After the unsuccessful Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, American President John F. Kennedy made a remark, “Winning has many claimants, but losing is an orphan.” This phrase, originally written by Italian foreign minister Count Galeazzo Ciano during World War II, fits perfectly to describe multiplayer real-time strategy games that require teamwork and collaboration.
You admit to your friend, “Indeed, I made some mistakes with my artillery placement during the last round,” but then add, “If only you had reinforced our forces on that side more aggressively, we might not have suffered this defeat.
Absolutely, you could opt for a more laid-back approach by casually responding with “gg” in the conversation, secure in the understanding that the true triumph lies in spending time with individuals you enjoy being around.
In every way you handle defeats, the true essence of cooperative strategy games lies in the exhilaration of success. The triumphant fist pumps, the triumphant yells, and the boisterous laughter that sometimes overflows onto the voice channel: “we achieved this, as a team.
These cooperative strategy games offer a chance for you and your friends to enact your shared dreams of being warlords, experiencing the thrill of victory, and enduring the bitter taste of defeat together.
8. Call to Arms: Gates of Hell
All About Perspective
| Developer | Barbedwire Studios |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Digitalmindsoft |
| Release Date | June 11th, 2021 |
| Genre | Real-time Strategy |
The unforgiving truths of World War 2 aren’t for the sensitive, yet there’s a strange comfort in shared hardships. The cooperative mode in Call to Arms isn’t flawless, but even with its imperfections, it remains an enjoyable experience when played together with a friend.
As a gamer, diving into this game, I find myself equipped with a dynamic, adaptable campaign that caters to both solo and cooperative playstyles. The choices I make along the way shape my journey differently, keeping each playthrough fresh and engaging. Furthermore, if multiplayer is more your thing, you can engage in player-versus-player combat, teaming up with as many as three other players for a thrilling battle experience.
In the game “Call to Arms: Gates of Hell,” one standout aspect is its unique perspective system. Instead of the typical real-time strategy (RTS) games where you observe the action from a bird’s eye view, this game allows you to toggle between that and viewing the action through the eyes of your units.
While this game might not rival an FPS or tank simulation, it offers unique advantages in certain strategic scenarios where traditional point-and-click controls fall short.
7. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2
Not One Step Back
Due to the popularity of games like “Space Marine”, the expectations for “Warhammer 40,000” titles are incredibly high. While “Dawn of War 2” hasn’t quite reached masterpiece status with its cooperative modes, I still believe it’s one of the most ridiculously enjoyable games to play with a buddy.
The standout feature of Dawn of War 2, particularly in cooperative play, is the thrilling challenge presented by The Last Stand mode. This demanding and at times grueling experience becomes exceptionally satisfying when enjoyed with the right companions.
In simpler terms, “The Last Stand” is a real-time strategy game featuring three players battling waves of enemies in an arcade-like setting. Due to its popularity, it was temporarily made available as a separate game title, but it’s best not to dwell on that experience.
This mode is a treat for Warcraft 3 veterans who grew up with the Defense of the Ancients spin-off.
6. Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
A New World Order Awaits
As much as I love my go-to game, there’s just something missing – like a captivating storyline where Tim Curry’s character is hiding out in a sanctuary untouched by the clutches of capitalism. Seems like it’s not on the cards, huh?
Back in 2008, “Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3” was as boundless and exciting as the cosmos to me. However, much like the universe, it fell victim to the grasping tendrils of corporate might over time. The official game servers have vanished, but a dedicated band of enthusiasts joined forces to establish a network of community servers, keeping the spirit of Red Alert 3 alive and well.
Should you be open to the slight inconvenience of playing CnC Online, it continues to offer one of the most enjoyable cooperative gaming experiences out there.
The cooperative campaign thrives on the game’s utterly playful spirit, featuring exaggerated presentations and quirky voice acting that maintain a balance between being entertaining and enjoyable.
While we’re having fun together, let’s crank up the challenge level to ‘Hard’. You might not break a sweat, but it’ll require more teamwork, which makes the wins all the more satisfying.
5. Halo Wars 2
The Console Winner
As a devoted Halo Wars fan, I must admit that the 2017 sequel didn’t quite live up to the mark upon its debut. The primary reason for this, from my perspective, was a series of design choices that seemed to prioritize Xbox compatibility over maintaining the intricate depth that the original PC version offered.
