Skip to content
Advertisement

Best Co-op Games on PS5 and Xbox for Couples and Friends

SumitSumit···21 min read
PlayStation and Xbox logos above the words Best Co-op Games

Most "best co-op games" lists skip the one thing you actually need to know: can you play it on the same couch, or does your friend need their own console, their own copy, and the same platform as you?

This list answers that for every game. It covers PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only, and it is split three ways: games built for two (great for couples), couch games for a room full of people, and online games for a friend group spread across different homes.

Quick comparison: couch, online, and crossplay

Search the table for a game, or scan the columns for what matters to you. "One copy" means a second player can join without buying the game.

GamePlayersCouch co-opOnline co-opPS5 and Xbox crossplayOne copy for twoPS5 priceXbox price
Split Fiction2YesYesYesYes (Friend's Pass)$49.99$49.99
It Takes Two2YesYesNoYes (same console family)$39.99$39.99
LEGO Voyagers2YesYesYesYes (Friend's Pass)$14.99$24.99
Reanimal2YesYesYesYes (check your platform)$39.99$39.99
Unravel Two2YesNoNoCouch only$19.99$19.99
Stardew ValleyUp to 4 local, 8 onlineYes (4)YesNoCouch only$14.99$14.99
Baldur's Gate 3Up to 4Yes (2)YesYesCouch only$48.99$69.99
Overcooked! All You Can EatUp to 4Yes (4)YesYesCouch only$39.99$11.99
Moving Out 2Up to 4Yes (4)YesYesCouch only$29.99$7.49
MinecraftUp to 4 local, more onlineYes (4)YesYesCouch only$19.99$19.99
Rocket LeagueUp to 4 local, 8 onlineYes (4)YesYesFree to playFreeFree
Borderlands 4Up to 4Yes (2)YesYesCouch only$69.99$69.99
Diablo IVUp to 4Yes (2)YesYesCouch only$29.99$49.99
Helldivers 2Up to 4NoYesYesNo$39.99$39.99
Deep Rock GalacticUp to 4NoYesNoNo$29.99$29.99
Sea of ThievesUp to 4NoYesYesNo$39.99$13.99
Monster Hunter WildsUp to 4NoYesYesNo$39.99$39.99
Elden Ring NightreignUp to 3NoYesNoNo$39.99$39.99
Grounded 2Up to 4NoYesYesNo$29.99$29.99
ValheimUp to 10NoYesYesNo$29.99$29.99
PhasmophobiaUp to 4NoYesYesNo$19.99$19.99

Prices are the current US store prices on the PlayStation Store and Xbox Store, checked September 25, 2026, and include any public sale running that day (subscriber-only discounts are left out). Sales change weekly, so check the store before you buy.

"Couch only" in the one-copy column means one copy covers everyone on the same console, but online play needs a second copy.

Best co-op games for couples (two players)

These are built around two people working together. Most have a story, a clear ending, and puzzles that only work when both of you pull your weight.

1. Split Fiction

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

2 players, couch + online

Split Fiction split-screen co-op showing both players in different worlds

Image: Hazelight Studios / EA

From the studio behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction follows two writers trapped inside their own stories, one science fiction and one fantasy. Every level throws a new idea at you, so it never settles into a routine.

It is the easiest co-op game on this list to share. It runs split-screen on one console, and online the Friend's Pass lets your partner play the whole game free, even across PS5, Xbox, and PC.

Video: Electronic Arts
Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
One of you hates platformers
Price
PS5 $49.99, Xbox $49.99

2. It Takes Two

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

2 players, couch + online

It Takes Two split-screen with both players fighting a boss

Image: Hazelight Studios / EA

A couple on the edge of divorce gets shrunk into dolls and has to fix things together. It sounds heavy, but it is mostly a joyful, funny platformer where every chapter plays like a different game.

If you play online, the Friend's Pass lets your partner join free, but only within the same console family (PlayStation with PlayStation, Xbox with Xbox). There is no crossplay between PS5 and Xbox.

Video: Electronic Arts
Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Skip if
You want crossplay between PS5 and Xbox
Price
PS5 $39.99, Xbox $39.99

3. LEGO Voyagers

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

2 players, couch + online

LEGO Voyagers two bricks crossing a floating LEGO island

Image: Light Brick Studio / Annapurna Interactive

A short, gentle puzzle adventure about two LEGO bricks building their way through the world. It is cheap, calm, and easy to pick up, which makes it the best pick if your partner does not usually play games.

