PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers have access to a diverse library of amazing games, many of which provide captivating single-player narratives. However, there’s also something uniquely enjoyable about experiencing a PS Plus game together with friends, especially with local co-op options. The thrill of engaging in cooperative adventures with players sitting next to you cannot be replicated by online gaming, even with its advancements in recent years.
Local co-op games, while less common than in the past, remain prevalent, and Sony’s subscription service boasts a solid selection that embraces this feature. The games available traverse many genres and gameplay styles, ensuring players can find a title that suits their preferences. Below is a curated list of the top local co-op games available on PS Plus.
It’s important to note that while all of these local co-op titles are available on Premium, some may not be accessible through an Extra subscription. Each title is marked to clarify which tier provides gameplay access. Additionally, the rankings consider various factors, not just game quality; for instance, newer additions to PS Plus are mentioned first.
Updated January 26, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The recent lineup for PS Plus Extra and Premium includes several cooperative games, but most are available only online. However, titles such as Orcs Must Die! 3, SD Gundam Battle Alliance, and Atlas Fallen do support co-op gameplay. To keep things fresh, a family-friendly puzzle-platformer has also been added as a recommendation for local co-op enthusiasts. For more information on this new entry, see below.
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1. Overcooked! All You Can Eat!
A Full Course
Overcooked! All You Can Eat! stands out as one of the premier local co-op experiences in recent gaming history. Its predecessor, Overcooked! 2, will soon depart from PS Plus Extra, but it has been replaced by this comprehensive edition. This all-inclusive version features the original game, its sequel, and downloadable content (DLC), marking it as the most complete options available.
The Overcooked series revolves around managing a bustling restaurant where players must work together to complete orders and keep customers happy. This engaging premise quickly spirals into chaos, mirroring the frantic atmosphere of a real restaurant. While many co-op games can either unite or divide friends, Overcooked! has a unique ability to do both, ensuring laughter alongside the frustration of missed orders.
2. TimeSplitters Trilogy
A Great FPS Series That Is A Trip Through Time
While PS Plus Premium games often take a backseat to the newer titles on Extra, classics like the TimeSplitters trilogy deserve attention. With all three games now accessible on PS4 and PS5, this franchise brings nostalgic charm and a cherished local co-op experience.
Supporting two-player local co-op, players can navigate TimeSplitters’ campaigns together. Though TimeSplitters 2 and Future Perfect are considered the highlights of the series, the original game is still worth exploring for its historical value. The frenetic gameplay, a hallmark of time travel aesthetics, emphasizes speed-oriented missions that differ from the sequels’ focus, offering a uniquely enjoyable experience.
3. Tales Of Symphonia Remastered Or Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Arguably The Definitive Co-Op JRPG Franchise
Fans of cooperative gameplay will find themselves pleased with the Tales franchise, known for its co-op mechanics. PS Plus Premium offers two beloved titles: the remastered Symphonia and the definitive edition of Vesperia. While Symphonia holds a classic status from its original release on PS2, it has been remade for modern audiences.
Tales of Vesperia has aged gracefully and is lauded for its superior combat system and compelling narrative. Players can switch between characters, enabling a dynamic co-op experience that enhances both gameplay and story engagement. While cooperative play is restricted to combat scenarios, it still offers an enriching gameplay element.
4. Cult Of The Lamb
The Lamb Builds A Cult With The Help of The Goat
Cult of the Lamb, which originated as a solo experience, has gained a new life with a recent update introducing a 2-player co-op mechanic. This allows players to share responsibilities as they guide their cult; the lamb can now summon a goat buddy. The cooperative gameplay offers refreshing changes to traditional playstyles and encourages collaboration.
While the narrative remains focused on individual progression, adding a second player can diversify the experience, making dungeon runs more enjoyable and impactful. From unique tarot cards to shared gameplay mechanics, the local co-op feature breathes new life into the ongoing cult adventures.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Co-Op Beat ‘Em Up That Is Accessible & Fun
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge transcends generations, capturing the essence of classic beat ’em ups in a modern setting. Designed as an homage to the genre, this co-op friendly title invites players to team up and tackle various missions together, using distinct characters each with their unique abilities and fighting styles.
With local multiplayer and the option for online play with up to 6 players, the game encourages collaboration and strategy through special team attacks. Shredder’s Revenge is a vibrant, nostalgic experience that captures the excitement of the TMNT universe while adapting well to modern gameplay.
6. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Co-Op Required To Get The Full Experience
As a charming 3D platformer, Sackboy: A Big Adventure offers players an enchanting universe to explore, although it can be played solo. However, the game shines in local co-op, where multiple players can choose to help or hinder each other in a variety of fun-filled challenges. Certain levels are crafted for duo participation, enhancing the adventure significantly.
The drop-in drop-out mechanic supports easy collaboration among friends. This design enables players to join in whenever they wish, ideal for short and spur-of-the-moment gaming sessions without any commitment to a full playthrough.
7. Dragon’s Crown Pro
Beat ‘Em Up RPG With That Vanillaware Magic
Developed by Vanillaware, Dragon’s Crown Pro stands tall among action RPGs, featuring seamless integration of side-scrolling beat ’em up elements. Originally a PS3 classic, the Pro edition enriches the experience with upgraded visuals and solid co-op functionality, allowing up to four players to team up and tackle challenges together.
The game’s array of uniquely designed characters provides a refreshed and vibrant experience, and while it can be played solo, co-op play alleviates potential monotony from repeated level runs, promoting a chaotic yet entertaining adventure.
8. Children Of Morta
Strong Narrative, Characters, & Co-Op Gameplay
Children of Morta brings an emotionally engaging storyline to its action-RPG gameplay, focusing on the Bergson family and their quest through procedurally generated dungeons. With seven distinct characters to choose from, players can find effective duos that complement their gameplay strategy, making the challenge both cooperative and enjoyable.
