25 Cooperative Games Similar to It Takes Two

25 Cooperative Games Similar to It Takes Two

While online multiplayer remains the dominant force in the gaming world, with popular titles like Call of Duty, Apex Legends, and Valorant boasting thriving competitive communities, there’s something special about playing a co-op game session with your friends.

While It Takes Two may be considered one of the most highly praised co-op games in recent years, for those looking for additional titles to play after completing it, there are many similar options available in 2024.

A Way Out

leo and vincent sitting in a plane in a way out
EA

The more serious It Takes Two.

Before It Takes Two was released, A Way Out, also developed by Hazelight Studios, was a popular choice for local co-op gameplay due to its similarities and innovative approach. It allowed players to control two characters whose stories were intricately connected, making it an easy and obvious choice for those looking to try out this type of game.

The emerging pair of Vincent and Leo collaborate to accomplish their common goal, utilizing clever sequences and puzzles. While it has less Moon Baboons and elephants than It Takes Two, this is largely due to its more serious storyline. However, it remains highly effective in its execution.

Overcooked

lpayer cooking in overcooked
Team 17

After a while, throwing dough to your partner will become second nature.

The Overcooked games, whether in a prison or a kitchen setting, are the first titles on this list that will truly challenge your bonds of friendship or relationship.

Overcooked, created by Team 17, is a delightful blend of cooking, teamwork, and pandemonium. Every round presents numerous challenges as you maneuver through your kitchen, preparing dishes to satisfy your ravenous clientele. The only twist is that your restaurant settings may vary from a conventional open-style eatery to utilizing teleportation devices to access different levels of a castle.

It is admirable how far Overcooked is willing to go to throw you off, and you will need to stay on top of your teamwork in order to succeed.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

players encountering troll in brothers
starbreeze studios

Brothers often throws up some entertaining scenarios.

Despite being created by someone other than Hazelight Studios, director Josef Fares, who is known for his work on A Way Out and It Takes Two, is leading the project.

If you happen to be playing this game after its later release, you will notice that it is truly comparable to It Takes Two and can see the potential for future advancements. Even though the original release in 2013 did not fully explore the co-op aspect, the 2024 remake now offers local co-op play capabilities.

This place holds a truly heartwarming and emotional story waiting to be experienced, with a strong focus on intuitive puzzles that test both timing and lateral thinking.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

two sackboys next to each other
Sumo Digital

if you enjoy playing It Takes Two together, then Sackboy shares lots of the variety and novelty that the game does.

It’s a fact – Sackboy is adored by everyone for his utter cuteness!

Despite the absence of its signature crafting and creating elements, Sackboy: A Big Adventure continues the tradition of providing harmonious and versatile gameplay that can be approached in various ways, just like the original LittleBigPlanet games. It shifts its focus towards delivering a challenging yet enjoyable platformer experience.

Adding an additional set of hands allows for endless entertainment as you and your partner team up to navigate through bizarre and exciting levels together.

Tips for Moving Out

two players moving furniture in moving out
Team 17

In Moving Out, it’s fair to say that it takes two to successfully move furniture without breaking it constantly.

Moving Out somehow manages to turn the typically torturous act of moving into a fun experience, but if you’ve ever gone through the real-life version, you know the pain and punishment that comes with it.

Similar to It Takes Two, teamwork is essential in this game as it is at the forefront of its core principles. Effective strategizing is necessary when deciding which items to move and both players must work in perfect synchronicity to ensure efficient movement of items.

You must also make a conscious effort to refrain from throwing your controller against the wall. While it may be frustrating at times, as with any challenging endeavor, the sense of euphoria and accomplishment when successfully completing the furniture-moving task makes Moving Out well worth the effort.

Unravel 2

two yarns on a cliff in unravel 2
EA

If you enjoyed Cody and May being represented as all sorts in it Takes Two, then two characters being yarn isn’t much different to be fair.

Yet another perfect two-person journey, now showcasing two anthropomorphic yarn creatures, simply because, why not?

