10 Best Co-Op Platformers

The genre of platform games, dating back to the dawn of video gaming, remains evergreen. These platform games challenge your quick reactions while inviting you to traverse imaginative realms brimming with whimsy. Some even boast compelling narratives or mentally stimulating puzzles.

Platform games, a staple since the earliest days of gaming, continue to endure. They engage your reflexes as you navigate enchanting fantasy landscapes and may present gripping stories or brain-teasing challenges in the form of puzzles.

No matter what your preference is, there’s no denying that playing games with friends is unmatched. If you’re in search of some outstanding cooperative platformers, let me share some top-notch options currently available.

No matter if it’s something specific you want, we can all agree that playing games together with friends is the best. Here are some great cooperative platformer games for you to try out.

10. Unravel 2

An Adorable Adventure

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m diving right into one of the most visually stunning platform games out there. This gem offers a distinctive gameplay feature that makes cooperative play not just fun, but truly satisfying.

In the game “Unravel 2“, you’ll guide two adorable characters, resembling yarn balls, called ‘Yarnys.’ These unique creatures are strung together, allowing you to grab essential items with their string and navigate around challenges.

As a fan, I can say that you’ll find yourself and your friends scaling cliffs together in cooperative play, and solving multiplayer puzzles that are surprisingly intuitive. In simpler terms, if you’re looking for a chill and engaging experience, Unravel 2 is perfect for a laid-back gaming session with a friend by your side.

A potential rephrase could be: “One issue with Unravel 2 is that its cooperative mode requires both players to be in the same location. This might seem odd for a game released in 2018, but if you’re okay without the flexibility to play remotely, then Unravel Two offers an exceptional experience as a co-op puzzle platformer.

9. Human Fall Flat

Is He Supposed To Walk Like That?

If you’re up for some playtime with quirky physics that adds to the amusement as your character wobbles and tumbles while attempting basic missions, then you might find yourself entertained by the game Human Fall Flat.

In numerous titles, the appeal lies in subpar controls and unrealistic character movements (rag dolling). However, “Human Fall Flat” stands out as a superb illustration of this idea executed effectively. Each level is brimming with straightforward physics-based challenges that can prove deceptively tough due to your character’s tendency to wobble unsteadily.

Completing these tasks together is both enjoyable and laugh-out-loud funny with a buddy, and you have the chance to claim victory among up to 8 players in an online setting.

For those who appreciate traditional gaming with local multiplayer fun, you’ll be pleased to know that Human Fall Flat includes a side-by-side mode for two players. Each level offers numerous solutions to explore, and the abundance of Downloadable Content (DLC) ensures the game remains engaging for endless gaming sessions.

8. Bokura

A Heartfelt Tale

Key Information Details
Developer Tokoronyori
Genre Co-Op Puzzle Platformer
Release Date August 2023

In the opening, I highlighted the knack co-op games have for weaving captivating narratives, and Bokura truly embodies this talent. As a devoted admirer, I can attest to its brilliance.

Our game, titled “Bokura“, offers an enchanting 2D platform experience with a built-in cooperative play mode. In this captivating adventure, you control two runaway boys revisiting their cherished childhood memories together. While the summary suggests a simple tale, the plot is actually rich and multi-layered, and I wouldn’t want to ruin it by revealing too much.

In terms of gameplay, “Bokura” offers excellent puzzles that are specifically designed for two people to solve together. The game isn’t overly complex in terms of mechanics, and many mysteries can be unraveled through some experimentation or trial and error.

Although Bokura may appear as a simple 2D game at first glance, it can unexpectedly take on a more ominous tone at times. Just remember this when seeking a relaxed cooperative playtime.

7. Trine

A Great Choice For Trios

Many platformer games offer cooperative play, but it’s uncommon to discover an entire series where team play is deeply ingrained in its essence.

In simpler terms, Trine is a captivating 2.5D platform game filled with intricate physics-based challenges and well-developed characters for players to control. The visual style is truly remarkable, offering numerous awe-inspiring vistas during your adventure.

In the game called “Trine“, cooperative gameplay plays a significant role. If you decide to play on your own, you can switch between characters, but the experience is truly enhanced when playing as a team. The puzzles are generally easy to understand, and the abilities of each character evolve and become more intricate in subsequent games.

I suggested the initial Trine game because it serves as an excellent foundation, yet each title within the series offers a delightful gaming experience when played cooperatively with friends.

6. Rayman Legends

A Hero Returns To His Roots

As a dedicated Rayman enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement as Rayman Origins signified a triumphant comeback of our beloved character in the 2D world. The sequel takes it up a notch by introducing an engaging co-op component that makes the experience even more enjoyable!

Rayman Legends is an engaging 2D platform game that offers quick action, cooperative problem-solving puzzles, a wide variety of captivating environments, and a fantastic treasure hunt if you aim to save everything. The controls are exceptionally responsive, and each level seems perfectly designed for Rayman’s acrobatic abilities.

