30 co-op games like It Takes Two you must play

It Takes Two is by far one of the most unforgettable co-op experiences of the past decade: it’s chock full of larger than life set pieces, has an incredibly human story, and features one of the most traumatic moments in gaming that’ll be burned into your mind forever (IYKYK).

The game took the world by storm (and us, as you can see in our review) in 2021 with its fresh spin on co-op gameplay. New puzzles, platforming sections, and delightful minigames were around every corner, never letting you grow tired of doing the same old thing.

So if you’re anything like us and are looking for something just as fresh that can stack up to 2021’s Game of The Year, we’ve scoured the internet for the best games like It Takes Two you’ll want to check out in 2025 (and yes, Split Fiction’s here — don’t worry.)

Note: We’ve not ranked the entries on this list as the co-op genre spans so many different corners of gaming, and there’s so many facets of It Takes Two that can be found in other titles, but have no fear — you’ll find something to add to your Wishlist for that next gaming night with a friend or loved one by the time you’re done reading.

A Way Out

Hazelight Games

• Release date: March 23, 2018
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

A Way Out is an easy one to start with as it’s also made by Hazelight Studios — and the similarities are rather obvious. Before It Takes Two and Split Fiction came along, A Way Out was a trendsetter in the local co-op department by giving players control over two characters whose stories intertwine.

The budding duo of Vincent and Leo work together to achieve their shared agenda and do so through clever sequences and puzzles. It has far fewer Moon Baboons and elephants than It Takes Two, mostly because it’s a more serious story than its successor, but it still works very well.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Starbreeze Studios

• Release date: August 7, 2013
• Platforms: Android, PC, PlayStation, iOS, Xbox

Although not developed by Hazelight Studios, this project was led by Josef Fares — the mind behind A Way Out and It Takes Two.

If you’re playing this after the latter, then you’ll recognize this is without a doubt, a game like It Takes Two. and can even sense the seeds being planted for future innovations. While the co-op element was not fully realized here when it was first released in 2013, its 2024 remake does include local co-op play.

There’s a truly emotional and heartwarming story to be played out here, held together by many intuitive puzzles that require timing and lateral thinking.

Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios

• Release date: March 6, 2025
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Next up in the lineup of Josef Fares-led games is Split Fiction (we told you it was on the list!) — an absolute must-play for any fans of It Takes Two. According to our review, it gathers everything brilliant about its predecessor and dials it up to 100. In fact, we called it better than It Takes Two (apparently that’s possible).

Mio and Zoe are two authors who become trapped in a combination of their own worlds of fiction and must travel through endless mysterious realms (including a hot dog one) to ensure their works aren’t stolen by the evil game studio, Rader.

Naturally, being another Hazelight game, Split Fiction has all the same veins, soul, and design as It Take Two, just with an entirely new heart.

Words by Jessica Filby

Overcooked

• Release date: August 2, 2016
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Moving away from games led by Josef Fares, from prison to kitchen, the Overcooked games are the first titles on this list that fall into the ‘will seriously test your friendship/relationship’ category.

Team 17’s Overcooked is a sumptuous recipe of cooking, co-op, and chaos. Each game consists of umpteen levels in which you must navigate your kitchen and cook food to serve hungry customers. The only caveat is that your work environment can range from a traditional open-ended restaurant to having to use teleporters to traverse upper and lower floors of a castle.

The lengths Overcooked will go to throw you off is admirable –and you’ll have to be on top of your teamwork to succeed!

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

• Release date: November 12, 2020
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation

Let’s face it, everyone loves Sackboy. He’s utterly adorable!

The LittleBigPlanet games have always been harmonious experiences can be approached in different ways, and Sackboy: A Big Adventure is no different. It gets rid of the crafting and creating that made the original LittleBigPlanet games so endearing, instead channelling its focus into delivering a fun but deviously tricky platformer.

Throw in a second pair of hands and you can have tons of fun exploring and traversing weird, wonderful levels together.

Moving Out

• Release date: April 28, 2020
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

If you’ve experienced the not-always-but-more-often-than-not torturous act of moving house in real life, you already know the pure pain and punishment that you’ll endure while doing so — but Moving Out somehow manages to make it fun.

What makes this a game like It Takes Two is that teamwork is paramount and at the forefront of the game’s core fundamentals. You need to strategize which items to move where, and you need to both be in perfect synchronicity with one another to ensure you’re moving items as efficiently as possible.