It supports couch and online co-op, crossplay, and the Friend's Pass, so only one of you needs to buy it.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
You want a long game
Price
PS5 $14.99 (sale, usually $24.99), Xbox $24.99

4. Reanimal

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

2 players, horror

Reanimal two siblings in a dark sewer tunnel

Image: Tarsier Studios / THQ Nordic

A dark co-op horror adventure from the team behind Little Nightmares. Two siblings explore a nightmare island on a shared screen, and the tension works best when you are sitting next to each other in a dark room.

It supports couch and online co-op with crossplay. A Friend's Pass is available, but check its status on your platform before you buy.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
Horror is not your thing
Price
PS5 $39.99, Xbox $39.99

5. Unravel Two

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

2 players, couch only

Unravel Two two yarn creatures in a village at dusk

Image: Coldwood Interactive / EA

Two little yarn creatures tied together by a single thread. You swing, climb, and pull each other through gorgeous outdoor levels. It is short, sweet, and relaxing.

Unravel Two is couch co-op only. There is no online play, so it only works if you are in the same room.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S (via PS4 and Xbox One versions), PC
Skip if
You live in different homes
Price
PS5 $19.99, Xbox $19.99

6. Stardew Valley

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4 local, 8 online

Stardew Valley farm with crops and buildings

Image: ConcernedApe

Run a farm together, one season at a time. Stardew is the co-op game couples keep coming back to for months, because there is no pressure and always one more thing to do.

It runs split-screen for up to four people on console. Online works too, but PS5 and Xbox players cannot play together.

Video: ConcernedApe
Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, mobile
Skip if
You want action
Price
PS5 $14.99, Xbox $14.99

7. Baldur's Gate 3

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, RPG

Baldur's Gate 3 party of four on a cliff

Image: Larian Studios

A huge fantasy role-playing game where every choice matters. Playing it with a partner turns every conversation into a debate about who you save, who you trust, and who you romance.

It runs two-player split-screen on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, and on Series S since the game's final major patch. Online, up to four players can join, with crossplay across PS5, Xbox, and PC.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac
Skip if
You want something quick
Price
PS5 $48.99 (sale, usually $69.99), Xbox $69.99

Best couch co-op games for a group

Two to four people, one screen, and plenty of shouting. Every game here runs on a single console, so you only need one copy and a few controllers.

8. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, couch + online

Overcooked kitchen level built around a swimming pool

Image: Team17 / Ghost Town Games

Run a restaurant kitchen while it catches fire, splits in half, or drifts down a river. Overcooked is simple to learn and quickly turns into a test of how well your group talks to each other.

All You Can Eat bundles both Overcooked games and their add-ons. It supports up to four players locally or online, with crossplay.

Video: Team17
Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch
Skip if
Your group gets angry easily
Price
PS5 $39.99, Xbox $11.99 (sale, usually $39.99)

9. Moving Out 2

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, couch + online

Moving Out 2 top-down level with movers carrying furniture

Image: SMG Studio / Team17

You are movers, and the goal is to get furniture into the truck by any means necessary, including through the window. The floppy physics make it hard to lose your temper.

Up to four players locally or online, with crossplay.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch
Skip if
You already burned out on Overcooked
Price
PS5 $29.99, Xbox $7.49 (sale, usually $29.99)

10. Minecraft

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S

Up to 4 split-screen

Minecraft world with cherry blossom trees and mountains

Image: Mojang / Microsoft

Still the game that works for every group, from kids to couples to old friends. Build a base, explore caves, or just survive the first night together.

Minecraft runs split-screen for up to four players on console, and crossplay works between PS5, Xbox, PC, and mobile. Looking for a good starting world? Try our lists of the best Bedrock seeds and the best Java Edition seeds.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, mobile, Switch
Skip if
Nobody in the group likes open-ended games
Price
PS5 $19.99, Xbox $19.99

11. Rocket League

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S

Free, up to 4 split-screen

Rocket League car driving across the pitch

Image: Psyonix

Soccer, but with rocket-powered cars. A match lasts five minutes, it is free to play, and four people can play split-screen on one console. It is the cheapest good night in on this list.

