10 Best Co-Op Games That Bring Back the Joy of Split-Screen Fun!

Summary

Split Fiction brings back split-screen co-op, emphasizing teamwork in unpredictable ways.
Prominent local co-op games like Snipperclips, Sackboy, Portal 2, and Stardew Valley encourage collaboration.
Titles like A Way Out and It Takes Two emphasize synchronized cooperation for players to progress through their stories.

Some games are more enjoyable when played with others. A drawback of online multiplayer gaming has been the disappearance of cooperative play using split-screen, but fortunately, Split Fiction has stepped in to fill that gap. This is achieved by reintroducing the split onto players’ screens – literally. This is thanks to Hazelight Studios, a company that has been offering this feature since 2018.

Despite the fact that blockbuster titles like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto might dominate the AAA industry, there are still compelling local co-op narrative games hidden in the shadows. Here’s a list of some top co-op games for those who enjoy storytelling similar to Split Fiction.

10. Snipperclips

When Words Fail, Scissors Speak

Occasionally, the most enjoyable cooperative experiences aren’t about elaborate stories or intense combat. Instead, they can be two silly pieces of paper, frantically trying to trim each other into the correct shape. Snipperclips is a game that transforms players into creative problem-solvers, providing them only with the ability to ‘clip’ in response to progressively absurd challenges.

The game, titled “Snipperclips,” is tailored for two participants, where the fundamental aspect revolves around trimming and altering each other to conquer physics-based challenges. These tasks can range from fitting into an outline, shifting objects, or constructing a flawless basketball hoop. This game encourages players to interact in ways they might not anticipate, frequently necessitating plenty of gesturing, shouting, and unintended trimming. Similar to the game “Split Fiction,” “Snipperclips” flourishes on collaboration. Achieving success isn’t only about individual talent; it also involves teamwork in unexpected, frequently amusing manners. Unlike other games with a narrative, “Snipperclips” serves as a platform for players to craft their own story, using laughter, exasperated sighs, and the occasional exclamation of, “I swear I didn’t intend to cut you there!

9. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Stitching Friendships Together One Jump At A Time

The LittleBigPlanet series has consistently emphasized creativity and collaboration, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure translates these concepts into a delightful 3D platformer designed for teamwork. Although it’s playable alone, the game really comes alive in cooperative mode, where players work together to traverse levels, tackle puzzles, and assist one another over various challenges.

Similar to the world-traversing concept of Split Fiction, Sackboy transports players into a variety of vibrant settings, each teeming with character. Moreover, its playful art design and lovable characters evoke the same spirit of adventure and camaraderie that makes Split Fiction so captivating.

8. Portal 2 (Co-Op Mode)

The Science Of Friendship And Betrayal

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the unique challenge presented in Portal 2’s cooperative mode: It’s not just about solving puzzles, it’s about solving them while relying on another player to the point where their life is in your hands. Now that’s a different breed of challenge! What makes this mode truly exceptional is that it’s not merely an extension of the single-player game; it’s a masterclass in puzzle design, one that teaches us the value of teamwork and cooperation.

As robotic test subjects in this game, players will need to innovatively employ portals for overcoming challenges. By utilizing each other’s portals, you can access hard-to-reach areas, leap across dangerous chasms, and dodge the relentless, sarcastic remarks from GLaDOS. This adventure necessitates communication, perseverance, and a delicate balance of trust (or its absence, depending on whether someone chooses to inopportunely delete a portal). Similar to Split Fiction, it’s a tale about two characters who must collaborate despite circumstances that may tempt them otherwise.

7. Overcooked 2

The Kitchen Nightmare That Never Ends

In contrast to games that challenge reflexes or strategy, there’s Overcooked 2, a cooking-based cooperative game that puts relationships to the test. Instead of relying on individual skill, success in this game hinges on effective communication. Players are tasked with chopping ingredients, cooking meals, washing dishes, and serving orders amidst escalating chaos, such as kitchens splitting apart, moving platforms, or even portals. The game begins with a seemingly manageable plan, but soon spirals into chaotic shouting as everything starts catching fire.

Just as the storylines in Split Fiction can surprise you at every turn, Overcooked 2 is all about collaboration and adaptability. Even those who believe they’ve got it figured out will soon discover that in this chaotic kitchen, catastrophe could strike with a single poorly timed toss.