You also need to do your best to not throw your controller at the wall. It will get frustrating, but as with any difficult task, the euphoric feeling of satisfaction when you’ve moved furniture well enough is rewarding and ultimately makes Moving Out worth moving into.

Grounded 2

• Release date: 28 July, 2025
• Platforms: PC, Xbox

Grounded 2 shrinks you and your co-op crew down once again for another bug-filled backyard survival adventure.

You’ll craft tools, tame mounts, and build bases while dodging spiders the size of SUVs. Every inch of progress requires planning, teamwork, and the occasional panicked scream as someone lures a ladybug swarm into camp.

Like It Takes Two, it thrives on creativity and shared chaotic moments, which makes every mission a bonding experience or a blame game.

Peak

• Release date: June 16, 2025
• Platforms: PC

Peak is a precision co-op climbing sim that turns mountaineering into the ultimate trust exercise.

You’re strapped to your friends, scaling unpredictable cliffs while juggling physics, shifting winds, and your own questionable instincts. One slip can send the entire group plummeting, unless someone manages a last-second midair save. It’s tense, funny, and surprisingly emotional when you all reach the summit in one piece.

If It Takes Two swapped therapy for sheer vertical terror, you’d get something like this.

Chained Together

• Release date: June 19, 2024
• Platforms: PC

Chained Together lives up to its name by tethering you to your friends and challenging you to climb out of literal hell.

Up to four players must scale a collapsing tower while dealing with lava, moving platforms, and everyone’s questionable timing. It’s a pure test of patience, communication, and trust.

Like It Takes Two, it’s all about syncing up and learning how to move as one, only this time, there’s a lot more yelling involved.

R.E.P.O.

• Release date: February 26, 2025 (Early Access)
• Platforms: PC

R.E.P.O. is what happens when capitalism meets cosmic horror. While the tone’s darker than It Takes Two, the spirit of chaotic teamwork is alive and well.

You and your team play as intergalactic repo agents reclaiming valuables from haunted derelicts.

The only catch is that eerything’s fragile, cursed, or both. You’ll juggle ghost detection, object handling, and escape logistics in this wonderfully weird co-op sim.

Baldur’s Gate 3

• Release date: August 3, 2023 (PC), September 6, 2023 (PS5), December 7, 2023 (Xbox)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Baldur’s Gate 3 brings Dungeons & Dragons to life in the most cinematic way possible, and yes, it’s fully co-op.

You and up to three friends create your own characters and dive into a sprawling fantasy epic filled with tough choices, deep relationships, and unpredictable twists. Every dice roll and dialogue decision can shape the story.

Like It Takes Two, it’s a masterclass in storytelling through partnership. It’s less about saving your marriage and more about flirting with vampires, but the emotional payoff hits just as hard.

Unravel Two

• Release date: June 9, 2018
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, GeForce Now, PC, PlayStation

Unravel Two is another ideal two-player adventure, but this time around we’re trading humans-turned dolls for two anthropomorphic creatures made of yarn, because why not?

All the usual tandem tropes are featured here as a litany of interactive obstacles stand between you and your goal. You’ll never guess what the overriding focus is here, either… teamwork! The platforming is on point here and it’s a great example of the genre – leaving us ‘yarning’ for more.

Borderlands & Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

• Release date: 2009 / 2022
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Borderlands 1, 2, 3, The Pre-Sequel, or Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands — take your pick as any could be considered a game like It Takes Two.

Gearbox Software’s insane looter shooter series has captivated players for years (with a fourth instalment on the way) with its exhausting list of amazing characters, its bazillions of guns, and WUB WUBs and DUB DUBs.

The best thing of all? You can sit next to the partner of your choosing as you undertake all of these hours of gameplay. The spin-off Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands goes overboard on the craziness and is a more than acceptable starting point into the franchise if your badonkadonk so desires.

Kirby and The Forgotten Land

• Release date:
• Platforms:

32 years of Kirby later and the world isn’t even close to being sick of him yet, which is some achievement but also entirely understandable — just look at him!

2022’s Kirby and The Forgotten Land is even more impressive when you consider that decades later our little pink pal is finding new ways to reinvent himself and cater to new audiences. This is none more evident than how seamlessly the game works as a coherent co-op endeavor, with easy hop-in and hop-out local multiplayer being extremely accessible and allowing you to inhale the world together (if that’s something you’ve ever wanted to do).

