Best Local Co-Op Games On Steam

Couch co-op and split-screen tend to be associated with consoles as the terms conjure images of friends playing Mario Party and Crash Team Racing on a TV, but PC owners have plenty of options as well. Nowadays, most major multiplayer releases make their way to Steam, and they typically offer online support to simplify the process of finding partners. LAN parties have generally transitioned to online connections, a decision that permits users to either play with friends or strangers.

Online is the standard in modern gaming, but that does not mean local co-op has gone extinct. In fact, some of the best co-op games on Steam let players share a screen. Even though PC gaming is not synonymous with local co-op or especially split-screen, there are plenty of games that demonstrate the potential of these multiplayer experiences.

Updated February 9, 2025 by Mark Sammut: 2025 is starting to pick up momentum, but the best is yet to come. Consequently, a section dedicated to upcoming local co-op Steam games has been added.

1

Path Of Exile 2

An Early Look At A Future (And Current) Great

2013’s Path of Exile is almost too good. The free-to-play action RPG delivered roughly a decade’s worth of brilliance, firmly establishing itself as one of the definitive dungeon crawlers. Even nowadays, it is still a pretty easy recommendation. However, for all its positives, PoE only supports online co-op, which makes sense for a game that was initially designed with computers in mind. Along with still offering 6-player online co-op, the 2024 sequel adds local multiplayer to the equation, albeit limited to just two people sharing a screen. Controllers are also required on PC.

Now, Path of Exile 2 is currently in early access and very much a work-in-progress; consequently, anybody looking to jump on board should be prepared for missing features, a few rough edges, and tweaks/updates that could drastically change the viability of certain builds. Crucially, the early access version is not free, although the full release will go down that route. As such, people who are not sure if this project is for them might wish to wait until version 1.0 drops, which will probably not happen very soon.

With that out of the way, it is now time to say that Path of Exile 2 is fantastic. Improving on nearly every idea found in its predecessor, the sequel is bigger and better, offering more satisfying combat, customization options that come with ridiculous variety, and a pretty good story (from what is currently available). The endgame is also shaping up to be pretty great. In terms of local co-op, PoE2 is quite a natural fight for the feature, and the classes and their build options encourage parties to put together characters that complement each other.

2

Baldur’s Gate 3

An Ambitious & Lengthy RPG For Tabletop Fans

After achieving near-perfection with Divinity: Original Sin 2, which is also a great co-op PC RPG, Larian Studios did the impossible and produced something arguably even better. After spending almost three years in early access, Baldur’s Gate 3 finally made its proper debut in August 2023, and to say the game was well-received would be an understatement. Hailed as a new benchmark in the CRPG genre, the long-awaited sequel is a deep and rewarding single-player experience that can easily keep somebody entertained for months on end. A big part of the game’s appeal is its flexible and reactive design that seeks to morph the world to complement a player’s choices.

While a fantastic solo experience, Baldur’s Gate 3‘s local co-op feature is also not an afterthought. Players can join someone’s else campaign, or start a new one where they play together from the beginning. Thanks to the use of split-screen, adventurers are not tied to each other, and one party member can head out to explore on their own while their partner does something else. Even though they will likely stick together during most sessions, Baldur’s Gate 3 makes it possible for both players to feel in control.

3

It Takes Two

A Gorgeous & Creative Journey Designed Around Two-Player Co-Op

Hazelight is responsible for two of the best 2-player Steam games. A Way Out is fantastic and an easy recommendation for any duos seeking a mature storyline; however, 2021’s It Takes Two is generally regarded as the superior overall package. The story follows a married couple who are shrunk down and have to go on a wild adventure to make it back home. The premise might sound derivative, but the game absolutely nails its characters and visuals.

As May and Cody are on the verge of getting a divorce, their shared situation forces them to openly communicate and work together after years of growing apart. It Takes Two‘s co-op gameplay reflects and enhances the narrative’s themes.

4

Pico Park 2

The Pleasure & Pain Of Teamwork

Pico Park 2 can be a frustrating experience, and that is part of its appeal. Tecopark’s sequel challenges up to 8 players to take on bit-sized obstacles that can vary considerably in structure, presentation, and style. Some are fairly typical puzzles, while other stages dip into genres like action or platforming. Still, the core concept is the same: work together and communicate.

