Co-Op Games With Critic Scores Higher Than It Takes Two

Some games are so groundbreaking they redefine their genre, changing everything that follows. With cooperative games, ‘It Takes Two‘ feels like one of those titles – it’s had a real impact on how these games are made now.

It’s great to see I’m not the only one enjoying this game! Since its release in 2021, it’s received a lot of positive feedback from players and critics alike, and it even won “Game of the Year”!

All of this contributed to Hazelight Studios’ masterpiece receiving an impressive average score of 88 on OpenCritic, making it one of the highest-rated cooperative games ever. It’s also become a modern classic, attracting even people who don’t typically play games – my girlfriend being a perfect example!

I’m a huge fan of It Takes Two, but honestly, I’ve been discovering some other co-op games – both for playing with friends locally and online – that are actually getting even better reviews! It’s wild! I think they deserve just as much love and attention, so let’s check them out, shall we?

9. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

The Co-Op Relationship Test

Overcooked! is a fast-paced, cooperative cooking game. Players have to work together to prepare and serve dishes to customers, and while it sounds easy, it’s surprisingly challenging!

Soon, you and your friends will be excitedly calling out directions, rushing to beat the clock, and playfully complaining about lost kitchen tools – all while working together to finish the meal.

Playing Overcooked! is wonderfully chaotic and hilarious, filled with frantic calls for ingredients and misplaced dishes. Some even say that if a couple or group of friends can play Overcooked! without arguing, their relationship is destined to last!

8. Cuphead

Beating The Devil as a Duo

Okay, so Cuphead looks super cute – seriously, it’s like playing a vintage cartoon from the 1930s. But don’t let that fool you! This game is hard. You basically go from boss fight to boss fight, and each one is a real challenge. You’ve gotta be on your game if you want to win!

Cuphead and Mughead, two brothers, made a deal with the Devil and lost. To save themselves from eternal punishment, they now have to gather contracts from all the creatures who owe the Devil a debt.

It’s surprising to see so many players tackling the game alone when it’s way more fun with a friend! Playing with someone else not only makes things more enjoyable, but also means you can revive each other if you go down. Overall, it’s a really great game with a unique idea, and it’s perfect for challenging, cooperative play.

7. Stardew Valley

Is Farming Better Than Fighting?

Stardew Valley is a popular farming game where you inherit your grandfather’s run-down farm and work to rebuild it. While it has a cooperative mode, most players choose to play it solo.

In this game, your goal is to grow crops, raise animals, explore caves for valuable minerals, and build relationships with the townspeople – and you can experience all of it with a friend in cooperative play.

Working together lets you share tasks, help each other with farming, and explore challenging mines as a group, making the game feel less lonely. Plus, players can even get married to each other in the game!

6. Monster Hunter World: Iceborne

Defeating Dragons And Drinking Beer

I once asked a friend what game we could play that involved fighting dragons and enjoying a few drinks, and he immediately said, “Any Monster Hunter game.”

He was right! While you can definitely enjoy the game by yourself, playing with friends is a completely different – and much more fun – experience.

The heart of Monster Hunter World – hunting huge monsters, battling them, and then sharing the rewards – is best enjoyed with friends, ideally with a drink in hand. The Iceborne expansion takes that feeling to the next level, offering a ton of cooperative content, which explains why critics have given it such high praise.

5. Rayman Legends

Platforming At A Multiplayer Level

Just a heads-up: I absolutely love this Rayman game – it’s one of my favorites! I truly believe it deserves all the praise it receives.

This platformer is tough but rewarding, with more than 100 levels spread across distinct worlds. Each world has its own feel – I especially loved the underwater, medieval, and Mexican-themed ones! – and the gameplay gets more exciting and fast-paced as you play.

Rayman Legends is a genuinely fun game that’s perfect for a night in with friends. It’s easy to pick up and play together thanks to its seamless local co-op, and the fast-paced action keeps everyone engaged.

4. Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Shared Experience For Everyone

Although recently released, Wonder is quickly becoming a classic Super Mario Bros. game, especially for its fantastic cooperative gameplay. It’s a standout title in the series’ modern 2.5D style.

This game takes the classic Mario gameplay and adds a lot of creative fun, with new features that really change how levels are built. It’s great for everyone, from young kids to longtime fans who’ve been playing since the very beginning.

Wonder’s is easy to control, making it fun for players of all ages and skill levels. This means everyone – parents, kids, and friends – can easily join in and enjoy the game together.

3. Split Fiction

Hazelight’s Own Better Co-Op

I’m aware Split Fiction comes from the creators of It Takes Two, so including it might seem unfair, but it genuinely improves on the cooperative gameplay that made their last game so good, and that’s why it deserves to be here.

OpenCritic’s average score reflects this, and I agree completely. This game really pushed the ‘genre-swapping’ concept further than previous installments, offering a much wider range of gameplay experiences.

Plus, the story takes a unique approach: it follows two aspiring writers who actually step inside the worlds they’ve created. This allows it to explore themes that appeal to players of any age.

2. Vampire Survivors

High-Fiving Through Vampire Hordes

If I had to pick the most delightfully chaotic co-op game mentioned here, it would absolutely be Vampire Survivors – and I mean that as a good thing!

Like many games of this type, you can enjoy this one solo, but it’s much more fun with a friend. Combining weapons to create over-the-top effects and clear rooms is incredibly satisfying and fills the screen with exciting visuals.

Okay, so yeah, adding more players definitely ramps up the chaos and makes coordinating a nightmare. But honestly, that’s what makes this game amazing! There’s nothing quite like finally clearing a level when the screen is completely filled with enemies – the relief and celebration with your teammates are incredible!

1. Portal 2

The Original Co-Op Masterpiece

Before the game It Takes Two sparked renewed interest in cooperative gameplay, Portal 2 was a pioneer. Released in the 2010s, it brilliantly demonstrated how to create a truly exceptional co-op experience.

The game includes a special cooperative multiplayer mode with its own unique story, characters, and challenges. It requires two players to team up, communicate, and solve increasingly difficult puzzles together.

The game requires constant communication, because a mistake by one player means failure for both. It really defined puzzle-based teamwork when it came out, making Portal 2 a classic co-op experience that still offers some of the best cooperative gameplay available today.

2025-12-05 16:42