Top Couch Co-Op Games You and Your Friends Should Try

Gaming with friends is always an absolute blast and offers a refreshing shift from the usual solo play. While most multiplayer games tend to be competitive, the charm of cooperative gaming, where everyone works towards a shared goal, is both rewarding and incredibly enjoyable. Although split-screen co-op gaming is gradually becoming less common as online modes have stepped in to replace it, there's something irreplaceable about physically sitting with friends to tackle a game together. Below are the 20 top couch co-op games to enjoy in split-screen on the same TV.

20. Rock Band (Series)

Though the era of plastic instrument games has mostly passed, titles like Rock Band remain fantastic party options, especially if you've managed to keep those bulky controllers. Of course, there's no real reason to dig out Rock Band unless you're ready to play with friends, as the experience is exponentially more enjoyable in a group. At this point, most have already played a Rock Band game, so the real question isn't what makes it enjoyable, but rather why. At its core, Rock Band celebrates music and its power to unite people, explaining why it’s much more fun when shared with others. Harmonix has done an excellent job of carrying over songs in each release via its online store, so any game in the series will provide a solid experience. However, we’d recommend skipping the first game as it has the fewest features and songs.

Additionally, we can’t forget to highlight The Beatles Rock Band, a heartfelt tribute to the iconic band. It’s especially notable for increasing the player count with the inclusion of harmony vocal tracks.

19. TowerFall Ascension

A unique indie game that blends platforming and archery, TowerFall: Ascension is most well-known for its battle royale multiplayer, but it also offers an unexpectedly fun co-op mode. Although it supports only two players, TowerFall’s Quest mode challenges you and your partner to defeat waves of enemies across increasingly tough levels. Despite its minimalistic presentation, the gameplay in TowerFall is deep and requires practice to fully master. While it may not have the complexity of other co-op titles, TowerFall Ascension is a must-play for fans of retro-style games seeking an affordable option for multiplayer fun.

18. Rocket League

While sports games are typically thought of as competitive experiences, many also offer fantastic cooperative play options. One of the top sports games in recent years is Rocket League, a wildly creative spin on soccer featuring rocket-powered cars. Although Rocket League has earned its place as an eSports sensation, it’s also a perfect fit for couch co-op, allowing up to four friends to team up against A.I. opponents offline or face off against other players online. With fewer split-screen games these days, Rocket League shines as a standout title for local multiplayer, making it an essential choice for anyone seeking epic couch gaming sessions.

17. Broforce

Broforce takes inspiration from the classic shoot-em-up action of the Contra series, which was a hallmark of co-op gaming in the NES era. Not only does Broforce capture the spirit of Contra, but it cranks up the nostalgia with over-the-top 80s action movie references. You’ll control a team of action-hero parodies, including characters like Mr. Anderbro, Rambro, Ellen Ripbro, Macbrover, and Bro Hard. Each 'bro' comes with a unique weapon and playstyle, and the game supports up to four players locally or online. While it may not offer the deepest co-op experience, sometimes you just want to go full-on bro mode, saving the world from terrorists in a fun, 2D sidescrolling setting.

16. Resogun

Resogun is one of the premier twin-stick shooters on the PS4 and delivers a thrilling cooperative experience. Initially, this PS4 launch title only supported online play, but a later update allowed for local co-op, which is arguably the best way to enjoy it. Resogun’s fast-paced, side-scrolling gameplay and rising difficulty make it both a challenge and a blast to play with a team. However, as resources are shared among players, Resogun can become quite frustrating if communication isn’t on point. If you and your teammates can overcome the hurdles, it’s an experience worth completing together.

15. Helldivers

A top-down twin-stick shooter that allows up to four players to join forces locally, Helldivers is a game that challenges players at every turn. Instead of the usual chaotic spray-and-pray style of many shooters, Helldivers demands strategic thinking and resource management. Missions are diverse and require careful planning, allowing players to customize their loadouts before each drop. However, watch out for your air drops—they can crush your team if you’re not careful. With friendly fire being a real threat, every action must be considered. Inspired by Starship Troopers, Helldivers mixes great storytelling with difficult, but rewarding, gameplay.

14. Resident Evil 5

Resident Evil 5 was often criticized as a disappointing follow-up to the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 4, and while it falters in its single-player mode, the game becomes a much better experience when tackled in co-op. The reason is that RE5 was designed with co-op in mind, with the A.I. controlling Sheva when playing solo. The game's inventory system in single-player forces you to use Sheva as a pack mule, but when playing with a friend, managing items and resources together becomes crucial to survival. Beyond the gameplay, it’s far more fun to mock RE5’s cheesy plot together, but be warned—the quick-time events can lead to some frustrating moments unless your co-op partner has quick reflexes.

