The Best Metroidvania Games With Co-Op

Summary

Metroidvanias can feature co-op gameplay, offering a unique twist to the genre’s traditional solo experience.
Single-player metroidvanias like Super Metroid and Symphony of the Night remain engaging and don’t necessarily need co-op.
The quality of co-op execution in games like Abyss Odyssey and Sundered can impact overall player experience.

Ever dreamt about exploring interconnected worlds and battling bosses side by side with a buddy? Well, a Metroidvania with co-op isn’t just a pipe dream – it does exist! However, it’s quite rare to find one because it goes against the traditional rules of the genre. Remember old-school Samus’ solitary journey in Super Metroid? It was more terrifying than anything Alucard faced in Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, where he fought his battles alone, but those trials ultimately shaped him into a formidable character.

Metroidvanias can be enjoyable on their own without requiring multiplayer, unlike many other game genres. Yet, enthusiasts should explore these Metroidvania games due to their cooperative features, which allow for a shared experience with friends. The quality of each game will be evaluated based on the effectiveness of its co-op implementation.

8. Abyss Odyssey

A Forgotten Atlus Gem

Multiplayer: Two Players Locally/Online

Abyss Odyssey was once a popular game in the realm of roguelikes and Metroidvania genre, though it has become less known nowadays. It was one of the early pioneers that introduced us to these types of games. What truly made this game stand out during the PS3 era of downloadable games was its unique watercolor visual style.

As a fellow gamer, let me share that you can team up with a friend, either locally or online, to tackle cooperative gameplay. This feature definitely makes roguelikes less challenging! The latest version of this game was released for PS4 in 2015, serving as its port. It’s an excellent opportunity to delve into the lesser-known gems from Atlus’ extensive library of published games. Give it a go and have fun!

7. Curse Of The Sea Rats

The Rescuers Overseas

Multiplayer: Four Players Locally

The “Curse of the Sea Rats” is a modern take on the Metroidvania genre, humorously dubbed by developers as a “Ratroidvania.” Players have the option to select from four distinct rodent characters, each sporting a pirate motif and unique abilities. The game boasts an appealing animated visual style and local multiplayer support for up to four players, making it an enjoyable choice for group play.

It appears that the focus of development was primarily on multiplayer, resulting in relatively simple character movements. However, this emphasis ensures that the distributed local cooperative play remains manageable without becoming overly chaotic, which is a thoughtful design choice. In essence, this game excels more as a multiplayer Metroidvania compared to its single-player counterpart.

6. Sundered

Visually Stunning

Multiplayer: Four Players Local

In 2017, the game titled “Sundered” was introduced to the gaming world without a cooperative mode, but it still managed to impress as a captivating roguelike with Metroidvania elements and an extensive skill tree. The mesmerizing art style greatly enhances the combat experience by ensuring that the animations flow smoothly, much like water in motion.

2018 saw an update introducing cooperative play in the game, enabling local multiplayer sessions of up to four players. Unlike “Curse of the Sea Rats,” this addition can make “Sundered” quite lively with a full team as the action becomes more fast-paced. However, two players might find the ideal balance, although the option for four players is available.

5. Infernax

A Pixel Throwback

Multiplayer: Two Players Locally

2022 saw the emergence of an overlooked gem in the gaming world – Infernax. Its caliber is on par with other indie pixel art masterpieces like Shovel Knight and Undertale. Essentially, it blends the spirit of timeless classics such as Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Castlevania, while incorporating a well-executed Metroidvania design.

Initially, Infernax was enjoyable to play solo, but a year later, it became even more captivating due to the inclusion of two-player local cooperative mode. Generally accessible on numerous platforms, this game is a must-play for retro enthusiasts, whether you choose to play it alone or with a friend.

4. Salt And Sacrifice

Dark Soulsvania

Multiplayer: Two Players Local/Online

Salt and Sacrifice is a challenging Soulslike game that feels particularly tough when played solo. However, it offers the option to play the entire game either online with another player or locally in split-screen mode. This cooperative feature represents a significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, Salt and Sanctuary, which only supported limited co-op play.

Overpower adversaries, snatch their gear, encounter colossal foes, then do it all over again. This is one of the finest examples of 2D Souls-like games ever crafted, and it holds its ground against any title from FromSoftware, demonstrating its exceptional quality.

3. Disney Illusion Island

Oh Look, A Mickeyvania

Multiplayer: Four Players Locally

The Disney game titled “Disney Illusion Island,” similar to other Disney offerings, makes for an enjoyable experience not just for avid gamers but also for family members or friends new to video games. Unlike most games, this one features very little combat; instead, it emphasizes exploration and humor over action. In the realm of Metroidvanias, how many can boast such a unique approach?

In this game, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Minnie Mouse all follow similar gameplay rules, but each character receives unique, tailored power-ups based on the same concept. Unfortunately, it seems that Donald usually ends up with less advantageous power-ups. The game is colorful, lively, user-friendly, and overall, a fantastic gaming experience centered around Mickey.

2. Cave Story

The First Indie Metroidvania

Multiplayer: Two Players Locally

Originally launched as a PC game in Japan back in 2004, Cave Story gained popularity primarily through word-of-mouth and subsequently made its way to several Western gaming consoles over the subsequent decade. Players might have their preferred versions, like the one for the 3DS that offers full 3D graphics instead of pixel art.

The 2017 version of “Cave Story+” on Nintendo Switch introduced a cooperative mode for the full campaign that can be played locally with another person. While playing co-op might be an added bonus, it’s highly recommended to experience the original game “Cave Story” in some way, as it marked the beginning of the indie gaming movement.

1. Guacamelee

OMG, Is That Juan’s Music?!

Multiplayer: Four Players Locally

In simpler terms, the games known as “Guacamelee” and its follow-up were pioneers in adding cooperative play to the Metroidvania genre. This allowed up to four local players to join forces for a thrilling fight. Distinctively, unlike many other Metroidvanias, these games feature Juan, a luchador character who gains a magical mask that helps him rescue his sweetheart from the clutches of minions in the underworld.

Battle through combat, wrestling, and puzzle-filled platforms as you switch dimensions in this exceptional Metroidvania game. The humorous wrestling features make every victory feel exhilarating, no matter how or where you knock out your enemies!

2025-08-12 09:36