17 Best Co-op Games Like It Takes Two & Split Fiction to Play in 2025

Collaborative gaming fosters a sense of camaraderie among players – whether it strengthens bonds or creates new challenges. Despite the popularity of solo gaming and online multiplayer, teamwork-based gaming persists. Some game developers are dedicated to preserving this unique form of play, and we’re here to highlight top co-op games to try in 2025, perfect for those seeking experiences similar to “It Takes Two” or “Split Fiction”.

This list was inspired by Hazelight Studios, and I’m thrilled to share that fact. Growing up, I loved playing local cooperative games with my friends whenever we could. Whether it was a Crash Team Racing tournament, a backstage brawl in WWF Smackdown, or an intense 1v1 in Point Blank, multiplayer gaming has mostly shifted to online platforms. However, studios like Hazelight are developing games specifically designed for cooperative play only.

The creator behind the award-winning title It Takes Two and the forthcoming game Split Fiction is the one to watch. If you’re craving more local cooperative experiences, take a look at these potential picks for the year 2025.

Best Co-op Games You Need to Play in 2025

A Way Out

In the debut venture of Game Director Josef Fares at Hazelight Studios, the project was titled “A Way Out.” This game requires two players to select their characters – Vincent or Leo. The narrative unfolds in a captivating tale, with gameplay centered around cooperation, as the action unfolds side-by-side on the screen. Although it may not be as refined as “It Takes Two,” it offers a refreshing experience, making it worthwhile to give it a try.

Baldur’s Gate 3

Absolutely, the remarkable game Baldur’s Gate 3, set for release in 2023, offers a local co-op mode! That’s right, no compromises or limitations – you and another player can both craft your unique characters and delve into BG3’s immersive world side by side as if playing solo. This RPG is about as polished and esteemed as they come, boasting a wealth of content that will likely keep you engaged until the potential Baldur’s Gate 4.

Borderlands

I’ve been loyal to the Borderlands series since its launch in 2009 and plan to remain so, even up until Borderlands 4. In terms of which title you choose for a co-op experience, it’s not something that carries too much weight. Among all the games, Borderlands 2 resonates most deeply with me, as it masterfully portrays the essence of Pandora through its narrative, characters, and missions. However, exploring Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands or revisiting the past with The Pre-Sequel doesn’t detract from the fantastic looter shooter experience in any way.

Brothers A Tale of Two Sons

In his first venture into video game directing, Fares created Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons under Starbreeze Studios. Prior to founding Hazelight Studios, he told the tale of two siblings. At its initial release, the game lacked cooperative play, but the remake rectified this often-overlooked aspect. This narrative-rich adventure is a must-play, and it paves the way for both It Takes Two and Split Fiction.

Chained Together

Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed were nearly at odds while playing the game Chained Together. This game’s premise is straightforward: You and a partner are linked, needing to cooperate to escape from hell. Each move you make impacts your partner significantly; one misstep could cause a fall back to the start, possibly waking up Satan in his sleep.

Cuphead

Among the fantastic games I’ve played in the last decade, none quite compare to the sheer joy I get from Cuphead. Its unique, intricate style sets it apart, and at its core, it’s essentially a boss-rush game with a sprinkling of platform levels for added excitement. Playing it with a friend makes it even more enjoyable, but be warned – as you progress, so does the enemy’s health, making victories all the sweeter.

Beating a boss can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, but the euphoria of triumph is indescribable and unparalleled. If you ever find yourself yearning for more, there’s a delightful encore in the form of its DLC – The Delicious Last Course!

Diablo 4

In the expansive media realm created by Blizzard, the legendary Diablo series holds a significant place. The year 2023 marked the debut of Diablo 4, an action role-playing game (ARPG) that not only amplifies looting, dungeon exploration, encounters with bosses, and brushes with demons and angels, but also supports local cooperative play. This means you can team up with a friend seated nearby, choose your character class, and delve into the blighted landscapes of Sanctuary together, navigating cautiously amidst the ongoing strife between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells.

Don’t Starve Together

Unlike Cuphead which presents a challenging experience upfront, Don’t Starve might seem more approachable at first glance. However, beware as it requires you to survive under all circumstances. Essential resources such as food, water, rest, warmth, and self-defense are crucial. But you don’t have to embark on a survival adventure solo; the free update for Don’t Starve has added local co-op mode.

