The Best Xbox Series X Co-Op Games With Great Stories, Ranked

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Summary

  • Xbox Series X offers a diverse library of engaging co-op games, including Gears 5 and Diablo 4.
  • Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake now includes cooperative play, enhancing the narrative experience.
  • Games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Quarry offer unique multiplayer experiences for immersive gameplay.

On Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, you’ll find a wealth of captivating video games due to the consistent software support provided. From groundbreaking games shared across multiple platforms to exclusive Xbox titles, some of this generation’s finest games can be enjoyed with friends! Whether it’s action-packed first-person shooters featuring familiar mascots or immersive third-person interactive titles, the Xbox Series X offers a wide variety of multiplayer games for your entertainment.

7. Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons (Remake)

A Visual Touch-Up That Incorporates Developer-Intended Multiplayer

Regardless of being renowned as a single-player indie gem from the eighth console generation that often lingers in people’s memories after playing it, “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons” was intentionally developed without multiplayer capabilities. However, when updating the game for newer systems, the developers at Avantgarden included the frequently requested cooperative play, which was first introduced in the game’s Nintendo Switch version.

In the original version, players found ways to collaborate despite its single-player setup with features like ‘Copilot’ on Xbox. Even though eight years have passed, the emotional bond between the two brothers in the game remained as strong in 2024 as it was in 2013. Since teamwork is essential to both the gameplay and story of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, its remake emphasizes cooperation not only mechanically but also narratively, making it a video game that deeply explores collaboration.

6. Gears 5

A Return To Form For Xbox’s Flagship Third-Person Shooter

Given the theme of ‘brotherhood’ and ‘found family’ in the game “Gears of War”, it’s not surprising that Microsoft’s third-person shooter franchise, which focuses on cooperative play, has been a strong point since its inception. However, this co-op multiplayer strength reaches a new level with “Gears 5” as it offers three-player co-op modes, marking an advancement in the concept.

In Gears 5, you can play Escape, Horde, and campaign modes cooperatively, making it a versatile game for various playing styles. As a soft reboot of the Gears of War series, it offers some of the franchise’s most compelling narrative sequences. Having friends or family join you as another COG soldier or Jack the robot not only makes tense and emotional moments even more immersive but also adds depth to the gameplay experience.

5. Diablo 4

A Stellar RPG Experience With Robust Multiplayer Options

Although Blizzard’s dark fantasy series has reached impressive narrative peaks, it appears that its best days are yet to come. With “some of Blizzard’s finest storytelling so far,” the upcoming 2023 game, Diablo 4, promises not just an engaging action RPG adventure, but one that is even more enjoyable when played with friends.

In Diablo 4, you’ll find a combination of online and offline cooperative play, making its epic story ideal for groups of players to conquer together. Battling bosses as a team or annihilating waves of monsters side by side is seamless in Diablo 4, enhancing the interactive gameplay experience for multiple players.

4. Halo Infinite

Xbox’s Flagship Franchise Delivers Campaign & Multiplayer Cooperative Modes

2021’s Halo Infinite may have faced challenges with multiplayer, but it’s undeniable that, after numerous updates, Microsoft’s new installment in the Halo series is widely considered an enjoyable experience when playing together.

Revitalizing the franchise by adding “a touch of freshness”, the open-world campaign and free-to-play multiplayer modes of Halo Infinite can be played together cooperatively online. Additionally, the multiplayer mode is also accessible through split-screen play. When Halo Infinite was initially released, encountering Banished forces on Zeta Halo was an unexpected twist; however, with 2022’s Winter Update introducing online co-op play, this significant installment in the series can now be enjoyed with friends.

3. The Quarry

A Dynamic Co-Op Experience Through Local Or Online Connectivity

In many major video game releases, cooperative play often appears to be an add-on rather than a priority. However, the integration of well-considered multiplayer within immersive games such as 2022’s “The Quarry” is a pleasant surprise. Supermassive Games, the developer, has skillfully designed both local and online multiplayer sessions, offering diverse experiences around a narrative-centric game, thereby creating a distinctive cooperative experience.

In a local cooperative mode, players can engage directly by assigning roles to characters and executing their actions when required. On the other hand, online multiplayer functions more like a collaborative movie viewing – where one player serves as the director controlling the action flow, while others contribute opinions on quick, fleeting choices the game presents.

2. It Takes Two

A Game Of The Year Winner With A Multiplayer Requirement

Focusing significantly on teamwork and dialogue, Hazelight Studios’ “It Takes Two” stands out as more than just the Game of the Year; it’s also recognized as one of the finest cooperative video games ever created.

In the game “It Takes Two,” we follow the humorous and challenging platforming adventures of a troubled family duo. This game masterfully refines and enhances many popular video game concepts and genres, setting new standards in the industry. The game can be played cooperatively, either locally or online, and its compelling storyline draws from gaming’s past while tugging at our emotional strings as players.

1. Baldur’s Gate 3

A Generation-Defining RPG That Is Bolstered By Co-Op Play

While Larian Studios’ Dungeons & Dragons-inspired role-playing game offers a “one-of-a-kind” experience particularly for solo players, this doesn’t mean that the award-winning mechanics aren’t equally engaging and dynamic when used in a cooperative setting.

In contrast to most RPG games that aren’t typically known for cooperative play, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out with its offering of both local and online multiplayer modes. This game allows up to four players from different platforms to team up online, and also supports split-screen mode for two players when played locally. As a result, Baldur’s Gate 3 not only demonstrates exceptional Western RPG qualities but also delivers an immersive and extensive multiplayer storyline experience.

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2025-01-21 18:36