Top 10 online co-op video games for modern consoles and PC – Reader’s Feature

A reader who is unable to meet friends and families for local co-op recommends the 10 best co-operative games for playing with them online.

Whilst I enjoy a good single-player game as much as anyone, there is still nothing quite like sharing that experience with a family member or friend.

Due to geographical reasons I’m pretty much limited to online co-op these days, but there are still plenty of great options available to choose from.

So, for those of you in the same boat as me, here are my top 10 recommendations for online co-op games that you can still play right now on modern consoles and/or PC.

10th – BattleBlock Theater

A 2D platformer featuring great level design and puzzles, specifically designed to encourage co-operation, BattleBlock Theater is also one of very few games that consistently made me laugh thanks to both its comical gameplay and funny cut scenes. This can often be found in Steam sales for the bargain price of about £3.

9th – Halo 3

The majority of the Halo campaigns are pretty good, whether played alone or with friends, but I think the popular opinion amongst fans is that Halo 3 is still the best the series has to offer. The campaign hardly seems to stop for breath throughout its 8 to 10 hour runtime, and from the fight through the Covenant armada to mad warthog escape of the final mission it’s full of memorable moments that are even better when played co-op.

Tied 8th – It Takes Two & Split Fiction

Games designed from the ground up as true co-op experiences are still far more uncommon than you’d expect, but developer Hazelight Studios seems to be carving out a nice niche for themselves thanks to games like It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Both games constantly introduce new ideas and gameplay styles throughout their runtime, but importantly never lose sight of the fact that they are designed to be played together. I’ll certainly be checking out whatever they come up with next!

7th – Portal 2

I’ve enjoyed very few entries in the puzzle genre over the years, but the two Portal games are amongst the rare exceptions. Of course, most people realise they’re excellent single-player titles, but I’m constantly surprised at how many people don’t know Portal 2 features a separate story designed to be played co-op. Considering just how well designed and rife for comedy the co-op missions are that’s a real shame and I urge anyone to give it a try if they have the chance to.

6th – Borderlands 2

I must admit, I never really got on with the original Borderlands, but this vastly superior sequel provided dozens of hours of entertaining online gaming. The more versatile skill trees and better mission design are welcome improvements, but it’s the genuinely funny script that focuses on the brilliant character of Handsome Jack that really sets this game apart from all the other entries in the series.

5th – Divinity: Original Sin 2

Until another game that features later on this list was released, Divinity: Original Sin 2 was possibly my favourite role-playing game and certainly my favourite that features online co-op. The story, characters, combat, and level of freedom are all top notch and sharing it all with up to three friends makes it even more fun.

4th – Returnal

Arguably the best PlayStation 5 exclusive, Returnal is a third person rouguelike shooter with incredible shooting mechanics and some of the most satisfying traversal you’ll find anywhere. The game is, however, incredibly tough, and thus the best way to play it is to team up with an online co-op partner to swing the odds at least a little more in your favour!

3rd – Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is arguably the best role-playing game ever made, with a myriad of complex systems and an almost unfathomable level of freedom that allows players to shape the world in whatever way they choose. When you add the unpredictability of other players making their own choices on top, it’s simply an incredible experience.

2nd – Left 4 Dead & Left 4 Dead 2

There are plenty of shooters that allow online co-op but the two Left 4 Dead games remain the pinnacle of the genre, and there are two aspects that really set these games apart. The first is the excellent enemy design, that forces players to stick together and co-operate, whilst the second is the final chapter of each mission that tasks players with surviving for a set amount of time before trying to escape to safety. The mad dash at the end, as it suddenly becomes every man for themselves, has provided countless moments of comedy over the years and kept us coming back time and time again.

1st – Dark Souls

I’ve listed the original Dark Souls as it’s my personal favourite, but this really represents the entire Dark Souls series, as well as Bloodborne and Elden Ring.

The FromSoftware games are all great single-[layer games that are only enhanced by the clever implementation of online co-op, that allows you to summon assistance whenever you’re struggling to defeat a tough enemy or traverse a difficult section of the game. When you and a buddy finally take down that boss after the tenth attempt it’s an exhilarating experience.

Honourable mentions: Gears Of War series, A Way Out, Salt And Sanctuary, and BroForce.

By reader drlowdon

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

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