
Nostalgia often creeps in when we gather with friends for a gaming session, controllers in hand, as we sink into the familiar comforts of a couch and split-screen experience. Couch co-op games have long been a cherished part of the gaming culture, and as we look to 2025, it’s clear that this genre is not only surviving, but thriving.
The local co-op scene offers a diverse range of options, catering to fans of both collaborative and competitive gameplay. The lineup of co-op titles released this year has proven to be particularly impressive, making it a great year for local multiplayer gaming!
From strategizing together to sharing laughter-filled moments, couch co-op games excel at bonding people, regardless of the challenges they present. With a mix of brand-new releases and innovative spins on beloved franchises, these games are prime choices for a delightful afternoon with friends or family. Here’s a look at the best couch co-op games of 2025 so far.
10 Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate
Chibi Beat-‘Em-Up

For those who enjoy charming chibi art coupled with action-packed fighting, Phantom Breaker: Battle Grounds Ultimate delivers a delightful experience. Team up with three friends to take on the roles of Mikoto, Waka, Itsuki, and Yuzuha, embarking on a time-traveling adventure to rescue a friend from peril.
Throughout eight exciting stages filled with challenging enemies and dynamic obstacles, teamwork is essential to ensure survival. Featuring mechanics reminiscent of classic fighting games, players can indulge in nostalgic button-mashing or strategize their tactics to progress through each chaotic encounter.
Designed with cooperative play at its core, this title invites players to combine their combos, unlock new abilities, and explore various character synergies in combat, making it an excellent choice for groups seeking a fun and engaging co-op experience.
9 Noobs Are Coming
Bullet Hell Final Boss Simulator

Developer |
Overboy |
---|---|
Release Date |
June 15th, 2025 |
Platform |
PC |
Genre |
Action Roguelite, Local Co-op |
Why settle for being just another hero when you could be the final boss? Noobs Are Coming lets friends dive into quick, intense gameplay that challenges players with waves of combat. Inspired by games like The Binding of Isaac, this game places you in the shoes of the villain, as you thwart your friends’ attempts to defeat you.
Equip yourself with absurd combinations of weapons, ranging from cannonballs to magical spells, ensuring that every minute of combat is rife with humor and chaos. The 4-player co-op mode allows friends to take turns as the final boss, creating endless opportunities for unpredictable and entertaining encounters.
This game skillfully blends absurdity and strategy, proving to be a fun-filled adventure that will keep players engaged for hours.
8 Paddle Paddle Paddle
If “Ragebaiting”Were a Game

Developer |
Zoroarts |
---|---|
Release Date |
July 25th, 2025 |
Platform |
PC |
Genre |
Racing, Parkour, Local Co-op |
The mission of co-op games traditionally is to unite players, yet Paddle Paddle Paddle takes a contrarian approach, inviting friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition. This physics-based adventure places players in a chaotic boat race through a perilous lava-filled obstacle course where coordination is crucial.
While this game is primarily designed for two players, there is an option for solo play, which adds a unique twist as you juggle controlling both paddles simultaneously—a comically challenging experience, to say the least.
With frantic parkour movements, daunting jumps, and various settings to amplify the challenge, Paddle Paddle Paddle pokes fun at the absurdities of co-op gameplay, leading to moments of both frustration and hilarity. Just remember, you might leave without a friend, but the memories will be worth every laugh.
7 That One Otter Game
Mischievous Otter Sim

Developer |
Crayon Coded |
---|---|
Release Date |
July 15th, 2025 |
Platform |
PC |
Genre |
Adventure, Local Co-op |
Not all co-op titles focus on saving the world or conquering foes; some, like That One Otter Game, thrive on playful chaos. This game allows players to become mischievous otters determined to create havoc in a charming seaside town, drawing comparisons to the beloved Untitled Goose Game.
Embark on a rite of passage where you and your partner complete a series of increasingly absurd tasks that annoy the townsfolk, from stealing radios to playfully harassing local penguins.
With a delightful mix of clumsy teamwork, slapstick humor, and whimsical physics, every task transforms into an experience that guarantees laughter and shared enjoyment—an ideal example of what couch co-op games should encapsulate.
6 Primal Planet
Dinosaurs vs. Aliens