In reality, most people will probably have to make do with strangers when playing Pico Park 2, at least if they want to add as many players as possible. Still, the game supports 8-player local co-op as well, so the option is technically viable. That said, 2-player co-op is likely to be the more common selection.

5

Chained Together

A Challenging But Fun “Go Up” Puzzle-Platformer Revolving Around Teamwork

The rise of platforms like Twitch saw the birth of a weird puzzle-platformer subgenre seemingly designed specifically to inspire outrage in streamers. Only Up! is probably the most well-known example of this trend, but Jump King and Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy are also (in)famous and, for a while, were inescapable. As entertaining as it can be to watch someone struggle for hours to climb an abstract tower, or blast through in a matter of minutes, these projects can be hard to recommend in situations when a crowd is not watching.

Although perfect for Twitch, Chained Together arguably comes the closest to being a worthwhile all-around gaming experience when someone is craving a challenging platformer. The project’s biggest selling point is its co-op implementation, to the point that the feature is highlighted by the title. While solo runs are possible, Chained Together is designed with multiplayer in mind, allowing for up to four players to be tied together as they try to escape hell.

As with Only Up!, players have to jump, catch, and climb across floating assets, all the while being fully aware that a single mistake could cause them to lose all of their progress (unless they are playing in Beginner mode). Frustrating as those moments can be, Chained Together works due to that ever-present fear of catastrophic failure. The co-op adds a nice twist since having another player on board has both positives and negatives.

6

Bread & Fred

A Cute Co-Op Platformer

Bread & Fred is a challenging and adorably crafted physics-based adventure that sees two penguins (or a penguin and a heavy object in single-player mode) attempt to scale a mountain peak by swinging and jumping their way through multiple locations. Similar to titles like Jump King and Getting Over It, Bread & Fred takes the prospect of climbing up cliff faces and cranks it up to eleven.

Not only can players bring a friend along both locally and online, but there are costumes to unlock, story bits to uncover, mini-games to play, and more.

7

Broforce

Run, Gun, N’ Destroy

The gaming equivalent of an ’80s action movie, Broforce is loud, stupid, and relentlessly fun. An explosive parody of genre classics and iconic characters, Free Lives’ game features pitch-perfect run ‘n’ gun combat, which is enhanced through environmental destruction and endearing pixel graphics.

While perfectly enjoyable in single-player, Broforce really comes alive when multiple meatheads are rampaging through stages en route to planting an American flag where a fearsome boss once stood.

8

Portal 2

A Great Side Mode That Adapts Portal’s Puzzles For Co-Op

Valve is responsible for some of the most popular and long-lasting multiplayer games on the market, most of which revolve around co-op. While games like Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2, Alien Swarm, and Counter-Strike all prioritize teamwork, they are generally associated with online multiplayer or LAN support more so than local co-op. The same could be said for Portal 2 to an extent, although the game is better equipped to take advantage of local two-player action than most of the developer’s other projects. For one, the title supports split-screen right out of the box, which makes it a more viable option than the Left 4 Dead games.

The 2011 release reached legendary status thanks to its single-player story, which arguably ranks alongside Half-Life 2 as Valve’s magnum opus. Less known is Portal 2‘s co-op campaign that sees two robots work together to try and complete GLaDOS’s various challenges. Gameplay-wise, this mode retains many of the same fundamentals as the single-player; however, these identical mechanics take on a new flavor when a second player is thrown into the mix.

9

Project Zomboid

Survive A Zombie Apocalypse With A Few Friends

Project Zomboid has been in early access for over a decade, which is typically not a great sign. However, the open-world survival game has somehow managed to remain relevant, and it is still receiving fairly consistent updates as it gradually moves towards its full release. Even if that day seems to be still far in the future, Project Zomboid is already in an impressive state that makes it an easy recommendation for anyone craving a sandbox zombie experience that emphasizes survival above everything else.

While not part of the game’s original 2013 Steam release, split-screen co-op support was added to the package a few years later, allowing four friends to work together to try and make the best of a terrible situation. Online co-op is also available through 32-player lobbies, making the early access project a rather robust multiplayer option.

10

Cuphead

Hard-As-Hell Boss Rush With Stunning & Lively Visuals

Studio MDHR’s Cuphead puts players through the wringer, overwhelming them with colorful bosses inspired by old-school cartoons. This journey will always be crushingly difficult, but Cuphead does not need to face the Devil’s debtors alone. He can be accompanied by Mugman (or Ms. Chalice in The Delicious Last Course DLC), although the power of friendship might not result in an easier time.