Lara Croft And The Guardian of Light

The game series “Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light” and its sequel “Temple of Osiris,” although praised, seems to have been overlooked by many. I wonder how many people, including Tomb Raider fans, recall this 2010 gem. Unlike other games on our list of top co-op games to play in 2025, it thrives with a real-life friend lending aid. It offers Lara, her signature pistols, attire, and classic Tomb Raider exploration—what else could one ask for?

Moving Out

People who have physically relocated in their real lives can instantly relate to this game, as it’s full of hassles. To truly convey the challenges of moving, let’s imagine amplifying the difficulty, damaging relationships and friendships in the process. Moving Out offers an engaging blend of cooperation and mayhem, and if you’re up for more, a sequel is available to continue the torment.

Overcooked

If I were to swap “moving out” with “preparing food,” I wouldn’t be providing useful information and might compromise integrity. However, if I were ranking the games on this list, Overcooked 1 and 2 would be high up there. Ghost Town Games has made something hilarious, chaotic, yet heartwarming with these games. Working together as a team is crucial in preparing each meal, but unfortunately, it seems that there might not be any more Overcooked games – I’ll discuss the reason for this later on.

Portal 2

Back in the day, did you know Valve was renowned for creating top-tier single-player games? If not, that’s understandable since they don’t produce many these days. However, if you haven’t played 2011’s Portal 2, it’s a must-play for those who appreciate intricate storylines, brain-tickling puzzles, exceptional physics, and cooperative escapades. Additionally, separate from the main narrative is an exclusive, self-contained adventure designed for two players. The gameplay remains top-notch, so grab your thinking hats and get ready to collaborate on this one!

Rayman Legends

Discussing some highly successful intellectual properties that were left untouched, Rayman Legends stands out as an engaging 2D platformer brimming with vitality and character. It moves with the agility of a swift gazelle and could very well be the finest Rayman game yet. The game is packed with numerous intriguing collectibles, inventive level designs that will leave you amazed (I could go on about the music levels), but what sets it apart? Local multiplayer mode.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Both PlayStation and PC gamers are given the chance to taste a delightful Sackboy treat. While it may not introduce groundbreaking innovations or redefine 3D platform gaming as some of its contemporaries and past releases have, it’s undeniably enjoyable! Children will find it entertaining, while adults can casually enjoy it too. Plus, you can team up with friends for co-op play and pop bubbles together with local players.

Stage Fright

Once again, we’re reunited with the talented team at Ghost Town Games and their fresh concept, Stage Fright. Although it hasn’t been released yet, its side-splitting debut trailer hints at an exciting future. It’s primarily cooperative in nature, boasting a remarkable level of creativity, and might be one of the most buzzed-about cooperative games in 2025 following Split Fiction.

The Binding of Isaac Rebirth

In November 2014, The Binding of Isaac Rebirth was made available through PlayStation Plus Monthly games, but I didn’t pay much attention to it initially. Later on, when I found myself searching for a game to play, I decided to give it a try. Although I didn’t understand the functions of the items, why my main weapon was a small child’s tears, or what my goal was to kill Isaac’s mother, I became hooked instantly. The Binding of Isaac sparked my interest in roguelike/roguelite games, and if you haven’t yet, I strongly recommend giving it a shot as they have added co-op play since its release.

Unravel Two

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but rave about my experience with the original Unravel. However, the sequel has truly outdone itself! Unlike the first, it offers a captivating co-op mode where two players can weave their stories together seamlessly. The title may be simple, but mastering this interwoven partnership is anything but!

While the game’s tone might be less intense than its predecessor, I find this softer approach to be more inviting and enjoyable. Once you’ve finished, you’ll both be left craving for more adventures together, like threads yearning to be spun again.

Could you share some of the best cooperative games and memories you’ve had playing them throughout the years? Have you had memorable times with multiplayer staples such as Goldeneye, or have there been engaging narrative-driven cooperative experiences that I might not be aware of?

If you’re a fan of cooperative games, Split Fiction is just what you need to scratch that gaming itch. Stay informed about our new content, checking for features such as crossplay or multi-platform compatibility, and keep an eye on whether it will be available through Xbox Game Pass.

2025-02-19 15:49