The typical tandem tropes can be found here, with a variety of interactive obstacles standing between you and your objective. It should come as no surprise that teamwork is the main emphasis.

The platforming is spot-on and serves as an excellent representation of the genre, making us eager for more.

Borderlands & Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

psycho and tiny tina
Gearbox Software

You’ll be fine jumping into any of the Borderlands games or Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands.

Whether you choose Borderlands 1, 2, 3, The Pre-Sequel, or Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, any of these games could be considered similar to It Takes Two.

Gearbox Software’s popular looter shooter series has been captivating players for years with its vast array of unique characters, endless selection of weapons, and signature WUB WUBs and DUB DUBs.

The greatest perk? You have the freedom to choose your own partner while engaging in countless hours of gameplay. The offshoot game, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, takes the craziness to the next level and serves as a perfect introduction to the franchise for those with a wild side.

Kirby and The Forgotten Land

kirby and second player dressed up in forgotten lands
Nintendo

The world is your oyster in Kirby and The Forgotten lands… so eat it.

Despite 30 years having passed since Kirby’s creation, the world still can’t get enough of him. This is truly a remarkable accomplishment.

Despite being released several decades after its initial debut, 2022’s Kirby and The Forgotten Land continues to impress by showcasing the character’s ability to adapt and appeal to new audiences. This is particularly evident in the game’s seamless integration of co-op gameplay, further solidifying its success as a reinvention of the classic franchise.

The local multiplayer feature provides easy hop-in and hop-out access, making it extremely accessible for you and your partner to explore the world together.

Cuphead

cuphead and mugman fighting cagney carnation
StudioMDHR

Cuphead is certainly harder than It Takes Two, but the feeling of overcoming is therapeutic.

If, for some reason, you have not yet encountered the delightful and whimsical style of StudioMDHR’s Cuphead, today may prove to be either the best or worst day of your life.

Even with its captivating personality and delightful hand-drawn visuals, Cuphead remains incredibly challenging for those who are not adequately prepared. However, for those who are, it becomes simply very difficult.

Cuphead is a test of patience as you face challenging bosses and high-stakes run and gun missions where a single error can determine your success or failure. It is advised to first reach the maximum friendship or relationship level before taking on this game.

As Dusk Falls

As Dusk Falls
Supermassive games

Make tough choices in As Dusk Falls and hopefully agree on most of them!

Supermassive Games, the developers behind Until Dawn, The Devil In Me, and many more thrilling interactive dramas, have created the unique title As Dusk Falls.

Playing with either local or online co-op, this game is sure to spark engaging discussions as players vote on the challenging decisions the characters face throughout the unfolding mystery.

KeyWe

Keywe game like It Takes Two
Stonewheat & Sons

KeyWe will be frustrating but fun if you communicate correctly.

KeyWe is an attractive puzzle platformer that is ideal for playing with friends on the couch. It puts you in control of two Kiwi birds, Jeff and Debra, as they navigate a bustling and complex post office.

Playing this game can be hectic and challenging, but also incredibly fun, especially when both players have strong communication skills.

We Were Here Forever

We were here forever
Total Mayhem Games

Escape the castle with your friend in We Were Here Forever.

We Were Here Forever, a wonderful co-op puzzle game, has recently become available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. It challenges players to use careful communication and skill to overcome some rather tricky obstacles.

Essentially, you and a friend are transported into a cryptic castle and must decipher puzzles in order to survive and find a way out. It’s a great blend of eerie, intricate, and imaginative.

For The King

For The King
IronOak Games

Battle beasts with friends in For The King.

While it may not be a couch co-op, this excellent co-op game offers plenty of strategy, communication, and challenging gameplay.

For those tabletop gamers looking to expand into video games with their friends, For The King is an ideal choice. You have the freedom to create a unique character with their own abilities and embark on a challenging adventure together. However, one should never underestimate the intensity of a battle in this unforgiving world.

Deep Rock Galactic

An image of Deep Rock Galactic keyart.
Ghost Ship Games

Mining for resources is key in Deep Rock Galactic.

