Best PS5 Couch Co-op Games to Play Together in 2026

Whether you’re planning a family game night, introducing someone to gaming for the first time, or looking for your next adventure with a partner, these are the very best couch co-op games available on PlayStation 5, including the upcoming Hela: Of Mice & Magic.

Why Couch Co-op Gaming Is Better Than Ever

Some of the best gaming memories aren’t made online. They’re made sitting on the same sofa, passing a controller between levels, laughing when everything goes wrong, and celebrating together when you finally overcome a challenge.

While online multiplayer has transformed the way we play, couch co-op offers something different. Sharing the same room creates moments that simply can’t be replicated through a headset. Whether you’re introducing someone to gaming for the first time, spending quality time with your family, or tackling an adventure with your partner, playing side by side turns every victory, puzzle, and unexpected disaster into a shared experience.

PlayStation 5 has become one of the best platforms for local multiplayer, with an incredible selection of games that cater to every type of player. From award-winning adventures like It Takes Two and Split Fiction to family favourites like Sackboy: A Big Adventure, there are fantastic experiences for couples, friends, parents, and children alike. With the immersive features of the DualSense controller, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, many of these games feel even more engaging when played together.

Whether you’re looking for an immersive exploration game, an emotional story, a chaotic party game, or a challenging co-op adventure, this guide brings together the very best PS5 couch co-op games available today. We’ve included a mix of established classics, hidden gems, and exciting upcoming releases, including Hela: Of Mice & Magic, one of the most anticipated cooperative adventures arriving in Q4 2026.

Every recommendation in this guide has been chosen because it offers more than just local multiplayer support. These are games that encourage teamwork, spark conversation, create unforgettable moments, and remind us why playing together is still one of the best ways to experience video games.

Quick Comparison Table

*Astro Bot is included as an honourable mention for solo players.

The Best PS5 Couch Co-op Games  

The best couch co-op games offer much more than local multiplayer. They create memorable moments, encourage teamwork, and make every victory, puzzle, and unexpected mishap more enjoyable when shared with someone else.

From award-winning adventures and family favourites to exciting upcoming releases like Hela: Of Mice & Magic, these are our top picks for the best PS5 couch co-op games you can play together. Each recommendation includes player count, online support, and what makes it worth adding to your next game night.

Editor’s Choice

1. Hela: Of Mice & Magic

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re searching for a couch co-op adventure that rewards curiosity rather than competition, this game deserves a place at the top of your wishlist. Inspired by Scandinavian landscapes and folklore, this beautiful adventure invites players to step into the paws of brave little mice as they journey through an enchanting natural world filled with hidden paths, environmental puzzles, memorable characters, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

Rather than relying on combat or constant action, Hela: Of Mice & Magic encourages players to slow down, explore, and solve challenges together. Every puzzle has been designed around cooperation, making communication and teamwork feel natural as you use Froggy, your magical frog backpack, to swing across obstacles, climb towering environments, and uncover hidden corners of the world. 

The game’s greatest strength is how welcoming it feels. There’s no pressure to rush, no fear of failure, and no requirement to master complex mechanics before you can enjoy the adventure. Whether you’re exploring solo, playing in local split-screen, or teaming up with up to four players online, the adventure scales naturally to suit your group, ensuring the experience feels rewarding whether you’re playing solo, in local split-screen, or online with friends.

With its breathtaking environments, expressive animation, thoughtful environmental storytelling, and wholesome atmosphere, Hela: Of Mice & Magic is shaping up to be one of the most exciting cooperative adventures coming to PlayStation 5. It’s a game that celebrates exploration, teamwork, and the simple joy of discovering a beautiful world together.

What Makes It Special

• Beautiful world inspired by Scandinavian nature and folklore
• Cooperative gameplay built around teamwork and exploration
• Unique Shade System allows solo players to seamlessly switch between magical companions to solve puzzles
• Creative physics-based puzzles that encourage communication
• Adventure scales naturally for solo, local split-screen, and online co-op
• Exploration-focused gameplay with no emphasis on combat or failure
• Rich environmental storytelling and memorable characters
• Wholesome adventure that’s accessible for experienced gamers and newcomers alike

Keep in Mind

Hela: Of Mice & Magic launches in Q4 2026, so you’ll need to wait a little longer before beginning your adventure.