Crossplay works across all platforms.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Switch
Skip if
You want a story
Price
Free to play

12. Borderlands 4

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, 2 split-screen

Borderlands 4 two players fighting side by side

Image: Gearbox / 2K

The looter shooter series that never dropped couch co-op. Two players can share the screen, and up to four can play online with crossplay. Shooting things and fighting over the best guns never gets old.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
You dislike loot grinding
Price
PS5 $69.99, Xbox $69.99

13. Diablo IV

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, 2 split-screen

Diablo IV heroes fighting a giant demon in the snow

Image: Blizzard Entertainment

Hack through demons, collect loot, repeat. Diablo IV supports two-player couch co-op on one copy, and up to four players online with crossplay. On Xbox, it is also included with Game Pass.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
Dark fantasy grinding is not your thing
Price
PS5 $29.99 (sale, usually $49.99), Xbox $49.99

Best online co-op games to play with friends

For a group of friends playing from different homes. None of these support couch co-op, so everyone needs their own console and copy.

14. Helldivers 2

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, online

Helldivers 2 soldier aiming a rifle on an alien planet

Image: Arrowhead / PlayStation

A squad of four space soldiers fighting bugs and robots for a very silly version of democracy. Friendly fire is always on, which is where most of the fun comes from.

It launched on Xbox in 2025 and has full crossplay with PS5 and PC. There is no couch co-op.

Video: PlayStation
Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
You want to play on one screen
Price
PS5 $39.99, Xbox $39.99

15. Deep Rock Galactic

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, online

Deep Rock Galactic dwarves fighting bugs in a cave

Image: Ghost Ship Games

Four space dwarves mining through alien caves. Every class has a clear job, so it rewards teamwork without feeling like homework. Rock and stone.

Crossplay works between Xbox and PC only. PS5 players can only play with other PS5 players.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Skip if
Your group mixes PlayStation and Xbox
Price
PS5 $29.99, Xbox $29.99

16. Sea of Thieves

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, online

Sea of Thieves pirate ships sailing together

Image: Rare / Xbox Game Studios

Crew a pirate ship, hunt treasure, and get sunk by strangers. The best moments are the ones nobody planned. It is on Game Pass for Xbox players and has crossplay with PS5.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
Your group wants clear goals
Price
PS5 $39.99, Xbox $13.99 (sale, usually $39.99)

17. Monster Hunter Wilds

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, online

Monster Hunter Wilds hunter fighting a large beast

Image: Capcom

Team up to track and take down giant monsters, then carve them up for better gear. Each hunt is a boss fight, and it gets much easier (and funnier) with friends. Crossplay works across PS5, Xbox, and PC.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
You want to play on one screen
Price
PS5 $39.99, Xbox $39.99

18. Elden Ring Nightreign

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 3, online

Elden Ring Nightreign three players fighting a fire boss

Image: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco

A co-op spin on Elden Ring built around short, intense runs. Three players drop onto a shrinking map and have to get strong fast before the final boss. A two-player mode was added after launch.

There is no crossplay, so your whole group needs to be on the same platform.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC
Skip if
Your group mixes PlayStation and Xbox
Price
PS5 $39.99, Xbox $39.99

19. Grounded 2

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, online

Grounded 2 tiny player facing a giant bug in the grass

Image: Obsidian / Xbox Game Studios

Shrunk to the size of an ant in a suburban park, you and your friends build bases, craft gear, and try not to get eaten by spiders. It started in early access on Xbox and PC, and it arrived on PS5 in August 2026. It is on Game Pass and supports crossplay.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
You dislike survival crafting
Price
PS5 $29.99, Xbox $29.99

20. Valheim

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 10, online

Valheim longship sailing on open water

Image: Iron Gate / Coffee Stain

A Viking survival game for bigger groups. You build longhouses, sail between islands, and take on bosses together. The full 1.0 release in September 2026 brought it to PS5, with crossplay across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
You want quick sessions
Price
PS5 $29.99, Xbox $29.99

21. Phasmophobia

  • PS5
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • PC (Steam)

Up to 4, online

Phasmophobia dark hallway in a haunted house

Image: Kinetic Games

Ghost hunting with friends. You set up equipment, gather evidence, and work out what kind of ghost you are dealing with, usually while someone screams on voice chat. Crossplay works across console and PC.

Runs on
PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC
Skip if
You scare easily
Price
PS5 $19.99, Xbox $19.99

Best split-screen and 2 player PS5 games

Split-screen is the feature PS5 owners ask about most, and it is getting rarer in big releases. Every game below runs on one PS5 with one copy, so all you need is a second DualSense.

Best two player PS5 games on one console

  • Split Fiction: the best two-player game on PS5 right now. Built for exactly two people, with a Friend's Pass for online play.
  • It Takes Two: the same studio's earlier hit, and still the best value two-player game at its regular price.
  • LEGO Voyagers: short, calm, and cheap. The easiest pick if the second player rarely games.
  • Reanimal: two-player horror that works best side by side in a dark room.
  • Unravel Two: relaxing two-player platforming, couch only.
  • Baldur's Gate 3, Borderlands 4 and Diablo IV: bigger games that cap split-screen at two players, with up to four online.

