Local multiplayer games are video games that are designed to be played by multiple people in the same physical location. These games can be played on a single device, such as a console or a computer, or on multiple devices connected to a local network.
They often involve players competing or cooperating with each other in real time, and can include a wide variety of game types, such as sports games, fighting games, racing games, and party games.
These games are often popular for their social aspect and for the fun of playing with friends or family in the same room.
Looking for some local mutiplayer action? Read on as we pick our top choices of this genre for the PlayStation 5.
1. Cuphead
Cuphead is infamous for its controller-breaking challenging, yet rewarding, gameplay. It is a platformer with aesthetics reminiscent of the animation and design of 1930s cartoons, particularly the work of Fleischer Studios, who produced the “Betty Boop” and “Popeye” cartoons. It is number one on this list because misery loves company.
The game’s unique hand-drawn animation style and jazz soundtrack add to its charm. The game’s local multiplayer aspect is where it truly shines, as players can team up with a friend and take on the game’s challenging bosses together.
The game’s co-op mode is well executed and adds a layer of fun to the already enjoyable gameplay. Overall, Cuphead is a must-play for anyone looking for a challenging and satisfying platformer game with a great local multiplayer feature.
2. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is a must-have edition for all fans of this krazy, kruel, and kallous fighting game franchise as it is, as of this writing, for a long while now, the only fighting game from NetherRealm since 2019. Ed Boon still teases a lot of things instead of the actual game announcements, whether it be Mortal Kombat 12 or Injustice 3, or any other fighting game.
This is an up-port of the PlayStation 4 game with lots of improvement, the 4K dynamic resolution, improved graphics, and reduced loading times, and includes all characters, the Aftermath scenario for the Story mode, and all DLCs released so far on old-gen.
As a local multiplayer game, you have to fight to the death with your friends, or family members and hopefully, the unfiltered violence stays in-game.
3. NBA 2K23
Whether you’re playing with friends on the same couch or challenging your family members to a friendly one-on-one game, the local multiplayer mode in NBA 2K23 offers a thrilling and engaging experience that will keep players of all skill levels entertained.
One of the key features of the local multiplayer mode in NBA 2K23 is the ability to customize your own team, allowing you to select your favorite players and create the ultimate roster to take on opponents. Players can also choose from a variety of game modes, including standard five-on-five matches, three-on-three games, and even one-on-one battles.
Another great aspect of the local multiplayer mode in NBA 2K23 is the variety of different courts available. Players can choose from classic arenas like Crypto.com Arena and FTX Arena (now Miami-Dade Arena), as well as street courts and other unique locations. This adds an extra layer of realism and excitement to the experience and allows players to feel like they’re really on the court.
4. FIFA 23
EA Sports FIFA series may have come to an end, but FIFA 23 is still a must-have for football fans naming changes aside for future titles. With gameplay tweaks, new teams, and exciting new features, this latest installment is the perfect way to end the series. One of the biggest changes this year is the inclusion of fully realized versions of the women’s game, with teams from the WSL league now available to play. Up to four (4) players can play in local multiplayer in this game.
5. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a 3D platformer game developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. The game features the iconic Sackboy character as the main protagonist, and players must guide him through a variety of different levels, using his abilities to jump, grab, and swing to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The game has a strong emphasis on creativity, with players able to customize their own Sackboy character and levels using the in-game tools. The game also features a variety of different game modes, including a story mode, a challenge mode, and a level creator.
One of the key features of the game is it’s local multiplayer, allowing players to play together in the same room, taking on the challenges and obstacles of the game together. The local multiplayer mode allows players to work together to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and collect items, making it a fun and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. The local multiplayer mode also includes a split-screen, which allows players to play side-by-side on the same screen, making it easier to communicate and work together.
6. It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a must-have for fans of co-op games, directed by the mastermind behind the successful Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out. The game follows the story of a couple, May and Cody, who are transformed into dolls and must navigate a fantastical world filled with a variety of challenges and mini-games. The game seamlessly blends genres, including elements of romantic comedy.
One of the standout features of It Takes Two is its diverse and enjoyable mini-games and level design, which keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. It also deals with the theme of marriage and the problems that couples face, adding an extra layer of depth to the story.
As for the local multiplayer aspect, the game is designed for two players only, and it’s meant to be played together with a partner, it’s a great way to bond, and it’s a unique experience that’s hard to find in other games. With the split-screen feature, players can enjoy the game together and work as a team to solve puzzles and overcome challenges. It’s a great experience for couples (as it may repair the near-divorce marital status, or it may give one or both of them the idea), friends, or family members looking for a fun and engaging co-op game to play together.
7. Diablo 3 Eternal Collection
One of the most notable changes in the PS5 version of the game (well, the console versions to be precise) is the introduction of local multiplayer. This allows players to team up and take on the game’s challenging enemies together, either in split-screen mode or through online play. This feature is a great addition to the game, as it allows players to experience the game’s fast-paced combat and loot-gathering in a whole new way.