Although an acquired taste, Cuphead achieves everything it sets out to do. The game’s visuals are eye-catching, its gameplay is punishing but generally fair, and the soundtrack is great. Provided people are looking for a challenge, this project is one of the best local co-op games on Steam

11

Castle Crashers

Really Fun Beat ‘Em Up

Originally a 2008 Xbox 360 exclusive, Castle Crashers eventually made its way to other platforms, including a 2012 Steam release. Invariably, each port served to further cement the game’s status as a co-op masterpiece. Players pick a knight and bravely head out to save four princesses, a process that involves a lot of hacking and slashing through cartoonish enemies. The color-coded playable characters not only come with unique abilities but also support build variety through customizable stats and weapons.

Castle Crashers represents co-op at its absolute best, especially since it encourages players to form balanced parties. Also, the game is pretty funny in a very late 2000s type of way.

12

Cat Quest 2 & 3

Purr-tastic RPGs With Endless Charm

• 	Cat Quest II	Cat Quest III
  Released	2019-09-24	2024-08-08
  Developer(s)	The Gentlebros	The Gentlebros
  Genre(s)	Action RPG, Adventure	RPG, Adventure

The Cat Quest games are just delightful. All three titles are top-notch indie RPGs that blend enjoyable combat with silly but well-written stories, fast-paced exploration, and streamlined progression. While the first entry is solely single-player, both sequels support two-player co-op, with Cat Quest 2 being specifically designed with the feature in mind. In fact, even solo runs revolve around two protagonists, albeit one controlled by AI.

Cat Quest 3 adds a secondary character if co-op is selected, but they are otherwise not part of the adventure.

On the surface, this trilogy might seem to be intended solely for young players taking their first steps into the world of RPGs, but that would be selling Cat Quest short. All the games offer a degree of challenge that should keep veterans engaged throughout the relatively brief campaigns, at least by the standard of RPGs.

13

Contra: Operation Galuga

Evolution Of A Classic Formula

Konami has largely ignored Contra over the last 15 years, producing only two entries between 2010 and 2023. Hard Corps: Uprising is a pretty good spin-off, while Contra: Rogue Corps is a top contender for the franchise’s worst game. Due to this lengthy absence, Contra: Operation Galuga‘s announcement came as a bit of a surprise, especially since the 2024 release is a fairly faithful throwback to the run-and-gun license’s glory days. In fact, it is a direct sequel to the original 1987 title, revisiting many of the same locations and reusing similar enemies. After being starved for attention for so long, Contra just needed to produce something decent that could remind the world why it was once a staple of gaming. Operation Galuga generally fulfills that purpose, offering a safe but enjoyable campaign that is fun solo and fantastic with friends.

Similar to the older entries, Operation Galuga pulls no punches, delivering a challenging and non-stop romp that throws everything at the player. However, the game also includes enough modern touches to allow for a degree of accessibility, so even though newcomers might be overwhelmed at first, that feeling should pass after a while. While the core gunplay is largely the same, Operation Galuga‘s multiple playable characters all have unique abilities and nuances that help differentiate them; consequently, during co-op, players can pick the person that best suits their preferences.

14

Overcooked! 2

Awesome Co-Op Cooking Game That Might Ruin A Few Friendships

Team 17 has a great track record when it comes to co-op projects. Worms is the publisher’s most well-known property, but The Escapists and Alien Breed deserve honorable mentions. If asked to select a local co-op PC game to represent the developer’s portfolio, it is difficult to look beyond Overcooked! 2. Do not be fooled by its vibrant visuals and a tentative association with the party genre – Overcooked! 2 is a stressful restaurant sim.

Up to four players must step into a kitchen and keep the dishes rolling as orders pile up. Like the real deal, organization and teamwork are vital if chefs want to stay ahead of the curve, and they should also prepare for occasional bouts of frustration. Even when things reach a boil, Overcooked! 2 is still an absolute blast to play, and it is a perfect option for short sessions.

15

Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime

Especially Perfect For Couples

Surviving space is always difficult, but having the right partners can make the process a bit less painful. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a co-op game that really emphasizes communication and coordination. Players find themselves stuck in a spaceship that requires seven crew members to man all of its stations; unfortunately, at most, only four people are available. Consequently, players will have to regularly jump from station to station to try and keep things moving forward, an accomplishment that is easier said than done. Each station has its complexities, and they must all be properly managed if a successful and safe flight is to be achieved.

