Games That Included Cooperative Modes for Casual Players Ranked

Video games are increasingly focused on bringing people together through cooperative play. These games emphasize working towards common goals and are designed to be easy to pick up, rather than focusing on fast-paced competition or complicated controls. Whether it’s building something together or solving puzzles, there’s a wide range of options that make gaming accessible to everyone, even beginners. This type of gameplay encourages communication and teamwork, making it perfect for families and friends to enjoy together.

‘Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2’ (2016)

This game, created by PopCap Games and published by Electronic Arts, is a fun and lighthearted take on the shooter genre. Players can work together in the Backyard Battleground or team up to defend against enemies in waves in Garden Ops. It’s easy to pick up and play, with bright, colorful graphics that appeal to players of all ages and skill levels. Success depends on teamwork and combining different character abilities, with classes like Peashooters and Sunflowers each bringing unique strengths.

‘Fall Guys’ (2020)

Fall Guys was created by Mediatonic and first published by Devolver Digital, but Epic Games now owns it. Though it’s often described as a battle royale, the game also includes team-based challenges where players need to cooperate to advance. The controls are very simple – just two buttons – making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. It’s a funny, colorful game that keeps things fun, even when you’re working with others.

‘LittleBigPlanet 3’ (2014)

LittleBigPlanet 3, created by Sumo Digital and published by Sony, is a puzzle-platformer for PlayStation consoles. Players control several different characters, each with special skills, and must work together to complete levels. The game is designed to inspire creativity, letting players build their own levels and share them online. With its cute, handmade look and helpful tutorials, it’s easy for both new and longtime fans to pick up and play.

‘Don’t Starve Together’ (2016)

‘Don’t Starve Together,’ created by Klei Entertainment, is a multiplayer version of the popular survival game. Players work together to collect materials, make items, and build a base that can withstand a challenging world. It’s designed to be enjoyed by players of all skill levels, with experienced players able to help newcomers learn the ropes of surviving in the wilderness. The game is known for its unique, dark art style and emphasizes careful planning and teamwork to manage resources effectively.

‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’ (2020)

Sumo Digital created ‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’, a spin-off from the ‘LittleBigPlanet’ series, and Sony Interactive Entertainment published it. This 3D platformer lets up to four players team up either locally or online, with levels built specifically for cooperative gameplay. Many stages include actions where players need to help each other, like boosting each other up to find hidden items. The game is praised for its fantastic music-themed levels and a helpful respawn system that makes it easier for new players to pick up and play.

‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land’ (2022)

Kirby and the Forgotten Land, created by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, lets a second player join the adventure at any time. That player controls Bandana Waddle Dee and helps Kirby explore a strange, abandoned world. Bandana Waddle Dee fights with a spear, which works well with Kirby’s ability to copy enemy powers. This makes the game easygoing and allows a skilled player to guide a newcomer through the vibrant 3D levels.

‘Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!’ (2017)

Developed by SFB Games and published by Nintendo, Snipperclips – Cut it out, together! was a launch game for the Nintendo Switch. The game is built around a unique idea: two players work together by cutting shapes out of each other’s paper characters to solve puzzles. It focuses on teamwork and thinking through problems, rather than quick reactions. With short levels and funny animations, Snipperclips is perfect for quick and fun gaming with friends and family.

‘Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga’ (2022)

This game, created by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Games, retells the story of all nine main films in the series. It allows players to team up locally and control a huge roster of characters, each with unique abilities to help solve puzzles. Known for its funny “mumble mode” and silly humor, the ‘Lego’ series is enjoyable for everyone. Plus, the game is designed to be forgiving, so players won’t get stuck or frustrated during battles or while exploring.

‘Super Mario Odyssey’ (2017)

‘Super Mario Odyssey’, created by Nintendo EPD, features a special two-player mode where teamwork is key. One player controls Mario, while the other controls Cappy, his magical, flying hat. Cappy can’t be hurt and helps by collecting coins, defeating enemies, and making tricky jumps easier. This setup lets even less experienced players enjoy the game and contribute to the adventure without needing to be experts at platforming.

‘Unravel Two’ (2018)

Developed by Coldwood Interactive and published by Electronic Arts, ‘Unravel Two’ is a follow-up to the original ‘Unravel,’ building on its physics-based platforming. The game features two characters, called Yarnys, who are connected by a string, meaning players must work together, using each other to swing and create secure points. This connection encourages teamwork and keeps players close as they explore. With beautiful scenery and no traditional fighting, ‘Unravel Two’ offers a calm and enjoyable experience, especially for those playing with a friend or partner.

