Often called the first video game, Tennis for Two was created in the 1950s and let two players simulate a tennis match. Players could compete against each other or the computer, using just one button to hit the ball back and forth.
Interestingly, the earliest video game was originally created for multiple players, and that focus on social interaction still remains a key part of gaming today.
While playing a video game is a personal activity – just you and the controller – it’s hard to keep that experience to yourself. We naturally share it with others, whether by talking about the game, discussing strategies, lending it to a friend, or playing with someone directly. Gaming always extends beyond the screen, becoming a shared experience in the real world.
But some games truly embrace the spirit of playing together. They build cooperation and teamwork right into the gameplay, paying homage to the origins of video games. And, as you might expect, we’re focusing on cooperative, or co-op, games.
I’m sharing a quick overview to get you excited about some upcoming cooperative games that you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Let’s build some hype for these titles together!
I’ve created a varied list of games, including options for playing together on the same couch or online, with different genres to appeal to all types of gamers – even those who just play casually. Whether you’re after a challenging, strategic experience or something lighthearted to enjoy with friends or a loved one, you’re sure to find something here. Ready to dive in?
This isn’t a ranked list! They all deserve love and attention in the same amount.
10. Pokémon Pokopia
Pokémon Meets Animal Crossing
Pokémon Pokopia is a brand new game unlike any other in the Pokémon series. Here’s the surprising part: you play as a Ditto that’s taken the form of a human! It sounds strange, but it’s also incredibly fun.
You’ve discovered a lonely place inhabited by a thoughtful Tangrowth, and now you’re challenged with turning it into a beautiful Pokémon haven. Think of it as a delightful blend of Pokémon and Animal Crossing – a combination fans will absolutely love!
The game centers around exploring the world, creating items, and cleverly using Pokémon powers – you play as a Ditto, so you can copy those abilities! This combination creates a calm and creative experience, making it a potentially very relaxing game when it releases this year.
The really cool thing is you can build and design your dream world with friends! Up to four players, all as customizable characters, can work together on building projects and decorating. It’s coming to the Nintendo Switch 2 on March 5, 2026, so now’s the time to get your friends ready to play!
9. Hela
Heartwarming Adventures of Tiny Heroes
Imagine playing as a little, adorable mouse, and then another player joins as another cute mouse! That’s the whole idea behind Hela, and honestly, it looks like it’s going to be one of the sweetest, most heartwarming games I’ll play all year. It’s an open-world adventure, so we can explore everything together!
From the team behind the Unravel games comes a charming adventure where you play as the pets of a friendly old witch. She’s suddenly become ill, and it’s up to you and a friend to explore a beautiful, Scandinavian-inspired world to find a cure. While you’re searching, you’ll also need to manage her magical affairs and keep things running smoothly!
When you explore, you’ll feel tiny compared to everyday objects and discover lots of puzzles, secrets, and quests. Plus, you can just relax and enjoy fun, spontaneous activities – like skateboarding with friends!
Hela offers flexible ways to play with friends, both in person and online. You can enjoy a classic couch co-op experience with local split-screen for two players, or team up with up to four players online. The game is scheduled to release in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch 2.
8. John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
For Cinephiles and FPS Fans
Toxic Commando is a cooperative first-person shooter game created by Saber Interactive, the studio known for World War Z and Evil Dead: The Game. The game’s story was crafted with input from horror master John Carpenter, the director famous for films like Halloween and The Thing.
This movie promises a fun, over-the-top vibe reminiscent of 1980s action films. The story is classic B-movie material: a science experiment gone wrong unleashes a creature that transforms the land and people into something monstrous.
This game is perfect for up to four players, and honestly, that’s all you really need to know. It’s the ultimate cooperative game for a fun night in – think pizza, drinks, and exciting, action-packed gameplay that makes everything better!
Be sure to save the date! This game will be released on March 12, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
7. Ikuma: The Frozen Compass
Grab Your Coat For This One
If you’re fascinated by history, you’ve probably heard about the Franklin Expedition. This British voyage from 1845 ended tragically when two ships disappeared into the Arctic ice, creating a mystery that wasn’t solved for over a hundred years.
I want to share that Ikuma: The Frozen Compass, the new game from Mooneye Studios – the creators of the lovely Lost Ember – is inspired by a real, sad historical event. However, instead of directly retelling it, the game tells a personal story about a boy and his dog who are lost in a frozen landscape, focusing on his journey to grow up and cope with the situation.
That’s right – one player controls the boy, and the other controls his animal companion. The game’s trailers show that surviving the freezing cold is a central challenge, and the two of you will need to cooperate to make it through.
I have a feeling this game is going to be very emotional, so I’m stocking up on tissues! It’s scheduled to come out in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
6. Out of Words
When Actions Mean More
I really appreciate the care and detail that goes into handmade projects, particularly in video games – you can sense the developer’s enthusiasm in every little thing. And Out of Words seems designed to perfectly capture that feeling!