Deep Rock Galactic is a game designed for cooperative play, challenging groups of up to four players to mine for various resources in environments that are randomly generated.

As an employee of the Deep Rock Galactic company, your role as a Dwarf Miner is to fulfill various tasks within a cave, including collecting specific materials and fixing damaged equipment. Once you have completed all your objectives, it is crucial to evacuate the cave before the escape pod departs and safely transport your newly acquired resources back with you.

Although DRG involves combat (where you will face swarms of extraterrestrial insects), it provides a uniquely calming experience unlike any other FPS game.

Castle Crashers

An image of Castle Crashers keyart featuring the main 4 Knights.
The Behemoth

Castle Crashers is an iconic side-scroller.

Castle Crashers, developed by The Behemoth, is a beloved side-scrolling hack n’ slash game. With vibrant 2D graphics, this multiplayer game allows up to four players to take on the roles of different characters. Together, you and your companions act as valiant Knights on a quest to save four captured princesses from the clutches of an evil wizard.

While journeying through the land, you will engage in battles with diverse adversaries, constantly improving your abilities and acquiring new skills. The initial Knights are each proficient in a unique element, such as the Blue Knight who harnesses the power of Ice magic, and the Red Knight who commands Fire.

For anyone seeking a more arcade-style experience with their friends, this game is a must-play.

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime

An image of Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime keyart.
Asteroid Base

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is a fun co-op shooter.

In Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, players can team up with three friends to navigate a neon battleship through a vast galaxy. The journey is far from easy, as you must strategically control your lasers, turrets, and thrusters in order to stay alive.

Fortunately, you have the ability to consistently improve your battleship to ensure it is well-equipped for any perils and risks that may arise in the vastness of outer space. Additionally, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime features randomized elements, providing the opportunity to uncover something fresh and unexpected with each playthrough.

Stardew Valley

An image of Stardew Valley gameplay featuring a player on their farm.
ConcernedApe

Stardew Valley is a great experience with friends in co-op.

Stardew Valley remains one of the most adored cozy games in history. With activities such as building relationships with villagers, caring for your crops, fishing, and exploring Skull Cavern for resources, there is an abundance of content to immerse yourself in.

The game’s co-op feature undoubtedly adds to its appeal, allowing players to share their gameplay progress and even create a multiplayer world to collaboratively build a farm with friends. The game’s multiplayer function offers endless possibilities for shared experiences.

An added bonus is the ability to marry another player, making it a heartwarming feature for those playing with their partner in co-op mode.

Escape Academy

An image of Escape Academy keyart.
Coin Crew Games

Escape Academy is perfect for anyone who enjoys solving puzzles.

If you enjoyed solving puzzles in It Takes Two, we suggest trying out Escape Academy. This game puts you in the shoes of students at the Escape Academy, where you enroll to become an Escape Room Master.

In Escape Academy, you will engage in a first-person perspective and collaborate to uncover various clues and solve puzzles in order to accomplish specific objectives within a set time frame. This experience is ideal for those who are skilled at logical reasoning and have a partner who excels in thinking creatively, as the challenges presented require a combination of both approaches.

In general, this is an excellent puzzle game that is perfect for fans of cooperative gameplay.

Baldur’s Gate 3

An image of Baldur's Gate 3 keyart featuring the main cast of characters.
Larian Studios

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a massive D&D RPG you can play in co-op.

In 2023, Larian Studios’ Baldur’s Gate 3 won multiple Game of the Year awards, solidifying its status as a highly adored RPG. This game is set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe and invites players to journey through The Forgotten Realms, testing their skills and encountering a diverse cast of NPCs.

Although it is possible to experience the entire game by yourself with the help of some amazing companions, you can also enjoy it with a group of up to four players in a co-op setting.

With the variety of classes, races, and multiclass options available, each member of the party has the opportunity to take on a unique role. Whether you are a seasoned D&D group looking to increase your weekly sessions or a newcomer to tabletop RPGs trying out Baldur’s Gate 3, this game offers a fantastic co-op experience.