Best split-screen PS5 games for three or four players

Best online multiplayer PS5 games with friends

If your friends play from their own homes, these are the strongest online co-op picks on PS5. All of them need a copy per player and PlayStation Plus.

Best co-op games on Xbox Game Pass

The cheapest way into the best Xbox co-op games is a Game Pass subscription, since several of the picks above are already included. Which ones you get depends on your tier: Premium covers most of Microsoft's own games, while Ultimate adds new Xbox releases on day one plus the EA Play library.

GameCouch co-opOnline co-opIncluded in
Gears of War: E-DayYes (2, console only)Up to 4Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Diablo IVYes (2)Up to 4Premium, Ultimate
MinecraftYes (4)YesPremium, Ultimate
It Takes TwoYes (2)YesUltimate (via EA Play)
Sea of ThievesNoUp to 4Premium, Ultimate
Grounded 2NoUp to 4Premium, Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Game Pass tiers checked on the Xbox Store and Xbox Wire, October 7, 2026. Games leave Game Pass over time, so check the Xbox app before you plan a night around one.

Gears of War: E-Day is the newest addition. It launched on October 6, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with a campaign you can play in two-player split-screen on console or with up to four players online. There is no PS5 version.

Online co-op on Xbox needs Game Pass Essential or higher for every player, even in games you own outright. Couch co-op on one console does not.

How to pick the right co-op game

Answer these four questions before you buy, and you will not end up with a game half your group cannot play.

  • Same room or different homes? Same room needs couch or split-screen support. Different homes need online co-op.
  • Same platform? If your group mixes PS5 and Xbox, check the crossplay column in the table above.
  • Who is paying? Friend's Pass games (Split Fiction, It Takes Two, LEGO Voyagers) let one copy cover two players online.
  • Enough controllers? Couch co-op needs one controller per player. A second controller is often cheaper than a second copy of the game.

If you are also subscribed to a service, check what is already included before buying. Our monthly lists of new Xbox Game Pass games and new PlayStation Plus games are a quick way to find co-op games you already have access to.

What is the best co-op game to play with a partner on PS5 or Xbox?
Split Fiction is the best pick for most couples. It is built for two players, runs split-screen on one console, and online the Friend's Pass lets your partner play free across PS5, Xbox, and PC.
Which co-op games need only one copy?
Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and LEGO Voyagers include a Friend's Pass, so a second player can join online without buying the game. Any couch co-op game also needs only one copy when you play on the same console.
Can PS5 and Xbox players play co-op together?
Yes, in many games. Split Fiction, Helldivers 2, Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, Baldur's Gate 3, Borderlands 4, and Rocket League all support crossplay. It Takes Two, Stardew Valley, Deep Rock Galactic, and Elden Ring Nightreign do not.
Does Helldivers 2 have split-screen?
No. Helldivers 2 is online co-op only, for up to four players. Each player needs their own console and copy.
Do I need PlayStation Plus or Game Pass to play co-op?
Only for online co-op. On console, online play needs PlayStation Plus on PS5 or Game Pass Essential or higher on Xbox, except in free-to-play games like Rocket League. Couch co-op on one console needs no subscription.
What are the best split-screen games on PS5?
For two players, Split Fiction, It Takes Two, and LEGO Voyagers. For three or four players on one PS5, Overcooked! All You Can Eat, Moving Out 2, Minecraft, Rocket League, and Stardew Valley. Each needs only one copy and a controller per player.
What are the best co-op games on Xbox Game Pass?
As of October 2026: Gears of War: E-Day (Ultimate), Diablo IV, Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded 2 (Premium and Ultimate), and It Takes Two (Ultimate, via EA Play). Gears, Diablo IV, Minecraft, and It Takes Two also support couch co-op.
Which multiplayer PS5 games are best for a group of friends online?
Helldivers 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, Valheim, and Phasmophobia all support at least four players online with crossplay to Xbox and PC. Elden Ring Nightreign is great for a trio but has no crossplay.
What is a good free co-op game on PS5 and Xbox?
Rocket League is free to play, supports four-player split-screen, and has crossplay across every platform.
SSumit

Sumit

Contributor

Hi, I'm Sumit, Being an introvert I have always been obsessed with technology-computers and reading dozens of posts to learn, find answers out of my curiosity. I love to write as I explore more.

175 articles writtenView all posts by Sumit →

Related articles

See all