If you’re looking for your next wholesome couch co-op experience, it’s well worth adding Hela: Of Mice & Magic to your Steam wishlist and keeping an eye on future updates.

2. It Takes Two

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

Winner of Game of the Year 2021, It Takes Two has become the benchmark for modern couch co-op gaming, and for good reason. Designed exclusively for two players, every level introduces fresh mechanics that require communication, teamwork, and perfect timing. One moment you’ll be solving environmental puzzles, the next you’ll be flying through the air, battling oversized household objects, or taking part in completely unexpected mini-games.

The story follows Cody and May, a married couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into tiny dolls. As they work together to find a way home, they must also repair their fractured relationship. While the narrative is light-hearted and humorous, it also explores themes of communication, trust, and working through challenges together, making it especially enjoyable for couples.

What really sets It Takes Two apart is its creativity. Every chapter feels completely different from the last, constantly introducing new gameplay ideas that keep the experience feeling fresh from beginning to end. Combined with imaginative level design, memorable boss encounters, and excellent pacing, it’s easy to see why so many players consider it amongst the greatest cooperative games ever made.

Whether you’re new to gaming or a lifelong PlayStation fan, It Takes Two is a great example of how rewarding couch co-op can be.

What Makes It Special

• Built exclusively for two-player cooperative gameplay
• Award-winning storytelling with memorable characters
• Constantly evolving gameplay mechanics that keep every chapter fresh
• Exceptional level design packed with creativity and variety
• Seamless blend of platforming, puzzles, action, and mini-games
• Supports both local couch co-op and online multiplayer with Friend’s Pass

Keep in Mind

It Takes Two is designed exclusively for two players, so it can’t be played solo or with larger groups.

The story also explores relationship themes and includes some surprisingly emotional moments, making it a better fit for older children, couples, and adult players than very young families.

3. Split Fiction

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

Created by Hazelight Studios, the award-winning team behind It Takes Two, Split Fiction takes cooperative gaming in an exciting new direction. The story follows two aspiring writers, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped inside a machine that brings their fictional worlds to life. As reality blurs with imagination, they must work together to escape worlds inspired by science fiction, fantasy, and everything in between.

Like its predecessor, Split Fiction is designed exclusively for two players, with every puzzle, platforming sequence, and action set piece built around cooperation. Success depends on communication, timing, and learning how each player’s unique abilities complement the other. Every chapter introduces fresh mechanics and surprising gameplay twists, ensuring the experience never feels repetitive.

Its greatest strength is its creativity. Each new world offers a completely different visual style, gameplay mechanic, and challenge, making every level feel like a brand-new adventure. Whether you’re escaping futuristic cities, exploring magical landscapes, or taking on larger-than-life bosses, there’s a constant sense of discovery that keeps both players engaged from beginning to end.

If you enjoyed It Takes Two but are looking for another imaginative co-op adventure packed with variety, Split Fiction is an easy recommendation and a standout cooperative experience available on PlayStation 5.

What Makes It Special

• Designed exclusively for two-player cooperative gameplay
• Created by the award-winning Hazelight Studios
• Constantly evolving gameplay with new mechanics in every chapter
• Unique blend of science fiction and fantasy settings
• Strong emphasis on communication and teamwork
• Supports both local couch co-op and online multiplayer with Friend’s Pass

Keep in Mind

Split Fiction moves at a faster pace than many other co-op adventures and includes more action-focused gameplay than titles like Hela: Of Mice & Magic or Spiritfarer. While it’s accessible for most players, some platforming sections require good coordination and communication to progress.

4. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

Few games capture the joy of playing together quite like Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Set in the wonderfully creative world of LittleBigPlanet, this colourful platforming adventure is packed with imaginative levels, charming characters, and cooperative challenges that are as rewarding as they are entertaining.

Whether you’re bouncing across moving platforms, solving environmental puzzles, or uncovering hidden collectibles, teamwork is at the heart of the experience. While every level can be played solo, the game truly shines in co-op, where players must coordinate jumps, help each other overcome obstacles, and work together to discover every secret hidden throughout Craftworld.

