Playing video games with friends or family is a fun way to spend time together. Xbox offers many great co-op games where players can work as a team. Finding the right co-op game for Xbox can make game nights more enjoyable and create lasting memories.
Here’s the latest on the Best Co-op Games on Xbox in 2025—a mix of brand-new releases, upcoming titles, and evergreen multiplayer hits that continue to dominate Game Pass and the Xbox Store.
🎮 New & Upcoming Co-op Games to Watch
Elden Ring: Nightreign
This Soulslike spin-off emphasizes 3-player co-op missions in a brutal, roguelike format. It expands the Elden Ring universe with challenging arenas and shared resurrection mechanics, offering strategic depth and heavy teamwork. Some fans note repetition, but the core gameplay loop is addictive for co-op enthusiasts.
Wizard of Legend 2
The sequel elevates the original’s isometric dungeon-crawling into a more refined multiplayer experience. Co-op spellcasting and real-time synergy between players make every run dynamic. While the game is fun, early versions have experienced occasional multiplayer bugs.
FBC: Firebreak
Set in the universe of Control, this is a three-player third-person shooter that prioritizes coordination and strategic ability usage. It’s a tight, story-driven multiplayer experience—no battle passes, no live service distractions—just polished gameplay in a weird, sci-fi world.
Grounded 2
Launching in July 2025 in Game Preview, this sequel brings massive world expansions, new insect mounts (yes, you can ride bugs), and enhanced crafting systems. It’s designed from the ground up for co-op exploration and survival in a miniaturized backyard-turned-open-world.
Killing Floor 3
Coming July 24, 2025, this four-player co-op FPS dials the gore and chaos to eleven. Players face relentless waves of mutated enemies with customizable weaponry, team perks, and tactical depth. It’s a blood-soaked party for fans of horde-mode shooters.
Towerborne
Now in early access, Towerborne is a 2D action-RPG that supports both couch and online 4-player co-op. It combines beat-’em-up mechanics with loot collection and RPG progression, wrapped in a charming, hand-drawn aesthetic.
33 Immortals
In early access, this game supports up to 33 players raiding mythological realms in top-down roguelike battles. It’s chaotic, fast-paced, and uniquely scaled—where massive teamwork and timing matter more than brute force.
🚀 Standout Co-op Games You Can Play Now
- It Takes Two – A heartfelt, award-winning co-op platformer that’s still one of the most engaging two-player experiences.
- Dead Island 2 – A visceral zombie survival game with slick co-op integration.
- Sea of Thieves – Continues to thrive as the ultimate pirate sandbox, thanks to consistent updates, new story content, and shared adventures.
🧭 Co-op Game Snapshot (2025)
| Game | Status | Co-op Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring: Nightreign | Available | 3-player roguelike | Tactical Soulslike combat, shared revives |
| Wizard of Legend 2 | Available | 2+ player roguelike | Fast-paced spells, dungeon synergy |
| Firebreak | Released | 3-player shooter | Sci-fi shooter, Control universe |
| Grounded 2 | July 2025 | Survival Adventure | Insect mounts, expanded world |
| Killing Floor 3 | July 24, 2025 | 4-player FPS | Gore-heavy horde shooter |
| Towerborne | Early Access | 4-player action RPG | Beat-’em-up + loot, hand-drawn visuals |
| 33 Immortals | Early Access | 33-player raids | Massive scale co-op, roguelike combat |
✅ Top Picks by Category
- For Couch Co-op: It Takes Two, Towerborne
- For Big Group Chaos: 33 Immortals, Sea of Thieves
- For Story-Driven Teams: Firebreak, Wizard of Legend 2
- For Survival Fans: Grounded 2, Killing Floor 3
Whether you’re teaming up locally or jumping into online adventures, Xbox has built one of the most co-op-friendly platforms for 2025—thanks to a mix of Game Pass gems, experimental indies, and major franchise spin-offs. Let me know if you want trailers, reviews, or gameplay guides on any of these.
