7 best co-op games like It Takes Two to play on Switch, PlayStation, Xbox & PC (2024)

Playing with friends has always been a staple of gaming culture, whether it's online with someone on the other side of the world, or with the person sitting on the couch right next to you. 

And if you're looking for some great games that emphasise teamwork just like Hazelight Studio's award-winning It Takes Two, I've rounded up a list of titles on PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox with equally compelling and unique co-op experiences,

Games like It Takes Two

As It Takes Two centres around a struggling couple, Cody and May, who are turned into dolls and must save their relationship before they save themselves, you'll find games here that similarly encourage teamwork, forging alliances, and solving intricate puzzles together.

#7 - A Way Out

Key features:

• Platforms: PC via Steam and EA App, PS4, Xbox One
• Release date: 2018
• Key features:
  • Entirely co-op
  • Unique prison-break storyline
  • Made by Hazelight Studios

If you enjoyed It Takes Two, A Way Out is the perfect place to start. Also created by Hazelight, A Way Out shares a lot of similar tropes that It Takes Two delighted in.

Although it isn’t a platformer like the former, A Way Out tells a similar story of friendship as you play as inmates Vincent and Leo who start as strangers who must learn to trust one another as they set out to escape from prison.

In the game, the two men are down on their luck and have different reasons for ending up where they are. You'll need to play with another person via online play or couch co-op to secure the men their freedom.

#6 - Cuphead

Key features:

• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, Xbox One
• Release date: 2017
• Key features:
  • Hand-drawn art style
  • Harder than it looks
  • Jazzy soundtrack

Cuphead is the ultimate retro platformer. Cited as one of the toughest games to beat, Cuphead is not for the faint of heart. With this in mind, it's almost a relief that there's the option to invite a friend to the game to share the burden. The platformer is described as a 'run and gun' game that mostly focuses on beating the iconic boss battles.

Supporting both single-player and local co-op where you can either play as the eponymous Cuphead or his companion Mugman, it's heavily stylised around classic 1930s comics and features hand-drawn animation with an original jazz soundtrack.

#5 - Unravel Two

Key features

• Platforms: PC via Steam and EA App, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
• Release date: 2018
• Key features:
  • Adorable protagonists
  • Unique puzzle platforming
  • Connected by thread

In Unravel Two, you can play as two adorable Yarnys, little creatures made from yarn and connected by a single thread, who are thrust into the world on a platforming adventure. The Yarnys must use their yarn to travel and solve puzzles along the way.

You can play Unravel Two either in single-player mode or through local co-op play. The game is inspired by Scandinavian settings and is set in a world where emotions manifest unique creatures into existence.  

The puzzler platformer is a pleasant distraction if you're looking to play a few hours of something with a friend or loved one without sinking too much time into a new game.

#4 - Destroy All Humans 2: Reprobed

Key features

• Platforms: PC Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Release date: 2022
• Key features:
  • Remake of a cult classic
  • Fun, dark comedy
  • Couch co-op split-screen

Destroy All Humans 2 is the sequel to hit success Destroy All Humans which rebooted the retro cult classic. Set in the 60s when aliens have made first contact, the twist here is that you play as the alien set on enslaving the human race with a multitude of new tech weapons.

Destroy All Humans 2 offers a split-screen local co-op for you to play the game with a friend and enjoy all the iconic cheesy jokes the franchise has become known for.

#3 - Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons

Key features

• Platforms: PC Steam, Nintendo Switch, PS3, PS4, X360, Xbox One
• Release date: 2013 / 2024
• Key features:
  • Puzzle game
  • Heart-warming story
  • Switch version amplifies the experience
  • A Remake that includes co-op capabilities

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons is a heart-warming adventure puzzle game where you play as two brothers on a journey to heal their sick father. The game features puzzles, boss battles and conflict whilst you explore the relationship between the two brothers.

In February 2024, a remake of the game arrived (you can read our thoughts on that here), which shipped with co-op capabilities built in - which was previously only available on the Nintendo Switch. There are fresh visuals here too, giving it a sleek coat of paint for those of you who may already have played it upon its 2013 launch.

#2 - Dead Island 2

Key features

• Platforms: PC via Epic Games, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
• Release date: 2023
• Key features:
  • Horror comedy
  • Gory hack-n-slash
  • 3-player co-op

Set in sunny 'Hell-A' you don’t need to have played its predecessor to get to grips with Dead Island 2. With up to 3-player co-op, you can take on Los Angeles with a squad of zombie-fighting heroes.

The game is a perfect option for co-op if you're looking for over-the-top gory hack N slash fun. The game doesn’t cover any new ground in terms of storytelling, but it does offer fun gameplay and a combat loop, which especially lends itself well to co-op play.

The choice of characters to pick from is varied, each has strengths and weaknesses and offers unique corny dialogue in tense situations.

What is the best co-op game like It Takes Two?

#1 - Portal 2

Key features

• Platforms: PC, PS3, X360
• Release date: 2011
• Key features:
  • Sequel to an iconic game
  • Pioneering puzzle platformer
  • Portal gun

Portal 2 is the ultimate puzzle co-op game that has held the test of time. Due to its age, it can usually be picked up for a cheaper price and offers hours of puzzle fun.

In Portal 2, you play as two droids working for Aperture Laboratories who must use Portal technology to solve various test chamber puzzles. It also has a single-player campaign with different characters and features the usual humour the original was well-known for.

The game has been met with consistent positive reception from players and critics alike and is mostly regarded as a great example of what a puzzle co-op game can achieve.

Now that you know some of the greatest co-op games that you can play with your friends, be sure to check out our list homepage for more recommendations of the best games on Steam Deck, or titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Pokemon GO.