One of the best bonding experiences is playing through a great couch co-op game with a significant other. The couch co-op multiplayer experience is coming back, and for very good reason. Games are not only a source of entertainment, but they can also teach players valuable lessons about good teamwork and communication - It Takes Two being a prime example. They provide a fun, low-stakes environment to practice cooperation and collaboration with your partner. It is also an excellent idea for a stay-at-home date night.
There are many online co-op and multiplayer games available now, and even some single-player games that are getting their own multiplayer mods, like Skyrim and Elden Ring. However, couch co-op games that provide a truly memorable experience are rare. The recently released Multiversus notably missed a big opportunity by not including a couch co-op mode for online matches. Games that encourage players to work together to overcome challenges in clever ways are gratifying. Developers like Hazelight Studios are leading the charge in a new era of co-op games, so now is the perfect time to dive into some staples in the genre.
Below you’ll find some of the best co-op games to play with your partner. Those chosen are apart of various genres, from puzzle games to side-scrollers, and have a wide difficulty range. Some may be more welcoming than others, but they all promote cooperative play above all else, and ensure a memorable experience with a partner.
It Takes Two Is A Heartwarming Co-Op Experience
It Takes Two is a co-op action-adventure game released in 2021. It features a heart-warming story of a couple who get magically turned into dolls and are challenged to fix their crumbling relationship for the sake of their daughter. The story is very well-told and has touching lessons to impart to its players about relationships and individual identity within them.
It Takes Two is reasonably easy to pick up, making it an excellent choice for those without much gaming experience. The game was specifically designed for two players. Many levels introduce new mechanics and gadgets for players to use, but they are only functional when used in tandem. In between the teamwork, the game offers various mini-games that have the players compete against each other, such as tug of war, shooting galleries, and chess.
Portal 2 Requires Coordinated Teamwork
Portal 2 is a first-person shooter-style puzzle game released in 2011 that recently got a surprise release on the Nintendo Switch. In addition to its stellar single-player story, Portal 2 introduced a challenging co-op mode playable online or locally. Players work together by solving puzzles requiring them to use portals in order to progress through levels with complicated designs. This is done by firing a portal on one wall and then firing another on a different wall creating access to new areas.
The challenge posed by Portal 2’s co-op is figuring out how to place both sets of portals to get both players to the finish line. The puzzles often require planning, quick reactions, and a lot of trial and error. Sometimes one player may think they have the solution only to be proven wrong, so it gets interesting when each player comes up with a different solution. The true answer, however, frequently lies in a combination of approaches.
Cuphead Is A Challenging Yet Rewarding Co-Op Delight
Cuphead is a run-and-gun side scroller game released in 2017, with its Delicious Last Course DLC releasing five years later. The team at Studio MDHR took a love for old 1930s cartoons and brought them to life in this beautiful game. The animation is so fluid that it feels like watching the cartoon come to life. While the game can be played single-player, it is much more enjoyable cooperatively.
There is no question that Cuphead is a challenging game, but it's also a thrill ride. The feeling of beating a level or boss is so satisfying because of all the time spent getting there. The gameplay is addictive, and players will find themselves coming back for more, trying the levels on more challenging difficulty settings. The game is still ed with DLC, like the recently released Delicious Last Course, which breathes new life into the game.
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes Puts The Pressure On Partners
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes is a cooperative puzzle game released in 2015. The goal is to work together to defuse a bomb before it explodes. To do this, one player, The Expert, has the bomb’s manual, but they cannot see the bomb. They must describe what they see on the screen to their partner, The Def, who can only see and interact with the bomb.
The instructions for disarming the bomb are complex and use mini-puzzles that must be solved in order to progress to the next step. As if it wasn’t stressful enough, some puzzles are persistent and require the Def’s attention periodically. Otherwise, the bomb will go off. This game is an excellent test of efficient communication and teamwork. It’s also fun seeing how players react to moments of intense pressure.
Unravel Two Is An Adorable & Satisfying Co-Op Game
Unravel Two is bigger and better than its predecessor, and is a puzzle/platforming game released in 2018. It’s a beautiful cooperative video game adventure with an uplifting story. Players have to guide the Yarnys through levels, solve puzzles, and avoid obstacles in order to save their home from the looming darkness. The Yarny’s are attached by dead ends, forming a link between them that is used for traversal and puzzle solving.
This game has so much heart and is cleverly designed. The eureka moments when discovering a puzzle’s solution are satisfying and give players a sense of accomplishment and friendship. The story's positive message contributes to this feeling and is sure to leave players feeling warm and fuzzy like their Yarny counterparts.
There’s never been a better time for co-op games. These games are some of the best, especially the critically acclaimed It Takes Two but some honorable mentions are warranted - Resident Evil 5 has a great co-op mode; Overcooked 2 is a cute gaming experience; the new Kirby and The Forgotten Land also features some fun cooperative gameplay. Playing through an excellent couch co-op game with a significant other is one of the best ways to strengthen relationships. Games can teach players essential lessons about effective teamwork and communication while providing hours of fun.