This game is a new puzzle-platformer with a beautiful, handcrafted look – everything you see, from characters to backgrounds, is actually sculpted by hand. Plus, the story is told through frame-by-frame animation, giving it a unique, stop-motion feel.
Beyond that, the game boasts a really distinctive story and way to play. It features puzzles built into the surroundings, mechanics that let you bend gravity, and a story about two young characters who can’t speak – they have to rely on their actions to communicate with each other.
This game is built for two players to enjoy together, so it’s definitely one to watch! It’s coming out later this year for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. It reminds me a lot of the game It Takes Two.
5. The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020
Deep Space Paranoia in Two
If you and your friends love playing scary games together, you’ll be excited about the new title from Supermassive Games. The creators of popular games like Until Dawn, The Quarry, and The Dark Pictures Anthology are taking players to an alien world with Directive 8020, and it’s shaping up to be their most frightening and interactive experience yet.
This game uses the familiar teamwork-based style of Supermassive Games, but with a sci-fi twist. Players control five crew members tasked with saving humanity, but they quickly discover they’re being hunted by a dangerous alien that can change its form.
These beings have the ability to disguise themselves as anyone, which will likely lead to a lot of suspicion, broken trust, and difficult decisions. The game creators also promise more gameplay focused on sneaking around and fighting.
You can enjoy the game either online with friends or locally on the couch, taking turns with the controller as you experience the story from different characters’ viewpoints. It’s a great choice for players who like a challenge, and it’s scheduled to release in the first six months of 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
4. Scott Pilgrim EX
Time to Get More XP
Scott Pilgrim EX is a new beat ‘em up game developed by Tribute Games, the talented studio behind the popular hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. They’re well-known for creating fantastic side-scrolling action games, and Scott Pilgrim EX looks to be no exception.
This time around, the creators have joined forces with Bryan Lee O’Malley, who originally created the series, to tell a brand new story. It follows Scott and Ramona as they deal with surprising dangers – including robots, demons, and even vegans – after Scott’s band is unexpectedly kidnapped in Toronto.
The biggest surprise in this update is the character lineup. For the first time ever, Scott and Ramona are teaming up with some of their former enemies, the Evil Exes – including Lucas Lee and Roxie Richter. This brings the total number of playable characters to seven, letting you and up to three friends play together in fun, chaotic co-op mode.
This game beautifully combines the charm of retro graphics with exciting new gameplay. Whether you’re a fan of the original comic books or the beloved movie, you won’t want to miss it! It’s scheduled for release in early 2026 on PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, so start saving up now.
3. Witchbrook
Stardew Valley Meets Harry Potter
Fans are really excited about Witchbrook, a charming game that combines the relaxing farming of Stardew Valley with the magical world of Harry Potter. Get ready to experience life as a wizard!
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Created by Chucklefish – the team known for publishing the popular game Stardew Valley – this game puts you in the role of a student at Witchbrook College. You’ll go to magical classes and participate in fun activities like broom racing, potion-making, and learning old spells.
Remember, it’s important to have fun and not just focus on work. Make time for friends and exploring what’s happening around school – it’ll make things more enjoyable!
Get ready for Witchbrook, a charming new game that combines the relaxing fun of farm life with a touch of magic! It’s expected to release in 2026 on Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Unfortunately, PlayStation players will have to wait for a possible future release.
2. Orbitals
A Love Letter to 90s Anime
I was so excited when Orbitals was revealed at The Game Awards 2025 that I actually jumped up and yelled to my girlfriend that we had to play it!
Orbitals is more than just a new cooperative adventure game; it’s a heartfelt tribute to classic 1990s anime series like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop. That’s the promise from Shapefarm, the small Japanese studio developing the game.
This game is a two-player adventure where you and a teammate play as explorers named Maki and Omura. Together, you’ll journey through the dangers of space to try and save your space station from a powerful, otherworldly storm that’s threatening to destroy it.
I’m really excited about Orbitals – it combines the thrill of space exploration with a personal, character-focused story. It’s launching first on the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026, and honestly, that’s a great reason for me to finally get a new console!
1. REANIMAL
Double the Horror, Double the Terror
Having created the unique and chilling atmosphere of the Little Nightmares games, Tarsier Studios is back with a new horror experience called REANIMAL, promising to be even more terrifying.
This game is designed for two players to enjoy together, putting you in the roles of a brother and sister. They travel by boat through a strange and perilous world, facing dangerous islands as they search for their missing friends. While it’s a story about survival, it’s also filled with creepy monsters that represent hidden traumas and secrets.
The developers say this will be their scariest game yet, which is great because you’ll be able to play with a friend to help face the fear together!
Get ready! REANIMAL will be released on February 13, 2026, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, no matter how you like to play – whether it’s solo or with others online.
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2026-01-26 19:43