Games That Included Cooperative Modes for Casual Players Ranked

The video game industry has seen a significant shift toward accessible cooperative experiences designed to bring people together. These titles often prioritize shared goals and intuitive mechanics over high-speed competition or complex controls. From building digital homesteads to solving physics-based puzzles, the variety of cooperative play available ensures that even those unfamiliar with gaming can find an entry point. These experiences foster communication and teamwork, making them a staple for family gatherings and casual social interactions.

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

Developed by PopCap Games and published by Electronic Arts, this title offers a whimsical take on the third-person shooter genre. Players can team up in the Backyard Battleground or join forces in the Garden Ops mode to defend against waves of computer-controlled enemies. The accessible mechanics and colorful aesthetics make it suitable for a wide range of ages and skill levels. It emphasizes teamwork and character synergy through diverse classes like Peashooters and Sunflowers.

‘Fall Guys’ (2020)

‘Fall Guys’ was developed by Mediatonic and originally published by Devolver Digital before being acquired by Epic Games. While primarily a battle royale, the game features various squad-based modes where players must work together to qualify for the next round. The simple two-button control scheme allows casual players to jump in and navigate obstacle courses with ease. It relies on physics-based comedy and vibrant visuals to keep the atmosphere lighthearted during cooperative team games.

‘LittleBigPlanet 3’ (2014)

Sumo Digital developed ‘LittleBigPlanet 3’, which was published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation platforms. This puzzle-platformer introduces multiple playable characters, each with unique abilities that require players to cooperate to progress through levels. The game encourages creativity by allowing users to build and share their own cooperative stages with the global community. Its charming handcrafted aesthetic and narrated tutorials make it highly approachable for newcomers to the series.

‘Don’t Starve Together’ (2016)

Developed and published by Klei Entertainment, ‘Don’t Starve Together’ is the standalone multiplayer expansion of the hit survival game. Players must collaborate to gather resources, craft tools, and build a sustainable base to survive the harsh environment. The cooperative nature allows more experienced players to guide casual users through the complexities of wilderness survival. The game features a distinct gothic art style and a focus on resource management that rewards careful planning and communication.

‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’ (2020)

Sumo Digital returned to develop ‘Sackboy: A Big Adventure’, published by Sony Interactive Entertainment as a spin-off of the main ‘LittleBigPlanet’ series. This 3D platformer supports up to four players in local or online cooperative play, featuring levels specifically designed for teamwork. Many stages include cooperative emotes and mechanics that require players to boost each other to reach hidden collectibles. The game is known for its high-quality music-themed levels and forgiving respawn system that assists less experienced players.

‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land’ (2022)

Developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, ‘Kirby and the Forgotten Land’ introduces a drop-in, drop-out cooperative mode. A second player can take control of Bandana Waddle Dee to assist Kirby as they explore a mysterious post-apocalyptic world. The secondary character possesses a spear-based moveset that complements Kirby’s iconic copy abilities. This setup allows for a low-pressure environment where a more experienced player can lead the way through the colorful 3D environments.

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

‘Snipperclips – Cut it out, together!’ was developed by SFB Games and published by Nintendo as a launch title for the Switch console. The core mechanic involves two players cutting pieces out of each other’s paper characters to form specific shapes and solve environmental puzzles. It requires constant verbal communication and spatial reasoning rather than fast reflexes. The game’s bite-sized levels and humorous animations make it an ideal choice for short, casual gaming sessions with friends or family.

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

Developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Games, this title compiles the narrative of all nine main films in the franchise. The game features local cooperative play where players can control hundreds of different characters, each with specialized skills used for puzzle-solving. The ‘Lego’ series is famous for its “mumble mode” and slapstick humor that appeals to fans of all ages. Its forgiving death penalty ensures that casual players never feel frustrated by mistakes during combat or exploration.

‘Super Mario Odyssey’ (2017)

Nintendo EPD developed and published ‘Super Mario Odyssey’, which includes a unique cooperative mode for two players. While the first player controls Mario, the second player takes control of Cappy, Mario’s sentient hat. Cappy is invincible and can fly around the screen to collect coins, attack enemies, and assist with difficult jumps. This asymmetrical cooperative play allows a casual player to contribute significantly to the adventure without the pressure of managing complex platforming.

‘Unravel Two’ (2018)

‘Unravel Two’ was developed by Coldwood Interactive and published by Electronic Arts as a sequel to the original physics-based platformer. The game focuses on two “Yarnys” who are physically connected by a strand of yarn, requiring players to use each other as anchors and swing points. This tethering mechanic forces constant cooperation and proximity, ensuring that players move through the world as a single unit. The atmospheric environments and lack of traditional combat make it a relaxing experience for casual pairs.