Accessibility is probably Sackboy: A Big Adventure’s greatest strength. The controls are easy to learn, making it an excellent choice for younger players or anyone new to gaming, while optional challenge levels and collectible hunting provide plenty of depth for more experienced platforming fans. It strikes a perfect balance between being welcoming and genuinely engaging.

With its cheerful soundtrack, inventive level design, and constant sense of fun, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is perhaps the easiest couch co-op game to recommend on PlayStation 5. Whether you’re playing with your children, your partner, or a group of friends, it’s almost guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

What Makes It Special

• Supports up to four players in local and online co-op
• Charming handcrafted worlds full of personality and creativity
• Accessible platforming that’s easy to learn but rewarding to master
• Excellent mix of exploration, puzzles, and lighthearted teamwork
• Family-friendly gameplay suitable for players of almost any age
• Packed with collectibles, costumes, and replayable challenge levels

Keep in Mind

While Sackboy: A Big Adventure is perfect for families and casual players, experienced gamers may find the main campaign relatively easy. If you’re aiming for 100% completion, however, the optional challenge levels provide a satisfying test of skill and coordination.

5. Overcooked! All You Can Eat

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re looking for a game that guarantees laughter, Overcooked! All You Can Eat is a great choice for PlayStation 5. Combining both Overcooked! and Overcooked! 2, along with all previously released downloadable content, this definitive edition offers hundreds of chaotic cooking challenges where teamwork is the secret ingredient.

Players must work together to prepare meals, wash dishes, serve customers, and keep increasingly ridiculous kitchens running smoothly. One moment you’ll be cooking in a traditional restaurant, and the next you’ll be racing around moving trucks, pirate ships, or kitchens split across floating platforms. Success depends on communication, quick thinking, and dividing tasks efficiently before time runs out.

What makes Overcooked! All You Can Eat so addictive is that every level feels like a new puzzle. As the environments become more unpredictable, you’ll constantly adapt your strategy, making every victory feel well earned. It’s easy to learn, accessible for players of all skill levels, and just as entertaining with experienced gamers as it is with complete beginners.

Whether you’re hosting a family game night or looking for something fun to play with friends, Overcooked! All You Can Eat delivers fast-paced cooperative gameplay that’s equal parts hilarious and rewarding.

What Makes It Special

• Includes Overcooked!, Overcooked! 2, and all downloadable content
• Supports up to four players locally or online
• Easy to learn with simple controls and accessible gameplay
• Constantly evolving kitchens that keep every level fresh
• Perfect for parties, family game nights, and casual multiplayer sessions
• Cross-platform online multiplayer and accessibility improvements included

Keep in Mind

Despite its family-friendly appearance, Overcooked! All You Can Eat can become wonderfully chaotic. As later levels increase in difficulty, clear communication becomes essential, and don’t be surprised if a few friendly arguments break out in the kitchen! If you’re looking for a slower, more immersive cooperative experience, games like Hela: Of Mice & Magic or Spiritfarer may be a better fit.

6. Moving Out 2

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to turn moving house into a hilarious team sport, Moving Out 2 has the answer. This colourful physics-based party game builds on everything that made the original so enjoyable, introducing even more imaginative levels, new environments, and online multiplayer alongside its fantastic local couch co-op.

Working together as a team of movers, you’ll be tasked with transporting everything from sofas and refrigerators to giant inflatable animals through increasingly bizarre locations. Every level becomes a puzzle as you figure out the fastest way to carry oversized furniture, avoid hazards, and beat the clock. While communication helps, some of the funniest moments happen when carefully planned strategies fall apart in spectacular fashion.

Despite the chaos, Moving Out 2 is incredibly welcoming. The simple controls make it easy for younger players and newcomers to jump straight in, while optional objectives and faster completion times provide an extra challenge for experienced teams. It strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and replayability, making it a fantastic choice for mixed groups of players.

Whether you’re playing with family, friends, or looking for a fun game to lighten the mood, Moving Out 2 delivers plenty of laughs and memorable moments without ever taking itself too seriously.

What Makes It Special

• Supports up to four players in local and online co-op
• Creative physics-based gameplay that rewards teamwork
• Colourful levels packed with humour and variety
• Easy-to-learn controls suitable for players of all skill levels
• Accessibility options that make the game welcoming for everyone
• High replay value through optional objectives and faster completion times

Keep in Mind

The intentionally awkward physics are part of the fun, but they can occasionally feel unpredictable. If you’re aiming for perfect scores, expect a little trial and error along the way. For players who prefer slower-paced exploration and storytelling, games like Hela: Of Mice & Magic or Spiritfarer offer a much more relaxed cooperative experience.