‘A Way Out’ (2018)

‘A Way Out’ is a story-driven adventure game made by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It’s uniquely designed for two players to experience together on a single screen. Players control Leo and Vincent, two inmates who must work as a team to break out of prison and stay on the run. The game combines different types of gameplay – like sneaking around, driving, and playing quick mini-games – and everything requires both players to participate at the same time. Many people enjoy it because the story focuses on the strong connection between the two characters and how they rely on each other.

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

Valve created and released ‘Portal 2,’ which includes a unique co-op mode alongside its main story. In this mode, players control two robots, Atlas and P-Body, and work together using portal guns to solve challenging puzzles. The co-op puzzles are more complex than those in the single-player game, utilizing four portals instead of two. Success depends on clear communication and precise timing between players as they navigate the Aperture Science facility.

‘Overcooked! All You Can Eat’ (2020)

As a huge fan of Overcooked!, I’m so excited about the ‘All You Can Eat’ edition! It bundles both games with a fresh new look. Basically, you and up to three friends are thrown into crazy kitchens and have to work together to get orders out before the timer runs out – it’s total chaos in the best way! They’ve even added an assist mode, which is perfect for more casual players like me – you get more time and can rack up points faster. Honestly, it’s one of the best games out there for seeing how well you and your friends can actually communicate and work as a team.

‘Minecraft’ (2011)

Minecraft, created by Mojang Studios, has become incredibly popular worldwide, offering endless ways to play with others. In Creative mode, players can team up to build anything they imagine without worrying about dangers or running out of materials. Survival mode lets groups work together to collect resources, make tools, and explore huge, randomly generated worlds. Its easy-to-understand building system and open-ended gameplay make it fun for everyone, no matter their age or experience.

‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ (2017)

‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ was created by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo for the Switch console. It’s a racing game, but also offers team-based modes and a helpful feature called “Smart Steering.” This feature keeps players on the track, making the game easy for newcomers and younger players to enjoy the Team Race and Battle modes. The game’s use of items keeps every race exciting, as even players who are behind can still win!

‘Luigi’s Mansion 3’ (2019)

‘Luigi’s Mansion 3’ was created by Next Level Games and released by Nintendo. Players can team up with a second person as Gooigi, a green, gooey version of Luigi, who has special abilities. Gooigi can squeeze through tight spaces like grates and safely walk across spikes, helping to solve the game’s puzzles inside a spooky hotel. This makes for a fun cooperative experience where two players can work together on screen to capture ghosts and discover secret treasures.

‘Rayman Legends’ (2013)

Rayman Legends, created by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft, is a quick and lively 2D platform game for up to four players. Playing together is easy – players can instantly help each other out, so the fun never stops. Some levels introduce Murfy, a character who lets one player change the game world to help the others. With its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and levels set to music, Rayman Legends is exciting and easy to pick up, making it perfect for groups of friends and family.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

Developed by Eric Barone, who goes by the name ConcernedApe, ‘Stardew Valley’ has grown over time to include a strong cooperative mode. Up to four friends can work together on a single farm, sharing responsibilities like planting, mining, and animal care. The game encourages players to focus on different skills to help the farm thrive, all while enjoying a calming soundtrack and a relaxed, open-ended playstyle. This makes it a great choice for players who want a cooperative experience without a lot of pressure.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, created by Nintendo, lets up to four players share an island and play together at the same time. One person leads, and the others help out by collecting items, fishing, and catching bugs. You can also visit friends’ islands online to trade and share resources. The game runs on real time and focuses on relaxing social interactions, so there’s no pressure to win or lose – it’s all about enjoying the experience with others.

‘It Takes Two’ (2021)

‘It Takes Two’ is a cooperative adventure game created by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts as part of their EA Originals program. The game follows Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce, who are transformed into dolls. Each level features unique gameplay – from flying planes to exploring dungeons – and requires teamwork to complete. It’s praised for its compelling story and how it creatively encourages players to work together to help the couple repair their relationship.

Let us know in the comments which of these team-based games you enjoy playing with your friends and family!

2026-01-22 06:17