Best couch co-op & party games to play this Christmas

As someone who’s spent countless hours huddled around a console with my family during the festive season, I can confidently say these games are perfect for creating unforgettable Christmas memories. From the chaos of Overcooked to the heartwarming collaboration in Sackboy: A Big Adventure, these titles offer something for everyone.

The holiday season can be quite hectic, yet it’s essential to make room for enjoyable games with your dear ones, particularly those that include a dash of friendly competition.

During the break from feasting on Turkey, enjoying a cherished Christmas movie (with Polar Express being my personal favorite), and of course opening presents, it’s customary to participate in a game. However, instead of enduring your father’s complaints about Monopoly or attempting to explain Cards Against Humanity to your grandmother, why not switch on the console and engage in some fun multiplayer games?

Of course, there’s no better way to celebrate Christmas than by creating memorable moments with your loved ones. This could mean showing off your dance moves in front of a new companion or challenging your parents to an exhilarating race game (they may be old but they need reminding that the spirit of competition is timeless). To make these moments possible, you’ll want some of the top-tier party and cooperative games that cater to everyone in your family.

Super Mario Party

Spending Christmas isn’t complete without engaging in a variety of mini-games alongside your loved ones – whether it’s battling them or joining forces, all for the chance to collect the highest number of stars and emerge as the champion in Mario Party!

Whether you’re an experienced gamer or new to the controller scene, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy Mario Party. This charming game offers a straightforward journey where players compete against each other by moving around the board and collecting Stars. The fun doesn’t stop there – players engage in mini-games as teammates or adversaries to secure victory.

This game could potentially create a few adversaries for you, or it may lead to unexpected partnerships. Regardless of the outcome, it’s an excellent choice for the holiday season.

Mario Kart

After the thrill of playing Mario, there’s another game that might make you yell at your family members as you attempt to toss banana peels at them or find yourself lagging so much that you transform into a bullet and blast past the players who have fought to get close to the front. This iconic game is none other than Super Mario Kart!

This simple racing game is undeniably one of the best party games out there, allowing for shorter races, up to four players (if you’re only using one Switch), and enough chaotic maps to keep even the most competitive coming back for more.

Just Dance

If you’re not completely thrilled with just waving a Nintendo Switch controller around on the couch this holiday season, then you might find Just Dance to be the perfect game for you instead.

This timeless dance game promises a lively evening filled with classic and contemporary tunes that will entice you and your family to shake a leg. Ideal for Christmas celebrations, it’s certain to get everyone off their seats, including the one who’d rather delve into the latest single-player game (perhaps Black Myth Wukong). Just Dance offers a dose of fun, cheer, and the perfect dose of silliness that such gatherings demand.

Jackbox Games

Often, it can seem challenging to discover a party or cooperative game suitable for a large group, only to realize that the rules are difficult for some participants to grasp – like your grandmother who might not fully comprehend and then insists on being left out using the “I’ll watch while you play” approach, which leaves everyone feeling a tad guilty (but we love you, nan).

Here’s the scene: Jackbox games step up to offer a range of entertaining and straightforward games, catering to diverse preferences. Whether you fancy trivia contests, creative design challenges, or lively discussions, it’s all at your fingertips!

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Who claims that Christmas is primarily about experiencing joy and spending time with dear ones? In reality, it’s often about dressing up in your preferred Nintendo character costume and overwhelming your unsuspecting loved ones with intense competition, or even going so far as to outdo them to secure the ultimate victory.

In the fast-paced game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as many as eight players can engage in a lively brawl on a compact stage. Regardless of its competitive edge, it’s guaranteed to offer lots of enjoyment…that is, unless you’re the one getting knocked down!

Overcooked

In other scenarios, chaos doesn’t necessarily have to involve competition or lead to arguments among family members. Instead, it might be symbolized by a playful cooking game that transforms the kitchen at The Bear into an imaginative world reminiscent of a child’s playroom and miniature toy stove.

Overcooked is like madness tucked inside a leafy wrapper, and it can stir up such a fuss among even the quietest family members that they’ll be shouting instructions to one another over who should keep an eye on the dishes or fetch more bread. In fact, the pandemonium might just boost the morale of your resident chef, knowing they’re not alone in the kitchen when it comes to preparing the Thanksgiving turkey.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

A Big Adventure” provides a peaceful alternative to the holiday rush, offering multiple players an opportunity to bond over charming characters and vibrant settings while trying to emerge victorious.

As a fan, I can’t help but revel in the charming experience that offers minimal pressure, thrill, and agitation, creating an utterly enchanting journey perfect for any season. However, there’s something truly magical about Christmas that encapsulates the snug camaraderie of Sackboy like no other time of the year.

Unravel Two

As a gamer, I don’t always view Christmas as a gathering extravaganza. Sometimes, it’s about cherishing the quiet moments with the one person who feels like an unseen bond connects us, like we share a unique gaming world all our own.

Unravel Two is all about teamwork and unity. It links you with a partner, compelling you to collaborate (and sometimes physically link) to navigate challenges and escape tricky situations. It’s charming, soothing, and there’s no denying it’s an exceptional cooperative game for the holiday season.

We Were Here Forever

This lesser-known masterpiece, “We Were Here Forever,” is a must-play hidden treasure. Much like “It Takes Two” and “Unravel Two,” it places two players in a challenging scenario where they work together to unravel the game’s narrative and overthrow the King’s rule.

In We Were Here Forever, you’ll engage in teamwork as you tackle puzzles, discover breathtaking landscapes, and frequently utilize one another’s skills – not just within the game but also beyond it. If you’re seeking a collaborative experience with a touch of challenge, this is the perfect game for you.

It Takes Two

At Christmas time, when love and happiness are the focus, the widely recognized couch co-op game, It Takes Two, presents an unusual journey. This game revolves around two characters going through a divorce, which is an uncommon theme for the holiday season.

Beyond what meets the eye, there’s a whole lot more going on. You’ll discover yourself miniaturized, playing with miniature toys aboard miniature trains, ice skating, grappling with an elephant (a challenge indeed), and having quite the patience test dealing with a book that can be rather annoying.

2025 promises an exciting new journey crafted by its creators. Now is the perfect moment to revisit the captivating world of It Takes Two before embarking on the next adventure.

2024-12-24 14:12