7. Spiritfarer

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re looking for a slower, more meaningful cooperative experience, Spiritfarer is one of the best 2-player PS5 games. Beautifully hand-drawn and deeply emotional, the game follows Stella, a ferrymaster to the deceased, as she helps lost spirits complete their final journeys by caring for them, fulfilling their wishes, and helping them find peace.

While one player controls Stella, a second player can join at any time as her loyal cat, Daffodil, making it a wonderfully accessible couch co-op experience. Together, you’ll sail across a beautifully crafted world, gather resources, build and customise your floating home, cook meals, fish, farm, and explore vibrant islands filled with secrets and friendly characters.

Rather than focusing on combat or high-pressure objectives, Spiritfarer encourages players to slow down and enjoy the journey. The cooperative gameplay feels natural and rewarding, with both players contributing to daily tasks and exploration while sharing one of the most heartfelt stories in modern gaming. It’s a game that celebrates kindness, compassion, and spending time together.

For players who enjoy emotional adventures with storytelling, Spiritfarer offers a truly unforgettable experience.

What Makes It Special

• Beautiful hand-drawn art and animation
• Gentle cooperative gameplay that’s easy to pick up
• Emotional story exploring friendship, love, and letting go
• Great mix of exploration, crafting, farming, fishing, and resource management
• Drop-in local co-op with Daffodil the cat
• Truly memorable narrative experiences on PlayStation 5

Keep in Mind

Spiritfarer deals with themes of loss, grief, and saying goodbye. While it’s presented in a gentle and hopeful way, the story can be emotional and may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a light-hearted party game. If, however, you enjoy slower-paced adventures with meaningful storytelling, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

8. Haven

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

Designed from the ground up as a game about partnership, Haven offers a truly unique couch co-op experience on PlayStation 5. You play as Yu and Kay, two lovers who have escaped to a forgotten planet in search of a life together. Their relationship is at the heart of the story, making every exploration, conversation, and challenge feel deeply personal.

Unlike many RPGs that focus on combat, Haven combines exploration, light role-playing mechanics, and a touching narrative with a calm, relaxed pace. Together, you’ll glide effortlessly across beautiful alien landscapes, gather resources, prepare meals, repair your ship, and uncover the mysteries of the world around you. Even battles encourage cooperation, with players synchronising attacks, shields, and abilities rather than relying on fast reflexes alone.

The game’s greatest strength is how naturally it embraces cooperative play. Both players are equally involved throughout the adventure, sharing everything from exploration to dialogue and decision-making. Combined with its beautiful soundtrack, striking visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, Haven creates an intimate experience that’s perfect for couples looking for a game they can truly enjoy together.

If you’re searching for a slower-paced adventure that values connection, exploration, and storytelling over constant action, Haven is an easy recommendation.

What Makes It Special

• Designed specifically with two-player cooperative gameplay in mind
• Beautiful open environments to explore together
• Enjoyable blend of exploration, crafting, and light RPG mechanics
• Emotional story centred on love, trust, and partnership
• Stunning soundtrack and vibrant art direction
• Cooperative combat that rewards communication and teamwork

Keep in Mind

Haven places a strong emphasis on its romantic relationship and character-driven storytelling. While that’s what makes it so memorable, players looking for fast-paced action or larger multiplayer groups may find it slower than games like Overcooked! All You Can Eat or Moving Out 2. It’s best enjoyed when you’re happy to take your time and become immersed in the journey.

9. Unravel Two

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

Beautiful, relaxing, and wonderfully clever, Unravel Two is one of the finest puzzle platformers available on PlayStation 5. You and a partner take control of two small Yarnys, connected by a single strand of yarn, as you journey through stunning natural environments inspired by the Scandinavian countryside.

The game’s cooperative mechanics are simple to understand but incredibly satisfying to master. Every puzzle is built around teamwork, whether you’re swinging across gaps, creating rope bridges, climbing obstacles, or helping each other reach new areas. Because you’re physically connected by your shared thread, cooperation never feels optional. Every challenge encourages communication and creative problem-solving.

