The best couch co-op games on Xbox
Are you on a hunt to find the best couch co-op games on Xbox? You’re in the right place. Read on, and you’ll find our round-up of our favourite local co-op and split-screen games, playable on Xbox. So, grab two controllers, invite a friend over, and get ready to have a jolly good time.
If you have someone to play with, whether it’s a flatmate, a friend, a partner or a sibling, couch co-op can be the best way to play. Not all games can be played this way, of course, but many have been made with couch co-op in mind, and those are the games we’re focusing on here. Whether you and a pal work together to solve puzzles, make your way through a colourful and vibrant platforming world or shoot down foes in a fasat-past FPS, you’ll find something to suit all tastes.
The games on this list are playable either on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S — and most games have versions on both.
1. Split Fiction
- Available on Xbox Series X/S
Of course Split Fiction needs to be at the top of our guide to the best couch co-op games on Xbox. We don’t think they come much better than this. The latest game from Hazelight, Split Fiction tells the story of Mio and Zoe, two authors who end up getting sucked into their own stories. There’s only one problem: one of them writes fantasy, and the other one writes sci-fi. And somehow, their worlds get mixed up.
That means, as you make your way through Split Fiction, one minute you’ll be running away from orcs and flying around on dragons, and the next you’ll be shooting laser guns at robots. It has some absolutely fantastic ideas, and with gameplay being varied, you’re not going to get bored as you play. The best thing about Split Fiction, like all games from Hazelight, is that it’s been designed with co-op play in mind: you simply cannot play this game by yourself. Both players are equally important, and you’ll need to work closely together to overcome the game’s challenges.
Read our full review of Split Fiction
2. Super Crazy Rhythm Castle
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
We promise you that you won’t have played anything else quite like Super Crazy Rhythm Castle. Coming from Konami in late 2023, this co-op adventure fuses puzzles and music to create a riotous party experience that we absolutely couldn’t put down. Its levels are tricky but moreish, challenging players to complete various rhythm challenges with a co-op buddy by their side.
It’s bold and colourful, too, and packed with humour that genuinely made us chuckle at times. Its zany characters really bring the whole experience to life, both the ones you play as and those you meet as you progress through the journey. Trust us: if you enjoy music rhythm games and like playing in co-op, you won’t regret picking this one up.
Read our review of Super Crazy Rhythm Castle
3. Moving Out 2
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Moving house in real life is stressful, but Moving Out 2 tries to make light of the whole affair and succeeds. Designed to be played in co-op, Moving Out 2 asks you and up to three others to take items out of various properties and load them up into a van, ready to move out. Though there are, of course, various complications. Some items require multiple people to carry, for example, and some properties are haunted. You’ll need to act fast, too, if you want to get the best ratings. And you can return to jobs to complete bonus objectives.
The best thing about Moving Out 2 is how reckless you can be. Why carefully carry a bed through a house when you can just lob it out of a window? It’s simply silly, stupid, fun. Needless to say, it has quickly become one of our favourite couch co-op games on Xbox. And if you want even more moving house shenanigans, the first game is just as much fun, too.
Read our review of Moving Out 2
4. Manic Mechanics
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
We’ve just had a co-op game about running a removals company. What about one where you’re running a garage? That’s what Manic Mechanics is. But rather than taking your time to ensure your job is done properly, the goal here is to work as quickly as possible. You’ll need to replace car parts, complete paint jobs or change tyres, all while working against the clock.
With up to four players able to play locally, Manic Mechanics is all about working together. You’ll want to shout out, “I’m grabbing a spoiler!” while someone else deals with replacing a car door. Teamwork really does make the dream work here. It starts off easy, but quickly gets fiendish — but if you’re up for the challenge, there’s lots of fun to be had.
Read our review of Manic Mechanics
5. Diablo 4
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Diablo 4 isn’t necessarily a co-op game first and foremost. But battling through the demons of hell is much more fun when you’ve got a co-op partner by your side. The entire game — and all its endgame content — can be played with two local players and, having played hundreds of hours both solo and in co-op, we can definitively say it’s the best way to play.
