch or logging in online from different spots to take on big challenges (or fight each other).
Whether you’re looking for a split-screen, couch co-op experience or just want something to hop into for a few hours with your friends, these are some of the best co-op games to try right now.
Read more: Best Video Games Under $50 Right Now
Best co-op games right now
- Split Fiction
- It Takes Two
- Helldivers 2
- Elden Ring Nightreign
- Baldur’s Gate 3
Best co-op games for two players
These games are best experienced with one other person, so grab a friend and get to work. A few in this section, like Split Fiction, It Takes Two and Cuphead, only require one copy of the game, which makes it even easier to play.
Best co-op games for four players
These games are better experienced with a crew at your back. Squad up with three friends and get ready to squash alien bugs, hunt monsters or battle waves of demons.
Best single-player games with co-op
These games are primarily single-player adventures, but they do support bringing along a friend or three. Whether you’re passing the controller back and forth or dropping in and out, try these games solo or with friends.
Best free co-op games
You don’t always have to shell out to play with friends. Here are a few free options.
Recent updates to the list
— September 2025: Added Lego Voyagers
How we determined CNET’s best co-op games
When creating this list of the best co-op games out there, we factored in how unique and enjoyable these games are for most players, prioritizing cooperative fun but giving weight to novel gameplay and compelling narratives. Our picks cover a variety of genres from action/adventure to puzzle to shooters and more, most of which appear across PlayStation, Xbox, PC and Nintendo Switch platforms. If you’re looking for help choosing your next game with friends, CNET’s top co-op list is a good place to start narrowing your choices.