13. Any Lego Game

TT Games’ extensive collection of Lego games offers players a comforting sense of familiarity, as each title stays true to the formula that fans have come to know and love. While many franchises strive for something new with each release, the Lego games have maintained their reputation as reliable, accessible choices for local co-op fun. From the original Lego Star Wars to the ambitious toys-to-life experiment Lego Dimensions, TT Games ensures that drop-in, drop-out cooperative play is always front and center.

Though the Lego games are accessible to nearly everyone, they are particularly well-suited for family play, making them an ideal choice for parents who want to enjoy cooperative games with their kids. Their easy-to-learn mechanics and family-friendly content provide a refreshing change from many other co-op titles that aren’t appropriate for children (unless, of course, you own a Nintendo console). When it comes to picking a Lego game, it all boils down to which franchise appeals to you most, as TT Games never fails to deliver satisfying fan service, whether it’s Star Wars, Marvel, DC, or a slew of other beloved franchises that have been Lego-fied.

12. Overcooked

Overcooked stands out as one of the best local co-op games for current-generation consoles, and it’s an ideal party game to play with friends. In this chaotic experience, up to four players take on the role of chefs in a hectic kitchen, scrambling to complete customer orders as quickly as possible. While the concept seems simple, it quickly escalates into mayhem, especially with more players involved. Like a real kitchen, the game requires players to juggle food preparation, cooking, dishwashing, and serving the meals—all while trying to keep things under control.

The early levels of Overcooked may seem like a breeze, but as you progress, the game continually throws challenges at you and your team, which will likely lead to moments of frustration (such as when someone forgets to chop an onion in time). Communication is absolutely essential to success, so much so that Overcooked is limited to local multiplayer only, with no online mode available (whether that was an intentional design choice or an oversight by Ghost Town Games remains unclear). At under $20, Overcooked is a bargain for anyone seeking hours of cooperative chaos and entertainment (though mostly chaos).

11. Portal 2

Even nearly six years after its debut, Portal 2 remains an exceptional co-op experience that few games can match. While the co-op campaign doesn’t quite reach the narrative brilliance of the single-player journey, it stands on its own, adding fresh layers to the puzzles that define the game. With two players working together, Valve introduces challenges that simply wouldn't work in a solo run, requiring synchronized teamwork to solve complex puzzles across each environment.

Portal 2’s co-op is at its best when enjoyed in split-screen mode, as constant communication and coordination are essential, especially in later levels where timing becomes crucial. Although some frustrations may arise, particularly when the players aren’t fully aligned, these moments are softened by the game's charming robot duo, who exude personality and humor. With its unique touches, like the high-five button, Portal 2 is an experience few other games can match.

10. Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition (PS4, Xbox One)

Diablo III made the leap from PC to consoles with some skepticism, as PC ports to consoles often suffer from feature reductions and awkward controls. When it debuted, it also faced comparisons to the highly praised Diablo II, a title often hailed as one of the greatest games ever made. Despite this, the Ultimate Evil Edition remains underrated by many, with players failing to give it the recognition it deserves. The console version improves on its PC counterpart by using the right thumbstick for a dodge and roll mechanic. But the standout feature is its couch co-op mode. While Diablo II and Diablo III both offer great LAN play, the console edition proves that nothing beats the experience of sitting side-by-side with a friend, looting and battling together for ultimate Diablo fun.

9. Divinity: Original Sin - Enhanced Edition

A hidden gem in the RPG world, Divinity: Original Sin made its console debut in October 2015 and quickly became one of the most rewarding RPG experiences out there. Featuring added voice acting and bonus content, the console version is truly the definitive edition. What sets the Enhanced Edition apart from its PC predecessor is the inclusion of split-screen co-op, a rarity in the RPG genre. In co-op mode, each player can make their own dialogue choices, allowing each character to evolve differently as the story progresses. The game transitions seamlessly between shared and split-screen play as the characters move apart, making the experience fluid and engaging. This co-op model is so well executed that it could pave the way for other RPGs to adopt it in the future.

8. Rayman Legends

Building upon the chaotic fun of Nintendo’s New Super Mario Bros series, Rayman Legends not only matches Nintendo's offering but surpasses it, standing as the finest 2D platforming co-op game ever created. The pacing is near perfect, with frustrating moments quickly followed by amusing cutscenes or expertly timed musical cues. The musical stages are among the game’s best, where players race through stages in sync with a soundtrack that adapts to their actions. Rayman Legends also includes around 80 percent of the stages from its predecessor Rayman Origins, making this a massive, content-rich game. The dynamic between competition and cooperation is flawlessly balanced, ensuring the goal is always to reach the end of each stage together, alive and intact.

7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time

A side-scrolling beat-em-up, TMNT IV: Turtles in Time captures the essence of arcade fun perfectly. It's a relatively quick playthrough, easily completed in a day, making it more accessible compared to other longer co-op games. But don’t be fooled by its brevity—Turtles in Time offers a challenging first playthrough and boasts high replay value, making it one of the best value purchases in gaming. After completing it, you'll be eager to dive back in, this time taking control of a different Ninja Turtle. Packed with classic TMNT humor, a steep difficulty curve, and time travel, this is not only one of the best co-op games but also the greatest Ninja Turtles title ever released. Expect to fight over pizzas, but that’s part of the fun. The game shines in two-player mode, where teamwork and strategy are crucial as enemies swarm from all directions. You can play the original SNES version or opt for the “Reshelled” remake on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 from 2009.

