Best Co-Op Games From Every Console Generation

Even though people don’t always realize it, video games are surprisingly social, even when you play them alone. They create a strong sense of community and connection.

Sharing experiences is a natural part of enjoying something together, and that’s especially true now with the internet. We readily share our thoughts and feelings online, letting us connect with others and talk about the games we love.

I think cooperative games best capture this idea, because they absolutely require other players to be fully enjoyed. Without friends joining in, the experience just isn’t complete.

From the very beginning of video games, many titles have focused on playing with others instead of alone. Here’s my list of the nine best co-op games, ranked, spanning every generation of consoles.

9. Pong Doubles

Modest Beginnings

Each new generation of gaming consoles has seen developers try out new ideas, but the very first one was truly special. Back then, every game, like Pong Doubles, felt groundbreaking simply because everything was being created for the first time.

Building on the popularity of the first Pong game, Atari released Pong Doubles. As the name suggests, this version allowed four players to join in – doubling the player count and the excitement.

It’s not really fair to compare this game’s cooperative elements to later, more advanced titles. Instead, it’s better to judge it by how much of an impact it had when it first appeared – it truly opened up a world of possibilities in a time when there wasn’t much like it.

While most of us fondly recall the original Pong, Pong Doubles cleverly shows how adding multiplayer can make a video game more engaging. This idea—that games are often better with more players—has proven true countless times, and we still see it today.

8. Wizard of Wor

A Considerable Leap

Second-generation consoles were much more complex than the first, and Wizard of Wor really showcases that leap in gameplay and graphics.

This game is a huge improvement over previous versions. It features levels similar to the classic Pac-Man, but with much better graphics and sound. You’ll also find a scoring system that truly recognizes skillful play, and extra challenges that let you earn even more points.

While the excitement around Pong Doubles wasn’t huge, Wizard of Wor sparked a real craze for playing together. People were so into it, they’d even ditch school to play! It’s hard to imagine that level of enthusiasm now.

I have to share this funny story! I always wondered why my dad was so obsessed with getting me to play Wizard of Wor as soon as I could even hold a joystick. Turns out, he confessed he totally blew off his own schoolwork when he was a kid because he was hooked on the game! So, pushing it on me wasn’t just random – it was payback, or maybe just him wanting me to experience the joy he missed out on!

7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Generational Icon

Although I haven’t followed the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series in a long time, I still have great memories of enjoying it with my friends when we were all big fans.

It felt like we were the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – grabbing enemies, dodging attacks and danger, rescuing people, and taking down huge bosses. It was a completely fantastical experience.

I was really amazed by how detailed the animations were, how impactful each hit felt, and how the NES managed to handle so much action on screen without crashing. It was incredible!

The third generation of video game consoles started to show the beginnings of a shift that still influences games today. We can still see developers trying to capture the look and feel of those older games, and titles like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a great example of why they remain so popular.

6. Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles

The Best Galactic Fantasy

My brother and I spent countless hours trying to finish Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles without saving our progress, and I never actually succeeded… not when I was a kid, anyway.

I quickly realized this was one of the best co-op games I’d ever experienced, and it was shaping up to be a truly memorable Dreamcast title – I didn’t even need to finish the game to know that.

Even if you’re not a big Star Wars enthusiast, each level felt incredibly impressive, offering distinct enemies and thrilling battles that were more immersive and exciting than watching the films. Being in the fight as a Jedi was a far more powerful experience.

The game’s worlds felt incredibly detailed and engaging, the boss battles were tough and original, and I never managed to beat that massive worm! Because of all this, I truly believe Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles is the best cooperative game released on consoles like the PlayStation 2 and GameCube – though The House of the Dead 2 is also fantastic.

5. Overcooked! 2

The Family Destroyer

It was tough choosing the best co-op game from the last console generation, since I’ve played so many in that category. But I’ve finally decided on Overcooked! 2.

When it comes to co-op games that provide hours of fun with friends and family, this surprisingly addictive cooking game stands out as the most universally enjoyable and easy to pick up.