Diablo 4 is perhaps best described as an action RPG with tonnes of loot, but there’s much more to it than that. Building the perfect character is a huge part of the game, as is hunting down the best gear. But simply slashing and shooting your way through hundreds of enemies in the Helltide is great fun too. There’s a substantial story to play through, which will take you 30+ hours, and once you’re done with that, the fun’s only just getting started thanks to the huge amounts of endgame content. And thanks to Blizzard’s support of the game via seasons, there’s always something new to do, too.
6. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
If you’re a Borderlands fan, you’re going to absolutely love Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. Even if you’re not, we think you should give it a go. Especially if you get a kick out of tabletop RPGs. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is set in the world of Borderlands, but you play as a character engaging in a Dungeons & Dragons-style game with Tiny Tina.
As you can imagine, it’s packed with humour and madness. There are plenty of guns and ‘splosions galore, and with lots of missions to work through – each one as engaging as the last – there’s a great time to be had. It’s an even better time if you have a couch co-op compadre to join you. Or three: up to four players can play Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands in local co-op on Xbox.
Read our review of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
7. Ship of Fools
- Available on Xbox Series X/S
If you’re a fan of roguelikes, then Ship of Fools should be right up your street. This adventure game sees you manning a pirate ship as it makes its way through increasingly dangerous waters. Equipped with a melee attack and a cannon, you’ll have to protect yourself from a range of water-based monsters trying to attack you and damage your ship.
It’s easier said than done – Ship of Fools is designed to be difficult, but that just adds to the fun. Especially when you’re playing in couch co-op. You can play this by yourself, but it’s clear developer Fika Productions has designed it with two players in mind. Work together, watch each other’s backs, co-ordinate on tackling different sides of the screen – you’ll be winning in no time.
Read our review of Ship of Fools
8. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
You just can’t have a list of best local co-op games without including a Lego game. And finally, after more than two years of waiting, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is here. Is it the best Lego platformer-adventure game ever made? It might be. But it’s certainly the biggest, packing in the stories of all nine mainline Star Wars movies.
Traveller’s Tales’ Lego games have always offered an excellent way to play locally with friends. A second player can drop in and out at any time, joining in the action. And what action it is! Developer Traveller’s Tales has refined the gameplay for The Skywalker Saga, honing in third-person action and better shooting mechanics to make it more enjoyable than ever. Of course, the usual fun of smashing up thousands of Lego pieces still remains.
Read our review of Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
9. It Takes Two
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
It Takes Two is magical. No really – it’s literally magical; you play as a married couple who inadvertently get turned into dolls by their daughter. You see, they’re on the brink of divorce, and she wishes for a way to keep them together. And now, as a pair of tiny, handmade dolls who can walk, talk and run, they’ve got a huge world of adventures ahead of them. Working together might be the way to help them through their marital problems…
This really is one of the best couch co-op games on Xbox, not least because co-op is the only way you can play it. That’s right; there’s no single-player option, so everything has been designed with co-operative play in mind. That allows for some really clever gameplay sections and, with a friend or partner by your side you’ll enjoy every moment of it. From combat, to aerial action, to running, jumping, solving puzzles and exploring all manner of environments, every moment is simply joyful.
Read our review of It Takes Two
10. Cuphead
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
Cuphead isn’t going to be for everyone, but if you and a friend are up for a challenge, you absolutely should take it on. This gorgeous animated game is all about taking down a series of bosses, all fiercely difficult and all designed to push you to your absolute limits. But keep your wits about you, master your dodging and attacking abilities and work together, and you’ll master it in no time.
The joy of Cuphead is in its challenge: few games are as rewarding to complete as this is. And few games look as absolutely divine as Cuphead does. It’s designed to look like a 1930s cartoon and it’s packed with so much personality. In fact, it’s gone full circle and there’s even a Netflix series based on it now. If you’re a glutton for punishment, it’s one of the best couch co-op games on Xbox Series X/S, hands down.