6. Baldur’s Gate 3

A Virtual Dungeons And Dragons Campaign With A Fun Co-Op Option

As a fellow gaming enthusiast, let me tell you about an incredible journey I’ve recently embarked on – Baldur’s Gate 3. This isn’t just another role-playing game; it’s a captivating co-op adventure that’s rich in storytelling and character development. It’s like weaving our own tales within the epic framework of Dungeons & Dragons.

With every new character I craft, I find myself making decisions that shape not only my journey but also the world around me. Every choice I make matters, with far-reaching consequences unfolding as the story progresses. The vast world of Baldur’s Gate 3 is waiting to be explored, and I can’t wait to uncover its secrets!

Instead of typical cooperative games emphasizing rapid reactions, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out by focusing on strategy and storytelling. Every player contributes with distinctive abilities and characters, resulting in varied interactions that can range from amusing blunders to strategic decisions. Similarly to Split Fiction, where Mio and Zoe create their individual narratives, here too, numerous dialogues and actions have the power to change the direction of your journey.

5. Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

A Puzzle Platformer Built For Three

The Trine series consistently revolves around the theme of magical collaboration, and that continues with Trine 5. This game combines physics-based puzzle elements with platform gameplay, allowing players to command three separate characters: a knight, a thief, and a wizard. Each character has special skills that need to be utilized together to conquer complex puzzles and defeat adversaries.

This game stands out due to its immersive teamwork element in gameplay. Players often find themselves switching characters or relying on their teammates for advancement, similar to how collaboration is crucial in games like Split Fiction. It’s all about overcoming challenges together – Zoya traversing chasms with her grappling hook, Amadeus crafting platforms out of thin air, or using other unique abilities. Each challenge becomes a mini puzzle that success relies on creativity and cooperation to solve.

4. Stardew Valley

A Fun And Relaxing Co-Op Farming Experience

In contrast to some cooperative games that focus on intense action or intricate problem-solving, others like Stardew Valley offer a more tranquil experience, one where players collaborate to construct something mutually, such as a shared farm. This multiplayer mode in Stardew Valley allows players to split tasks, manage their own sections of the farm, and jointly create their unique piece of virtual utopia.

In a leisurely and almost contemplative manner, Stardew Valley encourages a unique form of collaboration, focusing on strategic long-term planning instead of swift reflexes. For fans who appreciate the more tranquil, character-focused scenes in games like Split Fiction, this is an ideal cooperative adventure.

3. Unravel 2

A Story Told in Strings

The game titled “Unravel 2” revolves around the themes of connection, both physically and emotionally. In this adventure, players guide two yarn-made characters bound together by a single strand as they traverse a world brimming with intricate puzzles and tranquil charm.

As a dedicated player, I find this game truly unique because it seamlessly blends cooperation and narrative elements. Unlike other games that rely heavily on dialogue or dramatic cutscenes, here, two characters work together to navigate a deeply personal journey. In essence, much like Split Fiction, Unravel 2 is all about partnership – solving problems together, overcoming challenges, and occasionally pausing to appreciate the game’s stunning visuals.

2. A Way Out

Two Players, One Escape

Originating from the same creative minds as Split Fiction, A Way Out adheres to a similar structure and is specifically crafted for dual-player experience, eschewing any single-player option. This game presents a dramatic narrative about two inmates, Leo and Vincent, who must cooperate to escape from prison and confront the perils that lie ahead outside.

In this game, a unique split-screen feature ensures that both viewpoints remain visible simultaneously, thereby compelling players to collaborate in ways rarely seen in other games. Similarly to “Split Fiction”, the challenge isn’t merely resolving issues but also comprehending and accommodating another player’s choices.

1. It Takes Two

Two Souls, One Adventure, And A Whole Lot Of Chaos

In my gaming adventures, I found myself stepping into Hazelight Studios’ latest narrative-driven split-screen co-op game, following Cody and May – a couple on the brink of divorce who were transformed into miniature dolls by their daughter’s accidental wish. Despite our strained relationship, we had to collaborate to navigate this whimsically creative world, where each level offers a fresh take on gameplay mechanics. One instant, we’re leaping and dodging through a toolbox’s wrath, the next moment, we’re delving into an RPG-style dungeon crawl.

Rather than “Split Fiction,” which revolves around rivalry, “It Takes Two” emphasizes harmonious collaboration. Each player possesses distinct skills, necessitating continuous communication and coordination. The gameplay remains dynamic, ensuring an exciting experience from beginning to end, with a mix of amusing, unexpected moments (like the humor in a talking book) and satisfying triumphs (such as solving tricky puzzles).

2025-03-10 17:25