25 Local Multiplayer Games That Still Slap

Classic couch games are always a hit, and the best ones are instantly fun for everyone. This list features local multiplayer games that are simple to set up, work well on today’s computers and consoles, and are still popular. You’ll discover both cooperative games where you work together, competitive games where you battle it out, and reliable party favorites – plus, we’ve included the developers of each game so you know who created the fun.

‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’

Mario Kart remains exciting thanks to its large selection of characters, numerous tracks, and seamless local split-screen multiplayer. The Battle mode lets you play in teams or individually for fast-paced fun. It’s easy to connect up to four players using Joy-Con or Pro Controllers, and with the addition of Booster Course content, there’s plenty to keep game nights interesting.

‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’

Okay, so Sora and Bandai Namco really knocked it out of the park with this game! It’s awesome for quick, local versus matches with friends. You can easily set up the rules to play however you want – stock battles, timed matches, whatever! Plus, we can customize the stages and items to fit exactly what our group likes. The best part? It supports up to eight players, so everyone can join in without a ton of complicated setup. It’s perfect for game night!

‘Overcooked! All You Can Eat’

Ghost Town Games and Team17 have combined the first two games and all their downloadable content into one package, letting up to four players enjoy local co-op. The game offers accessibility features like adjustable difficulty and helpful tools to make it easier, plus quick retries and cross-progression to keep the action moving. It’s ideal for short, fast-paced rounds where players can easily jump in and out.

‘It Takes Two’

Hazelight Studios designed this game as a cooperative adventure for two players, playable on a single screen. Each new chapter introduces unique challenges that require players to work together. The Friend Pass feature allows a second player to join in locally on certain platforms without needing to buy the game separately. Clear puzzles and frequent checkpoints ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.

‘Rocket League’

Psyonix lets you play car soccer locally with friends and family, supporting two to four players on one screen. It’s easy to teach new players with training modes and custom matches, and you can enjoy offline seasons and fun game modifiers without needing an internet connection. Setting up a quick match is fast, so you can start a competitive series on your couch in just minutes.

‘TowerFall Ascension’

Matt Makes Games has optimized this archery arena for quick, local multiplayer games with up to four players. The fast-paced rounds feature arrow catching, limited ammunition, and dangerous map elements. You can customize the rules by turning on or off options like wings, shields, and power-ups. If you prefer to team up against enemies, the co-op Quest mode offers wave-based challenges.

‘Gang Beasts’

Boneloaf is a chaotic and fun fighting game with easy-to-learn controls and physics-based grappling. It allows up to four players to compete locally with fast-paced rematches. Unique stages, such as moving trucks and grinders, add to the excitement and keep viewers entertained. Players can also customize their characters with different outfits and colors, making it easier to follow the action.

‘Nidhogg 2’

Messhof’s game builds on classic sword fighting with fresh weapons and ways to defend, all within a single screen. Local multiplayer matches are fast-paced and exciting, quickly leading to a final showdown. The controls are simple – throwing and sliding are done with a single button – but skillful positioning is still key. A unique tournament mode allows players to cycle through a bracket seamlessly, keeping the action going.

‘Streets of Rage 4’

Dotemu, Lizardcube, and Guard Crush Games have brought this classic beat ’em up back to life with excellent local co-op. You can play through story or arcade mode with up to four players, and unlock new characters by replaying the game. The game adjusts difficulty based on how many people are playing, and the enemy attacks are easy to understand. There’s also a training mode to help beginners learn combos without the pressure of a fight.

‘Cuphead’

Cuphead allows two players to team up locally for all boss battles and run-and-gun levels. The second player controls Mugman, and they share a life pool and can both parry attacks. Even with two players, it’s easy to follow the action because enemy attacks are clearly signaled. Plus, the levels are short, making it simple to switch between characters.

‘Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime’

Asteroid Base created a cooperative spaceship game for one to four players. To succeed, players must work together and continuously staff different stations – like shields, weapons, engines, and navigation – requiring constant communication and teamwork. The game offers adjustable difficulty levels, making it fun for players of all skill levels. Plus, the campaign is divided into short, manageable levels, perfect for playing with friends or family.

‘Moving Out 2’

SMG Studio and DevM Games, with Team17 as the publisher, created a cooperative game where up to four players work together to move furniture against the clock. The game is easy for newcomers with helpful features like lighter objects, and levels include puzzle-like elements inspired by Portal, but these don’t disrupt the fast pace. It’s designed for fun parties, allowing players to easily join and leave the game whenever they want.