Despite its gentle pace, Unravel Two offers plenty of rewarding moments for players who enjoy platforming. The beautifully crafted environments, peaceful soundtrack, and thoughtful level design create a calming atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day. While there are optional challenge levels for those seeking an extra test of skill, the main adventure remains accessible for players of all experience levels.

For anyone who enjoys exploration, environmental storytelling, and solving puzzles together, Unravel Two remains one of the best couch co-op experiences PlayStation has to offer.

What Makes It Special

• Clever cooperative puzzles built around teamwork
• Beautiful environments inspired by Scandinavian nature
• Low-pressure gameplay that encourages exploration and teamwork 
• Creative rope mechanics that make every puzzle feel unique
• Gorgeous soundtrack and atmospheric storytelling
• Accessible gameplay with optional challenges for experienced players

Keep in Mind

Unravel Two supports local couch co-op only, so online multiplayer isn’t available. Some platforming sections also require precise timing and coordination, which may occasionally challenge younger or less experienced players. If you enjoy thoughtful puzzles and a slower-paced adventure, however, it’s an unforgettable game to experience together.

10. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

Whether you’re a lifelong Star Wars fan or simply looking for a fun game to enjoy with family and friends, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is an extremely entertaining couch co-op experience. Covering all nine mainline Star Wars films, it combines the series’ trademark humour with accessible gameplay, satisfying exploration, and an enormous amount of content.

Playing together makes the adventure even more enjoyable. You and a partner can explore iconic planets, solve light environmental puzzles, collect hidden secrets, and battle familiar enemies while experiencing memorable moments from across the Skywalker saga. The drop-in, drop-out local co-op makes it easy for players of different skill levels to jump in and out whenever they like, making it a fantastic choice for family game nights.

Beyond the main story, there’s a huge amount to discover. With hundreds of playable characters, dozens of explorable locations, side missions, collectibles, and unlockables, there’s always another objective waiting around the corner. The forgiving gameplay and light-hearted tone ensure the experience remains fun rather than frustrating, even for younger players or those new to gaming.

Whether you’re revisiting favourite Star Wars moments or experiencing them for the first time, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga delivers an adventure that’s packed with humour, charm, and countless hours of cooperative fun.

What Makes It Special

• Relive all nine Skywalker Saga films in one game
• Accessible local co-op that’s perfect for families and younger players
• Huge open-world hubs filled with secrets, collectibles, and side quests
• Hundreds of playable Star Wars characters to unlock
• Humorous storytelling that appeals to both children and adults
• Plenty of replay value thanks to exploration and completion challenges

Keep in Mind

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga supports local couch co-op only, so you won’t be able to play online with friends. While the puzzles and combat are intentionally accessible, experienced players may find the gameplay less challenging than titles like Split Fiction or Baldur’s Gate 3. Its charm lies in exploration, humour, and sharing the adventure together rather than mastering difficult mechanics.

11. Baldur’s Gate 3

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

If you’re looking for a couch co-op adventure that offers incredible freedom, unforgettable storytelling, and hundreds of hours of gameplay, Baldur’s Gate 3 is in a league of its own. Developed by Larian Studios and winner of hundreds of Game of the Year awards, this critically acclaimed RPG has redefined what’s possible in cooperative role-playing games.

Every decision shapes your adventure. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, negotiating with powerful allies, or battling terrifying creatures, there are countless ways to approach each challenge. You can solve problems through combat, stealth, persuasion, magic, or pure creativity, with your choices having lasting consequences that influence both the story and the world around you.

Playing in couch co-op makes the experience even more memorable. Each player creates their own character, develops unique abilities, and makes independent dialogue choices, often leading to unexpected moments where your plans don’t quite align. Those shared decisions, triumphs, and occasional disagreements are what make every playthrough feel personal and completely unique.

With its cinematic storytelling, strategic turn-based combat, richly detailed world, and extraordinary level of player choice, Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t just one of the best couch co-op games on PlayStation 5, it’s one of the greatest cooperative RPGs ever made.

