Microsoft coined the phrase “It’s good to play together” as part of an Xbox Live promotion. This motto still holds since players are more connected than ever before. Games are backwards compatible, cross-platform, and may contain cooperative (co-op) gameplay. Arguably, the best games have a combination of each.
Playing video games is not an anti-social activity like the stereotype suggests. One can chat with players all over the world while playing cooperative video games. On the contrary, playing video games might even be considered the behavior of a socialite. The best thing about co-op games is the fact that they aren’t tied to a specific genre. This style of game exists across the board.
10 Monster Hunter World (Action Role-Playing)
Now that online functionality is a recurring feature with the latest Monster Hunter games, we can finally gear up for some serious questing. Monster Hunter World is a game about slaying monsters, crafting gear, and collecting rewards.
The game follows the same formula as previous Monster Hunter games, but with a more intuitive matchmaking system for the online cooperative. It supports up to four-players in a group and is microtransaction free. The pay-to-win formula is so overrated.
9 Left 4 Dead 2 (First-Person Shooter)
The sequel to Left 4 Dead answered back with even more waves of zombies. Played in online cooperative, Left 4 Dead 2 is a sensational first-person shooter that came to platforms like PC, MAC, and the Xbox 360.
This game was developed by Valve, the company behind games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Half-Life 2. Sometimes you can’t beat the original, but in this case, Left 4 Dead 2 hits the ground running with explosive cooperative and a relatable cast of human characters.
8 Warframe (Looter Shooter)
The looter genre is becoming saturated now that numerous games have flooded the market. However, a loot-based game can distinguish itself with an exceptional loot system. Warframe accomplishes this by incorporating a loot system that is different for each player.
It contains unique items and set pieces that aid player progression. Warframe is an outstanding looter shooter set in outer space. Travel to various planets and moons like Mars and Phobos using the Star Chart as your navigation system.
7 Cuphead (Run And Gun)
There is only a handful of superb run and gun games. The genre was prominent in the ’80s era of video games but has since slowed down. Cuphead is a throwback to the ’30s decade of cartoons and the ’80s decade of video games.
Run and gun cooperative gameplay is action-packed. It’s worth picking up the second controller to get in on this sensational instant-classic. In cooperative mode, the game doubles the health of bosses to provide twice the challenge. Fighting Cuphead bosses like Medusa and King Dice is grueling, yet rewarding.
6 Diablo III (Hack And Slash)
Hack and slash games are part of a genre that has come a long way. Early hack and slash games were mostly single-player until online games like Diablo II revolutionized gameplay. We now get to see Diablo III, which is the quintessential example of a hack and slash video game.
Diablo III allows you to play with 1-4 players, leaving room for team coordination and grueling battles. It contains an endgame that is lengthy and addicting. Diablo III may not have dedicated servers like Diablo II, but its matchmaking system is more intuitive. This disparity leaves room for Diablo IV, a masterpiece in the making.
5 A Way Out (Action-Adventure)
Hazelight Studios’ A Way Out is a game that was meant to be played via cooperative, similar to Resident Evil 5. The game contains an intriguing story that starts with two men in prison. You have to figure your way out of the predicament and accomplish goals once you’re free.
The story keeps you guessing, which is why A Way Out is considered an exceptional cooperative game.
4 Portal 2 (Puzzle-Platformer)
As far as puzzle-platformers go, Portal 2 is indistinguishably a masterpiece. Its puzzles are a joy to solve; Portal 2 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor. We can’t forget that the game contains a cooperative mode for players looking for a new experience.
Portal 2 took Portal’s original formula, added a much better story, and added cooperative play. Despite being nearly a decade old, this game has hardly aged a day.
3 Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Social Simulation)
Animal Crossing: New Horizons takes the life simulation subgenre to new heights with a non-linear focus. Players can explore a deserted island, which later becomes a booming cultural hub as the game progresses. You play as animals that resemble human beings.
The game lets you play with up to 8 players on an island. This can be done through local or online multiplayer. Released for the Nintendo Switch in March 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the definitive social simulation game.
2 Gears 5 (Third-Person Shooter)
Gears 5 proves that the Gears of War series is anything but stale. The campaign, versus, and Horde mode can all be played with cooperative. Gears 5 is one of the most inclusive games the Xbox has to offer since it’s cross-platform and will be backward compatible with the Xbox Series X.
The gameplay is fantastic, and you can’t go wrong purchasing this game.
1 Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Platformer)
Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze re-introduced one of the Wii U’s top platformers to the Nintendo Switch. This game has an exceptional cooperative system.
One player plays Donkey Kong, the titular character, and the other plays as the sidekick Diddy Kong. Although not completely unforgiving, there is a punishing difficulty that will deter some players. Compared to Donkey Kong Country Returns, Donkey Kong: Tropical Freeze is way harder.
