Gaming is always fun, but nothing beats the excitement of co-op gaming with friends. Whether you enjoy intense shooter action, survival challenges, or strategic RPGs, playing alongside others creates unforgettable experiences. Co-op games demand teamwork, communication, and often split-second decision-making, making them some of the most engaging and rewarding games available.
From slaying zombies in Left 4 Dead 2 to solving creative puzzles in It Takes Two, these games offer diverse gameplay styles suited for every type of player. Whether you’re looking for chaotic looter shooters, thrilling horror adventures, or tactical heists, this list of the 10 best co-op games for PC has something for everyone. Grab your friends, choose your favorite, and dive into thrilling cooperative experiences that will test your skills and strengthen your bonds!
1. It Takes Two
A masterpiece in cooperative gaming, It Takes Two is an action-adventure platformer that can only be played in co-op mode. You and your partner control Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into dolls. The game features unique level designs, each introducing fresh mechanics that require teamwork and communication. One level may have one player using a nail gun while the other swings across gaps, while another might involve time-bending puzzles or shrinking mechanics.
With its deep storytelling, hilarious moments, and imaginative gameplay, It Takes Two won Game of the Year in 2021 for good reason. It’s the perfect co-op experience for those who love creative puzzle-solving and engaging narratives. Whether playing locally or online, this game will challenge and entertain with its diverse gameplay elements that emphasize true cooperation.
2. Left 4 Dead 2
A legendary cooperative FPS, Left 4 Dead 2 puts up to four players in a frantic battle against hordes of zombies. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take control of survivors who must navigate levels filled with relentless undead and dangerous special infected. The AI Director dynamically changes enemy spawns, ensuring no two playthroughs feel the same. Cooperation is essential—stray too far, and you’ll likely be overwhelmed. Players can use firearms, melee weapons, and throwable explosives to survive.
Teamwork shines in moments where reviving teammates, sharing health packs, or covering each other’s backs becomes crucial. The game also features multiple modes, including campaign, survival, and versus, where players can control zombies against human survivors. Despite being over a decade old, Left 4 Dead 2 remains one of the best co-op experiences available, thanks to its intense gameplay and strong community support through mods.
3. Deep Rock Galactic
For players who love teamwork and underground exploration, Deep Rock Galactic is a perfect co-op shooter. You and up to three friends play as space dwarves mining alien-infested caves for valuable resources. Each of the four playable classes—Driller, Engineer, Scout, and Gunner—has unique abilities that complement each other. The game’s dynamic cave system ensures every mission feels fresh, with different enemy spawns, environmental hazards, and mining challenges. Lighting is crucial since the caves are pitch black, requiring players to use flares or rely on the Scout’s ability.
Enemies range from small swarming bugs to massive boss creatures, forcing players to use teamwork to survive. As you progress, you can unlock upgrades and customize your dwarf’s loadout. Deep Rock Galactic blends humor, procedural level design, and cooperative gunplay into a thrilling experience where communication and strategy are key.
4. Monster Hunter: World
If you and your friends love epic boss battles, Monster Hunter: World offers an incredible co-op experience. Players take on the role of hunters tracking and slaying massive creatures in a vast, open-world ecosystem. The game rewards skill, strategy, and preparation—before each hunt, players must craft armor, choose the right weapons, and stock up on essential items. Every monster has unique attack patterns, weaknesses, and behaviors, requiring coordinated teamwork to take them down.
The game supports up to four players in co-op mode, allowing groups to strategize and complement each other’s strengths. Whether using ranged weapons to provide support or heavy melee weapons to break monster parts, teamwork is essential. With stunning visuals, deep combat mechanics, and regular content updates, Monster Hunter: World delivers an addicting co-op experience that keeps players coming back for more.