What Makes It Special

• Award-winning RPG with hundreds of hours of gameplay
• Local couch co-op and online multiplayer support
• Deep character creation and progression systems
• Meaningful choices that shape the story and world
• Strategic turn-based combat that rewards teamwork
• Exceptional replayability with multiple story paths and endings

Keep in Mind

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a much more complex experience than most games on this list. The rules, character builds, and turn-based combat can feel overwhelming for newcomers, and a single campaign can easily take well over 100 hours to complete. If you’re looking for a more relaxed or accessible co-op adventure, Hela: Of Mice & Magic or Sackboy: A Big Adventure may be a better place to start.

12. Don’t Starve Together

At a Glance

Why You’ll Love It

If you enjoy challenging survival games that reward careful planning and teamwork, Don’t Starve Together offers a deep cooperative experience. Set in a dark, hand-drawn gothic world filled with strange creatures, unpredictable weather, and countless dangers, every new world presents a fresh challenge where survival is never guaranteed.

Rather than following a traditional story, the game drops you into a procedurally generated wilderness and leaves you to figure things out together. You’ll gather resources, craft tools, build a base, farm food, and defend yourselves against increasingly dangerous enemies and the changing seasons. Every decision matters, and success depends on working together, sharing responsibilities, and adapting to whatever the world throws at you.

Don’t Starve Together remains very popular due to its incredible depth. With multiple playable characters, each offering unique strengths and abilities, every playthrough feels different. As your knowledge grows, so does your ability to survive longer, encouraging players to experiment with new strategies and explore more of the mysterious world.

For groups of friends looking for a rewarding challenge rather than a relaxing evening, Don’t Starve Together delivers hundreds of hours of replayability and some of the most satisfying cooperative survival gameplay available.

What Makes It Special

• Deep survival mechanics that reward teamwork and planning
• Beautiful hand-drawn gothic art style with a unique atmosphere
• Procedurally generated worlds that make every playthrough different
• Large roster of playable characters with distinct abilities
• Extensive crafting, farming, base-building, and exploration systems
• Excellent replayability with regular content updates and seasonal events

Keep in Mind

Don’t Starve Together has a much steeper learning curve than most of the games on this list. New players should expect to fail, often, before they begin to understand its survival systems. If you’re looking for a more relaxed, welcoming co-op experience, Hela: Of Mice & Magic, Spiritfarer, or Sackboy: A Big Adventure are much gentler introductions to cooperative gaming.

Honourable Mention: Astro Bot

Although Astro Bot isn’t a couch co-op game, it deserves a mention as a fantastic PlayStation 5 exclusive. If you’re looking for an exceptional single-player adventure to enjoy between multiplayer sessions, it’s an easy recommendation.

“The best co-op games aren’t the ones you finish the fastest. They’re the ones you remember years later.” 

Best PS5 Couch Co-op Games by Category

Not every couch co-op game offers the same experience. Some are perfect for a relaxing evening with your partner, action-packed sessions with friends, while others are specifically designed as family-friendly PS5 games. To help you find the right game for your next gaming session, we’ve grouped our top recommendations by the type of experience they offer.

❤️ Best for Couples

Looking for a game that encourages communication, teamwork, and shared storytelling? These titles are perfect for spending quality time together.

🥇 Hela: Of Mice & Magic

With its beautiful Scandinavian-inspired world, cooperative exploration, and low-pressure pace, Hela: Of Mice & Magic is an excellent choice for couples who want to discover a world together without the pressure of fast-paced combat or competitive gameplay.

🥈 It Takes Two

Designed exclusively for two players, It Takes Two remains one of the greatest cooperative games ever made. Its creative puzzles, memorable story, and constantly evolving mechanics make it an unforgettable experience for couples.

🥉 Haven

Built around the relationship between its two protagonists, Haven offers a slower-paced adventure focused on exploration, storytelling, and cooperation, making it ideal for couples looking for a more intimate gaming experience.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

These games are accessible, welcoming, and suitable for players of different ages and experience levels.

🥇 Hela: Of Mice & Magic

Its charming world, approachable gameplay, and emphasis on teamwork make Hela: Of Mice & Magic an ideal adventure for families looking to explore together.

🥈 Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Colourful, creative, and packed with imaginative platforming challenges, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is an easy game for players of all ages to pick up and enjoy.

🥉 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Combining humour, exploration, and familiar Star Wars characters, this is a fantastic choice for parents and children looking to play together.