This game excels in presenting a narrative that resonates with players, connecting them with the Bergsons beyond mere gameplay. It’s an excellent choice for groups wanting a more challenging co-op experience without sacrificing depth or story.
9. Lost Planet 2
A Cult Classic That Is Only Worth Playing With A Friend
With its unique take on alien warfare, Lost Planet 2 mixes cooperative gameplay with massive battles, making it ideal for teamwork. The game is built around missions filled with thrilling objectives and showcases a very enjoyable split-screen local co-op option. The aim is simple: survive while battling against gigantic alien opponents.
With enormous boss fights and chaotic missions, Lost Planet 2’s design shines brightest when tackled alongside friends, promoting cooperative strategies that enhance the gaming experience immensely.
10. Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard
A Viking Epic
Offering an engaging experience reminiscent of the legendary Diablo series, Vikings: Wolves of Midgard brings players into the midst of Norse mythology. The game features cooperative local and online modes, with its fast-paced action and loot-centric gameplay ensuring that teams can strategize their way through hordes of enemies together.
The blend of RPG elements with traditional combat establishes a gritty yet rewarding adventure that feels richer when taken on as a team.
11. Earth Defense Force 5
Cathartic Fun
The Earth Defense Force series is known for its over-the-top gameplay, providing players with the opportunity to fight against massive, alien bug invasions. Although the humor and execution may seem simplistic, this community-favorite is best experienced with friends, as the chaos multiplies with added team dynamics.
The local co-op mode enhances the game’s already thrilling premise, turning what can be a monotonous grind when played solo into a collaborative frenzy, allowing for unique strategies and unforgettable shared moments.
12. Untitled Goose Game
Double Trouble
Untitled Goose Game invites players to create delightful chaos within a tranquil village as mischievous geese. When played in local co-op, two players can wreak double the havoc, enhancing the fun as they collaborate on completing tasks and annoying the villagers together.
Even with a second goose, the original premise remains intact, making for a unique multitudes of silliness that keeps every play session fresh and entertaining.
13. Cat Quest 2
Adorable Action RPG Goodness
Cat Quest 2 offers a whimsical RPG experience tailored for co-op play, emphasizing friendly teamwork. Featuring dual protagonists—a cat and a dog—players can seamlessly swap between characters. While it holds up nicely as a solo adventure, cooperative play transforms the experience into a dynamic escapade that caters to all types of gamers.
With battles that encourage strategizing and a charming atmosphere perfect for family gaming sessions, Cat Quest 2 keeps players engaged while remaining accessible for newer gamers.
14. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition
Challenging Beat ‘Em Up For More Than Just Fans
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World combines nostalgia with modern gameplay, drawing from the beloved graphic novel series. The game challenges players with clever combat, allowing friends to team up as they brawl through rogue’s gallery of foes, utilizing unique abilities for added flair.
The game provides a fulfilling experience for both seasoned beat ’em up fans and newcomers alike, with smooth mechanics, engaging gameplay, and a nostalgic soundtrack that makes it a true gem on PS Plus.
15. Magic 2
Fun Magic System
With its chaotic spell-casting system, Magicka 2 is designed for cooperative play, allowing teams of wizards to unleash creative chaos on their foes. The game encourages players to experiment with various spell combinations to fend off challenging enemies, making teamwork essential.
While it can be played alone, combining forces amplifies the fun of spell experimentation and magnifies the delightful mayhem that ensues, resulting in an unforgettable gaming experience.
16. Alienation
Isometric Shooter Awesomeness
As a twin-stick shooter, Alienation invites players on an exhilarating mission to combat an alien invasion. This cinematic experience comes alive in local co-op mode, where players work together to tackle swarms of enemies and execute impressive combos using unique character classes.
By coordinating attacks and utilizing each character’s strengths, friends can find success and enjoyment in the thrill of battling through this intense narrative-driven shooter. Collaboration is key to navigating the challenges that await them.
17. For The King
For The King offers a blend of RPG elements and roguelike gameplay that can either frustrate or fascinate players. Designed to evoke a tabletop gaming experience, randomization plays a significant role, making strategy and luck equally vital for success.
While players embark on a quest to defend the kingdom, they create their party and journey through a grid-based landscape with turn-based combat that delivers challenges fitting for both casual and experienced players.
18. Human: Fall Flat
Physics Silliness
Human: Fall Flat invites players to navigate whimsical physics puzzles across a variety of creatively themed levels. When played in split-screen mode, two players can engage in cooperative hilarity, overcoming obstacles through teamwork and creativity.
This sandbox environment encourages exploration and experimentation, offering a uniquely entertaining experience as players concoct methods for solving challenges in often hilarious ways.
19. The Ascent
Great Setting, Solid Gameplay
The Ascent successfully merges a rich cyberpunk atmosphere with engaging action RPG gameplay. Perfect for solo exploration, the game also supports up to four players in local co-op, enhancing the experience with combined firepower and tactical gameplay.
Players take on the role of mercenaries in a visually stunning open-world environment that provides engaging challenges and memorable moments, emphasizing the value of navigating the world together.
20. Samurai Warriors 5
Destroys Armies With A Friend
For gamers with a penchant for beat ’em up gameplay, Samurai Warriors 5 provides an engaging local co-op mode where players can join forces and go to battle against hordes of enemies using iconic characters. The Musou mechanics allow for rapid, exhilarating gameplay filled with over-the-top action.
While players must unlock local co-op, the satisfaction of teaming up to vanquish foes in massive battles makes the effort worthwhile, offering a fulfilling experience for fans and newcomers alike.
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