5. Phasmophobia
A terrifying but fun co-op horror game, Phasmophobia places you and up to three friends in haunted locations to investigate paranormal activity. Armed with ghost-hunting tools like EMF readers, spirit boxes, and cameras, your goal is to identify the type of ghost and escape alive. The game features realistic voice recognition, meaning the ghosts react to players speaking, creating intense and immersive moments. Each session feels unique, as different ghosts have distinct behaviors – some are aggressive, while others remain passive until provoked.
While one player might be monitoring cameras from the van, another might be inside setting up traps or calling out to the ghost. The game thrives on teamwork, as communication and resource-sharing are crucial. Whether you’re a fan of horror or just want a thrilling co-op challenge, Phasmophobia delivers an unforgettable experience that keeps players on edge.
6. Divinity: Original Sin 2
For RPG lovers, Divinity: Original Sin 2 is one of the best co-op experiences available. This turn-based fantasy RPG allows up to four players to embark on a rich, story-driven adventure with unparalleled freedom. Each player controls their own character, making decisions that affect the world and storyline. Combat is tactical, requiring players to use the environment and elemental interactions to their advantage—such as electrifying water to shock enemies or setting oil on fire for massive explosions.
The game’s dialogue system allows players to engage in deep role-playing, sometimes leading to unexpected betrayals or alliances. Unlike many RPGs, Divinity: Original Sin 2 supports full co-op throughout the entire campaign, making it a fantastic choice for groups who love deep storytelling, character progression, and strategic battles.
7. Sea of Thieves
A fantastic open-world pirate adventure, Sea of Thieves allows players to sail the seas, hunt for treasure, and engage in naval combat. Up to four players can take on roles aboard their ship, with one steering, another managing sails, and the rest handling cannons or repairs. Exploration is key, as islands contain hidden secrets, enemy skeleton crews, and lucrative loot. PvP elements add excitement, as other players can attack and steal your hard-earned treasure.
The game also includes a variety of cooperative activities such as fishing, solving riddles, and tackling dangerous sea creatures like the Kraken and Megalodon. With continuous updates adding new content and adventures, Sea of Thieves is a must-play for friends looking to share an exciting pirate experience.
8. Don’t Starve Together
A survival game with a dark, Tim Burton-inspired art style, Don’t Starve Together challenges players to work together to stay alive in a harsh wilderness. The game features crafting, base-building, and resource management, requiring players to gather food, construct shelters, and fend off deadly creatures. The seasons change dynamically, bringing new survival challenges like winter frost or summer heatwaves. Each playable character has unique abilities, adding strategic depth to teamwork.
Cooperation is essential—players must divide tasks, share resources, and prepare for unexpected dangers like monster attacks or environmental hazards. With permadeath always looming, survival depends on careful planning and communication. Whether you prefer exploration, combat, or base management, Don’t Starve Together offers a deep and rewarding co-op experience.
9. Payday 2
A thrilling heist-based FPS, Payday 2 lets players team up to rob banks, jewelry stores, and other high-value targets. Each mission requires careful planning—players must choose between stealthy approaches or full-on shootouts. The game’s deep customization allows players to specialize in different roles, from hacking security systems to taking hostages.
Coordinated teamwork is essential, as one mistake can trigger waves of police reinforcements. With a wide variety of missions, weapon loadouts, and skill trees, Payday 2 offers endless replayability for co-op fans who enjoy high-stakes action.
10. Borderlands 3
For those who love fast-paced, loot-driven shooters, Borderlands 3 is the ultimate co-op experience (it even made a movie about it). The game features a massive open world filled with enemies, quests, and millions of unique weapons. Up to four players can team up to take down powerful bosses, complete hilarious missions, and collect legendary loot.
Each character class has unique abilities that encourage cooperative play. Whether you prefer explosive action or strategic combat, Borderlands 3 delivers a chaotic, loot-filled adventure that’s perfect for co-op gaming.
Best co-op games for PC: final thoughts
These 10 games offer some of the best cooperative experiences for PC players, ensuring hours of fun, strategy, and teamwork. Whether you prefer survival, action, RPGs, or horror, there’s something here for every co-op enthusiast.