Also worth playing: Moving Out 2, thanks to its accessible controls and laugh-out-loud cooperative gameplay.

🌍 Best Exploration Adventures

If your favourite part of gaming is wandering off the beaten path, uncovering hidden secrets, and immersing yourself in beautifully crafted worlds, these games reward curiosity just as much as they reward teamwork. Whether you’re solving environmental puzzles, discovering hidden locations, or simply enjoying the journey together, these adventures are designed to be explored at your own pace.

🥇 Hela: Of Mice & Magic

At its heart, Hela: Of Mice & Magic is an exploration-driven adventure. From lush Scandinavian-inspired forests to hidden pathways and environmental puzzles, every corner of the world has been designed to reward curiosity. Rather than rushing from one objective to the next, players are encouraged to slow down, work together, and uncover the many secrets scattered throughout the world.

🥈 Spiritfarer

Sail between beautifully illustrated islands, meet unforgettable characters, and gradually uncover a heartfelt story through exploration, crafting, and discovery. Every destination introduces new resources, stories, and opportunities to develop your floating home.

🥉 LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Beyond its main story, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga offers expansive hub worlds packed with collectibles, side missions, puzzles, and iconic locations to explore. Whether you’re wandering through Mos Eisley or exploring Coruscant, there’s always another secret waiting to be discovered.

🎉 Best Party Games

If your goal is laughter, friendly competition, and a little bit of chaos, these games are guaranteed to get everyone involved.

🥇 Overcooked! All You Can Eat

The ultimate cooperative party game, where communication is just as important as cooking. Expect frantic kitchens, hilarious mistakes, and unforgettable moments.

🥈 Moving Out 2

Physics-based moving has never been so entertaining. Carrying oversized furniture through increasingly ridiculous levels creates endless opportunities for laughter.

🥉 Ultimate Chicken Horse

Build the level as you play, placing traps and obstacles while trying to outsmart your friends. It’s extremely creative and replayable.

⚔️ Best Long Adventures

If you’re looking for a game you’ll enjoy over multiple evenings or even weeks, these adventures offer the most substantial cooperative experiences.

🥇 Baldur’s Gate 3

A massive role-playing adventure with hundreds of hours of content, meaningful choices, and almost endless replayability.

🥈 Split Fiction

Hazelight Studios delivers another imaginative co-op adventure packed with constantly evolving mechanics, creative worlds, and memorable storytelling.

🥉 Don’t Starve Together

With procedurally generated worlds and deep survival mechanics, Don’t Starve Together is a replayable cooperative adventure on PlayStation 5, rewarding teams that enjoy learning, exploring, and surviving together.

Couch Co-op vs Online Co-op

Before choosing your next multiplayer adventure, it’s worth understanding the difference between couch co-op and online co-op. While both let you play together, they offer very different experiences depending on who you’re playing with.

Couch Co-op

Couch co-op (also called local co-op) lets two or more players enjoy the same game together in the same room, using a single PlayStation 5 console. Depending on the game, players either share one screen or use split-screen to explore independently.

For many players, couch co-op is still the most enjoyable way to experience multiplayer games. Sitting side by side makes communication easier, creates memorable moments, and turns every success, mistake, and unexpected challenge into something you experience together.

Games like It Takes Two, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga are excellent examples of couch co-op experiences that are perfect for families, couples, and friends.

Online Co-op

Online co-op allows players to connect over the internet, making it easy to enjoy games with friends and family even when they’re in different locations. Each player uses their own console and internet connection while sharing the same adventure.

Many modern PlayStation 5 games now support online co-op alongside local multiplayer, giving players the freedom to choose whichever option suits them best. Games like Split Fiction, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Overcooked! All You Can Eat all support online cooperative play.

Games That Support Both

Some of the best cooperative games don’t force you to choose between local and online multiplayer. Instead, they support both, giving you the flexibility to play however you prefer.

One great example is Hela: Of Mice & Magic, which supports solo play, two-player local split-screen, and online co-op for up to four players. The game has also been designed to adapt to different group sizes, making it easy to enjoy whether you’re exploring with one friend or a full team.

