Open-World Games That Are Better With Co-Op

Summary

Cat Quest 3 offers cozy couch co-op, perfect for sailing and magical quests.
Gotham Knights is more enjoyable with friends as a looter brawler online.
Anthem provides fleeting but fun flying exploration, and is best experienced with friends before shutdown.

The most enjoyable aspect of an open-world game is when it empowers players to explore and effectively take control, much like in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild where this can happen gradually over time, or games such as Fallout: New Vegas that immerse players into the world swiftly.

One way to rephrase this for easy reading could be: “Exploring open-world games by yourself can lead to some truly rewarding experiences when you get lost. Not every game offers a co-op mode, but even those that do might not always be improved by playing with others. Some games really shine when played in multiplayer, while others lose something without it. So, let’s take a look at the top open-world games to play cooperatively, evaluating their multiplayer capabilities and overall game quality.

Cat Quest 3

Talk Like A Pirate Day

Co-Op Support: Two Players Locally

In simpler terms, Cat Quest 3 has the least multiplayer support among all games listed here, as it’s only playable locally. Yet, sharing a gaming experience with friends on the same couch is a timeless pleasure. The game offers one of the most comforting open-world experiences, making it especially enjoyable when shared with someone else on the couch.

In simpler terms, while success isn’t entirely dependent on cooperation, playing together with another pirate cat adds a lot of enjoyment to the experience. The role-playing game (RPG) aspects might seem child-friendly initially, but they offer quite a depth that truly makes the game remarkable.

Gotham Knights

Become The Bat Family

Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

In the game titled “Gotham Knights,” Batman is temporarily unavailable, leaving the responsibility of safeguarding Gotham City in the hands of Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood, and Robin. It seems illogical for only one character to handle all the thrilling crime-fighting tasks while the rest remain idle at their base. Instead, it’s more fitting that they work together as a team, leveraging each character’s unique abilities to protect Gotham City effectively.

In Gotham Knights, playing online with friends certainly seems more fitting, and given its looter brawler nature, it’s quite exciting to boast to your buddies about who scored the best equipment. While it may not be the ultimate superhero game, there’s no denying that the experience becomes much more enjoyable when you have friends by your side.

Anthem

Play It Before It’s Gone

Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

It has been revealed that BioWare and EA will be closing down the servers for Anthem in January 2026. When it was first released in 2019, the game faced criticism due to insufficient content for a live service game, with BioWare failing to offer a clear plan for post-launch content. Even an anticipated overhaul called Anthem 2.0 was abruptly canceled.

Although improvements were limited with updates, the core gameplay in Anthem offered a brief yet entertaining experience for a BioWare title. Few open-world games can boast about the thrill of soaring through their worlds like Iron Man. Don’t let the negative opinions sway you; gather some friends and take advantage of Anthem before it’s gone.

Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands

Spy Ops

Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

In Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, you won’t find elements such as magic or flying suits in the gameplay. Instead, it offers an authentic spy experience within the Tom Clancy universe. You’ll venture through deserts, employ drones for reconnaissance, and carry out covert operations with exceptional stealth at enemy bases.

In this game, you can simulate being a tactical operations officer alongside numerous friends who each hold different jobs. The gameplay offers immersive and exciting experiences. If a mission takes a turn for the worse, there’s always the possibility of a full-blown shootout, as an array of weapons are readily available.

Borderlands 2

Loot Guns, Have Laughs

Co-Op Support: Four Players Online/Two Local (Console Versions)

In simple terms, many consider Borderlands 2 as the standout game in the series due to its abundance of weapons, diverse locations, distinctive character classes, and more. One of its most appealing aspects is the versatile co-op play, which allows both local and online multiplayer on most console versions.

Even though the weapons boast some pretty amazing features like acid bullets and explosive rounds, foes can certainly take a pounding! That’s why having an additional ally along for co-op play is always a welcome boost, especially when we reach the late stages of the game, as boss health pools inflate to ludicrous proportions.

Monster Hunter Wilds

Hunt Monsters, Become Legends

Co-Op Support: Four Players Online

As a die-hard Monster Hunter fan, I’ve got some exciting news to share! You might remember how the original Monster Hunter was designed with cooperative gameplay in mind on the trusty old PS2. Well, guess what? The latest addition to our beloved series, Monster Hunter Wilds, is carrying on those cherished multiplayer traditions.

But that’s not all – there are some fresh additions too! One of them is AI companions, which are perfect for solo players like myself who still want to feel the thrill of the hunt without the company of other gamers. So, get ready to embark on a new adventure in the Monster Hunter universe!

Nothing beats the thrill of syncing with a threesome of fellow Monster Hunters! It’s an incredible sensation, amplified even more when we’ve subdued some formidable creatures. These monsters are no pushovers, and the key to surviving them lies in teamwork.

Elden Ring

It’s Too Difficult To Go It Alone

Co-Op Support: Three Players Online

FromSoftware’s Soulslike games are infamously challenging. Despite Elden Ring being an open-world game that offers players a variety of opportunities to boost their abilities in different aspects, the game remains exasperatingly tough to play solo. While it can be done, playing with a partner almost guarantees progress.

Engaging in playtime with companions can help alleviate some pressures. Regardless if it’s vanquishing common foes or battling Elden Ring’s most formidable adversaries, as long as the gathering is having fun, it will remain an entertaining experience.

Final Fantasy 14

An Endless World Of Possibilities

Co-Op Support: Four-Eight Players Online

In simpler terms, while Final Fantasy 14 isn’t as challenging as Elden Ring in terms of technical difficulty, the game’s design and structure are distinctly different. You can play it solo, but if you want to advance faster, having others assisting you could significantly cut down the time required by about twice or even thrice.

Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs) are created with multiplayer experiences in mind, ensuring that even if a player doesn’t have online friends, they can still enjoy the game solo. For instance, Final Fantasy 14 offers an intuitive grouping system across various quests and raids, making it one of the more welcoming MMOs on the market. With numerous months of content now accessible, new players will likely find themselves engrossed in the game for at least a year without needing to explore other games.

2025-08-21 06:06