11. Gears 5
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
We couldn’t have a list of best couch co-op games on Xbox without including a Gears of War game, could we? Although Gears 5 first released on Xbox One, it’s since received an update for Series X/S, optimising it for the newest consoles. With up to 4K resolution, improved textures and framerates, it simply looks and plays better than ever.
In Gears 5, players take control of Kait Diaz, JD Fenix, and Del Walker, who together form the ‘Delta Squad’. Loaded with weapons and various abilities, it’s up to Kait and co. to take down the threat of the Locusts. There’s a gripping story to follow, tonnes of enemies to take down and some sumptuous visuals to take in – and with a local co-op buddy by your side, it’s even more enjoyable.
12. Overcooked! All You Can Eat
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
You might have already played either of Overcooked! or Overcooked! 2, but now the series has got bigger and better. Overcooked! All You Can Eat bundles both games together along with all their DLC. And let us just say, if you’re new to the Overcooked! series, you’re in for a treat. A manic, crazy treat, but a treat all the same.
Playable with up to four players, you take on the role of chefs working together in a kitchen, trying to fulfil as many orders as possible. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it would be, if your kitchen wasn’t split into two across a main road. Or built on the top of an erupting volcano. Or on the back of a sinking ship. You get the picture. Succeeding at Overcooked! means working together quickly and effectively, and navigating all kinds of crazy obstacles.
Read our review of Overcooked! All You Can Eat
13. Warhammer: Chaosbane Slayer Edition
Available on Xbox Series X/S (non-Slayer Edition available on Xbox One)
If you and your local co-op buddies enjoy hacking, slashing, shooting and looting, then Warhammer: Chaosbane is undoubtedly the game for you. And if you’re playing on Xbox Series X/S, you can enjoy the Slayer Edition, a souped-up version with better visuals and all bundled DLC.
You’ll play as one of several character classes, each with their own abilities and skills. The Slayer, for example, dual-wields two axes for up-close-and-personal damage. And the Witch Hunter can switch between melee weapons and guns for truly varied combat. Whichever character you choose though, you’ll have a lot of fun in this dungeon crawler, making your way through various environments and killing hordes of enemies. And of course, finding plenty of loot. Up to four players can play together, making this one of the best couch co-op games on Xbox.
Read our review of Warhammer: Chaosbane – Slayer Edition
14. DIRT 5
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
A racing game as one of the best couch co-op games on Xbox? Yes – hear us out! DIRT 5 from Codemasters brings back the classic split-screen mode that many modern racing games have left behind. But rather than being a separate mode, DIRT 5 allows you and a friend to play through the entire campaign together in split screen. Now that’s a real treat.
If you’re a racing game fan, there’s a lot to love in DIRT 5. With events spread across multiple locations from all around the world, you’ll be in Norway one minute and China the next. Each location looks fantastic, too. And if your TV supports it, you can even play DIRT 5 at a blistering 120fps. Phew. Even without the bells and whistles though, this is an excellent racing game, and one that’s made even better by being able to play with a friend.
15. Halo: The Master Chief Collection
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
While it launched with a number of issues, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is now essential for all Xbox owners. It bundles together all numbered iterations of the Halo series, remastering them to look better than ever. While Halo and Halo 2 only allow for two local players, Halo 3 and Halo 4 allow up to four players to get in on the action on the same screen. The more the merrier!
If you love first-person shooters Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a must-have. Bundling several games into one, it’s one of the best value games available, and it’s also one of the best couch co-op games on Xbox.
16. Streets of Rage 4
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
After 26 years, the Streets of Rage series is back, and it’s just as good as it ever was. Streets of Rage 4 features sumptuous graphics, a killer soundtrack and addictive brawler gameplay. It’s got plenty of content, too, with 12 stages in which to pummel enemies and a whopping 17 playable characters if you include the 12 unlockable retro fighters. You can even play along to music from the original Streets of Rage and its sequel if you remember it fondly.