‘A Way Out’ (2018)

Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, ‘A Way Out’ is a cinematic adventure designed exclusively for two-player split-screen play. Players take on the roles of Leo and Vincent, two prisoners who must coordinate their actions to escape from prison and evade the law. The game features a variety of gameplay styles, including stealth, driving, and mini-games, all of which require simultaneous input from both players. It is praised for its narrative-driven approach that makes the cooperative bond central to the story.

‘Portal 2’ (2011)

‘Portal 2’ was developed and published by Valve and features a dedicated cooperative campaign separate from the main story. Players control two robots, Atlas and P-Body, who must use their portal guns to navigate complex testing chambers. The cooperative mode introduces four portals instead of two, significantly increasing the depth of the puzzles. Effective communication is essential, as players must often time their actions perfectly to bypass obstacles and progress through the Aperture Science facility.

‘Overcooked! All You Can Eat’ (2020)

Developed by Ghost Town Games and published by Team17, this collection includes remastered versions of both ‘Overcooked!’ titles. Up to four players must work together in a chaotic kitchen to prepare, cook, and serve various orders before time runs out. The “All You Can Eat” edition includes an assist mode specifically designed for casual players, offering longer round timers and increased score multipliers. It is widely considered a premier cooperative experience for testing group coordination and verbal communication.

‘Minecraft’ (2011)

Developed by Mojang Studios, ‘Minecraft’ has become a global phenomenon that offers boundless cooperative opportunities. In Creative mode, players can collaborate to build massive structures without the threat of enemies or resource scarcity. Survival mode allows groups to gather materials, craft gear, and explore vast procedurally generated worlds together. The game’s simple block-based mechanics and lack of a rigid linear path make it accessible to players of all ages and backgrounds.

‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’ (2017)

Nintendo EPD developed ‘Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’, which was published by Nintendo for the Switch. While primarily a racing game, it includes team-based modes and a “Smart Steering” feature specifically designed for casual or younger players. This toggle prevents karts from driving off the track, allowing anyone to participate in the cooperative Team Race or Battle modes. The game’s focus on item-based gameplay ensures that even those in the back of the pack can impact the outcome of a race.

‘Luigi’s Mansion 3’ (2019)

Next Level Games developed ‘Luigi’s Mansion 3’, and it was published by Nintendo. The game allows a second player to join the adventure as Gooigi, an ectoplasmic doppelganger of Luigi with unique physical properties. Gooigi can walk through spikes and slip through grates, which is essential for solving the puzzles within the haunted hotel. This cooperative dynamic allows two players to share the screen while managing different tasks to defeat ghosts and find hidden treasures.

‘Rayman Legends’ (2013)

Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier and published by Ubisoft, ‘Rayman Legends’ is a fast-paced 2D platformer that supports up to four players. The cooperative mode allows players to revive one another instantly, keeping the momentum high even during challenging sections. The game also features “Murfy” levels where one player interacts with the environment to create safe paths for the others. Its hand-drawn art style and rhythmic musical levels provide a high-energy but accessible experience for casual groups.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

‘Stardew Valley’ was developed by Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, and has been updated over the years to include a robust cooperative mode. Up to four players can share a single farm, splitting tasks such as planting crops, mining for ores, and tending to livestock. The shared economy and progression systems encourage players to specialize in different areas to help the farm flourish. Its relaxing soundtrack and open-ended gameplay loop make it a favorite for players looking for a low-stress cooperative environment.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

Developed and published by Nintendo, ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ features a “Party Play” mode that allows up to four residents of the same island to play simultaneously. One player acts as the leader while the others follow, assisting in gathering resources, fishing, and catching bugs. The game also supports online visits, where players can tour each other’s islands and trade items or fruit. Its real-time clock and gentle social simulation mechanics provide a peaceful cooperative experience with no win or loss conditions.

‘It Takes Two’ (2021)

Hazelight Studios developed ‘It Takes Two’, which was published by Electronic Arts under the EA Originals label. The game is a strictly cooperative adventure that tells the story of Cody and May, a couple going through a divorce who are magically turned into dolls. Every level introduces entirely new gameplay mechanics, ranging from flight simulation to dungeon crawling, all requiring two players to succeed. It is celebrated for its narrative depth and the way it forces players to collaborate in diverse and imaginative ways to save the characters’ marriage.

Please share which of these cooperative games is your favorite to play with friends or family in the comments.