Playing with friends can turn a great game into an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to complete a story-driven adventure, survive dangerous missions, build a peaceful farm, or laugh through chaotic challenges, PC gaming offers plenty of cooperative experiences for different groups.
The best co-op games PC players can choose depend on how many friends are joining, the genres everyone enjoys, and whether you prefer online multiplayer or local split-screen. This guide from GameORB covers eight standout options, including games designed specifically for two players and others that work well for larger groups.
8 Best Co-op Games PC Players Can Enjoy Together
These games offer different ways to cooperate, from solving puzzles and making strategic decisions to fighting enemies and managing shared resources.
Note: The games listed below are paid titles and are not completely free to play. Some offer discounts or a Friend’s Pass that lets invited players join without purchasing a separate full copy.
1. Split Fiction
Best for: Two-player story-driven adventures
Players: 2 | Co-op: Online and local split-screen
Split Fiction is an action-adventure game from Hazelight Studios, the developer behind It Takes Two. Players control Mio and Zoe, two writers who become trapped in worlds inspired by their own stories. To escape, they must combine their abilities, solve puzzles, and overcome challenges across science-fiction and fantasy settings.
Each section introduces new mechanics, from platforming and combat to unusual cooperative challenges. Both players have an active role, making communication and timing essential throughout the campaign.
The game supports online co-op and local split-screen. Its Friend’s Pass lets one owner invite a friend to play the full adventure online without requiring the invited player to purchase another full copy. Both players can also try the opening portion through the free trial, but continuing beyond it requires one player to own the full game. An EA account and a persistent internet connection are required for the relevant online features.
Why play it: Split Fiction suits pairs who want a varied, story-driven campaign built around teamwork rather than optional multiplayer. Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2
Selection criteria: Choose it if you have exactly two players, enjoy creative level design, and want a complete cooperative campaign. It is less suitable for groups larger than two or players looking for an open-ended sandbox.
Official details: Split Fiction Friend’s Pass.
2. It Takes Two
Best for: Puzzle-solving and cooperative storytelling
Players: 2 | Co-op: Online and local split-screen
It Takes Two follows Cody and May, a couple transformed into miniature dolls who must work together to return to normal. Each level introduces new abilities and obstacles, requiring both players to communicate and coordinate their actions.
Rather than treating teamwork as an optional feature, the game builds its entire campaign around two-player cooperation. One section may focus on platforming, while another introduces boss fights, puzzles, or entirely different gameplay mechanics.
The game supports online co-op and local split-screen. Its Friend’s Pass allows a friend to join the full adventure without buying a second copy, provided the other player owns the game. On PC, Steam Remote Play Together is a separate option that streams local co-op to a friend remotely; it is not the same feature as Friend’s Pass. Remote Play Together requires a compatible Steam setup and a host who owns the game.
Why play it: It Takes Two is one of the best 2 player PC games for players who enjoy inventive puzzles, changing gameplay mechanics, and a story designed around cooperation.
Selection criteria: Pick it if both players enjoy a guided campaign with frequent gameplay changes. Because it requires two active players, it is not the right choice for solo play or larger groups.
Official details: It Takes Two Friend’s Pass.
3. Party Animals
Best for: Casual party games and chaotic multiplayer matches
Players: Up to 8 online in supported modes; local player limits vary by mode and setup | Co-op: Online and local
Party Animals is a physics-based party game where players control adorable animal characters and compete in chaotic challenges. You can punch, grab, throw, and knock opponents around, with deliberately clumsy movement creating unpredictable encounters.
Its appeal comes from accessible controls and physics-driven interactions rather than a lengthy campaign. Players can compete against one another or participate in team-based modes, depending on the selected match type.
Party Animals supports online multiplayer and local shared-screen play on PC. However, the maximum online lobby size should not be interpreted as the local player limit: local multiplayer supports fewer players than the largest online matches. Check the current Steam listing and the selected mode before planning a full group session.
Why play it: Party Animals works well for friends who prefer short, funny matches over story progression or demanding cooperative missions.
Selection criteria: Choose it for casual gatherings, mixed-skill groups, and competitive party sessions. Confirm the local or online player limit first if everyone intends to join the same match.
