Let’s be real: gaming with mates is just more fun. Whether you’re on the couch together, diving into a local co-op adventure, or teaming up from different locations with online co-op, the experience is always better when shared. But while some co-op games dominate the spotlight, others don’t get the love they deserve. These hidden gems might not be on every “best co-op games” list, but they’re worth your time. So, gather your gaming buddies, and let’s explore some underrated co-op games you might have missed.
1. Aegis Defenders – A Blend of Tower Defence and Action-Platformer
- Release Date: 8 February 2018
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
- Average Price Point: AUD $20-25
Ever heard of Aegis Defenders? Probably not, but it’s a game that offers something truly unique. This indie gem combines tower defence with action-platforming, creating a co-op experience that feels fresh and exciting. You and your mate can control two characters each, switching between them to solve puzzles and defend your base.
The beauty of Aegis Defenders lies in its cooperative gameplay. Communication is key here. While one player builds and maintains defences, the other can engage enemies directly. The game’s pixel art style is charming, and its story is surprisingly engaging for an indie title. It’s available on multiple platforms, including cross platform play between PC and Switch, so no excuses—grab a mate and dive in!
2. For the King – Turn-Based Strategy with a Co-op Twist
- Release Date: 19 April 2018
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Average Price Point: AUD $30-35
If you and your co-op partner enjoy strategy games, then For the King is a must-play. This turn-based game offers a mix of RPG and roguelike elements, all wrapped in a charming, low-poly art style. What makes For the King special is its cooperative gameplay. You can team up with friends in local co-op or online co-op, making each playthrough a unique experience.
The game’s procedural generation ensures that no two adventures are the same. You’ll need to strategise together, making decisions that could mean life or death for your party. The combat system is simple yet deep, allowing for a variety of playstyles. For the King may not have the same recognition as other strategy games, but its engaging co-op gameplay makes it a hidden gem worth your attention.
3. Helldivers – Hardcore Action for Hardcore Gamers
- Release Date: 3 March 2015
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita
- Average Price Point: AUD $20-25
Looking for a challenge? Helldivers might be the game for you. This top-down shooter is all about teamwork, and I mean all about teamwork. It’s one of those games where if you and your friends aren’t on the same page, you’re probably going to fail. But that’s what makes it so rewarding.
In Helldivers, you and your squad of up to four players (local co-op, online co-op, or a mix of both) are tasked with taking down alien enemies on hostile planets. The twist? Friendly fire is always on. That’s right—one wrong move and you might end up shooting your buddy instead of the enemy. This makes every mission a tense, thrilling experience where communication and precision are vital.
The game’s difficulty scales with the number of players, so it’s challenging no matter how many people are on your team. And with its cross platform play between PlayStation, PC, and Mac, you can team up with friends on different systems. If you haven’t played Helldivers yet, you’re missing out on one of the most intense co-op experiences out there.
4. Overcooked! All You Can Eat – Chaotic Co-op Fun for Everyone
- Release Date: 12 November 2020
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Average Price Point: AUD $50-60
Overcooked! is probably the most well-known game on this list, but it still doesn’t get the attention it deserves. This chaotic cooking game is a blast to play with friends, whether you’re in the same room for some local co-op action or playing online. The premise is simple: cook and serve dishes under increasingly difficult conditions. But trust me, it’s way harder than it sounds.
The beauty of Overcooked! lies in its simplicity and the way it fosters teamwork. You and your friends will need to communicate constantly, as every level throws new challenges your way. One minute you’re cooking in a standard kitchen, and the next, you’re dealing with a pirate ship that tilts back and forth, sending all your carefully prepared ingredients flying.
Overcooked! All You Can Eat is the definitive edition, combining the first two games and all their DLC into one package. It’s a great way to experience the series, especially if you missed it the first time around. And with its colourful visuals and easy-to-grasp controls, it’s a game that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their gaming experience.
5. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime – A Neon-Coloured Adventure
- Release Date: 9 September 2015
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Average Price Point: AUD $20-25
Lastly, let’s talk about Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, a game as unique as its name. This co-op title places you and up to three friends inside a neon-coloured spaceship, where you’ll have to work together to pilot the ship, operate weapons, and fend off enemies. The catch? Each player can only control one part of the ship at a time, so coordination is crucial.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is all about communication and quick thinking. As enemies swarm your ship, you’ll need to decide who’s steering, who’s firing weapons, and who’s shielding the ship from damage. The game’s fast pace and colourful visuals make for a thrilling experience that’s as fun as it is frantic.
