The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked

As a seasoned gamer and strategy enthusiast who has spent countless hours navigating the intricate worlds of cooperative games, I must say that the titles mentioned here have truly stood out to me. Each one offers a unique blend of gameplay mechanics, immersive storylines, and the undeniable joy of teamwork.


Strategy games are usually more complex and slower-paced compared to other video game categories. But don’t let that fool you; they can still be played cooperatively or competitively. In fact, challenging other human players in a strategic battle is one of the genre’s most exciting aspects.

While it’s true that competitive multiplayer can be an enjoyable experience when it comes to strategy games, not everyone might find it as the best approach. Cooperative play, where players gather around a local gaming setup, can foster unique dynamics among allies, as they adapt and navigate through the strategic complications together, often forming spontaneous partnerships amidst the game’s chaos.

9 Sid Meyer’s Civilization VI

A Strategy Giant Allowing For Cooperative 4X Fun

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked

Over a span of more than three decades, the video game series Civilization, created by Sid Meyer, has been instrumental in educating players about various historical civilizations, immersing them in complex diplomatic challenges, and vividly demonstrating the devastation of large-scale conflicts.

In a harmonious exchange of ideas, the 4X world in Civilization VI can be shaped among cooperative players locally. On both PC and console platforms, ‘hot seat’ multiplayer provides an opportunity for multiple gamers to play concurrently from the same screen, experiencing each epoch jointly. Players engage in trade, form alliances, and safeguard each other to triumph over AI opponents and fellow humans alike.

8 Pit People

A Cult-Classic Indie Take On Coop Turn-Based Combat

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked

As a gaming enthusiast, while the name The Behemoth might not ring a bell to every gamer out there, let me assure you that their impactful indie game titles are hard to miss. Their creations such as Alien Hominid, Castle Crashers, and Battleblock Theatre have distinctly marked their games with an individual style and aesthetic.

In 2018, they released a strategy game called “Pit People,” which blended its quirky humor and pseudo-randomized battle system to provide a distinct gaming experience. This game allows multiple players to play together on the same screen against a common foe, or they can compete directly against each other if preferred.

7 Tooth and Tail

An Anthromorphic RTS With Real-Time Cooperation

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked
  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4
  • Developer: Pocketwatch Games
  • Genre(s): Real-time Strategy
  • Released: September 12, 2017

Real-time strategy games typically don’t lend themselves well to cooperative play, primarily because of the significant technical resources needed to run two instances simultaneously.

Instead, Pocketwatch Games’ 2017 title, Tooth and Tail, successfully blends an anthropomorphic theme into the genre, offering both local and online cooperative gameplay options. In this story reminiscent of Animal Farm, players assume the role of commanders, rather than managing every single unit individually.

6 The Escapists 2

A Tactical RPG WIth Cooperative Multiplayer At Its Forefront

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked

As an ardent fan, I can tell you that when it comes to enhancing the beloved original Escapists, Team 17 had one significant goal in mind: introducing multiplayer functionality to their captivating top-down RPG-strategy game. Unfortunately, the code of the 2015 version posed a challenge, preventing a straightforward multiplayer update. Consequently, they decided to develop a sequel with a primary focus on this feature.

In the gaming world, I’ve found that up to three of us can dive into the action of Escapists 2. This game offers a flexible multiplayer setup where you can join or leave at any time. Working as a team, we can explore our prison’s layout and gather resources more efficiently. Teamwork makes escaping smoother than ever before!

5 Defense Grid 2

Tower Defense With A Focus On Communication and Cooperation

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked
  • Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
  • Developer: Hidden Path Entertainment
  • Genre(s): Tower Defense
  • Released: September 23, 2014

In Defense Grid 2, the tower-defense gameplay stands out because it not just supports teamwork, but actually fosters a collaborative approach to gaming.

In this game, players collaborate to safeguard multiple space stations and interstellar colonies from an alien threat. Shared resources and building locations ensure that each participant contributes to the common pool. This means that if one player is accumulating resources for a powerful upgrade or unit, effective communication and teamwork are crucial to maintain a balanced gameplay.

4 For the King

A Tabletop Title That Excels When Played Cooperatively

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked

The 2018 full release of this game for the King offered an exceptionally styled blend of tabletop strategy and RPG gameplay, and moreover, enabled users to share their adventure with companions.

Although the game can be played independently, each character’s unique classes, traits, and appearances make every player feel distinct. Playing alone offers a satisfying experience, but teaming up with live friends either locally or online significantly enhances the fun, whether it’s for taking on adversaries, resting, or trading goods together.

3 Pikmin 3: Deluxe

A Nintendo Re-Release Introducing Campaign Coop

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked
  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
  • Developer: Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD, Eighting
  • Genre(s): Real-time Strategy, Action
  • Released: October 30, 2020

In Pikmin 3, the main characters, who are tiny explorers, spread out to explore more areas every day. This seems like it was intentionally designed for a multiplayer experience on Wii U, which people loved. Although there were challenge modes that required cooperation, the game didn’t have a cooperative storyline in its 2013 release.

Experiencing the 2020 upgrade of this game on the Nintendo Switch was a game-changer for me! Now, I can enjoy the intricate puzzle-solving of Pikmin 3 alongside a buddy. The local co-op mode has opened up the entirety of the game’s micro-management challenges to shared fun and teamwork.

2 Worms 2: Armageddon

A Return To Series’ Roots That Reinvigorates Cooperative Play

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked
  • Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, iOS, Android
  • Developer: Team 17
  • Genre(s): Artillery, Strategy
  • Released: July 1, 2009

Initially launched as a game for Xbox Live Arcade, Worms 2: Armageddon later appeared on iOS, Android, and PlayStation 3. Among its many accolades throughout the series, its local co-op and multiplayer modes, particularly the ‘hot seat’ feature, have consistently been highly praised.

Following in the footsteps of Team 17’s 2007 Xbox Live Arcade game titled “Worms,” which reverted back to the series’ 2D foundation, this turn-based 2D tactics title maintains the same level of explosive and lavish gameplay as earlier games in the franchise.

1 Kingdom: Two Crowns

A Slow-Paced Strategy Title Played Best With A Companion

The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Strategy Games, Ranked

In 2018, the game “Kingdom Two Crowns” shines across multiple gaming categories. At once, it serves as a city management system, a tower defense game, and a strategy title. To enhance its appeal further, Raw Fury included both local and online multiplayer options during its launch.

In this side-scrolling strategy game with a 2D perspective, players must carefully manage resources for their settlements on two defensive fronts. When playing alone, you’ll need to oversee both sides of your growing town, which can be quite demanding. However, cooperative play allows the workload to be shared, reducing the stress while still offering a fulfilling experience.

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2024-08-11 14:34