Official details: Party Animals on Steam.
4. Deep Rock Galactic
Best for: Four-player action and mission-based teamwork
Players: 1–4 | Co-op: Online
Deep Rock Galactic is a cooperative first-person shooter in which teams of space dwarves explore dangerous caves, mine resources, and fight hostile alien creatures. Each mission takes place in a destructible, procedurally generated environment, requiring players to complete objectives and reach extraction.
The game features four classes: Scout, Engineer, Gunner, and Driller. Each has specialized equipment that contributes to the team’s mobility, defense, or combat capabilities. Combining these roles effectively can make difficult missions easier to manage.
Different objectives, cave layouts, enemy encounters, and progression systems give players reasons to return. The game also rewards teams that communicate instead of treating every mission as a straightforward shooting gallery.
Why play it: Deep Rock Galactic is one of the best online co-op games PC squads can choose for replayable missions, class-based teamwork, and cooperative combat.
Selection criteria: Pick it if your group has up to four players and enjoys first-person shooting with exploration and resource gathering. It is less appropriate for players who want a story-focused, cinematic campaign or local split-screen multiplayer.
Official details: Deep Rock Galactic on Steam.
5. Helldivers 2
Best for: Intense squad-based shooting
Players: Up to 4 | Co-op: Online
Helldivers 2 puts players in the role of soldiers fighting hostile alien and robotic forces across dangerous battlefields. Squads complete objectives, call in weapons and support equipment, and attempt to extract after finishing their missions.
Teamwork matters because the battlefield can be dangerous for allies as well as enemies. Explosions, support strikes, and friendly fire can cause problems when players ignore positioning or fail to coordinate their attacks. Each mission rewards squads that balance aggression with careful planning.
Its mission-based structure makes it easy to gather friends for a few operations without committing to a lengthy story campaign. However, the game’s intense combat and frequent friendly-fire incidents may frustrate players who prefer relaxed cooperative experiences.
Why play it: Helldivers 2 is a strong choice for groups that enjoy challenging objectives, chaotic firefights, and teamwork under pressure.
Selection criteria: Choose it if everyone enjoys action-heavy missions and has a PC that meets the system requirements. Before buying across different platforms, verify current cross-play support and account requirements in the official support documentation. Online co-op alone does not guarantee compatibility between every platform.
Official starting point: Helldivers 2 on Steam.
Note: Check current cross-platform compatibility and account requirements before buying if your friends play on different systems.
6. Lethal Company
Best for: Cooperative horror and unpredictable multiplayer sessions
Players: Up to 4 in the unmodded base game | Co-op: Online
Lethal Company challenges players to explore abandoned industrial facilities on dangerous moons, collect scrap, and meet a company quota before time runs out. The team must weigh the value of additional loot against the growing risks of staying longer.
Limited visibility, environmental hazards, and unpredictable creatures make each expedition tense. Players can divide their tasks to search more efficiently, but separating from the group also increases the risk of getting lost or encountering danger alone.
Much of the game’s appeal comes from unscripted situations. A routine scavenging trip can quickly turn into a frantic escape, often producing funny moments when teammates panic or fail to communicate.
Why play it: Lethal Company is ideal for friends who enjoy horror, voice-chat coordination, and emergent situations rather than scripted action.
Selection criteria: Pick it if your group enjoys suspense and does not mind repeated failures. The standard game supports up to four players; larger lobbies typically require third-party mods, which are separate from the official base-game experience and may introduce compatibility issues.
Official details: Lethal Company on Steam.
7. Stardew Valley
Best for: Relaxed farming and long-term cooperative progression
Players: Up to 8 on supported PC multiplayer setups | Co-op: Online, LAN, and local split-screen
Stardew Valley lets players build a farm, grow crops, raise animals, fish, mine, and develop relationships with the residents of Pelican Town. Multiplayer turns these activities into a shared project, allowing friends to divide responsibilities and progress together.
One player can manage crops while another explores the mines or gathers resources. The group can also work toward longer-term goals, such as upgrading farm buildings and completing community objectives.
PC multiplayer supports up to eight players, with the available connection method depending on how the session is set up. Online play connects players remotely, while LAN play uses a local network. Local split-screen lets multiple players share one device and display; it is a separate way to play, not another name for online co-op.
