Top 10 Best Co-Op Games You Should Play In 2024
While many online games offer an excellent single-player experience, the best co-op games provide a level of enjoyment that is hard to match. Teaming up with friends to play these thrilling games creates memorable moments that simply cannot be replicated when playing alone.
The replayability of co-op games is vast; each playthrough can be completely different based on who you are playing with or which game you are playing. Co-op games often showcase the online gaming industry at its best, and in 2024, there are countless options to explore.
What Are Co-Op Games?
Co-op gaming is also known as cooperative gaming or "coop gaming.” This type of gaming involves teaming up with other players, often friends, to play video games together rather than playing alone or in competitive modes. In a co-op game, players join forces against AI opponents, working as a team to achieve objectives and advance through the game.
The main difference between cooperative and single-player gaming is the strategic coordination between players. This can involve selecting complementary character classes and abilities or synchronizing attacks for maximum effect. Unlike competitive multiplayer modes like player versus player (PvP), where players compete against each other, co-op gaming is all about collaboration and shared goals.
The Most Popular Co-Op Games of 2024
When we discuss playing games online, many people get confused with the different types of online gaming. You can play online casino games, co-op PC games, and many other games online. Although those are the two most popular types of gaming that have taken the online gaming industry to the next level, co-op games are used and played more by today's younger generations.
There are so many co-op games constantly being released and updated, and we have found the top 10 co-op games for 2024.
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Helldrivers 2 — Released in 2024 by Arrowhead Game Studios
Helldivers 2 combines great shooting mechanics, special abilities like nukes, and a bit of dark humour. You play as teams of soldiers clearing enemies from planets around Earth, which are caught in a war against giant bugs and advanced robots. The game features always-on friendly fire, leading to hilarious and heated moments. Players enjoy the mix of straightforward gameplay and role-playing elements.
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Lethal Company — Released in 2023 by Zeekers
This horror-themed PVE game has you and your team playing as contractors for the Company, collecting scrap from haunted moons that were once industrial centers. Gathering enough scrap earns you money to explore new moons with greater rewards but higher risks. The game combines the challenge of learning about different creatures and strategies with a clear objective: gather salvage. With numerous ways to die, you'll quickly learn and adapt.
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Monster Hunter Rise — Released in 2022 by Capcorn
Monster Hunter is essentially a vast playground where you and your friends hunt giant creatures. The main thrill comes from teaming up to take down massive titans, but Monster Hunter Rise offers a unique sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Before each hunt, you gather in a tavern, share a hearty meal, ensure everyone is well-equipped, and then venture into the ominous woods where fearsome monsters await. These pre-hunt rituals enhance the cooperative experience, making it truly special.
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Escape Academy — Released in 2022 by Coin Crew Games
Escape Academy offers the excitement of real-life escape rooms without the high cost. Developed by creators of actual escape rooms, it provides a great co-op experience, whether online or with one person playing and the other assisting. Set in a school, each level is a timed challenge filled with secret codes, cryptic clues, and frantic activities. The game strikes a perfect balance between fun and tension, with players excitedly sharing discoveries.
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V Rising — Released in 2022 by Stunlock Studios
This open-world survival game lets you and your vampire squad wreak havoc on nearby towns, build a grand castle, and explore a gothic landscape. Crafting and combat are straightforward, making it an accessible survival game. The best part is quickly gaining vampiric powers through a boss-focused progression. You can choose between PVP and PVE or create your own world and invite friends to join.
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Valheim — Released in 2022 by Iron Gate
Valheim's Steam page describes it as "brutal," but it's one of the most relaxing co-op games available. You can enjoy peaceful Viking settlement building and boar hunting in the sandbox's first area or seek intense Viking action by battling skeletons, grey dwarfs, trolls, and Norse-themed bosses.
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Deep Rock Galactic — Released in 202 by Ghost Ship Games
Navigating an asteroid's twisting tunnels and caverns to mine materials is complicated by the need to escape within five minutes once their pockets are full. The dwarves must retrace their steps, often turning descents into climbs. If their initial constructions were two-way, escape would be easier; if not, or if platforms were destroyed, they'd need to build a new route. The adrenaline rush of escaping together, especially while communicating with friends, adds to the thrill.
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Borderlands 3 — Released in 2019 by Gearbox Software
Borderlands 3 takes everything great about Borderlands 2 and amplifies it. Expect more gun varieties, character abilities, locations, and vehicles — including rifles that sprout legs and fight alongside you. Character skills are highly customizable, making each co-op session a unique showcase of different builds. The game is also more co-op friendly than its predecessor, with instanced loot drops and difficulty scaling to accommodate both newbies and veterans.
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Overcooked — Released in 2016 by Ghost Town Games Limited Developers
Overcooked is a chaotic and fun cooking game in which up to four players work together in a kitchen to prepare food orders. The kitchen constantly changes, with narrow spaces causing players to bump into each other. Levels shift dynamically — benches on a ship slide with the waves, and cooking in two trucks means parts of the kitchen can suddenly become inaccessible.
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Minecraft — Released in 2011 by Mojang Developers
When Minecraft's alpha was released in 2011, no one predicted its immense popularity. Today, Minecraft attracts players of all ages due to its open-world appeal and social aspects. Whether you're building a fantasy land with your child or collaborating with adults on complex projects, Minecraft offers something for everyone and encourages playing with friends.
Why You Should Play Co-Op Games
There are many great reasons to play coop games instead of single-player or competitive multiplier games; here are a few of them:
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It is more enjoyable to play these games online with friends.
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You can strategize and use teamwork to win.
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It’s a social bonding experience; playing together builds relationships.
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Playing creates amazing gaming memories.
Get the Most out of Co-Op Gaming
Co-op gaming can be fun, but it relies on effective teamwork strategies. Players should communicate their objectives, plans, and locations so everyone is on the same page. Also, make use of each player's strengths so everyone can benefit and learn from each other.
Keep an eye on what co-op games are to come — the remainder of 2024 promises a stacked lineup of fantastic new titles across every genre.