Small studio games are often known for their original design, with indie co-op games offering one-of-a-kind shared experiences perfect for couples, families, and friends.
Whether they’re played via online or couch co-op, these titles turn collaborative gameplay into unforgettable moments.
Best Games with Co-op Experiences
Here is our list of the best indie games offering cooperative experiences that focus on teamwork, creativity, and collaboration. Grab your friends and let’s jump right into the world of indie co-op!
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | It Takes Two | 2021-03-26 | Adventure & Puzzle | Hazelight Studios | |
 | Stardew Valley | 2016-02-26 | Strategy & Simulator | ConcernedApe | |
 | Overcooked! All You Can Eat | 2021-03-23 | Strategy & Arcade | Team17 | |
 | Cuphead | 2017-09-29 | Indie & Shooter | StudioMDHR Entertainment Inc. | |
 | Dont Starve Together | 2016-04-21 | Simulator & Strategy | Klei Entertainment | |
 | Terraria | 2011-05-16 | Indie & Simulator | Re-Logic | |
 | Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime | 2015-09-09 | Indie & Simulator | Asteroid Base | |
 | Deep Rock Galactic | 2018-02-28 | Indie & Adventure | Ghost Ship Games |
It Takes Two
As a bestselling two-player co-op game that requires constant teamwork, It Takes Two (2021) follows a humorous yet touching story of May and Cody. The couple is undergoing some marital issues, but needs to cooperate to come back to their human form after being turned into dolls.
It Takes Two
Release Date: March 26, 2021
Genres: Platform, Puzzle, Adventure
While navigating through various environments, players solve puzzles and face unexpected enemies to find the true meaning of love and working things out together.
Stardew Valley
Co-op mode was introduced to Stardew Valley (2016) back in 2018, allowing this amazing farming game fans to team up in both local and online multiplayer for up to 8 players.
Stardew Valley
Release Date: February 26, 2016
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Indie, Adventure
Work together to build and develop your farm, share resources, explore the mines, and reach your goals! Additionally, players have the option to scale profit margin on produce sold for a more challenging experience.
Overcooked!
This one-of-a-kind kitchen simulator is ideal for friends seeking an intense cooperative experience.
Overcooked! 2
Release Date: August 07, 2018
Genres: Arcade, Simulator, Strategy, Tactical, Indie
With frantic gameplay designed with up to four players in mind, Overcooked! (2016) and Overcooked! 2 (2018) have become a staple of casual yet challenging co-op games, beloved for their chaotic fun and unique humour. Prepare and serve dishes across various stages together – and remember to watch the soup!
Cuphead
Known for its unique 1930s cartoon aesthetics and challenging boss battles, Cuphead (2017) features a two-player local co-op mode, in which one player controls Cuphead, and the other – Mugman.
Cuphead & The Delicious Last Course Bundle
Release Date: June 30, 2022
Genres: Platform
Just like in the case of the single-player mode, the cooperative gameplay of the run-and-gun indie platformer masterpiece is intense and requires perfect precision, memorization, and timing.
Don’t Starve Together
A multiplayer version of the bestselling survival game Don’t Starve (2013), Don’t Starve Together (2016), is a cooperative experience set in a hand-drawn, gloomy wilderness.
Don't Starve Together
Release Date: April 21, 2016
Genres: Simulator, Strategy, Adventure, Indie
Players must gather resources, build shelters, manage their hunger, and fight or evade dangerous creatures while exploring a procedurally generated and biome-rich world. Teamwork is crucial for survival, with task allocation and communication being key to overcoming various, often unexpected challenges.
Terraria
This classic open-world survival craft game features an online co-op experience enjoyed by thousands of players every day.
Terraria
Release Date: May 16, 2011
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Role-playing (RPG), Simulator, Strategy, Indie
As Terraria (2011) is known not only for its amazing mining, crafting, building, exploration, and combat elements, but also for its active modding community and free content updates, it still offers fresh and engaging gameplay despite being present on the market for years.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
In order to survive waves of extraterrestrial enemies in Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (2015), a team of up to four players needs to cooperate and coordinate their actions tightly.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime
Release Date: September 09, 2015
Genres: Shooter, Simulator, Adventure, Indie, Arcade, Puzzle
Control different parts of your spaceship while exploring randomized levels set in colourful, yet deadly space – and don’t forget to rescue all the kidnapped space-bunnies from the evil forces of Anti-Love!
Deep Rock Galactic
In Deep Rock Galactic (2020), players pick one of four unique classes of brave space Dwarves mining alien planets.
Deep Rock Galactic
Release Date: February 28, 2018
Genres: Shooter, Adventure, Indie
This indie co-op FPS for up to four players features procedurally-generated caves, fully destructible environments, dynamic fights with alien swarms, and a variety of weapons and gadgets to choose from, making it a perfect choice for every fan of cooperative shooters.
Our choices prove that indie co-op games innovate and change the face of cooperative play, delivering fantastic experiences that can be just as good as the biggest AAA titles – or even better! Now gather your team and check them out – we’re sure you won’t regret it!