Other excellent games that support both local and online co-op include:

• It Takes Two
• Split Fiction
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure
• Overcooked! All You Can Eat
• Moving Out 2
• Baldur’s Gate 3

Which One Is Better?

There’s no single answer. It depends on who you’re playing with and the type of experience you’re looking for.

Choose couch co-op if you:

• Want to spend quality time together in the same room.
• Enjoy communicating naturally without headsets.
• Are playing with children, family members, or a partner.
• Prefer a more social and relaxed gaming experience.

Choose online co-op if you:

• Want to play with friends or family who live elsewhere.
• Have players joining from different locations.
• Need more flexibility when arranging game sessions.
• Want to tackle longer adventures with a regular group.

The good news is that many of today’s best PlayStation 5 games, including Hela: Of Mice & Magic, let you choose the style of multiplayer that works best for you, so you never have to compromise on how you play together.

How the DualSense Controller Makes Couch Co-op Better

Among the biggest advantages of playing couch co-op on PlayStation 5 is the DualSense wireless controller. Its advanced features help make cooperative games feel more immersive, whether you’re exploring a magical world, solving puzzles, or working together to overcome challenges.

While not every game uses every DualSense feature, many of the best PlayStation 5 games make clever use of the controller to create a richer and more engaging experience.

Adaptive Triggers

The DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers can change their level of resistance depending on what’s happening in the game, adding another layer of immersion to gameplay.

Whether you’re pulling back a bow, operating machinery, or interacting with heavy objects, the triggers can respond differently to make actions feel more physical and satisfying. It’s a subtle feature, but one that helps blur the line between the player and the game world.

Haptic Feedback

Unlike traditional controller vibration, the DualSense uses advanced haptic feedback to create much more detailed sensations.

Walking across different surfaces, feeling the impact of powerful actions, or experiencing changing weather conditions can all feel distinct through the controller. These small details make environments feel more alive and help draw players further into the adventure.

Games focused on exploration and environmental storytelling particularly benefit from this extra level of immersion, helping every journey feel that little bit more memorable.

Controller Speaker

The DualSense also features a built-in speaker that many PlayStation 5 games use to deliver subtle sound effects directly through the controller.

Character interactions, environmental sounds, item pickups, and other audio cues can be played through the speaker, creating a stronger connection between the player and the action on screen. It’s a small detail, but one that adds another layer of immersion during cooperative gameplay.

Motion Controls and Gyro Aiming

While motion controls aren’t a major feature in every couch co-op game, many PlayStation 5 titles make use of gyro aiming, allowing players to tilt the DualSense controller for more precise movements.

Rather than relying solely on the analogue sticks, gentle movements of the controller can help with aiming, navigating puzzles, or completing certain mini-games. When implemented well, gyro controls offer an intuitive way to interact with the game and can improve precision for players who prefer them.

Why It Matters

The best couch co-op games aren’t memorable because of impressive graphics alone. They’re memorable because they create shared experiences that players talk about long after they’ve put the controllers down.

Features like adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, immersive audio, and gyro controls all help strengthen that connection, making every puzzle solved, obstacle overcome, and shared victory feel even more rewarding. Combined with great cooperative gameplay, the DualSense controller helps make PlayStation 5 one of the best platforms available for local multiplayer adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The best couch co-op games aren’t always the biggest blockbusters. They’re the games that make you laugh together, solve problems together, celebrate hard-earned victories, and create memories long after you’ve put the controllers down.

Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable story, a family-friendly adventure, a challenging puzzle game, or simply a new world to explore with someone special, there’s never been a better time to experience couch co-op on PlayStation 5. From award-winning classics like It Takes Two and Baldur’s Gate 3 to accessible favourites like Sackboy: A Big Adventure, there’s a cooperative experience for every type of player.

Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering your next adventure, PlayStation 5 offers an incredible collection of cooperative experiences that prove gaming is often at its best when it’s shared.

And if exploration, teamwork, and discovering beautiful new worlds together sound like your kind of adventure, Hela: Of Mice & Magic is one game you’ll want to keep firmly on your radar. With its Scandinavian-inspired setting, physics-based puzzles, and flexible cooperative gameplay, it’s shaping up to be amongst the most exciting couch co-op adventures arriving in Q4 2026. So grab a second controller, invite someone to join you, and get ready for your next great adventure together.

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