In the early days of video games, platformers were renowned for being some of the best single-player games around. However, in the modern day, platformers have evolved to provide some of the most fun co-op action games can provide.
Whether it’s games that are designed to get couples to play together, or mind-bending puzzle games with a wicked sense of humor, there are plenty of great co-op platformers to explore.
7Guacamelee 2
The Lucha Way
When the originalGuacamelee!released, it was lauded as being a fantastic throwback to old-school Metroidvania platformers with a distinct art style. With that in mind, many were excited about the evolution of the series with the second entry that would allow co-op play throughout the entire experience.
Unfortunately,Guacamelee 2never got the widespread love and attention it deserved. Any gamer who is looking for an underloved co-op Metroidvania-style platformer should giveGuacamelee 2a try for its cooky and wicked sense of humor as well as chunky satisfying combat that permeates every minute of its co-op gameplay.
The firstUnravelwas widely beloved for its enchanting art style and novel main character made of yarn, who could use their own string-self to navigate around relatively simple but charming platforming levels.Unravel 2built on everything that came before and it came out as a much better game.
Despite being criminally underplayed,Unravel 2is one of the better co-op puzzle platformers available today, compounding the complexity, charm, and difficulty of the original by infusing everything with a co-op sensibility. If you’ve got a co-op partner who wants something a little more relaxed,Unravel 2is the perfect place to go.
As one of the older franchises still alive and kicking, Rayman has gone through a massive amount of revolutions, starting as a 2D platforming adventure, into 3D action, and then swinging fully back into 2D platforming with the widely belovedRayman Legends.
Gamers play as titular Rayman and a roster of friends across a series of incredibly inventive and mechanically engaging platforming levels. The nuts and bolts ofRayman Legend’s level design are incredibly strong, which is why it is still sometimes cited asthe best game in the series, and it’s made even better by its comprehensive co-op support.
Though the once dominantLittleBigPlanetfranchise is now seemingly dead, it is still well worth remembering just how popular the games were, and how they still offered a great family-friendly platforming experience with a comprehensive and fearsome customization engine.
Sadly, the servers forLittleBigPlanet 3, the controversial but most comprehensive entry into the series, have been taken down recently, meaning online co-op isn’t possible and the game itself isbeing taken down from the store. However, if couch co-op is still an option,LittleBigPlanet 3remains a heart-warming and charming adventure with Sackboy and friends.
It’s no secret that Nintendo were struggling during the Wii U era and they needed a big win, fast. For all intents and purposes, that win came withSuper Mario 3D World,a storming return to form for the beleaguered console that delivered a timeless (and one of the most difficult) entry into the franchise.
While somewhat overshadowed byOdysseyjust a couple of years later,Super Mario 3D Worldmay well still be the best way to play a good old-fashioned Mario game with friends, and it’s well worth rooting out if possible.
When it comes to embracing the idea of cooperative play to the max, few do it better than Hazelight Studios.It Takes Two!is the latest in a series of great co-op-centered games, each using the nature of playing with friends to deeply inform the mechanics at play.
InIt Takes Two!players take control of a married couple considering divorce who are turned magically into dolls and must work together to return to their normal forms (while uncovering the game’s many secrets). It’s a surprisingly emotional co-op game that has a lot of heart and delivers on the platforming credentials as well, offering a fun experience for veterans of gaming and those who have never played alike.
Some co-op games are all about relaxing with friends, but some, likeCuphead,exist to push your bonds to the very limits.Cupheadis an infamously difficult game, and that difficulty takes on a whole new meaning when played co-op.
While bosses and arenas stay the same when played in co-op, the lives are shared between both players, meaning everyone needs to excel if they want to survive. It makes for a more intense platforming experience than any other on this list and is easily one of the best co-op platforming games available today.