Cuphead

• Release date: March 25, 2022
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch

If by now you somehow haven’t stumbled across the charming and cartoonish nature of StudioMDHR’s Cuphead, then this might be the best (or worst) day of your life.

Despite its endlessly engrossing personality and charming hand-drawn visual style, Cuphead is unbelievably difficult if you’re not prepared for it. If you are, then it’s downgraded to just… very difficult.

The game is an exercise in patience as you battle to take down bosses and take part in stress-inducing, one-shot run and gun missions where one mistake can be the difference between success and failure. We’d recommend you max out your friendship or relationship level before attempting Cuphead.

As Dusk Falls

• Release date: 19 July, 2022
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

As Dusk Falls is a unique title created by Supermassive Games, the developers behind Until Dawn, The Devil In Me, The Casting of Frank Stone, and many more thrilling interactive dramas.

It’s a great game to play with local or online co-op and will inspire many interesting conversations as players vote on the rather tough choices the characters need to make as the mysterious story unfolds.

The Binding of Isaac

• Release date: 28 September, 2011
• Platforms: Mac, Linux, PC

The Binding of Isaac has been around since 2011, but there’s never been a better time to jump in with friends, as The Repentance+ update in 2024 added co-op play — allowing for teamups in this iconic roguelike.

Sharing the same screen, Isaac has you venturing from room to room, taking out enemies, and gathering as many items as possible for the ultimate build. It’s extremely addicting and one you could easily pump hundreds of hours into with friends online or on the couch.

We Were Here Forever

• Release date: 10 May, 2022
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

We Were Here Forever is a fantastic co-op puzzle game available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox that requires careful communication and skill to solve some relatively tricky challenges.

Essentially, you and a friend are dropped into a mysterious castle and must solve puzzles to ensure their survival and escape. It’s a perfect mix between creepy, complicated, and creative.

For The King

• Release date: 28 February, 2017
• Platforms: GeForce Now, Nintendo Switch, Mac, Linux, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Sure, it might not be a couch co-op, but For The King is a fantastic co-op game filled to the brim with strategy, communication, and a vast amount of challenge.

It’s perfect for tabletop gamers looking to branch out to video games with their friends. You can create your own character with its own set of skills and explore a rather unforgiving world together. Just never underestimate a battle.

Deep Rock Galactic

• Release date: 28 February, 2018
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Deep Rock Galactic is a co-op game that tasks up to four players with mining for different resources in procedurally generated environments. 

As a Dwarf Miner working for the Deep Rock Galactic company, it’s your job to complete objectives within a cave ranging from gathering specific materials and repairing broken equipment. After all your missions are done, you’ll need to extract yourself from the cave before the escape pod leaves to safely return with all your new resources. 

While combat is part of DRG (you’ll have to contend with hordes of alien bugs) it’s a relatively relaxing experience that’s wholly unique in the FPS genre. 

Castle Crashers

• Release date: August 27, 2008
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Mac, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Castle Crashers is an iconic side-scrolling hack n’ slash from developers The Behemoth, and this colorful 2D game can be played by up to four people, with each taking control of a different character. You and your friends play as Knights who must rescue a quartet of princesses that have been kidnapped by an evil wizard.

As you travel across the land you’ll fight your way through a variety of enemies, all while levelling up and adding more skills to your arsenal. Each of the starter Knights is adept in a specific element e.g. Blue Knight wields Ice magic, while Red Knight uses Fire.

Castle Crashers is a challenging but satisfying side scroller that’s brimming with vibrant visuals, and personality. It’s a must-play for anyone who wants to enjoy a more arcade-like experience with their friends. 

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

• Release date: September 9, 2015
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Mac, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime has you and up to three friends explore a galaxy within an impressive neon battleship. It’s not a smooth journey, however, as you’ll have to carefully man your lasers, turrets, and thrusters to survive. 

Thankfully, you can regularly upgrade your battleship so it’s ready for any hazards and dangers that await you in deep space. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is also randomized so you can discover something new every time you play. 

This is a frantic but extremely satisfying co-op title that anyone who enjoys a good shooter or simply loves space should check out. 

Stardew Valley

• Release date: February 26, 2016
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox

What kind of list would this be without mentioning the one and only Stardew Valley, one of the most beloved cozy games of all time? Whether you’re forming relationships with villagers, tending to your crops, fishing, or mining for resources in Skull Cavern, there’s a wealth of content to enjoy.