From building adventures to shooting games, the options cover all kinds of interests. The best part is that many of these games are easy to learn but still offer challenges that keep players coming back for more.
1. It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a standout cooperative adventure game that requires two players to work together. Created by Hazelight Studios, this game won Game of the Year in 2021 for good reason.
The story follows Cody and May, a couple planning to divorce who get magically transformed into dolls. Players must navigate through creative levels while solving puzzles that demand teamwork.
What makes this game special is how it constantly introduces new mechanics. Each chapter brings fresh gameplay elements that never overstay their welcome. You might be using magnetic boots in one level and piloting a plane in the next.
The environments are incredibly diverse and imaginative. From the inside of a snow globe to a magical garden with warring squirrels, the game keeps surprising players with new settings.
Communication is key in It Takes Two. Many challenges require precise timing and coordination between both players. This makes it perfect for friends, couples, or family members looking to bond.
The game supports both local split-screen and online co-op. If you play online, only one person needs to own the game thanks to the Friend’s Pass feature.
It Takes Two is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easily accessible for subscribers. The Xbox version delivers smooth performance and vibrant visuals.
Most players can complete the main story in about 12-15 hours, but the experience is so enjoyable that many teams go back to find all the hidden minigames.
If you enjoy It Takes Two, you might want to try other co-op games like A Way Out, which was made by the same studio and features similar cooperative gameplay mechanics.
With its charming characters, varied gameplay, and emphasis on teamwork, It Takes Two stands as one of the best co-op experiences available on Xbox.
2. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Overcooked! All You Can Eat brings together two fan-favorite cooking games in one delicious package. This compilation includes both Overcooked! and Overcooked! 2, making it the perfect choice for friends looking to team up in the kitchen.
The game offers hundreds of cooperative cooking levels where players work together to prepare and serve meals. Each kitchen presents unique challenges that test your teamwork and communication skills.
What makes this game special is its mix of fun and chaos. Kitchens aren’t normal – they might split apart, move around, or catch fire while you’re trying to cook. This unpredictability keeps gameplay fresh and exciting.
Up to four friends can play together, either locally on the same couch or online. The local multiplayer option makes it perfect for family game nights or when friends come over.
The controls are simple enough that anyone can pick them up quickly. Players chop ingredients, cook them, plate them, and serve them before time runs out. Easy to learn, but mastering the timing takes practice.
Each level has different recipes with varying complexity. You might start with simple burgers but soon find yourself juggling sushi, pizza, and cakes – all while the kitchen throws obstacles your way.
The game features bright, colorful graphics and charming character designs. Players can choose from various chef avatars, including humans, animals, and even robots.
Communication is key to success in Overcooked! All You Can Eat. Players who don’t coordinate their efforts will quickly find their kitchen in chaos, with burnt food and unhappy customers.
The Xbox Series X version takes advantage of the console’s power with improved graphics and faster loading times. This makes jumping into the cooking action quicker than ever.
For groups looking for a mix of fun and challenge, few games deliver as well as Overcooked! All You Can Eat. The gradually increasing difficulty keeps players engaged, while the silly scenarios ensure everyone has a good time.
3. Castle Crashers Remastered
Castle Crashers Remastered brings the beloved beat ’em up classic to Xbox with improved visuals and smoother gameplay. Running at 60 frames per second, this remastered version offers a more fluid experience than the original.
The game shines brightest as a fantastic co-op experience, supporting up to four players who can battle through the medieval cartoon world together. Each player picks a unique knight with different magical abilities, giving everyone a distinct role in combat.
Players fight through hordes of enemies, collect weapons, and battle outlandish bosses in their quest to save the princess. The humor throughout keeps things light and entertaining even when the challenge ramps up.
The game features RPG elements that let players level up their knights and improve stats. This progression system adds depth and keeps the gameplay feeling fresh throughout the adventure.
