Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass has established itself as a pivotal subscription service in the gaming industry. Its reputation is bolstered by the strategic decision to release major exclusives directly through Game Pass, complemented by a diverse array of third-party Day One titles. However, one of the platform’s standout features is its extensive variety, catering to a wide spectrum of gaming preferences and situations. Among its offerings, the best Xbox co-op games have garnered significant attention, ensuring an engaging experience for players seeking multiplayer fun.
While local co-op games have a rich history and will always be embraced by gamers, the modern landscape leans heavily towards online co-op. Recognizing this trend, Microsoft has embraced online cooperative gameplay, prompting the question: what are the top co-op games on Game Pass?
This list primarily focuses on titles emphasizing online co-op; however, exceptional local co-op games are also included for consideration at the end of this article.
Updated January 22, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As the new year unfolds, we’ve introduced a section detailing upcoming online co-op Game Pass games. Click the link below to explore these titles.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6
Zombies Co-Op Is Back
Making its debut as the first Day One title in the Call of Duty franchise to launch on Game Pass, Black Ops 6 has captured significant attention. Although Activision’s latest shooter was set to be one of the year’s top-sellers, its Game Pass inclusion provides a fresh motivation for former players to return to the series. Treyarch’s return to traditional storytelling should help rekindle interest among those who felt disenchanted with previous entries.
While the single-player campaign is noteworthy, multiplayer remains the core of the experience, featuring classic modes such as Deathmatch and Domination. The highlight for co-op enthusiasts is undoubtedly the Zombies mode, which has returned with enhancements. Players can team up to survive against relentless waves of zombies across two expansive maps, unlocking areas, weapons, and abilities as they progress. After a period of experimentation, the Zombies mode seems poised to reclaim its legendary status among fans.
Sea Of Thieves
A Pirate Adventure Meant for Friends
Despite its modest launch, Sea of Thieves has evolved into a captivating multiplayer experience. Up to four players can unite to form a pirate crew, setting sail in search of treasure and adventure. While solo players exist, they face challenges as the game is designed primarily with co-op gameplay in mind.
With continuous updates and fresh content introduced by Rare even after several years, there’s always something new and exciting for players to discover.
Hunt: Showdown 1896
Hunt Together, Loot Together
Previously known simply as Hunt: Showdown, the 1986 iteration delivers an exhilarating extraction shooter experience. Players embark on deadly hunting missions against formidable bosses, with the option to collect loot and retreat when necessary, all while being wary of permadeath mechanics that heighten the stakes.
Although solo play is an option, Hunt: Showdown 1896 thrives in team dynamics. As a PvPvE game, players must effectively coordinate with their team to survive adversarial encounters, making teamwork essential.
Core Keeper
Fight, Build, and Survive Alone or With Friends
Core Keeper presents a blend of survival and building elements, showing off a rich crafting system, strategic combat, and a multiplayer option for up to eight players. Although the game shines in solo mode, its cooperative play significantly enriches the overall experience, making it a favorite among fans of the genre.
Players are thrust into a massive procedural world where exploration, resource management, and discovery play pivotal roles. The captivating mechanics inspire players as they progress, ensuring continual engagement and enhanced joy when shared with friends.
Remnant 2
Soulslike Shooter Tailored for Co-Op
The Remnant series has positioned itself as a significant co-op experience within the action RPG and Soulslike genres. While these games can be completed solo, they are meticulously crafted for cooperative gameplay, particularly in the case of Remnant 2. Despite initial technical critiques, the sequel offers a streamlined experience for newcomers.
Divided into various character archetypes, players embark on procedurally-generated adventures filled with unique worlds and aesthetics. Remnant 2 promises an addictive thrill as players collaborate to tackle the myriad challenges that await in its expansive universe.
Dead Island 2
Uncomplicated Zombie-Slaying Fun
Although it faced skepticism initially, Dead Island 2 revitalized its popularity after joining Xbox Game Pass. This sequel, while not revolutionary, excels in its gameplay, making it a must-try for both newcomers and returning fans. Players may start solo, but the game’s co-op feature is well-executed, providing a seamless transition into collaborative gameplay early in the story.
It’s essential for players to align on mission progress to ensure a cohesive co-op experience, emphasizing communication and teamwork as they explore the chaotic landscape together.
Warhammer 40000: Darktide
Challenging Co-Op for Warhammer 40K Enthusiasts
As a standout in the vast Warhammer 40K franchise, Darktide combines captivating co-op gameplay with frantic action. The game features four distinct character classes, each offering unique playstyles that encourage team collaboration.
Designed exclusively for cooperative play, Darktide’s campaign presents formidable challenges that necessitate teamwork to conquer various bosses and scenarios. The engaging combat feel satisfies both die-hard Warhammer fans and newcomers alike.
Minecraft Legends
A Beginner-Friendly RTS Adventure
As a fun and accessible entry into the RTS genre, Minecraft Legends introduces players to real-time strategy using familiar characters from the original Minecraft. Although it may not redefine the genre, it offers enjoyable gameplay as players take on foes together in cooperative sessions.
The online co-op mode allows friends to engage without limitations on movement, promoting individual exploration as they tackle challenges together.
Grounded
Navigating an Upscaled World with Friends
In a twist from Obsidian Entertainment’s traditional RPG offerings, Grounded places players in a captivating survival scenario where they are miniaturized. The game thrives as both a solo and co-op adventure, with a unique shared world feature enhancing the multiplayer experience.
Players face environmental challenges while collaborating with others, portraying cooperative gameplay beautifully and showcasing their interaction with the vibrant ecosystem.
Space Engineers
A Unique Sci-Fi Sandbox Experience
Space Engineers captivates players seeking a challenging sandbox experience. While its complexity can be daunting for newcomers, it offers ample rewards for persistent exploration and creativity. Players start with limited resources and must devise their strategies for construction and exploration.