The standout feature of Rayman Legends is undeniably the challenging boss battles. Each one comes with an outstanding soundtrack, turning them into engaging rhythm games. The quality of these stages is so impressive that you eagerly anticipate advancing to the next battle.

It’s unfortunate that there hasn’t been another solo Rayman game since then, but this one truly wraps up the series in an extraordinary way.

5. Portal 2

Maybe Even Better Than Cake

The Portal series, crafted by the brilliant minds at Valve, is an extraordinary blend of a first-person shooter, puzzler, and platformer. The original game left a lasting impression, but it was primarily a single-player experience. Thankfully, this changed with the arrival of the sequel.

In Portal 2, you’ll find the same flexible puzzle-solving experience from the first game, but this time with a friend by your side. The portal gun offers numerous solutions for the puzzles, and the game world has been expanded significantly compared to the original version.

This campaign is designed to keep you and your companion engaged for numerous hours. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll also find personalized content and a level editor at your disposal.

The level designer boasts an impressive intuition, and there are more than a staggering 100,000 maps readily accessible through the Steam Workshop.

4. Spelunky 2

DEREK!!!!

In simpler terms, Spelunky 2 is a challenging platform game that belongs to the genre of Roguelikes, offering numerous opportunities for players to showcase their unique abilities, with a particularly steep learning curve.

The game can be extremely challenging to play on your own and slightly less so when played cooperatively, due to friendly fire. If you’re not easily intimidated, Spelunky 2 is a brilliantly crafted masterpiece that features procedurally generated levels. Each playthrough offers unique challenges because no two runs are identical, with precise platforming controls throughout the game.

For beginners, your objective in this game is to make it to the bottom of every level and defeat the boss at the end. However, as you delve deeper into the mysteries of Spelunky 2, you’ll uncover various paths within the game and potent items that significantly change how you navigate each level.

In a more casual and engaging manner, one could say that Spelunky 2 seems like a passion project from its designer, Derek Yu, and it’s quite simple to get swept away for hundreds of hours in this challenging game.

3. Broforce

A Bro Simulator

In simpler terms, the classic Contra series by Konami, particularly the older games, are fantastic examples of fast-paced platformers. Regrettably, several more recent installments seem to stray from the cherished design they were once known for.

Don’t worry, for there is Broforce! This game proudly displays its inspiration with intense 2D platforming and run-and-gun gameplay. The title is a tribute to the classic game Contra and action films from the ’80s and ’90s.

The majority of the characters draw inspiration from iconic action figures, such as Rambro or Robocop. It’s a fun, lighthearted take, with the narrative avoiding any pretentiousness and embracing a fair amount of action-packed violence.

You might find that Broforce is quite challenging, however, it offers adjustable difficulty levels and supports gameplay for up to four players at once.

In considering whether to include “Contra: Operation Galuga” on the list, I was torn, but ultimately I believe that “Broforce” outperforms it.

2. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Don’t Let The Cute Characters Fool You

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that the Donkey Kong series truly reigns supreme in the realm of platforming games. And let me tell you, Super Tropical Freeze on both the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch is no ordinary title – it’s royalty in its own right!

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze represents a top-notch 2D platformer, beautifully set within dense jungles, eerie caves, and even beneath the ocean. For those who’ve experienced the originals, you’ll find that the gameplay remains largely unchanged but continues to present challenging platforming experiences, especially in its advanced stages.

Just like the classic games on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Tropical Freeze might seem easy at first glance due to its adorable characters, but it actually demands a high level of skill. However, in cooperative play, you can revive fallen companions, and nothing beats the satisfaction of completing tough levels with a friend by your side.

It can be said that Tropical Freeze might not be ideal for those seeking a tranquil experience, however, it shines brilliantly for those who enjoy taking on a tough challenge.

1. Cuphead

Boss Rush With Friends

If you’re still craving tough cooperative games following your playthrough of Spelunky 2 or Tropical Freeze, you’ll discover plenty to appreciate in the game known as Cuphead.

As a passionate gamer, let me tell you that I’ve been hooked on this gem called Cuphead. It’s not just your typical 2D platformer; it’s a challenging, nail-biting experience. The art style, inspired by the vintage Rubber Hose animation of the ’20s and ’30s, gives it an iconic, nostalgic feel that’s hard to resist.

But what really sets Cuphead apart for me is its impressive roster of bosses. Each one presents a unique challenge, testing my skills and patience in ways few games have managed before.

In the world of “Cuphead”, battles against numerous bosses place it firmly within the genre of games centered around intense boss encounters. Each antagonist showcases an original set of abilities and undergoes multiple stages, requiring varied strategies for overcoming them. What makes this game even more appealing is the option to play cooperatively with a friend, amping up the chaos to its maximum level.

Heed this: Having more players doesn’t necessarily make the game Cuphead less challenging, as the bosses possess enlarged health reserves that correspond to the increased firepower you now wield.

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2025-01-24 18:11