6. The Gears of War Franchise

Unlike most shooters, which have moved away from split-screen play, Gears of War has remained loyal to its roots. Every installment, up to the recent Gears of War 4 on Xbox One, has included split-screen in every game mode. This dedication to local co-op is the key to Gears of War's success as a cooperative experience. The franchise isn't limited to just the campaign for split-screen play; in Gears of War 4, you can enjoy split-screen across Story, Horde, and Versus modes, each offering a distinct Gears experience. Regardless of the mode, you’ll be pumping endless rounds into grotesque enemies, staying true to the series’ legacy. It’s hard to pick just one Gears of War game as the ultimate co-op experience, as they all offer great gameplay. With local co-op shooters becoming rare, Gears of War remains a reliable choice for fun and action.

5. Borderlands 2

Borderlands 2 was designed with co-op in mind, making it a seamless multiplayer experience. The story is compelling, the humor outrageous, and playing through it with a friend amplifies the enjoyment. While playing solo might feel like a grind as you shoot enemies and collect loot, the experience is significantly better in co-op. Loot collection becomes even more addictive with a friend, especially since it increases your chances of finding the game’s rare, high-end weapons. Solo play can feel shallow, lacking the excitement of finding elite gear, and the shortcomings of the single-player campaign become much more apparent after experiencing it in co-op. If you grab the remastered version included in The Handsome Collection for PS4 and Xbox One, you can even enjoy local split-screen with up to four players, though this might not be the ideal way to experience the game.

4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection + Halo: Reach

While Halo 5: Guardians disappointingly dropped split-screen play (which has sparked hopes that Halo 6 will bring it back), Halo has long been a pioneer in offering exceptional local co-op experiences. Sure, playing the franchise's campaigns solo is fun, but it's on another level when you have a friend by your side saving humanity. Halo's massive battles and vehicle sequences are practically made for co-op play, and the best part is once the campaign ends, you can take the action online with friends.

Some Halo games, like Halo 3 and Halo Reach, allow up to four players to split-screen online. While it might feel cramped with each player staring at just a quarter of the screen, the experience of teaming up with three friends in the same room for online matches is a rare and thrilling one. The definitive way to enjoy Halo's split-screen features is through The Master Chief Collection on Xbox One, which bundles Halo 1-4 and Halo 3: ODST (with a small extra fee for the latter). Unfortunately, Halo: Reach isn’t included in the collection, but it's easily available for download on Xbox One.

3. Left 4 Dead 2

Left 4 Dead 2, Valve’s action-packed shooter, is arguably the best co-op first-person shooter you can play on the same screen. Its immersive nature demands excellent communication between teammates, making it a perfect example of cooperative gameplay. The high difficulty ensures that teamwork is essential to progress, and while AI companions can be useful, the real magic happens when all four players are human-controlled. Though only two players can play on a single console, you can connect via LAN or join online matches for the ultimate co-op experience. Gathering a full party of real players is exhilarating and addictive, leaving the single-player campaign far behind. It’s a tense, heart-pounding game that will surely get your adrenaline pumping, especially when shared with friends.

2. Secret of Mana

They just don’t make games like this anymore. Secret of Mana stands as a one-of-a-kind action-RPG that blends hack-and-slash mechanics with classic RPG elements reminiscent of the Final Fantasy series. What makes it truly special, though, is the ability to have three fully controllable characters by real players instead of relying on AI companions. Imagine playing a JRPG with multiplayer support, and you’ve got Secret of Mana. When it first debuted in 1993 on the Super Nintendo, it was groundbreaking, and since then, the JRPG genre has lacked a co-op experience that matches its brilliance. Now available on the Wii Virtual Console, it’s easier than ever to play this Super Nintendo gem with three players. Previously, a multitap controller was required for more than two players, but now you can dive into the magic of Secret of Mana anytime.

1. Super Mario 3D World

While New Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo Wii introduced cooperative gameplay to the Mario series and became a massive success, it still had its flaws. The 2D side-scrolling design created camera and pacing issues, especially when players would rush too far ahead or lag behind. These problems made certain levels frustrating to complete. Super Mario 3D World solves these problems with its fully 3D world, designed for up to four players to enjoy together. The camera zooms out at just the right moments, ensuring everyone stays in frame. Each of the four characters is unique, offering individual abilities and control, unlike the NSMB series, which featured identical Toad characters as players 3 and 4. Super Mario 3D World proves that local co-op gameplay still has a place in today’s gaming world, providing an experience that’s both smooth and enjoyable.