What’s great about Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is its accessibility. The controls are simple, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. Plus, it’s available on multiple platforms, with cross platform play between Xbox and PC, so you can team up with friends regardless of their gaming system. If you’re looking for a co-op game that’s both challenging and charming, this one’s a must-try.
6. Moving Out – A Wacky Moving Simulator
- Release Date: 28 April 2020
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Average Price Point: AUD $30-40
Ever thought moving furniture could be fun? Moving Out takes this mundane task and turns it into a hilarious co-op experience. You and your friends become Furniture Arrangement & Relocation Technicians (F.A.R.Ts), working together to move furniture out of various locations as quickly as possible. The catch? The laws of physics don’t always apply, and you’ll need to work together to navigate through increasingly chaotic environments.
What makes Moving Out stand out is its combination of wacky gameplay and charming art style. It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it perfect for a laid-back gaming session with friends. With its local co-op focus, Moving Out is a great choice for couch co-op enthusiasts looking for something different.
7. Broforce – Over-the-Top Co-op Action with a Retro Twist
- Release Date: 15 October 2015
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Average Price Point: AUD $15-20
Broforce is an action-packed, side-scrolling shooter that pays homage to 80s and 90s action movies. In this game, you and your friends play as parodies of famous action heroes, each with unique abilities, as you blast your way through hordes of enemies and save the world from evil. The game’s destructible environments add an extra layer of strategy and chaos to the gameplay.
The pixel art graphics and explosive gameplay make Broforce a blast to play, especially with friends in local co-op or online co-op. It’s a game that embraces its over-the-top nature and encourages players to go wild, making it a must-play for fans of retro action games.
8. Gauntlet Slayer Edition – A Modern Take on a Classic
- Release Date: 11 August 2014
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4
- Average Price Point: AUD $10-15
If you’re a fan of dungeon crawlers, Gauntlet Slayer Edition is a game you shouldn’t miss. This modern reimagining of the classic Gauntlet game brings back the hack-and-slash action that made the original a hit, but with updated graphics and gameplay. You and your friends can choose from four distinct characters—Warrior, Valkyrie, Elf, and Wizard—each with unique abilities and playstyles.
The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay makes it easy for anyone to pick up and play, while the difficulty ramps up as you progress, keeping things challenging. Whether you’re playing in local co-op or online co-op, Gauntlet Slayer Editionis a great choice for a night of classic dungeon-crawling action with friends.
9. Castle Crashers Remastered – A Whimsical Beat ‘Em Up Co-op Adventure
- Release Date: 17 September 2015 (Remastered)
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Average Price Point: AUD $20-25
Castle Crashers is a beloved indie game that has been entertaining players for over a decade. In this remastered version, the classic beat ‘em up gameplay is back with improved graphics and smoother performance. You and up to three friends can team up to fight through hordes of enemies, rescue princesses, and save the kingdom, all while collecting loot and levelling up your characters.
The game’s art style is colourful and cartoonish, which adds to its charm. The variety of characters and abilities keeps the gameplay fresh, and the co-op mode is where Castle Crashers truly shines. Whether you’re playing locally or online, this game offers a fun and whimsical adventure that’s perfect for co-op gaming sessions.
10. Risk of Rain 2 – Roguelike Action with Infinite Possibilities
- Release Date: 11 August 2020 (Full Release)
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Average Price Point: AUD $40-50
Risk of Rain 2 takes the formula of the original Risk of Rain and expands it into a fully 3D experience. This roguelike action game lets you and your friends team up to battle through waves of enemies, collect powerful items, and defeat challenging bosses. Each run is different, thanks to the game’s procedurally generated levels and random item drops, ensuring that no two playthroughs are the same.
What makes Risk of Rain 2 stand out is its addictive gameplay loop and the sense of progression you feel as you gather more items and become stronger. The game’s difficulty scales with the number of players, making it a great choice for co-op sessions with friends. With its cross platform play and intense action, Risk of Rain 2 is a hidden gem that deserves more attention.
Want to read about some more great co-op games? Check out this post on the Top Couch Co-op Games For Couples and this post on Upcoming Co-Op Games of 2024!
