While some video game enthusiasts enjoy single-player games, there’s a whole world of fun that opens up when one decides to become a part of multiplayer fun.

Co-op, or cooperative play, is a perfect way to spend time together – let’s explore this subject today!

What is co-op mode?

Co-op, or cooperative play, is a mode or feature of a video game that allows players to group up and enjoy a particular production together. Players join forces, either online or locally, to experience a game with their friends, family, or random players – but unlike competitive multiplayer, co-op is all about collaboration.

Co-op experience

Typical cooperative play experience consists of each player taking control of their own character, often with unique skills, and collaborating with other players to achieve a goal (no matter if it’s surviving a wave of enemies, finishing a puzzle, or just progressing through the story). Usual parts of the co-op experience include:

  • communication – often via voice chat,
  • both quick thinking and strategy – adapting to each other’s playstyles and changing situations, planning and syncing actions,
  • navigating together – exploration, uncovering the story, staying in a group or splitting tasks,
  • helping each other – resource sharing, reviving and healing teammates, protecting others.

Examples of popular co-op games

Here are some examples of outstanding co-op games worth checking out!

It Takes Two

Perfect for: couples, close friends, story-rich games fans, surprises enthusiasts

A great example of co-op being an essential part of gameplay that stitches together the game’s narrative and core mechanics is It Takes Two (2021). Designed strictly for two players, this adventure game follows a dynamic yet touching story of a couple turned into little dolls. In order to come back to their human form, Cody and May have to travel through various areas of their house and its surroundings, and work together despite their complicated relationship status.

Left 4 Dead (and Left 4 Dead 2)

Perfect for: friends, players looking for co-op buddies, zombie fans

Action-packed Left 4 Dead series presents a totally different approach to co-op fun – despite being almost two decades old, it still gathers a faithful community of zombie killers across the world. Join a team of up to four players in this amazing shooter experience and try surviving waves of deadly zombies (or completing other objectives in various gameplay modes) – your success depends not only on aiming for the head, but also on covering each other, sticking together at all times, and thinking fast when things get heated. Due to its huge replayability, Left 4 Dead is an awesome choice for groups or friends and FPS fans looking for new buddies!

Portal 2

Perfect for: friends, couples, puzzle lovers

Mentally stimulating challenge for two? Yes, please! With critically acclaimed Portal 2 (2011) you and your co-op partner have to work together to solve complex puzzles as two robots exploring a lab filled with test chambers. Use the iconic portal-creating gun to progress through the lab – prepare yourself for the ultimate test of your logic, executing the plan in perfect timing, and lots of aha! moments along the way!

Teamwork makes the dream work

Whether you like exploring the engaging story of It Takes Two, battling through hordes of zombies in Left 4 Dead, or solving mind-bending puzzles in Portal 2, you can be sure there’s a co-op experience for every type of player. So grab a friend, a family member, or just join a server in co-op multiplayer mode, and get ready to play your part in an unforgettable cooperative play of your choice!