Why play it: Stardew Valley is a good fit for friends who want a flexible, low-pressure game with shared goals and long-term progression.
Selection criteria: Choose it if your group enjoys farming, crafting, exploration, and playing at its own pace. It is less suitable for players who want constant action or short, self-contained competitive matches.
Official multiplayer reference: Stardew Valley Wiki – Multiplayer.
8. Overcooked! 2
Best for: Fast-paced party sessions and communication challenges
Players: Up to 4 | Co-op: Online and local
Overcooked! 2 turns restaurant management into a frantic cooperative challenge. Players prepare ingredients, cook meals, wash dishes, and deliver orders before customers lose patience.
The kitchens feature moving platforms, changing layouts, and other obstacles that force teams to adapt quickly. Success depends on assigning tasks, communicating clearly, and avoiding mistakes when the kitchen becomes crowded.
The controls are easy to learn, so newcomers can join without mastering complex systems. However, completing harder levels with high scores requires coordination and efficient task management.
Why play it: Overcooked! 2 is one of the best co-op games to play with friends for energetic sessions filled with teamwork, friendly arguments, and funny mistakes.
Selection criteria: Pick it if your group wants a short-session party game that rewards communication. It supports up to four players through online or local co-op, making it suitable for both remote friends and people sharing a screen.
Official details: Overcooked! 2 on Steam.
How to Choose the Right Co-op Game for Your Group
Not every co-op game suits every group. Consider how many friends are playing, which multiplayer modes you need, and whether your group prefers action, casual competition, or relaxed adventures.
Match the Game to Your Group Size
Player count is one of the most important factors when choosing a co-op game. Split Fiction and It Takes Two are designed specifically for two players, while Deep Rock Galactic and Helldivers 2 support squads of up to four.
For larger groups, Party Animals offers chaotic party matches for up to eight players, while Stardew Valley supports larger farming sessions. If your friends enjoy horror and unpredictable situations, Lethal Company is another option for smaller groups.
Decide Between Online and Local Co-op
Online co-op lets friends play together from different locations, while local multiplayer allows players to share a screen or device where supported.
Before purchasing, check which multiplayer modes each game offers. Some titles support both online and local play, while others focus primarily on online sessions. Cross-platform multiplayer is a separate feature, so check compatibility if your friends use different gaming systems.
Consider Your Preferred Gameplay Style
Different co-op games offer different experiences. Use this comparison to find the best fit for your group.
| What your group wants | Recommended game |
| A two-player adventure | Split Fiction |
| Puzzles and storytelling | It Takes Two |
| Replayable shooting missions | Deep Rock Galactic |
| Intense squad combat | Helldivers 2 |
| Horror and unpredictable moments | Lethal Company |
| Relaxed farming and exploration | Stardew Valley |
| Chaotic party matches | Party Animals |
| A fast-paced cooking challenge | Overcooked! 2 |
Also consider your budget, PC specifications, and available playtime. Party games are great for quick sessions, while games like Stardew Valley offer longer-term progression. Choosing a game that fits everyone’s schedule and preferences can make playing together more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These answers cover common questions that can help you choose the right co-op game for your group.
Do these co-op games support local multiplayer?
Some do, including Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and Stardew Valley. Check each game’s supported modes before buying.
Do these co-op games support cross-platform play?
Cross-platform support varies by game. Check the official store page or multiplayer documentation for current compatibility details.
Are there free co-op games on PC?
The eight games in this list are paid titles. However, Split Fiction and It Takes Two offer a Friend’s Pass for invited players.
Can I play co-op games on a low-end PC?
It depends on the game. Check the minimum system requirements before purchasing, especially for graphics-intensive titles.
Conclusion
The best co-op games PC players can enjoy together depend on their group size, preferred genre, and available time. Split Fiction and It Takes Two deliver memorable two-player adventures, while Deep Rock Galactic and Helldivers 2 offer action-packed squad missions. For more relaxed sessions, Stardew Valley provides a shared world to build at your own pace. Explore more gaming recommendations and practical guides on GameORB to find your next favorite game to play with friends.
