Best co-op games on PC in 2023

The epitome of co-op games, It Takes Two takes the top spot on our list as one of the most exciting, bold and innovative cooperative game titles of the past decade.

Explore and revive the dying love of protagonists Josef and Soni, in this genre-twisting, mind-melting platforming extravaganza of puzzles and mini-games, each more captivating and side-splitting than the last.

It Takes Two is a fun, yet touching epic adventure that is perfect to play with your partner - there's simply nothing like it.

Baldur's Gate 3 may feature turn-based combat (using the popular Dungeons & Dragons ruleset) but somehow Larian Studios has enabled this killer RPG title to work as a four-player co-op game. Although, in wider interactions, only one player can act on behalf of the whole party, everyone can still (amazingly) explore the world as they wish.
Character progression, abilities, and the overall gameplay experience are kept intact, and even all of the character customisations. Co-op players do need to progress together at major story points though.

Featuring some of the most detailed character models we've seen, Baldur's Gate 3 takes place in a richly detailed world with plenty of lore to sink your teeth into - and now you can share that with up to 4 people at once. An amazing RPG experience.

This sensational run n' gun romp, brought to you by indie studio MDHR, has been making waves for the past few years on account of its gorgeous visuals, swingin' music and heart-racingly difficult combat, and it's still as enticingly prevalent as ever.

Ploughing through side-scrolling carnivals, conquering a mash of monsters, demons, robots and more - there's so much excitement to be had with this revolutionary run n' gun.

Whether it's the pumping jazz orchestra that'll keep you returning time and time again or just the sheer amount of love and dedication to the dying craft of hand-drawn animation - Cuphead is a timeless platformer that has to be experienced alongside a trusted and battle-hardened gamer with limitless resolve - for experienced gamers, this is one excellent PC game, just for you.

Grief, loss and the acceptance of death, Spiritfarer's alluringly colourful cast of characters and lighthearted art style may fool you initially, but what lies underneath is a truly tragic and poignant tale about coping with loss.

Charon, the spiritfarer of the underworld retires from his macabre position, handing the reigns over to you, Stella (as well as your adorable feline companion, Daffodil). As the spiritfarer, you must collect spirits preparing to pass to the afterlife, accommodating to their needs while unravelling their often complex stories.

Spiritfarer may mechanically be a base management sandbox with platforming elements, but at its core - it's truly about people, our relationship with death and how we, the players process loss in its many forms.

In its exploration of its truly wonderful characters, Spiritfarer is one of the most ingeniously moving gaming experiences we've ever experienced, make no mistake - you will cry.

Gracing our monitor screens for over a decade now, Minecraft is a staple of cooperative gaming - the perfect blend of relaxing, imaginative and enthralling - there's just so much versatility when it comes to the gameplay of Minecraft, you're truly never short of places to explore, and tasks to do.

Minecraft, while initially baffling due to its total lack of any sort of guide, quickly becomes beautifully intuitive and relentlessly moreish. Minecraft centres around crafting, management and that genre-defining, dopamine-supplying upgrade loop - from wood to stone, iron to diamond, players steadily grow stronger and more capable of taking on an endless world full of intrigue.

Minecraft might just be the perfect co-op game, regardless of if you're building an idyllic life in a peaceful cabin together, or you're racing against each other in a battle for resources - there's practically limitless fun to be had, and it still manages to retain its addictiveness all these years later.

Even with a budget PC, your setup is likely more than capable of handling Minecraft's blocky art style, making it a great game for practically anyone to pick up.

Easily one of the most moving co-op games ever made, Stardew Valley is a work of art from beginning to end - with no end to the amount of tug-on-your-heartstrings moments throughout the entirety of the game.

Simple on its surface, yet engaging from the start, you begin as an office cubicle dweller who inherits their grandfather's farm. Worn down, dilapidated and overgrown - players quickly get to work cleaning up and returning the family farm to its former glory, and what a journey it is.

Despite Stardew Valley's primary draw being farming (alongside some ingeniously addictive mining and fishing mini-games) - the true draw of Stardew Valley lies in its characters, who rarely fail to break your heart.

Romance, drama and tragedy - Stardew Valley's straightforward-looking surface quickly melts away, revealing a network of complex character relationships to become utterly tangled in.

Potentially Valve's finest masterpiece, Portal 2 is a mind-meltingly good FPS puzzle game that's more than stood the test of time, retaining its favour amongst seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. Even if you've never played Portal 2, you're likely to recognise its iconic Portal Gun and portal-centric mechanic anywhere.

Utilising a truly brilliant portal mechanic that has players flipping, falling infinitely and harassing sentient guard turrets, Portal 2 looks and truly feels effortlessly fantastic, even to this day. What's more, its cooperative mode is nothing short of excellent - humour, wit, and teeth-gritting challenges that require you to truly work as a team, don't hesitate to pick up Portal 2, should you crave a real challenge and plenty of lighthearted fun.