I’ve played this game with all sorts of people – family, friends, and even those I’ve just met – and it’s amazing how quickly it brings people together and builds trust. It’s better at creating connections than any other game I’ve played, even games specifically designed for parties.

Although there are more complex multiplayer games out there, Overcooked! 2 is a fantastic co-op experience, and it still stands out as a game that can either bring people together or cause hilarious family arguments – it’s uniquely good at both!

4. Streets of Rage 2

The King of Beat ‘Em Up

I’m not a huge beat ’em up fanatic, but I’ll always remember Streets of Rage 2. It was a massive part of my childhood, and honestly, I think it’s the greatest game in the genre – period.

I absolutely love this – it takes everything that made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles great and makes it even better. It has an amazing soundtrack, a ton of memorable characters, and a fantastic fighting system with incredible variety in levels, enemies, and moves.

I played a lot of beat ’em ups when I was younger, simply because those were the games I had access to. But nothing has ever been as fun or stayed with me as much as Streets of Rage 2, whether I was playing with a friend or on my own.

I kinda drifted away from that type of game, and honestly, besides a few titles like Absolum, I’m not really up-to-date on what’s happening with it now. But even after all these years – over 30, wow – I’d be shocked if anything has actually topped it. It really was a masterpiece.

3. Perfect Dark

A One-of-a-Kind FPS

I usually avoid saying something is impossible to understand unless you were there, but I honestly can’t find the words to explain how amazing it was to play Perfect Dark when it first came out.

When you consider what makes the greatest first-person shooter games of all time stand out, you’ll find all those qualities in this one: a fantastic story mode playable with a friend, impressive graphics for its era, tons of ways to play, smart and challenging enemies, and non-stop action.

As a huge fan, trying to explain everything that makes Perfect Dark so amazing would be impossible! It’s honestly one of the most polished and original shooters ever made, and I could easily write a novel trying to cover all the details. I just don’t have the time – or the words – to do it justice.

I remember the first time I played it in split-screen – even at a young age, it felt incredibly refreshing. It’s a bit dramatic to say it changed my life, but it’s one of the very few games that actually made me cry happy tears.

2. Split Fiction

The Pinnacle of the Hazelight Formula

Watching Hazelight and their games develop has been a truly rewarding journey. Like the developers, who were transformed by creating Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, I’ve also grown and changed as a video game writer over the years.

I feel a strong personal connection to Split Fiction – perhaps even stronger than to the game itself. However, I deeply recognize it as the perfect culmination of everything the studio has been building for over ten years, successfully remaining true to its core principles even while becoming more ambitious and evolving.

After playing It Takes Two, which I didn’t find particularly compelling, I was really surprised by how good this new Game of the Year contender turned out to be. It reminded me not to ever underestimate the skills of Josef Fares and the team at Hazelight Studios.

After experiencing the game myself, I believe it clearly demonstrates why it’s so well-respected. Split Fiction is truly one of the best cooperative games ever made, and I don’t think I need to say much more to explain its brilliance.

1. Left 4 Dead 2

Valve at its Finest

It’s amazing how consistently good Valve’s games are – with the possible exception of Artifact, they’re often considered the best in their category. I believe Left 4 Dead 2 is no different, and remains a top contender for the best multiplayer first-person shooter.

It’s been over fifteen years since this game first came out and revolutionized cooperative play. Despite numerous new releases, it continues to be the gold standard, remaining unchallenged as the best in its class.

This game consistently ranks among the most popular because its core design is exceptional. The gameplay, artificial intelligence, and how everything works together are all carefully built to keep each moment engaging, even for players who have spent thousands of hours with it.

Many games have tried to recreate the fun of Left 4 Dead 2, but none have quite matched it. While there have been some solid efforts, nothing still delivers the same thrilling experience of battling zombies with friends in a post-apocalyptic America. It remains the best cooperative zombie adventure out there.

Even now, I consider Dota 2 to be Valve’s greatest multiplayer game. However, when it comes to cooperative gameplay, nothing beats Left 4 Dead 2. It truly defined the genre, both in its time and continuing today, and its impact on countless other multiplayer games speaks for itself.

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2025-12-17 23:41