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light

An image of Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light gameplay.
Crystal Dynamics / Feral Interactive

Guardian of Light is a great co-op game for any Tomb Raider fans.

Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light is an excellent cooperative game, particularly for devoted Tomb Raider enthusiasts. It features a non-linear, isometric camera for an action-packed experience.

In the game, players can choose to play as either franchise protagonist Lara Croft or the Mayan warrior Totec, who must work together to retrieve the Mirror of Smoke and defeat the malevolent spirit Xolotl.

Despite their differing skills, Lara and Totec must work together closely in order to advance through each level, highlighting the importance of teamwork. Additionally, players can strive to collect the most gems or defeat the most enemies, adding a competitive aspect to the gameplay.

In conclusion, for Tomb Raider enthusiasts seeking a co-op gaming experience, Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light is an essential game to play.

Human Fall Flat

An image of Human Fall Flat keyart.
No Brakes Games

Human Fall Flat is a brilliant party game.

In Human Fall Flat, the objective is to reach the end of each level while contending with comical physics. Your body, the terrain, and the items at your disposal must be utilized to navigate through each level and ultimately reach the end together.

There are several solutions for each level, making it possible for groups to continuously explore and uncover the various (and most efficient) methods to conquer all 20 levels. If you’re in search of a fresh party game, this is an excellent option.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder

An image of Super Mario Wonder Bros. keyart.
Nintendo

Super Mario Bros. Wonder features 12 characters to use in co-op.

The most recent addition to the 2D Mario platformer series, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, made its debut in October 2023 and serves as an excellent introduction to the franchise for those unfamiliar with it. Additionally, it offers a fantastic co-op experience for players.

There are a total of 12 characters available in Wonder’s multiplayer mode, including the main plumber, Princess Peach, Todette, and various colored Yoshis. With a maximum of four characters simultaneously on screen, the gameplay can get chaotic, but it remains highly entertaining.

Regardless of whether you’re a longtime Mario player or new to the beloved franchise, we highly suggest trying out the multiplayer feature.

Knights and Bikes

An image of Knights and Bikes gameplay featuring the main characters on their bikes.
Foam Sword

Knights and Bikes is a nostalgic adventure game.

The game Knights and Bikes is a charming adventure inspired by the beloved 80s film The Goonies. It brilliantly captures the innocent, imaginative spirit as you take on the roles of Nessa and Demelza, two best friends.

During your adventure in Knights and Bikes, you will have the opportunity to explore a historic island, uncover valuable treasures, solve challenging puzzles, and conquer obstacles. As the title implies, riding and improving your reliable bike is a significant aspect of the journey, and you can even personalize it to your liking.

In its entirety, this charming indie game can be enjoyed through couch or online co-op.

Portal 2

An image of Portal 2 keyart.
Valve

Portal 2 is an iconic puzzle game with a dedicated co-op mode.

Developed by Valve, Portal 2 is renowned as one of the most iconic puzzle games in history. In this game, players must use the Portal gun to navigate the Aperture Science Laboratory and overcome various challenges in order to progress through the game.

In addition to its single-player campaign, Portal 2 offers a complete multiplayer story in which players can assume the role of either Atlas or P-Body, two robots.

For those who have replayed the core campaign countless times, trying out the co-op features in Portal 2 is both enjoyable and a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the game’s distinctive gameplay to friends.

Bread & Fred

An image of Bread and Fred gameplay.
SandCastles Studio

Bread and Fred is an adorable but frustrating co-op game.

Bead & Fred is an endearing platformer featuring a pair of penguin friends on a quest to reach the summit of a snowy mountain. Due to the penguins’ tethered connection, accuracy is crucial in order to successfully progress through each jump and advance up the mountain.

While it is possible to swing and lift each other to great heights, it is important to communicate effectively as falls can be much more impactful.

Keep in mind that continuously failing may put a strain on your friendship.

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