While single-player experiences offer undeniable thrills, co-op games bring something truly special to the table. They’ll give you the chance to make amazing memories with friends, overcoming obstacles as a team and creating moments of laughter and comradeship that would not have been possible on their own.
With a vast array of co-op titles available in 2024, choosing the right one can be a challenge. This curated list will highlight some of the best co-op games you’re currently capable of playing, which offer experiences for different size groups and preferences.
Top Co-op Games to Play in 2024:
For Puzzle Masters: Portal 2 (2011, PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch)
Portal 2 is a co-op masterpiece game, arguably one of the greatest games ever made. While a fantastic solo experience, co-op transforms the game. New puzzles, hilarious dialogue, and a unique co-op campaign await you and a friend.
Prepare for amusing banter and some mind-bending puzzles that will have you scratching your heads (and maybe yelling at each other) in the best way possible. The price tag in 2024 is a steal, making Portal 2 a must-play for co-op puzzle enthusiasts.
For Budding Builders and Adventurers: Minecraft (2011, PC, Xbox Series X/S, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)
Minecraft offers a co-op experience unlike any other. Team up with friends on a server and unleash your creativity! Whether you envision a sprawling metropolis, intricate mini-games, or self-made challenges, the possibilities are boundless.
Explore vast worlds, gather resources together, and build anything your imagination desires. Minecraft is perfect for large groups or even casual encounters with random players. Xbox and PC players can access Minecraft through Game Pass for added value.
For Socially Capable Soldiers: Helldivers 2 (2024, PC, PlayStation 5)
Despite recent controversies, Helldivers 2 remains a top-tier co-op experience. The game heavily emphasizes squad play, making it perfect even if you don’t have a pre-made group.
You and your squad mates will work together on hostile alien planets, completing objectives with a variety of weapons. Friendly fire adds a hilarious layer of chaos, making for unforgettable moments.
Furthermore, your squad’s efforts contribute to a larger fight, as the entire Helldivers 2 community works to liberate planets.
For Viking Explorers: Valheim (2021, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)
Hailed as one of the best survival games, Valheim throws you into a Norse world after being banished by Odin. Like any good survival game, you’ll search resources, build a shelter, and explore a procedurally generated map with five distinct biomes. Each biome has a fearsome boss to conquer, making the journey even more thrilling.
Valheim’s stunning art style complements the immersive gameplay, and it’s all significantly better with friends by your side. Whether it’s gathering resources or facing off against a boss, having a team makes the experience far more rewarding.
For Classic Zombie Slayers: Left 4 Dead 2 (2009, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Xbox One)
A true co-op legend, Left 4 Dead 2 introduced many players to the joys of cooperative gaming. On the surface, it’s a simple zombie apocalypse shooter, but beneath lies a game with immense depth and replayability, even in 2024.
You and your friends navigate the infected-filled American South, working together to survive relentless zombie hordes. The PC and Xbox versions come with all the content from the first Left 4 Dead, making Left 4 Dead 2 a hub for zombie-slaying fun. PC players have the added benefit of a thriving modding community that continues to churn out new content, ensuring endless entertainment.
For Tactical Operators: Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands (2017, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4)
Ghost Recon Wildlands is a co-op experience that demands strategy, teamwork, and unwavering resolve. You and three companions join forces to dismantle a sprawling drug cartel across a massive map. Every situation requires careful planning, and a single misstep by any teammate can jeopardize the entire mission.
The game offers a story campaign, online PvP competition, and various co-op activities scattered throughout the map. However, Ghost Recon Wildlands shines brightest when a coordinated squad utilizes teamwork to achieve victory.
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