Regardless of personal opinions, there’s no arguing that Halo Wars 2 offers exceptional cooperative play. Beyond multiplayer contests involving teams ranging from one to three players, the game also boasts a campaign designed for two players.
In Halo Wars 2, allies share resources such as bases, supplies, and have limited numbers of units, which is a streamlined system that sets it apart from many other games. Additionally, this game uniquely allows for the transfer of unit control to another player.
This setup allows for distinct functions, where one participant manages the logistics and supply aspects, while another takes charge of the operational units at the forefront.
4. Wargame: Red Dragon
F-35, Russian Presidents, And Manly Love
If Wargame were a person, it would be listed in my contacts as “Do Not Contact.” It’s a reminder to resist the temptation during restless nights or moments of alcohol-induced solitude. The sight of a sunset often brings back memories of that old Soviet deck I constructed in the late 1980s.
Eugen System’s renowned real-time strategy game set during the Cold War features a multiplayer environment that can be aggressive and at times hostile, and its combat systems necessitate a level of management that seems excessive.
In the game “Wargame: Red Dragon,” there are times when it can be quite frustrating to play alone due to certain difficulties. However, the dynamics shift dramatically when you’re involved in a large multiplayer cooperative match.
Back in his genius, Eugen crafted Red Dragon to accommodate as many as 20 players in a single game. Even though it was released back in 2014, you’ll find numerous 10v10 servers on the list, making it ideal for a fun-filled, unpredictable experience with both friends and newcomers. It’s all about the thrill!
3. StarCraft 2
The Perfect Sequel
Since 1998, the StarCraft series has been Blizzard’s most prized asset in the strategy game genre, largely due to the launch of StarCraft 2 in 2010.
The game drew inspiration from the company’s thriving MOBA advancements and integrated those elements into a swift yet leisurely Real-Time Strategy foundation. This blend works harmoniously within the cooperative gameplay experience.
Instead of plunging me straight into random battles, what I find truly impressive about StarCraft 2 is its focus on mission-based campaigns. This immersive storytelling approach makes every battle feel purposeful and engaging.
The game, though released more than a decade back, still offers novel gameplay and stunning visuals. Remarkably, its cooperative player community remains relaxed and enjoyable. What’s even better is that you can enjoy the game at no cost, albeit with certain restrictions.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found that StarCraft 2 has this unique charm – I could step away from the game for days, weeks, even years, and when I return, the thrill of strategic combat is as fresh as ever. It’s almost like rediscovering an old friend!
2. Steel Division 2
Strategic Mayhem
Sometimes, it might seem repetitive to suggest games from the same developer in the same genre, but there are instances where failing to do so could almost be considered a crime.
Steel Division 2 can be simply put as the World War II version of “Total War: Napoleon” for strategy enthusiasts. This game revolves around divisions in combat, yet much like any game by Eugen, it demands proactive management to achieve victory.
In “Wargame: Red Dragon”, this specific aspect may become aggravating. Conversely, in “Steel Division 2”, the intensified focus on infantry creates an enjoyable experience. Instead of observing battles from a great distance where they seem like satellite imagery, you can get up close and personal, influencing individual results directly.
In the heart of Steel Division 2 lies an exhilarating cooperative experience: Army General Mode, where you can team up with as many as five friends. This mode offers a unique chance to collaborate in strategic segments of the battlefield, aiming for significant victories collectively. The entire campaign can be conquered this way, making every victory a shared success.
1. Age of Empires II
The Best Then, The Best Now
Few video games can claim to have remained relevant since the year 1999. Remarkably, Age of Empires II continues to thrive, adding to its longevity an even greater sense of accomplishment.
Over time, the game has undergone significant expansions, ultimately leading to the 2019 release of the Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition. This version consolidates four primary expansion packs, as well as an optional advanced AI system and various quality-of-life improvements.
In Age of Empires II, there’s a two-player setting where you can choose among eight distinct storylines for your game. Unlike those who play alone, partners in this cooperative mode are given access to all scenarios right away.
As a gaming enthusiast, diving into the cooperative campaign with its diverse array of factions and objectives never fails to deliver an exhilarating experience. The classic mechanics, standing the test of time, only add to the fun when I team up with my buddy for some unforgettable gameplay sessions!
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2025-04-04 18:10