Multiplayer Madness: The Best Co-Op Games to Play Right Now

There’s no better way to spend your free time than in the company of friends — or so we tell ourselves when diving head first into the chaotic nature of co-op games. Whether that’s a midnight session with your squad or you’re trying to find something to while away the time, co-op games make for a cool mix of teamwork, strategy and good old-fashioned fun. Here’s a roundup of all the best co-op games to play right now to get that multiplayer madness!

The Best Cheap Co-Op Games: Game Night on a Budget

We all have that friend who says “I’ll play, but only if it’s free. There are, fortunately, some co-op gems out there that you can buy without emptying your wallet. Here’s a roundup of games that are low-cost or even free so you can round up the crew without breaking the bank.

Fall Guys (Free)

A colorful chaos of kooky physics in which you and your friends go racing through outrageous obstacle courses. Just don’t get too caught up in it — someone’s going to be hit by a giant spinning donut.

Among Us ($5)

Nothing screams “friendship” quite like calling your best pal the imposter. A tale of lies, backstabbing, and trying not to cry when you get voted out for no reason.

Sven Co-op (Free)

A gotcha co-op game that’s just a whole lot of Half-Life silliness. Excellent for anyone looking to relive the glory days of gaming — sans the nostalgia goggles.

Two-Player Co-Op Games: Just You, Your Friend, and a Whole Lot of Chaos

If it’s only you and a criminal other, these two-player co-op games will ensure you’re either dying of laughter or screaming at each other (or both, to be honest).

It Takes Two ($40/£35 or Game Pass/EA Play)

Buckle up because it is going to be a hell of a ride! Control two tiny dolls exploring a surreal world filled with outlandish puzzles and platforming hurdles. The twist? With regards to the time, just one individual needs to claim the game, making it the ideal team experience.

Styx: Shards of Darkness ($20/£18)

Stealth and goblins and a whole lot of backstabbing You and a friend sneak through gigantic levels in this co-op game, relying on underhanded tricks and some seriously dubious ifs of stealth.

We Were Here (Free)

This is a game element of puzzle communication. When your buddy is trapped in a room full of levers and buttons, well, good luck. You’ll have to rely on your walkie-talkie skills to get by. (Pro tip: One does not communicate by screaming into the mic.)

Four-Player Co-Op Games: Bring the Whole Squad

Got a larger group? These four-player co-op games will put your teamwork — and in some cases, your patience — to the test. Because let’s be real — nothing screams “teamwork” like a group of friends trying to discern who’s been assigned the roles for the disaster.

Helldivers 2 ($40/£35)

Fight monstrous aliens in the intergalactic battle. With as many as four players, you’ll battle side by side… just don’t fill each other’s faces with friendly-fire obliteration.

Palworld ($30/£25 or on Game Pass)

Remember Pokémon? Now picture that, only with crafting, building, and guns. Yep, it’s that weird, and that fun. Ideal for a group that wants to capture critters and construct absurd forts collaboratively.

Unrailed! ($5)

A game about a bunch of trains and a bunch of chaos. You will create a team and build a train track on the randomly generated environments. Spoiler alert: It’s more stressful than you realize.

Honorable Mentions: The Games That Will Make You Question Your Friendship

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 (frequently $6 on sale)

Dungeon of the Endless (frequently discounted to $3)

Operation Tango (Sale Price $10)

What do these games have in common? They will make you question your own patience—and likely whether your friends are intentionally trying to ruin your run. But hey, that’s the fun of co-op, right?

Wrapping Up the Madness

When you want to get that squad together for some multiplayer madness, co-op games are the way to go. Whether you’re saving the galaxy, solving puzzles, or simply getting knocked off the edge of a platform for the millionth time in Fall Guys, there’s always something fun (and silly) to do. So get your friends, choose a game and enter a world where winning and losing are shared — and so are the laughs.

The best part? You can start playing this month, not next. The chaos is waiting for you at home now.