No man is an island, no man plays alone. That adage is not necessarily true, but sometimes, you need a helping hand in your games. Below is the list of PlayStation 5 games that provide multiplayer modes, local or via a network, in a cooperative fashion:
1. It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a co-op game directed by Josef Fares, known for his previous games Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out, two of the most famous coop games recently prior to this game’s release. The game follows the story of a couple, May and Cody, who find themselves in the bodies of dolls after a magical incident. The game is a fantastical narrative with a mix of genres, including elements of romantic comedy and Toy Story.
The game offers a variety of challenges and mini-games, from fighting bees to escaping from a chain of command, that changes with each level, and never get boring. The game also deals with the theme of marriage and the problems that couples face, making it a heartwarming and entertaining experience.
Now, this game has received numerous awards and accolades, and it is deserving of them because of its diverse and enjoyable mini-games and level design. However, it is mostly touted as having a great story, but it really doesn’t, at least for those who have not gone through the experience of divorced parents. Even for those who have suffered through that, would you really want to re-experience the trauma?
2. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
The PS5-exclusive game, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, is a must-play for anyone looking to share the fun of gaming with friends and a not-broken family. The cute characters and cool graphics make the experience more enjoyable, while the large worlds and loads of collectible items and power-ups make it a must-play. Not to mention, the music is awesome with lots of cool pop songs and chill beats. Sackboy is truly PlayStation’s mascot although games of this floaty platformer franchise are not that of GTA V.
The game offers co-op play for up to four players in both online and local play. Playing online, the host has access to a simple invite menu, while local play is as easy as pressing X at the start screen. Once you’ve got your stack friends together, you can play the whole campaign from start to finish, with each person claiming their own unique cycling to customize.
3. Destiny 2
Destiny 2 is a first-person shooter game that combines elements of MMO and RPG, hence making it a coop game through and through. The game features a compelling and action-packed story campaign, as well as a variety of cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes.
One of the standout features of Destiny 2 is its gunplay. The game boasts a wide variety of weapons, each with its own unique characteristics and abilities. From the rapid-fire pulse rifle to the powerful shotgun, players can experiment with different playstyles to find the perfect weapon for them. The game’s weapons also have a satisfying weight and impact, making combat feel intense and immersive. The game also features a range of special abilities, such as a powerful melee attack, that can be used in conjunction with weapons to take down enemies.
4. Borderlands 3
Borderlands 3, the latest installment in the mainline numbered Borderland series, is a fast-paced, action-packed game that takes the shooting and looting mechanics to the next level. With its unique cel-shaded art style, wacky humor, and diverse cast of characters.
The gunplay in Borderlands 3 is top-notch but not as great as Destiny’s, with an incredible variety of weapons to choose from. Each weapon has its own distinct characteristics, such as firing patterns, elemental effects, and even special abilities, making every encounter feel fresh and exciting.
While Destiny 2 is also a first-person shooter game, it is set in a sci-fi setting, it focuses more on the MMO aspect of the game and less on the looter shooter aspect, unlike Borderlands 3 which is heavily focused on looter shooter and addictive gameplay loop of getting better gear. Borderlands, as a series, is also way flippant compared to Destiny’s earnest tone.
Borderlands 3 takes co-op to the next level with its seamless drop-in, drop-out multiplayer feature. Players can easily join or leave a game at any time without any interruption to the gameplay. This allows for a more dynamic and enjoyable co-op experience, where players can form new teams and strategies on the fly. The game also supports split-screen co-op, making it possible to play with friends on the same couch. The game also has a matchmaking system for those who prefer to play with strangers.
5. Elden Ring
Elden Ring is the most polished and accessible Dark Souls game out there from From Software or to every single developer out there trying to emulate the G.O.A.T. of this generation. Elden Ring’s co-op allows up to 3 players to join forces online, but with a Dark Souls twist – the possibility of hostile invasions and PvP battles. Despite this, players can still make their co-op experience exclusive by password-protecting their placemarks or choosing to only join allies through the Blue Phantom option.
6. Demon’s Souls
Hey, another Dark Souls-like but is actually the purveyor of the genre, unfortunately, trapped in PlayStation 3 until this remake. Demon’s Souls is a remake that not only updates the game’s visuals and performance but also adds new features such as cinematic and performance modes. The game’s immersion and sense of scale are heightened by the improved visuals and sound effects, making the battles with giant bosses even more breathtaking. Additionally, the picture mode allows players to pause and take screenshots of the game.
In terms of co-op, Demon’s Souls has an interesting twist where players can invade other players’ games as hostile invaders, adding a unique dynamic to the gameplay. The game also allows players to password-protect their co-op sessions and play with friends, or be open to being summoned as an ally.
7. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a spin-off of the infamous Borderlands series and much like its predecessors in the Borderlands series, it is built for multiplayer fun. Players can team up with up to three friends online, with the added bonus of cross-play compatibility, allowing PlayStation 5 gamers to join forces with their PC buddies.
For those looking for a more traditional couch co-op experience, split-screen play is available for up to four players on PlayStation 5. The game’s multiplayer feature is just one of the many reasons why Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is set to be a hit among fans of the genre
8. Diablo 3 Eternal Collection
Diablo 3 is an action role-playing game that has been around for quite some time, but it’s still a blast to play on the PS5. The game’s co-op aspect is one of its biggest draws, allowing players to team up with friends and take on the game’s challenging monsters and bosses together.
The game’s multiplayer allows for up to four players to join together in a shared adventure, either online or through local co-op. This means you and your friends can play together on the same couch, or join together from different locations to take on the game’s many challenges.
The game’s combat system is incredibly satisfying although clearly inferior to Diablo II, with a wide variety of skills and abilities that can be used to take down enemies. The game also features a variety of difficulty levels, so players can choose the level of challenge that best suits their playstyle.
9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
When it comes to playing games, some folks just burn the world together. That’s where Modern Warfare 2’s co-op options come in. You’ve got a few options to choose from: split-screen multiplayer, online multiplayer, and Spec Ops, which can be played locally or online.
Unfortunately, the campaign mode in Modern Warfare 2 doesn’t support co-op play. But if you’re looking to team up with a buddy, you can hit up the Spec Ops mode. This mode allows two players to tackle a variety of missions together, taking on AI-controlled enemies and completing objectives. It’s a solid option if you’re looking to play together, but it’s not the same as a full-fledged co-op campaign.
Interestingly, the last Call of Duty game to feature a co-op campaign was Black Ops 3, which supported up to four players. It’s a shame that we haven’t seen more co-op campaigns in the series since the level design in Modern Warfare 2 would lend itself well to the two-player co-op. But it seems unlikely that we’ll see a co-op campaign added to the game, which is a letdown for those who had loved the previous entries with it.
10. Chicory: A Colorful Tale
If you’re looking for a game that’s all about fun, whimsy, and creativity, then Chicory: A Colorful Tale is a perfect choice. This charming game tells the story of a puppy who is tasked with bringing color back to a black-and-white world. You’ll love splashing paint all around its coloring book world, and it’s packed with things to do and nooks and crannies to explore. But don’t be fooled by its cute exterior – Chicory has a deeper message about warmth, positivity, and self-expression without the hamfisted emotional blackmail that is It Takes Two.
The best part of Chicory: A Colorful Tale is definitely its co-op gameplay. Players have the option to team up and play together, with one person controlling the main character, Pizza, and the other controlling the magic paintbrush. Each player has different abilities and responsibilities, making teamwork essential to solving the game’s puzzles. The player controlling Pizza navigates the world, interacts with non-playable characters, and solves puzzles while the player controlling the paintbrush adds color to the world, using different brushes and colors to complete puzzles and move forward. The co-op aspect of the game adds a fun and unique dynamic to the gameplay and makes it a more enjoyable experience.
11. Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft Dungeons is an action-adventure game that is perfect for co-op play. Up to four players can join forces online or in local multiplayer to embark on a journey through the game’s various levels and battle fierce enemies. Each player can create their own unique character and customize their weapons, armor, and enchantments to suit their playstyle. The game also features randomly generated levels, which means that each playthrough is different, making it a great game to play with friends.
12. Don’t Starve Together: Console Edition
Don’t Starve Together: Console Edition is a multiplayer survival game that allows players to team up and survive in a wilderness full of dangers. Players must gather resources, craft items, and fend off monsters to survive. The game’s co-op mode allows players to work together to survive and overcome challenges, and players can also play in split-screen mode for local co-op.
13. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a cooperative cooking game that tasks players with working together to prepare and serve meals in a busy restaurant kitchen. Players must chop ingredients, cook dishes, and serve customers all while dealing with obstacles such as kitchen fires and kitchen hazards. Players can play in local or online co-op mode and communicate with each other to achieve the tasks. This is a great party game and kid-friendly too.
14. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart is one of the best-looking PS5 games and also a technical landmark for the console. This game features a dynamic duo, Ratchet, and Clank, who must work together to save the universe from destruction.
The game’s co-op mode allows players to play as Ratchet and Clank simultaneously, with one player controlling Ratchet and the other controlling Clank. The game also features a split-screen mode for local co-op play.
15. Deep Rock Galactic
Deep Rock Galactic is a cooperative first-person shooter game that tasks players with mining and exploring a dangerous underground cave system. Players must work together to gather resources, fend off hostile creatures, and complete various missions. The game’s co-op mode allows players to play with up to four players online, and the game also features split-screen play for local co-op.