While Castle Crashers is playable solo, it can become tough and somewhat boring without friends. The game truly comes alive in multiplayer mode, where team tactics and the chaos of four-player mayhem create memorable gaming moments.
The multiplayer works both online and locally, making it perfect for game nights with friends on the couch or connecting with buddies remotely. The 4-player co-op gameplay is where Castle Crashers truly excels.
For its budget price, Castle Crashers Remastered offers excellent value. The main campaign provides hours of entertainment, and additional mini-games add even more content to enjoy with friends.
If you enjoy Castle Crashers, the developers at The Behemoth suggest trying Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime, another cooperative game available on Xbox.
With its charming art style, amusing animations, and straightforward but engaging combat, Castle Crashers Remastered stands as one of the best cooperative experiences on Xbox, especially for fans of classic arcade-style beat ’em ups.
4. Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers an amazing couch co-op experience for Xbox Series X owners. This fantasy RPG lets two players share the same screen and embark on an epic adventure together.
The game supports local split-screen play, allowing friends to team up without needing separate consoles. Each player can control their own character while exploring the rich world and making crucial decisions that affect the story.
What makes Baldur’s Gate 3 special is how it balances deep storytelling with cooperative gameplay. Players can have different conversations with NPCs, explore separate areas, and even disagree on major choices.
Combat is turn-based, giving both players time to think and plan their moves together. This works perfectly for couch co-op since no one feels rushed when planning strategies.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has been recognized as one of the best couch co-op games available, standing alongside other multiplayer favorites. The shared storytelling experience creates memorable moments that are hard to find in other games.
Players can try unique approaches to multiplayer, such as roleplaying specific character types or dividing responsibilities within the party. This flexibility lets friends create their own play style.
The co-op mode doesn’t water down the main game. All the depth, choices, and consequences of the single-player experience remain intact when playing with a friend on the same couch.
Xbox players should note that Baldur’s Gate 3 requires the Series X console for optimal performance. The game’s impressive graphics and complex systems need the newer hardware to run smoothly in split-screen mode.
With hundreds of hours of content to explore together, Baldur’s Gate 3 provides exceptional value for friends looking for a long-term co-op adventure on Xbox.
5. Diablo IV
Diablo IV brings an exciting co-op experience to Xbox players looking for adventures with friends. The game supports up to four players for online co-op, making it perfect for groups who want to battle demons together.
For those who prefer gaming side-by-side, Diablo IV offers local co-op for two players. This couch co-op feature makes it great for couples or roommates wanting to team up without needing multiple consoles.
Players can join forces throughout the entire game. Every quest, dungeon, and world boss can be tackled together, with each person using their own custom character. This creates fun opportunities for combining different classes and skills.
Many fans have found Diablo IV particularly enjoyable with friends. One player mentioned they played couch co-op with their wife for both Diablo 3 and 4, saying “it was lots of fun.”
The co-op feature also helps address what some players describe as the potential loneliness of solo play. Having companions makes the massive world feel more lively and the challenging fights more manageable.
Combat in Diablo IV feels smooth with friends. Each character can fulfill different roles – some might focus on tanking damage, others on healing, and some on dealing massive damage from afar. This variety keeps gameplay fresh and encourages teamwork.
The game’s difficulty scales with more players, ensuring the challenge remains balanced whether playing solo or with a full party. Loot is individual to each player, eliminating any fighting over who gets what item.
Diablo IV has also been added to Xbox Game Pass, making it even easier for subscribers to try the co-op experience without purchasing the full game. This accessibility has brought many new players into the dark fantasy world.
For Xbox owners seeking a co-op game with depth, replayability, and intense action, Diablo IV stands as a strong choice. Its blend of storytelling, character customization, and multiplayer options creates an experience that’s better shared with friends.
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge brings back the classic arcade beat ’em up style that fans of the series love. The game supports up to 6 players in local co-op, making it perfect for game nights with friends or family.
Playing as Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, Raphael, April O’Neil, or Master Splinter, you and your friends can team up to take down Shredder and the Foot Clan. Each character has unique moves and abilities, adding variety to the gameplay.