While it’s already immensely enjoyable in single-player, Streets of Rage 4 is even better when enjoyed in local co-op. Up for four players can work together locally – though watch out if friendly fire is turned on as you’ll no doubt end up injuring each other. It’s a good job there’s a versus battle mode to settle any grudges! In any case, if you like some brawling action, Streets of Rage 4 is undoubtedly one of the best couch co-op games on Xbox.
Read our review of Streets of Rage 4
17. The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
If you and your local co-op friends love horror, then The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me is for you. The game’s ‘movie night’ mode allows up to five people to play together locally, passing the controller around as they take control of different characters.
This is the fourth game in the Dark Pictures Anthology, and in our opinion the best so far. It tells the story of a group of documentary filmmakers working on a production about H.H. Holmes – America’s first serial killer. As luck would have it, they’ve been invited to a very special hotel modelled on Holmes’ alleged ‘Murder Castle’. And, well, if the name ‘Murder Castle’ doesn’t ring any alarm bells, it’s rather obvious things aren’t going to go to plan.
It’s essentially an interactive horror movie that lets you make choices as you play. The paths you take and the decisions you make will shape everyone’s fate – and so who lives and who dies is literally in your hands.
Read our review of The Devil in Me
18. A Way Out
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
A Way Out is very much a rarity. It’s a game that can only be played in co-op, either with two people sat side-by-side, or across the internet. With no single player option whatsoever, working with another player is absolutely integral to the A Way Out experience.
After breaking out of prison you’ll be glad for the change of scenery. But on the run, you’ll rely on the co-operation of your buddy to escape your pursuers, emerge from firefights unscathed, and ultimately get your revenge. And of course, there are plenty of fun mini-games to engage in along the way. It won’t take you long to complete, but A Way Out’s story will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. It’s undoubtedly one of the best couch co-op games on we’ve ever played on Xbox One.
19. Minecraft Dungeons
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
Don’t be fooled by the word ‘Minecraft’ in the name. Minecraft Dungeons isn’t your typical Minecraft sandbox-building experience. Instead, it takes the world and characters of Minecraft and turns it into a dungeon-crawling RPG. It’s a strange combination, but it works. And with up to four-player co-op available, it’s also a lot of fun with friends.
Think of Minecraft Dungeons like My First Diablo; it’s all about killing enemies and finding loot, but doesn’t get bogged down with complicated mechanics or character builds. It’s easy to jump into and start whacking enemies, and with huge levels to explore, there are often plenty of secrets to be found. Since its release there’s been a wealth of updates and DLC, too, so there’s tonnes of extra content to dive into if you feel up to it.
Read our review of Minecraft Dungeons
20. Manual Samuel
- Available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Chances are you’ve never played anything quite like Manual Samuel. Putting you in control of the titular Samuel who’s made a deal with Death for another chance at life after meeting an unfortunate demise, it challenges you to manually take control of his bodily functions for a day with hilarious results. You’ll need to make him blink, breathe, straighten his back; you’ll even have to make sure he takes a pee successfully.
Rest assured, what’s a uniquely stimulating experience when played in single player becomes even more outlandish when played in co-op with a friend sat by your side on the couch. Trust us, Manual Samuel will make you work like a team like no other game will, and that’s a good thing in our book.
Read our review of Manual Samuel
21. Battletoads
- Available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox Cloud Gaming
Battletoads received a mixed response when it launched, but we loved it. Especially when it came to playing in co-op. Battletoads started out life in 1991, but this re-launch of the franchise brings the series back to life in all its over-the-top glory.
Up to three players can play locally, each taking control of one of the Battletoads. It’s primarily a side-scrolling beat ’em up, so think Streets of Rage, but with way more slapstick humour thrown in. You’ll spend your time beating up your foes, picking up collectibles and unleashing weird and wonderful attacks on those pesky enemies. It’s not all fighting, though; throw in some puzzles, platforming sections and minigames, and it’s a short experience packed with tonnes of content. If you and your friends enjoy silly humour and having fun, then Battletoads should definitely be considered one of the best couch co-op games on Xbox.