In addition to local multiplayer, the PS5 version of the game also includes a number of other enhancements, such as improved graphics and faster loading times. The game also supports 4K resolution and HDR, which makes the game’s environments and characters look more detailed and vibrant than ever before.
8. Haven
Haven is a game that is built around the concept of co-op play. Players take on the role of two characters, Yu and Kay, who have fled their home planet and landed on a distant and abandoned planet called Source. The game follows their journey as they explore the planet, fix their ship, and rebuild their lives together.
One of the most unique aspects of Haven is that the game is designed to be played in local co-op mode. This means that players will need to work together in order to progress through the game, as they control both characters at once and must navigate the game’s various challenges and obstacles together.
The gameplay in Haven is centered around exploring the world of Source, and players will have to work together to find resources, clean up red rust, and complete various tasks and mini-games. The game also includes light combat, in which players will need to stun and purify infected animals in order to progress. It is weird if the game tries to be a pacifist kid-friendly game when there are significant instances of risqué dialogue.
9. Overcooked All You Can Eat
We have Gordon Ramsays over here!
Overcooked is a cooking simulation game that is best played with friends in local co-op mode. The game tasks players with working together to cook and serve dishes to hungry customers in a variety of wacky kitchens. Each level presents new challenges and obstacles that players must navigate, such as kitchen fires, moving platforms, and even haunted kitchens.
The game’s co-op mode can be played with up to four players, and each player is assigned a different role in the kitchen such as chopping ingredients, cooking dishes, and washing dishes. This allows players to work together and divide tasks efficiently, making the gameplay experience more seamless and enjoyable.
10. The Ascent
The Ascent is a cyberpunk game with a map of a dense futuristic city. It’s a local couch co-op game with up to four players. The gameplay is great, with a detailed loot system, cool weapon variations, and a wealth of amazing enemies to fight. The graphics are impressive, with ray tracing and reflections. The game is comparable to Helldivers and Destiny. The couch co-op mode is convenient and enjoyable.
For those who want to play with friends, The Ascent offers two options for local and online co-op. The Couch Co-op mode allows players to play together in the same physical location, while the Online Co-op mode allows players to play with friends or strangers over the internet. It’s worth noting that the two modes cannot be mixed, so players must choose one or the other.
11. Children of Morta
In Children of Morta, players take on the role of members of the Bergsons, a family of warriors who are tasked with defending their home and the surrounding lands from an ancient evil. The game features a unique blend of action RPG and rogue-like elements and offers both a single-player campaign and local co-op mode.
The local co-op mode in Children of Morta allows players to team up with a friend and take on the game’s challenging dungeons and bosses together. The game’s tight controls and fast-paced combat make it a great option for players looking for a fun and challenging co-op experience. The game also features a wide variety of characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, which adds even more replayability.
12. Dirt 5
Dirt 5 is a high-octane racing game that is sure to get your heart pumping. One of the best things about the game is its local co-op mode. You and a friend can team up and race against each other in split-screen mode. This makes for a fun and competitive experience, as you both try to beat each other’s times and come out on top.
The game also features a wide variety of tracks and cars to choose from, so there’s always something new to discover. The graphics are also top-notch, making for a truly immersive experience. Overall, if you’re looking for a thrilling racing game with a local co-op, Dirt 5 is definitely worth checking out.
13. MLB The Show 22
In addition to the immersive single-player experience, MLB The Show 22 also offers a fun and engaging local co-op mode. Players can team up with a friend and take on the role of different players on the same team, working together to strategize and execute plays. Whether it’s taking turns at bat or working together to make a game-winning catch, the local co-op mode adds an extra layer of excitement and camaraderie to the already thrilling gameplay. Overall, MLB The Show 22 is a must-have for baseball fans, and the local co-op mode only enhances the already enjoyable experience.
14. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
Puyo Puyo Tetris for PS5 is a must-have for fans of both the Puyo Puyo and Tetris franchises. The game offers an exciting local co-op mode that allows you to team up with a friend and take on opponents in a variety of challenges. The game features both classic and new game modes, including the popular Swap mode where players switch between Puyo Puyo and Tetris boards mid-match.
15. Human: Fall Flat
Human: Fall Flat is a physics-based puzzle platformer game that can be played in both single-player and local co-op modes. In local co-op mode, players can team up with a friend to control two characters, Bob and Bob, simultaneously to complete the game’s levels and puzzles. The game’s unique physics-based mechanics and wacky characters make for a fun and entertaining experience for players of all ages. The game’s levels are designed to be challenging, yet satisfying to complete and the game’s local co-op mode adds an extra layer of fun as players work together to navigate through the levels and solve puzzles.
