Couch co-op games, which feature local multiplayer on the same device, bring out some of the best social aspects of gaming. Far from a hobby done in isolation, these titles show that gaming can be a great addition to parties, date nights, and hanging out with friends.
And while “couch” implies gaming on a console, there are plenty of PC couch co-op games you can enjoy too. From co-op platform games to other local co-op games on Steam, these are the best couch co-op games to play on your PC.
1. Rocket League
Genre: Sports
Rocket League is a popular twist on the sports game genre. Instead of playing traditional soccer, you use remote-controlled vehicles to steer the ball and score goals against the opposing team.
This fun mash-up of genres lends itself to hilarious mayhem, with the ability to boost your vehicle, destroy others, and defy gravity. With its split-screen local multiplayer, you can play with or against another player using the same device. Team up against others online or use the game’s AI teammates to set up competitive matches against each other.
Over time the game has also evolved to include in-game events and championship seasons.
Download: Rocket League on Steam ($19.99)
2. Human: Fall Flat
Genre: Puzzle
Human: Fall Flat is a hilarious puzzle game that uses a quirky physics engine to both entertain and infuriate you as you solve puzzles for different levels. While you can play the game solo, it really comes to life as a co-op title—letting you laugh with friends as you hilariously and repeatedly fail to overcome obstacles.
The game is challenging enough to keep you invested, but also has a fundamental levity that makes it a great way to de-stress and enjoy time with friends. Along with the split-screen local multiplayer option, you can also play the game online with friends remotely.
Download: Human Fall Flat on Steam ($14.99)
3. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
Genre: Puzzle
The Trine series of puzzle platform games have always offered an amazing co-op experience. Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince takes the best of the older games and invigorates the series with additional abilities for characters and unique boss fights.
Up to four people can join the game, either online or in local co-op. Each character has unique abilities that play an integral role in getting past challenges. Meanwhile, the beautiful art style and offbeat humor add to the overall appeal of the game.
Download: Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince on Steam ($29.99)
4. Broforce
Genre: Platform/Run-and-Gun
Broforce combines the run-and-gun action of classic titles like Contra with a pixel-art style and over-the-top mayhem. It’s a fun title that’s heavily inspired by retro games and includes full controller support, local co-op and competitive modes, and tongue-in-cheek humor.
As you play through the game, you unlock more characters inspired by classic movies and pop culture. Not only do they provide an homage to these characters, but each character also has unique abilities and weapons. The game includes various game modes and a level editor that will keep you playing even after you’ve completed the campaign levels.
The developers of Broforce also released a free standalone set of levels called The Expendabros, to coincide with the release of The Expendables 3. If you want to get a taste of the main game, this free standalone expansion is also worth trying out.
Download: Broforce on Steam ($14.99)
5. A Way Out
Genre: Adventure
A Way Out is a unique, narrative-driven game that adds a unique spin on typical cooperative games. In A Way Out, you and a friend work together to help your characters escape from prison.
Rather than just being an action title where a friend essentially just comes along for the ride, cooperation is essential to the game’s gameplay. For example, one player may need to distract a prison employee while the other steals an item. You both need to fulfill your roles to ensure success.
If you’re looking for a more in-depth cooperative game that isn’t segmented by puzzles or levels, A Way Out provides this.
Download: A Way Out on Origin ($29.99)
6. Cuphead
Genre: Platform
Cuphead is a couch co-op platform game that stands out for its challenging levels and unique art style. The game may have cutesy visuals based on 1930s cartoons, but the difficult boss fights mean that this platformer is no child’s play.
Rather, you’ll need precision and quick reflexes in order to move through the levels on the titular Cuphead’s journey to win his soul back from the devil. The highly-rated title provides a challenge that you can enjoy on the same screen with a friend, making it an intense but enjoyable experience for those up to the task.
Download: Cuphead on Steam ($19.99)
7. The Adventure Pals
Genre: Platform
In contrast to the intensity of Cuphead, The Adventure Pals is a great option for those looking for a casual couch co-op platform game. With its quirky humor and an outlandish plot, The Adventure Pals is a really fun and whimsical game.
The relative ease of the gameplay lets you enjoy its unusual animation and storyline. Your character is tasked with trying to save his father from a villain who wants to turn him into a hotdog. Accompanied by your pet rock and flying giraffe, you will need to get past enemies and bosses in a variety of areas to succeed.
Since it’s a relatively casual game, you can enjoy the shared screen co-op mode with a friend, a partner, or a child.
Download: The Adventure Pals on Steam ($14.99)
8. Overcooked! 2
Genre: Cooking simulation
Overcooked! 2 is an incredibly fun cooking simulation game that requires you and your teammate(s) to complete cooking orders with speed and accuracy. The intensity of fulfilling orders and coordinating in chaotic kitchen levels is what draws so many people to this sometimes stressful game.
However, if you’re able to have a laugh while messing up, this is the type of game that will keep you and your friends both entertained and on your toes.
Download: Overcooked! 2 on Steam ($24.99)
9. Death Squared
Genre: Puzzle
Death Squared is a puzzle game with local multiplayer that lets up to 4 players work together to solve a level by achieving color-coded goals. Rather than simply solving puzzles, players need to reach their goals without killing their teammates—something that is often easier said than done.
The game also features 80 story levels, 40 party levels, and 45 high-difficulty levels; so it’s likely to keep you and your friends quite busy.
Download: Death Squared on Steam ($14.99)
10. Nine Parchments
Genre: Action
Nine Parchments comes from Frozenbyte, the same studio responsible for the Trine series. As a result, there’s a definite stylistic similarity in the visuals and humor of this co-operative action title.
The game involves you and other wizards completing levels by defeating enemies with spells. The gameplay is very similar to the acclaimed title Magicka, but with an easier learning curve. Mayhem ensues as players fight enemies while also trying to make sure their teammates don’t succumb to friendly fire.
As you go through the various levels, you can learn skills in different branches of magic and combine spells with other players to create combos. Both couch co-op and online multiplayer are available so that you can enjoy the game with friends.
Download: Nine Parchments on Steam ($19.99)
Play PC Couch Co-Op Games Remotely
Couch co-op games are a great way to enjoy time with friends, but what if you want to play with friends remotely? Many local multiplayer games now come with online multiplayer support as well.
But for those that don’t, there’s a program you can use to turn local multiplayer games into ones your friends can join remotely. Find out how to do this with our guide detailing how to use Parsec to play local co-op games online.
Read the full article: The 10 Best Local Multiplayer Couch Co-Op Games on PC
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