The multiplayer component allows for four friends to collaborate, emphasizing personal creation alongside shared objectives in a universe brimming with potential.
Palworld
An Innovative Hybrid Genre
Upon its early access launch, Palworld captivated gamers with its blend of open-world survival mechanics and creature-collecting gameplay. Set on Palpagos Islands, players must gather resources while utilizing creatures with unique abilities to thrive in diverse scenarios.
While the game shines in solo mode, the option for online co-op allows players to tackle challenges together, enriching the overall gameplay experience.
Payday 2
An Iconic Heist Adventure
Despite being released in 2015, Payday 2 remains a cornerstone of the co-op gaming landscape. The game intricately combines planning and execution in heist missions, keeping the experience fresh and exciting through a unique skill tree system.
As players engage in varied heist scenarios, the co-op gameplay thrives on teamwork and coordination, ensuring that each robbery feels rewarding and distinct.
Conan Exiles
Versatile Survival in an Open World
Conan Exiles has reinvented itself since its rocky start, now offering players a versatile open-world survival experience supported by a passionate community. Its extensive options cater to various playstyles, whether through storytelling single-player campaigns or intense multiplayer PvP and PvE modes.
Co-op play flourishes, particularly in private servers that allow dedicated teamwork, enabling friends to delve deeply into the game’s enchanting world without interference from rival players.
World War Z: Aftermath
Surviving Waves of Undead
World War Z, now redefined as Aftermath, has emerged as a commanding cooperative experience, introducing players to thrilling zombie-slaying adventures. While the narrative may be straightforward, the emphasis is on intense action and collaboration against overwhelming undead hordes.
The variety of character classes ensures dynamic cooperative gameplay as players strategize their approaches to tackle missions in distinct environments.
Deep Rock Galactic
Co-Op Mining Adventure
Deep Rock Galactic invites players into the depths of an alien world, turning cooperative gameplay into a thrilling resource-grabbing expedition. Each class serves a distinct function, further promoting the teamwork aspect as players face dangers in procedurally generated levels.
The mechanics amplify enjoyment, especially when played with friends, encouraging collaboration to maximize efficiency and fun.
Monster Hunter Rise
Unite in Capcom’s Accessible Monster Masterpiece
Monster Hunter series has consistently embraced both solo and co-op gameplay, and Rise is no different. Coordinating hunts with friends elevates player experiences, while newcomers are encouraged to start with simpler quests to learn mechanics before diving into the more challenging multiplayer content.
Collaboration fosters engagement as hunters refine strategies to tackle colossal creatures, enhancing the excitement that comes with team dynamics.
Halo Infinite
Not Flawless, Yet Undeniably Halo
Famed for its cooperative gameplay, Halo Infinite‘s launch stirred controversy due to its lack of online co-op support at the outset. Nonetheless, 343 Industries rectified this with a subsequent update. While the experience may vary, the game’s expansive and engaging campaign remains an enjoyable ride.
The open-world design allows players to work together or individually, encouraging collaboration as they traverse missions and unlock the celebrated gameplay typical of the franchise.
The Quarry
A Distinctive Co-Op Horror Experience
Taking a unique approach to interactive storytelling, The Quarry involves players making pivotal decisions that influence the outcome of a suspenseful narrative. Although it’s compelling in single-player mode, co-op play elevates the experience, allowing groups to shape the story collaboratively.
While local mode offers deeper engagement, online co-op takes a more passive format, with one host guiding the narrative as others participate in decision-making. This aspect offers tension and excitement, appealing to fans of horror and cooperative participation.
A Way Out & It Takes Two
Essential Co-Op Experiences from Hazelight
Both A Way Out and It Takes Two are masterpieces of co-op storytelling, seamlessly integrating local and online play. These titles revolve around the relationships between two main characters, emphasizing teamwork through their narratives. Although unique in theme and tone, both require collaboration to proceed, making them essential experiences for co-op enthusiasts.
Each game provides an array of engaging scenarios, with strong writing and gameplay fostering connection among players as they explore their characters’ stories together.
Moving Out 2
A Hilarious Co-Op Experience
Offering laughter, challenges, and teamwork, Moving Out 2 cleverly combines absurdity and cooperative gameplay in a humorous context. With its outrageous dimensions and quirky scenarios, players work together to complete relocation tasks, leading to hilarity and occasional friendly disputes.
Designed for cooperative play, the game becomes an unforgettable experience filled with fun that far surpasses the value of solo play.
Diablo 4
An Action RPG Best Enjoyed with Friends
Despite its mixed reviews post-launch, Diablo 4 thrives as a cooperative experience. Friends can unite in parties of four, conquering missions together while relishing the addictive loot system. The game encourages players to craft complementary characters, enhancing the cooperative dynamics through synergy.
While it stands strong as a single-player option, the multiplayer experience brings a sense of camaraderie that elevates the game to new heights.
As 2025 progresses, the landscape is rich with anticipation, with numerous upcoming releases for Xbox Game Pass. Major titles such as Avowed and Atomfall will keep single-player fans entertained, while multiplayer enthusiasts also have exciting projects on the horizon.
- Sniper Elite: Resistance – This new chapter in the Sniper Elite series promises an action-packed campaign combining stealth and tactical gunplay. It supports 2-player co-op for an enhanced collaborative experience.
- Commandos: Origins – Expected in March 2025, this prequel to the classic tactics franchise features unique characters and strategies, fully supporting 2-player co-op.
- 33 Immortals – A distinctive co-op experience, 33 Immortals allows 33 players to battle through waves of foes in an action-roguelike environment, promising chaos and excitement.
For an in-depth look at more co-op gaming options available on Xbox Game Pass, visit the full article here.
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