2022 is shaping up to be a great year for fans of cooperative multiplayer games, with games like Gotham Knights still to come. Some smash-hits have already come out, while others are still in the pipeline. Whether someone is a fan of shooters, brawlers, or more experimental, eccentric indie titles, there's a little something for everyone on the co-op front this year.
Co-op fans had a great year in 2021, as they got to enjoy cooperative multiplayer in games like Far Cry 6 and charming, singular games like the award-winning It Takes Two. There were a couple of sleeper hits last year as well, with the open-world survival game Valheim taking the gaming world by storm and The Ascent serving up some neon-drenched, action-RPG gameplay. Given co-op has become less of a staple with many games, it was nice to see the feature have a standout presence across multiple titles.
There were several other high-profile and breakout indie co-op games that dropped last year, but 2022 could still top 2021 when it comes to diverse, expertly produced multiplayer games. This year's release schedule is jam-packed with family-friendly favorites, controller-gripping action titles, and classic MMORPGs. If everything goes as planned with these release schedules, co-op gamers will have a wealth of choice in the coming months.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Extraction - January 20
Ubisoft's zombie survival/mission-based mishmash of Tom Clancy IPs, Rainbow Six Extraction, released to a lukewarm reception at the start of this year. Still, Extraction has its fans, as players have been finding fun in the game's gunplay and customization options. All of this can be enjoyed with up to two friends on the same screen, and then up to four online.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human - February 4
February started off with a bang thanks to the release of the long-awaited Dying Light 2: Staying Human, which came with co-op gameplay. Through this multiplayer mode, players can link up with friends and speed through the game's post-apocalyptic urban landscape together, taking on story missions, completing side quests, or just hanging out. Even though it got off to a rough start, developer Techland seems to have fixed many of the game's network issues, so Dying Light 2's co-op is ready for players to enjoy.
Elden Ring - February 25
FromSoftware's latest release is known for many things, but one of its most unique aspects is its co-op system. Elden Ring's co-op could be improved, especially with PC performance causing concerns for co-op players on PC, but it's a great option for long-time FromSoftware fans as well as newcomers looking for something to play with friends. Summoning in Elden Ring is also a great way for players to see what other Tarnished look like, and helps to make exploring the Lands Between less isolating than it otherwise would be alone.
Elden Ring's co-op can't be played split-screen, and instead works by summoning players before a given area or boss fight. Players looking to lend a hand to those struggling can also leave summoning signs throughout the world. Once activated, they'll be pulled from their current activity and into the realm of the summoner, only returning once they've completed their objective of defeating the nearest optional or main Elden Ring boss.
Babylon's Fall - March 3
While this game received a much colder critical reception that the two previously mentioned releases, it is a co-op game through-and-through, and players fond of loot-based games and flashy combat systems just might find something to like in Babylon's Fall. The game is intended to be a live-service as well, so some of its more contentious points may be resolved later this year, making it more appealing to co-op fans.
Kirby And The Forgotten Land - March 25
For many gamers, Kirby and the Forgotten Land represents a major step for the Kirby franchise, as it is the first full-3D game to feature the lovable, rotund hero. The game's highly polished gameplay is topped with a fun couch co-op feature, letting an additional player come aboard as Waddle-Dee to help with Kirby and the Forgotten Land's many missions. This isn't as in-depth as some of the other-co-op offerings on this list, but it is certainly a good time for anyone who is a fan of Nintendo games.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands - March 25
Launched alongside Kirby and the Forgotten Land was Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, a cheeky, Dungeons & Dragons-inspired Borderlands spin-off. In typical franchise fashion, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands serves up fast-paced, flashy cooperative multiplayer content, allowing players to tackle missions and gather loot together. For looter-shooter fans interested in something new, the co-op gameplay of Tiny Tina's Wonderlands may just hit the spot.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga - April 5
Signaling a leap forward for the LEGO Star Wars franchise in of graphical presentation and gratifying gameplay, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga comes packed with the traditional co-op features that fans of the LEGO games have come to expect. This is great for players who aren't happy with how The Skywalker Saga's AI LEGO companions work, but it's also perfect for players looking for some chill, charming galactic multiplayer with friends.
The LEGO games are best played with a friend, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is no exception. Although the game has its issues, it has made improvements to co-op. The removal of the old LEGO games' dynamic split-screen - replaced this time with a fixed vertical split - has made the action less disorienting than before. The HUD might get a little chaotic at times, and the lack of online multiplayer is disappointing, but couch co-op is still great to play.
Saints Row - August 23
Deepsilver's over-the-top open-world crime franchise is getting rebooted this year, and will reportedly be coming with some open-world co-op features. Saints Row players can also complete missions together, and progress from these missions will be carried over even after a player goes back into their game. Gamers will have to wait to see just how this co-op system turns out, but it looks like it could lead to some satisfying gameplay for both long-time Saints Row fans and newcomers.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide - September
Warhammer fans have been anxiously awaiting the release of this game since it was announced. Excitement has been ramping within the series' community following the reveal that Warhammer 40K: Darktide will launch in September. The fanbase will have to wait until more information is revealed, but it looks to have many of the same action-RPG FPS co-op elements as Warhammer: Vermintide.
Gotham Knights - October 25
The highly anticipated action-RPG based upon the iconic DC characters Robin, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Batgirl will be coming this fall, marking the first AAA Batman title without a playable Dark Knight. Even more exciting is the prospect of playing as these characters with friends, as it has been confirmed by Gotham Knights will feature a drop-in, drop-out two-person co-op system. This means that all four characters won't be playable at once, but exploring a new open-world Gotham City with Batcycles sounds great.
Despite being announced at DC FanDome 2020, there's still not much that WB Games Montréal has revealed about Gotham Knights' story. The game's premise sees the Bat Family attempting to save Gotham following the deaths of both Bruce Wayne and Commissioner James Gordon, which presents a bit of a departure compared to the previous Batman: Arkham titles. Gotham Knights also takes place in a universe separate from Arkham, with it being WB Montréal's first full game since 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins.
The Outlast Trials - TBA
Horror fans might want to give The Outcast Trials a shot, as it aims to provide some of the thrills on offer through the mainline Outlast games in a co-op setting. Fans of the franchise are still waiting to hear more about The Outcast Trials, but it's been revealed that it will take place during the Cold War, serving up various escape room-style puzzles that can be tackled by up to four players.
Kerbal Space Program 2 - TBA
The highly anticipated sequel to 2011's Kerbal Space Program, which just ceased development, is also set to release in 2022. Once again, not too much is known about this next installment, but fans can expect satisfying, physics-based building gameplay that they can enjoy with up to three friends.
Other Co-Op Games Releasing In 2022
On top of the aforementioned games, there are a number of other co-op titles releasing throughout 2022. Evil Dead: The Game - which launched on May 13 after initially being delayed out of 2021 - has a multiplayer component and pits a team of four survivors against one Kandarian demon controlled by another player. However, it can be played entirely cooperatively against AI enemies as well.
There's certainly no shortage of co-op video games coming out in 2022. Players who are fond of action-packed gameplay can try out titles like Gotham Knights, while those interested in something a little more chill can sink their teeth into casual experiences like Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Thanks to this broad selection, no co-op fan should go unsatisfied this year.