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime can only be played in local co-op, although Steam’s remote play is an option as well. This decision makes sense because players need to maintain open lines of communication to ensure they coordinate their efforts well. Wasted movement is a death sentence, and this is one of those games that can test a few friendships.

16

Moving Out 2

A Multiverse Haul

One of the better co-op games of 2023, Moving Out 2 builds on the ideas of its predecessor and goes for broke in terms of its story. While playable solo, SMG’s project is undoubtedly intended to be enjoyed as part of a group, and the game is hard to recommend if someone plans to mostly play on their own. The premise is fairly straightforward: carry furniture. That’s largely it. Players have a moving service, one that is willing to take on most jobs regardless of their destination. Sometimes, that could mean traveling to another dimension.

With purposefully wonky physics and a strong sense of humor, Moving Out 2 can inspire laughter and frustration in equal measure, although the latter does not usually stick around for too long.

17

Helldivers Dive Harder Edition

Helldivers 2 Is Not The Only Game Worth Playing

Arrowhead knows a thing or two about co-op, and while most of the company’s projects are not necessarily amazing, they are decent additions to the multiplayer space. 2011’s Magicka is a solid adventure game that is only difficult to recommend because its sequel is superior; meanwhile, Gauntlet is a solid co-op dungeon crawler. The developer’s crowning achievement is undoubtedly Helldivers, a twin-stick shooter that pits humanity against three enemies in a gloriously over-the-top war.

Although the core gameplay is typical for the genre, the title gets most of the basics right, and it also includes a fun multiplayer option that expands its replayability. Supporting 4-player co-op (and friendly fire), Helldivers is at its best when a group of soldiers is taken on the Cyborgs or bugs. This allows the team to coordinate their load-outs, adding an element of strategy to the matches.

Helldivers 2 is an awesome co-op game, but it only supports online multiplayer.

18

Untitled Goose Game

Send An Idyllic British Village Into Chaos

On a random sunny day in an English town, all hell breaks loose when a goose (or geese) arrives on the scene. Untitled Goose Game offers silly, comedic fun, casting players as wild animals that are mainly driven by a desire to spread confusion across a town that is not prepared for these sorts of shenanigans. While working towards a shiny goal, the game largely leaves players to their own devices, allowing them to honk and steal to their hearts’ content.

Untitled Goose Game is a blast solo, especially since a playthrough should not last more than a couple of hours. Co-op does not change the core experience all that much, but it does ramp up the chaos sufficiently, making for an even more fun time. Either way, this title is an easy recommendation.

19

Children Of Morta

A Family Dungeon Crawler With Fantastic Combat

Once the campaign’s prologue is completed, Children of Morta opens up its local co-op option, permitting two players to take on the roguelite’s procedurally generated challenges. The Bergsons exist to protect the world, which generally involves taking on the many monstrosities that exist within Mount Morta. Initially, only two members of the family are playable, but the roster expands as players get further into the campaign.

While failure does reset progress in the dungeons, the game does not completely start over, and Children of Morta even has a story that develops in between runs. Each character has their own play styles, strengths, and weaknesses, which adds a wonderful dimension to co-op since players should try to complement each other.

20

Sea of Stars

A Great Single-Player RPG Is Updated To Become A Great Co-Op RPG

Gathering quite a lot of praise when it launched in 2023, Sea of Stars is an impressive indie darling that takes very obvious inspiration from classic JRPGs of the ’90s. Sabotage Studio put together an ambitious, gorgeous, and lengthy campaign that starts slow but builds up considerable momentum as it moves along. Considering the story revolves around dual protagonists and introduces a third-party member early on, co-op seemed like a fairly natural fit for the story; however, Sea of Stars did not launch with this component. Fortunately, in November 2024, Sabotage released a free update that, among other changes, added support for 3-player local co-op.

Controlling three different characters who are all visible on screen, Sea of Stars‘ co-op implementation is surprisingly robust, turning the campaign into a full-blown multiplayer experience rather than just an adventure with a main player and two guests. Whether this feature entices a revisit from people who already played through the story will vary from person to person, but a co-op run is certainly worth consideration for new players. Sea of Stars is quite long too.