Gaming is more fun with friends, right? But let’s be honest—co-op games have a sneaky way of turning your buddy into your worst enemy. From frantic teamwork to hilarious miscommunication, these games can test friendships in ways nothing else can. Whether you’re strategizing, surviving waves of enemies, or just laughing at each other’s fails, these co-op titles are absolute must-plays. Here are the top 10 co-op games that will test your friendship.
1. It Takes Two (2021)
If there’s a game that literally makes you work together, it’s It Takes Two. Every level requires coordination between two players, often forcing you to communicate in ways you didn’t know were possible. Perfect for couples or best friends, but expect some “friendly” blame when things go wrong.
2. Overcooked! 2 (2018)
Chaos in the kitchen has never been this fun—or stressful. Overcooked! 2 demands communication, timing, and patience. One wrong move, and your soufflé explodes while your friend yells across the room. It’s hilarious, chaotic, and guaranteed to bring out your inner chef… or your inner rage.
3. Left 4 Dead 2 (2009)
Zombie apocalypse mayhem at its finest. Left 4 Dead 2 forces you to rely on your friends to survive relentless hordes. If someone runs ahead and gets swarmed by zombies, it’s instant tension—and sometimes, uncontrollable laughter.
4. Borderlands 3 (2019)
Loot, guns, and explosions galore. While Borderlands 3 is perfect for team chaos, the sheer volume of loot and over-the-top action can make co-op a test of patience. Stealing the “good guns” from each other? Friendship challenge unlocked.
5. Portal 2 (2011)
The co-op mode in Portal 2 is a brilliant puzzle-solving experience, but it can be maddening when your friend doesn’t see the obvious solution—or decides to throw your cube into the void. Communication is key, and laughter is guaranteed.
6. Deep Rock Galactic (2020)
This game puts you in the boots of space dwarves mining alien planets. Teamwork is essential—someone hogs the loot or forgets to revive a teammate, and the mission spirals into chaos. Fun, funny, and full of friendly blame games.
7. Don’t Starve Together (2016)
Survival just got way harder. Don’t Starve Together combines hunger, sanity, and monstrous enemies with friends who may or may not be great at staying alive. You’ll laugh, cry, and maybe start blaming your bestie for the campfire disaster.
8. Cuphead (2017)
Notorious for its difficulty, Cuphead doubles down when you’re playing with a friend. Coordinating attacks in a visually stunning but merciless world will test your reflexes and patience—but when you finally beat a boss together, the victory is sweet.
9. Overcooked! 2
Few games will cause as much chaos as Overcooked! 2. You’ll chop, cook, and serve food in the most ridiculous kitchens imaginable. One small mistake can ruin an entire round, and suddenly you’re yelling at your best friend for dropping the lettuce off a moving truck.
10. Sea of Thieves (2018)
Sailing the high seas with friends seems peaceful… until a rival crew attacks, or someone accidentally sinks the ship. Sea of Thieves is a hilarious blend of teamwork, betrayal, and pirate shenanigans that’ll have you laughing and shouting in equal measure.
Co-op games are a rollercoaster. They can bring friends together or create friendly rivalries that last a lifetime. From cooking disasters in Overcooked! to zombie chaos in Left 4 Dead 2, these games aren’t just about winning—they’re about the memories (and the laughter) you create along the way.
So grab your friends, pick a game, and prepare for a test of skill, patience, and friendship. And remember: it’s only a game… mostly.
