10. Grand Theft Auto Online
The online component of the already fantastic Grand Theft Auto V, Grand Theft Auto Online is set within the fictional state of San Andreas and lets up to 30 of you and your friends explore the open world together and take part in co-op missions. Those of you who have played Grand Theft Auto games before will know the kind of chaos that can follow. Endless co-op fun for as many friends as you can fit in it!
9. Overwatch
The defining game of the hero shooter subgenre, Overwatch truly comes into its own when being played with friends. Compared to playing solo, the difference it makes to have a coordinated attack not only makes the game more fun but will actually get you more wins as a result. Overwatch’s rich world is teased out through voice lines and easter eggs; this choose-your-own-investment style of storytelling means it’s enjoyable for casuals and superfans alike.
8. Rayman Legends
Rayman Legends is one of the finest platforming games available right now, and the fact that it also has co-op available makes it damn near perfect. Rayman Legends will have you running, jumping and punching together for days. The difficulty curve is so gradual that it’s perfect for hardcore platformers and casuals alike, and the art is so uniquely Rayman that every new level will become your favourite.
7. A Way Out
Co-op is so intrinsic to this game, you can’t pay it any other way! You play as Vincent and Leo, two convicts who stage a high-risk escape. But that’s only the start of your adventure together, in a twisting narrative that has a hugely satisfying ending. Before then, you’ll have to tackle plenty of engaging missions that’ll require careful cooperation in one of the most unique games we’ve ever played.
6. Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2
Look, we know what you’re thinking. Lego games are for kids. But if you’ve never played one, then you’ve never known how satisfying and fun they can be. Isn’t fun what gaming is all about? Lego Marvel Superheroes 2 is one of the best, with 155 customisable characters available with dozens of different powers and abilities, not including DLC. Perfect for some silly superhero couch co-op among friends of all ages!
5. Borderlands: The Handsome Collection
The Handsome Collection has both Borderlands 2 and Borderlands: The Pre-sequel and all of their expansions, with souped-up 4K graphics to boot. This series is well known for comedy, looting, and insane over the top FPS fun - and this remastered collection is going to please fans and newcomers alike. The best part? It’s split-screen compatible, meaning you can enjoy the co-op chaos both online and on the sofa.
4. World War Z: Aftermath
World War Z is played in cooperative multiplayer, with four players taking up arms against truly massive zombie hordes. We mean massive. The game supports up to a thousand enemies appearing on-screen simultaneously - so many they can crawl atop each other to reach your hiding places and vantage points. Aftermath includes the Game of the Year edition of the base game and expands on it; with three new locations, a first-person mode, and brand new characters.
3. Minecraft
Minecraft truly comes alive in multiplayer - it’s indescribably rewarding to work together to create the world of your dreams. If you’re not familiar with the game (where have you been) Minecraft is based around resource collecting, crafting and building. Beneath the blocky simplistic graphics, this game offers a delicate and engaging gameplay centred around the reward of creativity, hard work and collaboration.
2. Destiny 2
Bungie’s Destiny 2 is an MMO first-person shooter, set in a world of ‘mythic science fiction’ that blends together a space-age aesthetic with magic and mythology. It’s incredibly fun to play, but really hits stride when you’re playing with friends. Although it can’t be played split-screen, it more than makes up for it with hours and hours of content to play with friends and like any good MMO, infinite replayability.
1. Shovel Knight
A legendary Indie born from a successful Kickstarter campaign, Shovel Knight is a love letter to the 8-bit platformers of old. It perfectly marries punishing retro gameplay with gorgeous retro pixel graphics, harkening back to a day where finishing a level meant playing it ten times on a Saturday morning to figure it out. Sharing those frustrations with a friend in local co-op mode makes all those victories even sweeter.