The simple controls make this game accessible to players of all skill levels. Even young kids can jump in and have fun, as many parents have found it perfect for children as young as 5 or 7 years old.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers can play this title at no extra cost, which adds to its appeal. The game also features cross-play functionality, allowing Xbox players to team up with friends on other platforms.
Setting up local co-op is straightforward for most players. However, some users have reported issues when trying to play with multiple accounts on the same console. When joining, additional players might be added under the main account instead of their own.
The vibrant, colorful graphics capture the spirit of the animated series and earlier TMNT games. The nostalgic pixel art style appeals to longtime fans while remaining fresh for newcomers.
The game’s stages are varied and filled with enemies to beat up using combos, special moves, and team attacks. Working together with friends makes progressing through levels more fun and strategic.
For those looking for similar experiences after finishing Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4 offers comparable co-op gameplay on Xbox. Both games capture that classic arcade feel with modern improvements.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is consistently mentioned among the best couch co-op games available, standing alongside titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Baldur’s Gate 3 in the co-op gaming space.
7. Gears 5
Gears 5 offers one of the best co-op experiences on Xbox. The game supports up to 3 players in its campaign mode, allowing friends to team up either locally or online to fight through the entire story together.
Beyond the main campaign, Gears 5 includes several cooperative game modes that keep players coming back. The popular Horde mode lets teams fight waves of increasingly difficult enemies while building defenses.
The game also introduced a new co-op mode called Escape. This 3-player online mode challenges teams to plant a bomb and then race through enemy territory before they’re consumed by poison gas.
Many players consider Gears 5’s cooperative options to be among the best in the series. The variety of modes means there’s something for every type of co-op player.
What makes Gears 5 stand out is how it blends classic Gears gameplay with fresh ideas. The cover-based shooting feels familiar to series fans, but new open-world sections and character abilities add variety.
The game is also visually stunning, with impressive environments ranging from frozen wastelands to red deserts. These beautiful backdrops make the co-op adventure even more memorable.
Gears 5 is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy for friends to jump in without everyone needing to buy the full game. This accessibility has helped build a strong co-op community.
The difficulty options also help make Gears 5 welcoming to all skill levels. New players can enjoy the story without frustration, while veterans can crank up the challenge for a true test of teamwork.
For Xbox owners looking for great co-op experiences, Gears 5 stands as one of the platform’s strongest offerings. Its variety of modes, solid gameplay, and visual polish make it a must-play for co-op fans.
8. Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite offers a thrilling co-op experience that fans of the series have been waiting for. The campaign can be played with friends online, though it doesn’t support local split-screen co-op.
When playing the campaign with a friend, you’ll need to add them to your “fireteam” first. The team leader then selects the campaign, difficulty level, and which skulls to activate for added challenges or fun twists to gameplay.
The Halo Infinite campaign features an open-world design that works great for co-op play. Friends can tackle objectives together or split up to cover more ground across the expansive Zeta Halo ring.
Combat feels balanced for multiple players, with enough enemies and action to keep everyone engaged. The Halo co-op experience remains one of the strongest selling points of the franchise.
For technical setup, it’s worth noting that Halo Infinite campaign co-op works through online multiplayer only, even if you have multiple Xbox consoles at home. Each player needs their own console and copy of the game.
The game is available on Xbox Game Pass, making it easy for friends to jump in without purchasing the full game. This accessibility has helped make it one of the best co-op options on Game Pass.
Players will enjoy the stunning visuals and improved gameplay mechanics while fighting together against the Banished. The grappling hook adds a new dimension to combat and exploration that’s particularly fun in co-op.
Story progress follows the host player’s save file, so companions may want to play through key missions in their own game first to avoid spoilers. All players keep collectibles and upgrades they find during co-op sessions.
9. Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5 stands out as an excellent co-op option for Xbox gamers looking to team up with friends. The game lets players explore the fictional Hope County, Montana while fighting against a dangerous cult.
