We'll be honest, a lot of the co-op games we cover are on consoles. The truth is that there's also plenty of really good co-op games out on the PC. Some of the all time classics like Doom, Duke Nukem 3D, and Diablo are all PC franchises. As digital distribution gets more and more popular, it's becomes easier to find, purchase and play these games. One of the most popular and well received of these platforms is Valve's Steam. Today, we bring you the list of some of the best co-op games available on the Steam.
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter:
Co-Optimus Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter Page
Tactical shooters are a natural fit for co-op gameplay, and the first in the Ghost Recon series excels at it. Supporting 4 players dropped into war torn Mexico, you'll need to work together to stop a political uprising. There are plenty of weapons and futuristic style equipment at your disposal, and the unique in-game HUD was a first allowing you to see what your co-op partners see in real time. This adds a unique layer of strategy.
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2:
Co-Optimus ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 Page
Like the game above, this tactical shooter is a natural for cooperative gameplay. The story continues through war torn Mexico, and along with the 4 player cooperative mode there is a quick mission mode which allows up to 12 people to face off against enemy AI.
Titan Quest:
Co-Optimus Titan Quest Page
Titan Quest, simply put, is the best Diablo 2 clone that money will buy you. If hack and slash RPGs are your thing and you haven't played this yet, you're doing yourself a disservice. As with all games of this nature, TQ is best played co-operatively. Two to seven players can connect to the same game via the Gamespy-enabled interface (the only other option is LAN-play) and roam ancient Greece/Egypt/Asia, slaughtering mythological beasts and sorting through copius amounts of loot in order to save Mt. Olympus. Loot drops are shared with other players, so be sure to remember what your mother taught you and share. If you pick this up, we recommend the Gold version which comes with the Immortal Throne expansion pack. In addition to a new, lengthy campaign chapter, a simple crafting system and a new mastery class, it includes some much-needed improvements to the UI.
id Software Super Pack
My god what $69.99 will get you. Doom, Doom II, Doom III, Quake, Quake 2, Hexen, Hexen 2, and Heretic. Not to mention all the great single player titles. But if you want the bang for your buck in action FPS games that support co-op play look no further than id Software's offerings. Most games support 4 player co-op, though the classic titles you'll have a hard time getting them to work over the internet. They all still hold up well for LAN parties...don't forget the NULL Modem cable.
Full Spectrum Warrior:
Co-Optimus Full Spectrum Warrior Page
In a game that was originally designed for the US Army, players control fire teams and follow real rules of combat as they fight their way through a middle eastern war. FSW supports a two player co-op mode where each player controls their individual fire team. The game plays a bit like an RTS, but from a close up 3rd person perspective.
Space Siege
Co-Optimus Space Siege Page
Space Siege is an action RPG that's similar to the Dungeon Siege game by the same developer. The difference is Space Siege is a little bit lighter on the RPG aspects, and a little heavier on the action. That's not to say it's a bad thing, I'm just setting expectations. Up to 4 players can play through a co-op specific campaign online or via LAN in this recent title.
Conflict Denied Ops
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This two player co-op title from Eidos offers a game designed from the ground up for the co-op experience. It's not the best shooter out there, but it does some neat things and you'll enjoy a play through with a buddy. This would be one to watch for on special from Steam.
Overlord
Co-Optimus Overlord Page
Overlord was a unique title released last year to fairly solid reviews. The game places you in control of the Overlord who can then command numerous minions with special abilities to solve puzzles and acquire treasure. Team up with a fellow Overlord for even more zany antics in a co-op specific mode.
Loki
Co-Optimus Loki Page
Loki is another action RPG that allows up to 6 players in co-op. Co-Op is available through the single player campaign, though to play online you'll need to use a special client.
Sacred Gold