‘Spelunky 2’

Mossmouth and BlitWorks offer a fun co-op adventure where two players can play together on the same screen. There’s also a separate arena mode for competitive play. Players share the screen, and items like ropes and bombs are meant to be used as a team. The game features ‘seeded runs,’ which let you replay the same challenges for fair rematches and to improve your skills. Plus, quick restarts help you get back into the action quickly after difficult sections.

‘Diablo III’

Blizzard Entertainment’s game lets up to four players play together locally on the same screen, with simple menus for easy navigation. Each player gets their own loot, preventing arguments and making it faster to switch gear. Adventure Mode offers both quick and lengthy gameplay options with bounties and rifts. Plus, the game is designed to be easily played with a controller, letting you quickly customize your character’s skills during gameplay.

‘Borderlands 3’

Gearbox Software offers a great local split-screen experience, letting players customize the difficulty and how loot is handled. You can choose to have separate loot for each player or share it all. The game’s skill system encourages teamwork, and its quick objectives combined with the ability to save anywhere make it perfect for playing on a couch with a friend.

‘Halo The Master Chief Collection’

343 Industries offers split-screen for multiple campaigns and local multiplayer on classic maps. You can also customize matches with game browsers and editors to set your own rules. New players can easily get started with aim assist and adjustable controls, and the game runs smoothly with sharp graphics, making it great for playing with friends on a TV.

‘Crash Team Racing Nitro Fueled’

Beenox has reimagined this classic kart racing game with updated controls and the option for local split-screen multiplayer. Both adventure and arcade modes are great for competitive racing. Mastering power slides takes skill, and the game’s items are balanced to ensure exciting, close finishes. With a variety of tracks and the ability to race them in reverse, the game stays fun even after many playthroughs.

‘Rayman Legends’

Ubisoft Montpellier’s game offers fun for up to four players locally, with challenging and accurate platforming. Its levels and music-based stages are designed for quick, exciting gameplay. Friends can easily join in mid-game without needing to start over. Plus, a Challenge mode offers daily objectives you can complete offline to compete with friends and family.

‘New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe’

Nintendo’s Super Mario games are easy to pick up and play with up to four people locally, featuring straightforward controls and clearly designed levels. Characters like Nabbit and Toadette make it easier for new players to join in the fun. For quick bursts of gameplay, players can enjoy Boost Rush and Challenge modes to chase high scores. The game’s levels are designed to keep everyone visible on screen, so no one gets left behind.

‘Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes’

Steel Crate Games created a clever way to play where one person disarms a bomb while the others guide them using the instruction manual. You don’t need a second screen – players can use a phone or printed copy of the manual. Fast timers and different bomb modules keep each round quick and exciting. Because clear communication is key, it lets players of all skill levels compete on a more equal footing.

‘Puyo Puyo Tetris 2’

As a huge Sega fan, I’m really excited about this new game! It’s awesome that they’re combining two different puzzle styles, and the local versus and co-op Boss Raid modes sound like a ton of fun. I love that the ‘Swap Modes’ keep things fresh without making the gameplay overly complicated. Plus, it’s great to see they’re thinking about everyone with accessibility options like colorblind settings and helpful tutorials. And for those of us who love a little competition, setting up local leagues and best-of-three matches for tournaments seems super easy. It’s all just really well thought out!

‘The Jackbox Party Pack 10’

Jackbox Games keeps delivering party games perfect for groups of any size. It’s easy to get started – players simply join using a code and use their phones or tablets to play. The games are designed to be inclusive, with family-friendly filters and options for audience participation. Plus, each game is broken into quick rounds, so everyone gets a chance to play.

‘Worms W.M.D’

Team17’s game keeps the action going with options for local co-op – play on the same screen or online with shared screens. You can customize your experience with unique teams, weapon drops, and a crafting system, changing how each match unfolds. Maps and vehicles can be destroyed, letting players find creative strategies. Fast-paced rounds are guaranteed with turn timers and a sudden death mechanic.

‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Shredder’s Revenge’

Tribute Games and Dotemu have created a game with exciting local co-op for up to six players, featuring easy-to-learn combat combos. Players can help each other with assist jumps and revive fallen teammates, keeping the action going. Whether you want a quick game or a complete story experience, the Arcade and Story modes have you covered. Plus, unique character abilities make it fun to switch heroes and try different strategies.

‘Heave Ho’

Le Cartel Studio developed a fun, physics-based game where players work together to swing across gaps. Two to four people can join in, holding hands to make it across. It’s especially great for playing with friends locally, requiring teamwork to throw and catch successfully. The levels are short and you can quickly restart, making it ideal for taking turns. Options to adjust assist features and customize colors help keep the game clear and easy to follow, even with multiple players on screen.

Let us know your top couch recommendations in the comments! Also, tell us which local sports teams still get you and your friends passionately involved while watching games.

2025-11-12 15:48