What makes this game special is how it handles co-op play. Friends can join your game at any time through Xbox Live, letting you tackle missions together without complicated setup.
Many players consider Far Cry 5 to be the perfect co-op sandbox game. The open world gives you freedom to approach situations however you want – go in guns blazing or take a stealthy approach.
The game shines with its unplanned moments. You might be quietly hunting when suddenly a bear appears, creating funny and chaotic situations that are even better with a friend.
It’s worth noting that Far Cry 5 doesn’t support split-screen play. You’ll need two Xbox consoles and two copies of the game to play together, connecting online through Xbox Live.
The entire campaign is playable in co-op, though story progress only saves for the host player. The guest player keeps their character progression and items, which is a nice touch.
Combat feels satisfying, whether you’re coordinating sniper shots or creating chaos with explosives. Vehicle sections are particularly fun with two players – one driving while the other shoots.
Far Cry 5 is also good for shenanigans as many players point out. The physics system and open-world freedom create moments of unexpected fun that you’ll talk about long after playing.
While the story has serious themes, the co-op experience focuses more on fun gameplay moments. Working together to liberate outposts or take down the game’s villains provides a strong sense of teamwork.
The game strikes a good balance between structure and freedom. There are clear missions to complete, but you can also just explore and find trouble on your own terms.
10. A Way Out
A Way Out stands as a uniquely designed co-op game that can only be played with another person. The game follows the story of Leo and Vincent, two prisoners who must work together to escape prison and beyond.
What makes this game special is its split-screen approach. Even when playing online, you always see what your partner is doing. This creates interesting gameplay moments where one player might be in a cutscene while the other can still move around and interact with the environment.
The gameplay is designed entirely with co-op in mind, forcing players to communicate and coordinate their actions. You’ll need to solve puzzles, fight enemies, and make decisions together as you progress through the story.
From the makers of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, A Way Out delivers a cinematic experience filled with action, emotion, and unexpected twists. The story takes about 6 hours to complete, making it perfect for a weekend gaming session with a friend.
One of the best features is that only one person needs to own the game. If you purchase it, your friend can download a free trial version and play the entire game with you online.
Players have found A Way Out to be one of the most absorbing co-op experiences available on Xbox. The character development and emotional investment build throughout the story.
The game mixes various gameplay styles including driving, shooting, and stealth segments. This variety keeps the experience fresh from start to finish.
A Way Out is available on the Xbox Store and has been praised for its innovative approach to cooperative gameplay. Many Xbox players count it among their favorite co-op experiences.
Enhanced Social Interaction
Co-op games on Xbox create perfect opportunities for bonding with friends and family. Playing together in the same room or online helps strengthen relationships through shared experiences.
Portal 2 stands out as a prime example of how co-op gaming can spark laughter and conversation. The game’s puzzles require players to talk and work through solutions.
Xbox Game Pass offers dozens of co-op options that bring people together across various genres. These games often feature:
- Voice chat integration
- Split-screen options for local play
- Shared challenges that create memories
- Experiences that spark natural conversation
Many co-op games like Party Animals support split-screen play, letting up to four people enjoy the same game in one room.
Improved Teamwork Skills
Co-op gaming teaches practical teamwork skills that extend beyond the screen. Players learn to coordinate actions, communicate clearly, and support teammates.
Games like Sea of Thieves require crews to handle different ship responsibilities. One player might navigate while another manages the sails and a third watches for danger.
These collaborative experiences help develop:
- Clear communication – Players must share information quickly
- Role specialization – Understanding personal strengths and weaknesses
- Resource sharing – Managing limited items or abilities as a group
- Problem-solving – Working together to overcome challenges
The skills gained from co-op gaming often transfer to real-world situations. Children and adults alike develop patience, compromise, and strategic thinking through these shared gaming experiences.
Choosing the Right Co-Op Game
Finding the perfect co-op game for Xbox requires matching the game to your specific situation and preferences. The right choice depends on who will be playing and their gaming experience.
