Couch Co-Op Games Almost Guaranteed To Start An Argument Tonight

For a long time, playing multiplayer video games meant sharing a single console with the person next to you. Now, thanks to the internet, players can easily compete and play together online from anywhere in the world, which is fantastic. But even with all that technology, there’s still something special about playing a game – whether it’s a puzzle or an action game – with someone right beside you on the couch.

It’s rare to find modern multiplayer games you can play together on the same couch, but those that offer it are truly special. While incredibly enjoyable, these games can sometimes lead to playful disagreements. Things can get heated, and words might be exchanged, simply because these games can be quite stressful for a variety of reasons.

It Takes Two

A Marriage In Danger

Co-Op Options: Two Local/Online

The game It Takes Two is built for two players, focusing on a couple on the brink of divorce. Their child, upset by this, makes a wish that magically turns the parents into dolls. To change back, they must work together through a series of challenging and often hilarious mini-games, all designed to help them repair their relationship. While the story deals with a serious topic, the gameplay is fun and requires strong communication, though the couple isn’t always willing to cooperate!

Overcooked 2

Yes Chef!

Co-Op Options: Four Local/Online

Overcooked 2 feels a lot like the TV show The Bear – it’s a fast-paced, chaotic cooking game that perfectly captures the stress of a real kitchen. When playing with others, the game randomly chooses dishes for you to make, and everyone needs to stick to their assigned task, from washing plates to prepping ingredients. Teamwork is key, because if one person falls behind, it slows everything down. So, while it can get loud, clear communication is essential to succeed in this fun, cooperative game.

Cuphead

Get Ready For A Wallop

Co-Op Options: Two Local

It’s no surprise that Cuphead makes the list – it’s famous for being incredibly hard, whether you play alone or with a friend. This 2D game features beautiful, hand-drawn visuals and focuses on long, tough boss fights with attacks that are difficult to avoid. Playing with another person lets you revive each other, but if one player struggles with timing their defenses, it can be hard to get a revive when you need it, potentially leading to frustration and disagreements about who’s to blame for losing.

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

A Fun, But Complicated GameCube Set Up

Co-Op Options: Four Local (GameCube Version)

Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles originally came out for the GameCube and had a unique multiplayer setup. Each of the four players needed a Game Boy Advance to control their character – the handheld device acted as a map and inventory screen. Players created their characters and explored dungeons together, but had to always carry a bucket. This bucket was essential because it shielded them from the Miasma, a harmful force that slowly drained health if you weren’t protected by it.

Disagreements usually happened over simple tasks like carrying the bucket, rather than actual fighting, and even bandaging injuries could become a point of contention during battles. While a remastered version is available on consoles, it’s online-only and lacks the same energetic multiplayer experience as the original. Despite the tension the remaster creates, the GameCube version remains a great choice for a fun game night with friends.

Super Mario Party

Seeing Stars

Co-Op Options: Four Local

The Mario Party games are meant to be fun for everyone in the family, but friendly competition can sometimes lead to heated moments when things don’t go as planned. In Super Mario Party, players move around a game board by rolling dice and compete in various mini-games, all to collect the most Stars and win. It can be frustrating when someone gets lucky with the dice or excels at the mini-games, especially since those games can be tricky to learn quickly.

River Survival Mode is a cooperative game for four players, but coordinating efforts can be tricky. Successfully rowing the boat with a team requires a lot of synchronized effort, similar to trying to do two difficult things at once.

Cadence Of Hyrule: Crypt Of The NecroDancer Featuring The Legend Of Zelda

Hop To The Beat

Co-Op Options: Two Local

Cadence of Hyrule: Crypt of the NecroDancer Featuring The Legend of Zelda is a unique spin-off that combines the worlds of Zelda and Crypt of the NecroDancer. The game features Cadence, the protagonist from Crypt of the NecroDancer, who is transported to Hyrule. She teams up with Link and Zelda to defeat a villainous mage who uses music to try and conquer the kingdom. Unlike traditional Zelda games where you directly attack enemies, this game requires players to move and attack to the beat of the music – similar to Crypt of the NecroDancer. Fortunately, the rhythm-based gameplay works well even when playing solo.

I’ve found that playing with a friend can actually make the rhythm-based parts trickier. It’s harder to get our timing right together, and while a little messiness isn’t a big deal when just moving around the map, it can totally ruin a boss fight! It’s frustrating when we’re not in sync during those intense moments.

Spelunky 2

Traps Galore

Co-Op Options: Four Local/Online

Spelunky 2 is a challenging 2D platformer where every time you play, the levels are different. Unlike some similar games, it doesn’t let you permanently improve your character, so each attempt is just as difficult as the first. Everything in the game—enemies, traps, and the environment—is trying to defeat you. If a player falls behind, it can create problems for the entire team. While you can revive fallen teammates using coffins, finding them isn’t easy, and taking the time to do so can slow everyone down and make them more vulnerable.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: House Of Ashes

Death Defies You

Co-Op Options: Five Local/Two Online

The Dark Pictures Anthology is a series of scary, interactive games that are perfect for playing with friends and family. The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes is a particularly good example – it follows a group of soldiers who become trapped in an ancient underground ruin, and strange things begin to occur. The game switches between five different characters throughout the story, making it ideal for five players to take turns controlling the action.

The game frequently pressures you by criticizing your decisions, especially when you’re racing against the clock. If a character dies, expect a lot of complaints – there are no second chances, and the story moves forward without them.

LittleBigPlanet 3

Cute But Challenging

Co-Op Options: Four Local/Online

While the LittleBigPlanet games feature an adorable character, Sackboy, they’re surprisingly difficult, and LittleBigPlanet 3 can be especially tough. This sequel introduced multiple Sackboy characters, each with unique controls. However, the game wasn’t always smooth, making navigating character-specific mazes and timing jumps frustrating and lengthy. Limited checkpoints added to the challenge, as one player repeatedly failing meant the entire group suffered.

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

The Hurt Locker

Co-Op Options: Four Local

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a unique game where players try to defuse a bomb, and every attempt is different. One person handles the bomb itself, while the others act as their support team, each with a specific role. For example, one player might guide the ‘defuser’ on which wires to cut, while another translates symbols or deciphers codes. There’s a manual to help, but the ticking clock adds intense pressure – it feels just as stressful as real bomb disposal, without the actual danger!

2025-11-24 14:38