The 10 Best Co-Op Games of 2024

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As a seasoned gamer who’s seen more consoles than I care to count, let me tell you, the current lineup of co-op games is nothing short of breathtaking! From the thrilling Space Marine 2 to the hilarious chaos of Warhammer 40,000, there’s something for everyone.

2024 witnessed an abundance of exciting new game launches, and what stood out for many players was the cooperative gaming experience they offered. Sharing a gaming journey with friends fosters bonds and creates cherished memories, and it’s no surprise that some of the greatest games in history have co-op support integrated in various ways. In essence, 2024 became a haven for exceptional cooperative games.

2024 was an exceptional year for me as a gamer, with a plethora of top-notch cooperative games hitting the market. Some catered to local co-op play while others shone brightly in the realm of online cooperation. No matter what flavor of co-op gaming you prefer, 2024 served up an impressive array of options, and these ten games truly stood out as the cream of the cooperative crop in that year. It’s important to note that this list is presented in alphabetical order for ease of reading.

7 Days to Die

Check Out 7 Days to Die on OpenCritic

2016 saw the early access release of my favorite open-world zombie survival game, 7 Days to Die. To be honest, its initial console version back then was quite a letdown. But here we are in 2024, and after numerous updates, 7 Days to Die has finally reached version 1.0, making its grand entrance onto the latest gaming consoles as well.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Read Game Rant’s Review of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

The popular Call of Duty series, including Black Ops 6, consistently provides cooperative play options for gamers. The cooperative mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 brings back the fan-favorite round-based Zombies feature, which has been warmly welcomed by the gaming community. Upon its release, Black Ops 6 came with two Zombies maps, with a third added in the Season 1 Reloaded update. As always, the Zombies maps in Black Ops 6 are brimming with secrets for players to discover, encouraging them to solve their mysteries by completing various quests. Current Zombie maps in Black Ops 6 offer hours of enjoyment for fans, and the cooperative experience is expected to improve further as time passes. Players can anticipate more Zombies content for Black Ops 6 in 2025, as Treyarch continues to create new content for this highly successful game.

Cat Quest 3

Check Out Cat Quest 3 on OpenCritic

As a gamer, I can confidently say that most co-op gaming adventures these days are confined to the online realm. So, when a game like Cat Quest 3 emerges, offering local co-op play, it’s a real treat! If you’re new to the Cat Quest series, these games are hilarious action RPGs set in a world inhabited by chatterbox felines. Cat Quest 3, with its pirate twist, lets us sail the seas, accomplish quests, fight through dungeons, and amass treasure while interacting with our feline counterparts. The game is overflowing with charm, and while it’s a blast on its own, playing it in co-op mode makes the experience even more enjoyable!

Chained Together

One intriguing multiplayer game launched this year, titled “Linked in Fate“, binds up to four players, who are figuratively chained together, as they navigate their way out of the underworld. In “Linked in Fate“, the chains symbolize the necessity for constant communication and teamwork among players; a single misstep could setback the group significantly. The unconventional humor displayed in this game propelled it to popularity on social media and Twitch, even landing it a nomination for “Stream Game of the Year” at The Streamer Awards. Although its viral success can be attributed to its online multiplayer aspect, “Linked in Fate” also garnered praise for offering split-screen co-op play as well.

Content Warning

Check Out Content Warning on OpenCritic

Talking about cooperative games that went viral on Twitch, the game Content Warning also gained popularity. In Content Warning, players aim to achieve success on “Spooktube” by catching monsters and sharing their videos. However, there’s a twist – players have a limited time to capture their footage, creating an intense atmosphere. The unusual concept of Content Warning sets it apart from other cooperative games launched in 2024, as it manages to be both amusing and terrifying, offering a unique blend of comedy and horror elements.

Core Keeper

Check Out Core Keeper on OpenCritic

2024 wasn’t just the year 7 Days to Die finally left early access; it was also the year that Core Keeper, a survival game often likened to both Stardew Valley and Minecraft, stepped into the spotlight. As a gamer, I can tell you that in Core Keeper, up to eight of us can delve into a shared world, gathering resources and crafting useful new items just like in any other survival game. But here’s what sets it apart: special bosses lurk in the depths, and when we team up to take them down, the rewards are even sweeter. And guess what? We can do all of this without leaving our couch, thanks to Core Keeper being available on Xbox Game Pass! So, if you’re looking for a new co-op adventure, grab your pickaxe and let’s dive into Core Keeper together.

Helldivers 2

Read Game Rant’s Review of Helldivers 2

2024 saw the explosive success of “Helldivers 2”, propelling the series to unprecedented heights and solidifying its place among the top cooperative games on PlayStation 5. In “Helldivers 2”, squads of four choose their loadouts and infiltrate planets devastated by colossal insects and lethal robots. Teamwork is paramount for survival, particularly in challenging modes, but it’s the unintentional friendly fire incidents that create some of the most unforgettable moments in “Helldivers 2”. The uproarious confusion caused by accidentally triggering one of “Helldivers 2″‘s Stratagems too near a teammate guarantees an endless supply of excitement during cooperative play.

The First Descendant

Check Out The First Descendant on OpenCritic

If you’re an MMO looter-shooter enthusiast seeking a fresh game to enjoy with your pals, you might want to check out the free-to-play title “The First Descendant“. While it has garnered mixed opinions since its debut this year, it hasn’t deterred countless players from sticking around and playing even months later. Similar in style to Bungie’s renowned Destiny, four friends can join forces to conquer the various content that “The First Descendant” provides, which ranges from standard missions to epic boss battles. With updates and new content planned for the future, as with other live-service games, “The First Descendant” is expected to continue evolving.

V Rising

Read Game Rant’s Review of V Rising

In essence, cooperative play enhances the appeal of survival games, and this is certainly the case with the game V Rising. This title, which emerged from early access in 2024, introduces an intriguing spin on the survival genre by placing players as vampires. In V Rising, players engage in activities common to survival games such as crafting, building, and resource gathering, but they must manage their vampiric nature as well. This includes shielding themselves from sunlight and frequently feeding on blood. By weaving vampirism into the gameplay mechanics of an overcrowded genre, V Rising sets itself apart.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

Read Game Rant’s Review of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2

As I eagerly awaited the launch of Space Marine 2, I could hardly contain my excitement. From what I’ve heard, it has surpassed all expectations. This game is designed for solo play, but it’s crystal clear that it was made with multiplayer in mind. The story campaign in Space Marine 2 can be completed by a team of three players, and there’s an additional Operations mode that provides even more co-operative action. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as obliterating Tyranid hordes alongside a buddy, offering endless hours of intense, cooperative fun for fellow co-op enthusiasts like me.

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2024-12-07 17:04