Consider Player Count
When selecting a co-op game, first determine how many people will play together. Many popular titles like A Way Out are designed specifically for two players, making them perfect for pairs.
For larger groups, look for games supporting 3-4 players. Some titles offer drop-in/drop-out functionality, allowing friends to join or leave without disrupting gameplay.
Xbox offers several options for different player configurations:
- Two-player: A Way Out, It Takes Two
- Up to four players: Minecraft, Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Online multiplayer: Sea of Thieves, Destiny 2
Remember to check if the game supports local split-screen or only online play. Many local co-op games on Xbox Game Pass let players enjoy together on one console, saving money and adding to the fun.
Assess Game Complexity
Players should honestly evaluate everyone’s gaming experience before choosing a co-op title. For mixed groups with beginners, select games with simple controls and gradual learning curves.
Games like Minecraft offer adjustable difficulty settings, making them accessible for newcomers while still engaging for veterans. For more experienced groups, titles like Halo provide deeper mechanics to master together.
Consider these factors when evaluating complexity:
- Control scheme – Are the buttons easy to remember?
- Tutorial quality – Does the game teach new concepts well?
- Failure forgiveness – How punishing are mistakes?
XboxEra’s co-op games list features options for all skill levels. The best experiences happen when everyone can participate meaningfully without frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Xbox players have many questions about co-op gaming options. Here are answers to common questions about multiplayer experiences, from Game Pass offerings to offline play possibilities.
What are the top-rated co-op games available on Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass offers several highly-rated co-op games. It Takes Two stands out as a fan favorite with its creative gameplay designed specifically for two players.
Other top Game Pass co-op titles include Sea of Thieves, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and Minecraft. These games provide different co-op experiences from pirate adventures to space combat.
Game Pass regularly adds new co-op games, making it a good value for friends who want to play together without buying multiple copies.
Can you recommend some great co-op games for Xbox Series X suitable for couples?
It Takes Two is widely considered the best co-op game for couples. Its story focuses on a struggling relationship and requires genuine teamwork to progress.
A Way Out offers another strong narrative experience for two players, with a prison break story that unfolds through split-screen play.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat provides a more lighthearted but potentially relationship-testing experience as couples work together in chaotic kitchen environments.
Which local co-op Xbox games can be played without an internet connection?
Many Xbox games support offline co-op play. The LEGO games (Star Wars, Batman, Harry Potter) all feature excellent split-screen modes without requiring internet.
Castle Crashers Remastered works perfectly offline with up to four players on the same console. Its simple controls make it accessible for everyone.
Diablo IV supports local co-op play without internet, allowing friends to battle demons together from the comfort of one couch.
How many players can join in a multiplayer game on Xbox One and Series X?
Most Xbox consoles support up to four controllers connected simultaneously for local play. Some games like Castle Crashers Remastered take full advantage of this four-player capability.
Online multiplayer games vary widely in player count. Some titles like Sea of Thieves allow crews of four players, while battle royale games might support 100+ participants.
The exact number always depends on the specific game, with modern titles on Series X sometimes supporting larger player counts than their Xbox One versions.
What are some engaging split screen co-op games on Xbox to play with friends?
It Takes Two offers one of the best split-screen experiences, with constantly changing gameplay mechanics keeping things fresh.
The Halo series continues to support split-screen play in most campaign modes, allowing friends to work through the story together on one console.
Borderlands games offer split-screen shooting and looting that can provide hundreds of hours of cooperative gameplay with friends.
Are there any new co-op releases in 2024 that are must-plays on Xbox?
Baldur’s Gate 3, while released in 2023, received its Xbox version recently and stands as one of the best co-op experiences available today.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is a highly anticipated 2024 co-op release that will let players fight hordes of enemies together in the grim dark future.
Several indie co-op titles are also launching in 2024 that promise unique gameplay, including Animal Well and Sons of the Forest on Xbox platforms.