The best part of Stardew is (well, because you’re reading this list it is) undoubtedly that you can experience the game in co-op — so if you want to show off your own gameplay progress or create a separate multiplayer world to build out a farm with friends, you can do just that. 

You can even marry another player which is a lovely touch, especially for anyone who may be playing in co-op with their significant other. 

Escape Academy

• Release date: July 14, 2022
• Platforms: Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

If solving puzzles was your favorite part of It Takes Two, check out Escape Academy. Here, you take on the role of students at the Escape Academy who have enrolled to become Escape Room Masters.

You’ll play in a first-person perspective and have to work together to discover different clues, solving puzzles to achieve certain goals within a limited amount of time. If you’re a more logical thinker and you’ve got a friend who prefers to come up with outside-of-the-box solutions, Escape Academy is perfect for you as its challenges require both approaches. 

Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light

• Release date: 18 August, 2010
• Platforms: Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox

Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light one for the diehard Tomb Raider fans. A non-linear action game with a set isometric camera. players will either take control of franchise protagonist Lara Croft, or the Mayan warrior Totec, as the pair work together to retrieve the Mirror of Smoke and stop the evil spirit Xolotl. 

With Lara and Totec having different skills, there’s a huge emphasis on teamwork and you’ll have to work closely with one another to progress through each level — just as is the case in It Takes Two. You can also aim to collect the most gems or kill the most enemies, giving a competitive element to the gameplay loop. 

Ultimately, Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light is a must-play for any Tomb Raider fans looking for a co-op experience. 

Human Fall Flat

• Release date: July 22, 2016
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Human Fall Flat is all about getting from one end of a level to another while having to deal with hilarious physics. You’ll need to navigate every level using your body, the terrain, and the items you’ve given to successfully reach the end together.

Each level also has multiple solutions so there’s a lot of replayability for groups to discover all the different (and fastest) possible ways to succeed in all 20 levels. If you’re looking for a new party game, this is a solid choice.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Nintendo

• Release date: October 20, 2023
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch

One of the most recent 2D Mario platformers, Super Mario Bros. Wonder not only acts as a great introduction to the franchise for newcomers but it’s also fantastic in co-op play.

There are 12 characters you can choose from in Wonder’s multiplayer ranging from the titular plumber to Princess Peach, Todette, and different color Yoshis. Up to four characters can be running around the screen at once which makes things a bit hectic — but it’s extremely enjoyable nonetheless. 

Whether you’re a Mario veteran or this is your first instalment in the beloved franchise, we’d certainly recommend giving the multiplayer a go. 

Knights and Bikes

• Release date: Nintendo Switch, Linux, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Platforms: August 26, 2019

Knights and Bikes is an adorable adventure game that’s clearly inspired by the iconic 80s movie The Goonies. It’s a game that perfectly captures childlike wonder as you play as friends, Nessa and Demelza. 

You’ll spend your time in Knights and Bikes exploring an ancient island discovering treasure, solving puzzles, and overcoming hazards. As the name suggests, riding and upgrading your trusty bike is also a big part of the journey, and you can even customize it to your heart’s content. 

Overall, this is a delightful indie title that’s right up there for fans of It Takes Two. 

Portal 2

• Release date: April 18, 2011
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Linux, Max, PC, PlayStation, Xbox

Portal 2 is one of the most iconic puzzle games of all time. Developed by Valve, players are tasked with navigating the Aperture Science Laboratory by using the titular Portal gun to traverse the environment and successfully get through different obstacles.  

Alongside its single-player campaign, Portal 2 also features a full multiplayer story where players each take control of one of two robots, Atlas and P-Body. 

If you’re someone who replayed the core campaign hundreds of times, dipping into the co-op content in Portal 2 is a lot of fun and a great way to showcase the game’s unique mechanics to friends. 

Rayman Legends

• Release date: August 20, 2013
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Wii U

If you’re in the mood for something lighter but still a game offering plenty of depth, Rayman Legends is the pick for you. This charming platformer can be a breeze if you just play for fun, or it can be a real challenge if you’re eager to see and do everything.

Playing with friends is the best way to experience it and to help make the experience that much easier. Coming from It Takes Two, this is a great game to enjoy with your co-op partner.

Now you’re up to date with loads of different games out there like It Takes Two, for more painstakingly assembled lists, check out the best games of 2025 so far, an RPG lover’s dream with our top 50 RPGs of all time list, and the best stealth games for those of you looking to skulk into the shadows.