What are the best Xbox co-op games? Videogames truly help you connect with a friend, but these days that shared experience tends to take place online. Split-screen and couch co-op-friendly games are a rarity these days, but they are starting to make a bit of a comeback. It’s no surprise, then, that after being stuck indoors for what seems like forever, players are desperate to find the best Xbox co-op games.
The best co-op games and online games with cross-platform play are easy to find, but nothing beats grabbing a friend, an extra controller, and crashing on the couch until one of you emerge victorious. While the best games have changed a lot over the years, developers are keen to keep the spirit of offline play alive, and, as such, we’re now spoiled for choice when it comes to top co-op experiences for consoles
Here are the best Xbox co-op games:
- Overcooked All You Can Eat Edition
- It Takes Two
- Warhammer Chaosbane
- DiRT 5
- The Quarry
- Power Wash Simulator
- Remnant 2
- Exoprimal
- Nobody Saves the World
1. Overcooked All You Can Eat Edition
Overcooked All You Can Eat is the definitive way to play Overcooked, containing every bit of content released across the first two Overcooked games. It’s not the easiest game to categorize but this chaotic cooking simulator is great to play at parties.
In Overcooked, up to four players play the role of chefs in a kitchen preparing meals as they are ordered. It might sound simple, but as all good chefs know, you’ve got to keep your cool as the orders come in thick and fast. Expect this puzzle game to put your relationships to the test – especially if you’re the one who’s just set the kitchen alight.
2. It Takes Two
Released under the EA Originals banner, It Takes Two is an incredible co-op experience with a story full of heart. Part platformer, part puzzler, it offers a gentle experience that is more about the journey than the destination.
You and your second player take on the roles of Cody and May, a married couple going through a divorce. They break the news to their young daughter Rose and she attempts to use her dolls (which are modeled after her parents) to act out the reconciliation of their relationship.
Thus begins a story filled with heart-wrenching moments that will stick with you for years to come. In fact, Jess nominated it for Game of the Year in 2021.
3. Warhammer: Chaosbane – Slayer Edition
This selection will be a little out there for many but stick with us. Warhammer: Chaosbane is a brilliant ARPG much like Diablo or Path of Exile. The Slayer Edition offers a souped-up version specifically for the Xbox Series X, adding all additional content, as well as 4K visuals.
You and a friend can select from a variety of classes familiar with the Warhammer universe and start plowing through waves of enemies like a hot knife through butter. It’s mindless fun that offers a kick of adrenaline every so often as encounters become increasingly more difficult.
While there is a story in play here, there is no prior knowledge of the Warhammer universe needed and everything is laid out in simple terms. This allows you to enjoy it as a generic fantasy ARPG with fun and engaging combat.
4. DiRT 5
One for the racers out there, DiRT 5 is the first true racing experience built for the Xbox Series X and it shows. Fantastic visuals alongside a solid frame rate offer the ultimate thrill ride as you travel around the world racing on all sorts of terrain.
With split-screen racing, DiRT 5 allows you to settle your arguments on the track. With so many races and vehicle types to choose from, you can go straight and serious or get extreme with your couch co-op sessions.
5. The Quarry
It’s a little-known fact that Supermassive Games’ titles are co-op friendly and The Quarry is the best yet. Whether you’re a fan of horror or not, these games offer an atmospheric rollercoaster like nothing else on the Xbox Series X.
You can use the Movie Night feature to play in co-op, which allows you and a friend to select which characters you’ll be in control of. The game is very clear in letting players know who is in control at what time allowing for a smooth experience with little confusion.
We rave about it in our The Quarry review, so imagine what it’s like with a friend.
6. PowerWash Simulator
This one might seem a little strange, but hear us out. It’s one of the best 2 player Xbox games if you’re looking to sit back, relax, and catch up with a friend.
Don’t believe us? Read Jesse’s thoughts on why PowerWash Simulator is one of the best Xbox co-op games on Xbox Game Pass right now.
7. Remnant 2
Following up on the incredible cult-hit phenomenon Remnant From the Ashes is no easy task. But Gunfire Games’ second outing in the universe, Remnant 2, is an incredible co-op game worth playing, regardless of your experience with the first game, or lack thereof.
In Remnant 2, you can choose from a variety of Remnant 2’s best classes in this challenging soulslike with a focus on guns, and fortunately, you can bring friends along for the ride. Our Remnant 2 review praises the game, calling it “an enjoyable and action-filled romp”.
8. Exoprimal
The idea of killing thousands of dinosaurs while piloting a variety of powerful exosuits with your friends sounds incredibly fun on paper. And in experience, it’s equally fun to play it. Exoprimal takes the idea of dinosaur-culling chaos and focuses on that.
While our Exoprimal review did have a few negatives to say, it’s on Game Pass and it’s definitely worth playing with some friends. Just make sure to use our Exoprimal tier list to know which suit is worth using.
9. Nobody Saves the World
Nobody Saves the World is an action role-playing game where you play as Nobody. However, you can bring a friend to help you on your journey, so two nobodies save the world instead. Inspired by Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda series, as you explore dungeons, take on different forms to defeat enemies, and more.
It’s certainly one of the most unique and interesting games on our co-op list, but it is definitely worth jumping into when you get the chance.
There you have it – our list of the best Xbox co-op games to play in 2021. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive and there is a whole load more on the Xbox Game Pass, an all-you-can-play subscription service boasting hundreds of games. You can check out the full Xbox Game Pass games list right here.
If anything else pops up that’s made for couch co-op, we’ll add it to the list above, as well as our lists of the best PS5 co-op games and best Switch co-op games. But for now, make yourself a cuppa, find your player two, and get cracking.