Primal Planet may seem unconventional with its mix of dinosaurs, aliens, and conspiracy theories, yet it weaves these elements into an enticing Metroidvania formula. Players enter an ancient world filled with enemies, taking on the roles of cavemen defending their families.
From humble beginnings, players must navigate a challenging environment after facing an overwhelming reptilian adversary. With the option for a friend to join as Sino, the sinosauropteryx, survival hinges on teamwork as you confront relentless threats ranging from vicious prehistoric creatures to newly arrived extraterrestrial forces.
This game tests your skills in surviving and crafting, while its unique plot offers a captivating experience. Primal Planet is not your ordinary dinosaur adventure; it is a true examination of friendship and collaboration.
5 Revenge of the Savage Planet
Late Stage Capitalism Meets Sci-Fi Adventure

In Revenge of the Savage Planet, players navigate the cosmos in the aftermath of Earth’s demise, paving the way for an adventure rife with revenge against corporate greed. Equipped only with their intelligence and a desire for retribution, players explore alien worlds, scavenging resources and plotting their formidable comeback against their former employers.
Discover breathtaking landscapes and unique alien species along the way, all while encouraged to loot and collect anything that isn’t firmly attached. This engaging sci-fi experience allows players to merge exploration with a meaningful narrative, making it a must-play for those ready to dive into the best vengeful game of 2025.
4 POPUCOM
Colorful Co-Op Platformer

Emerging as a standout in the co-op gaming scene, POPUCOM features vibrant and addictive gameplay that has captured the hearts of many in 2025. As players navigate an unfamiliar exoplanet, they encounter demanding battles and intricate environmental challenges that emphasize the necessity of teamwork.
Effective communication becomes essential, making this title especially appealing for tight-knit groups or family game nights. Unlike typical button-mashers, POPUCOM’s combination of platforming and puzzles forces players to strategize collaboratively, resulting in a joyful chaos that is fun and rewarding.
It stands out as the perfect casual option for friends seeking a low-stress yet colorful gaming experience.
3 Sunder people

For fans of tabletop gaming, Sunderfolk serves as a hybrid bridge connecting video and board game enthusiasts. This D&D-style RPG enables players to join together on a large screen while utilizing their smartphones to play, providing a streamlined and intuitive experience.
Players can easily design and manage their characters through an accessible mobile app, eliminating the need for cumbersome rulebooks or physical game pieces. This innovative format revitalizes the joy of board game nights, fostering strategy and cooperation without unnecessary complications.
Whether you’re strategizing tactical combat or trying to side-splittingly manage the chaos, Sunderfolk is an exciting entry in the co-op gaming landscape, bringing fresh ideas to 2025.
2 Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
A New Twist on an Old Classic

Few franchises stand the test of time like Donkey Kong, with Donkey Kong Country Returns HD serving as a prime illustration. This remastered classic merges nostalgia with modern enhancements, offering a seamless cooperative experience as players traverse the vibrant landscapes of DK Island as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong.
Though the game can be tackled solo, the dynamic duo truly shines in co-op mode, where their unique abilities complement each other, making for exhilarating play sessions. Players can easily switch roles, adding an organic and fun experience to exploring jungles and overcoming challenges together.
1 Split Fiction
A Split-Screen Dream Come True

Developed by the creators of It Takes Two, Split Fiction takes split-screen gaming to a new level as players control Mio and Zoe, two writers whose worlds collide through an unexpected twist. As they navigate through fantastical and sci-fi realms, their relationship transforms from rivalry to cooperation.
Each character retains unique abilities that emphasize teamwork, ultimately leading players through cleverly designed challenges that improve their bond as friends. This enchanting blend of genres ensures no two encounters feel the same, rewarding creative problem-solving with each victory.
Faced with foes ranging from trolls to robots, Split Fiction exemplifies the essence of cooperative gameplay, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, trust, and innovative thinking.
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