The Best Local Co-Op & Split-Screen Games You Can Play On The PS5

Key Takeaways

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• Local split-screen multiplayer games are becoming rarer due to the popularity of online gaming.
• Some developers still prioritize couch co-op titles, offering enjoyable shared screen experiences.
• The PS5 has a decent selection of local multiplayer games, with split-screen options available in many titles.

There was once a time when almost every home console game on the market featured split-screen multiplayer gameplay. As the popularity of online gaming has increased, however, those looking for the perfect couch co-op title to enjoy with friends or loved ones now find their options severely limited. Thankfully, though, there are still some developers who see the value in local split-screen and co-op multiplayer.

Although it’s only been around for a few years, the PS5 already has a fairly decent selection of local multiplayer games; thanks in large to the console’s backward compatibility with PS4 titles. Many of the best local multiplayer PS5 games, like Sackboy: A Big Adventure and Diablo 4, confine their action to a single shared screen, but there are plenty of other titles with split-screen options included as well.

The Best Couch Co-Op PS5 Games (Quick Links)

AEW Fight Forever

OpenCritic Rating: 65

It may have taken a little longer to arrive than some would have liked, but most will feel that AEW Fight Forever was well worth the wait. Unlike the WWE 2K series, which aims to be a more realistic sports entertainment simulation, Fight Forever focuses firmly on fun, serving as a blood-soaked love letter to classic turn-of-the-century wrestling games like WWF No Mercy and WCW/nWo Revenge.

Granted, the game is a little rough around the edges and nowhere near as well-polished as its more established rival, but, when combined with the game’s over-the-top action, the arcade-style experience that’s on offer here makes it a more than worthy competitor. Playing the game locally with a friend is even more enjoyable, with plenty of great game modes available.

The Ascent

OpenCritic Rating: 73

Set in a neon-stained cyberpunk dystopia in which society is controlled by an evil megacorporation, The Ascent is a twin-stick shooter with full local co-op support. Although its story and characters are somewhat forgettable, combat in this game is a whole lot of fun, providing players with the perfect outlet for any pent-up frustration they may have been holding onto.

The Ascent may not boast the best graphics, but the game’s art style more than makes up for this. It’s just as enjoyable to look at as it is to play, and thanks to an epic score from Paweł Błaszczak of Dying Light and The Witcher fame, the experience on offer is just as much of a treat for the ears as it is the eyes and soul.

Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia

OpenCritic Rating: 65

Released in late 2022, Asterix & Obelix XXXL: The Ram From Hibernia is an action-adventure game that supports up to four-player local co-op. It’s far from the best-looking game on the PS5 and the pulled-back camera angles can at times make it a little difficult to keep track of what’s going on, but that doesn’t stop the game from being a lot of fun most of the time; particularly when played with friends.

Younger players probably won’t be all that familiar with the titular characters, with the comedy satire comic book series having first debuted all the way back in 1959. That shouldn’t stand in their way of enjoying what’s on offer though, as a lot of the game’s charm is derived from the way that the characters behave on-screen rather than the events that led them to their latest adventure.

Balan Wonderworld

OpenCritic Rating: 48

When Sonic the Hedgehog creator Yuji Naka announced that he was working on a new 3D platformer, a lot of people were excited. That Square Enix would be publishing and presumably helping out with the development of Balan Wonderworld only amplified this initial excitement. Naturally, the final game failed to live up to the hype, though that’s not at all to say that it’s not worth playing.

If nothing else, Balan Wonderworld is an incredibly weird video game with plenty of baffling design choices and a lot of confusing themes. Despite this, though, like an overturned car on the side of the freeway, it can be difficult to look away, with players constantly left guessing what kind of craziness will be coming their way next. As is often the case with games like this, this randomness is best shared with a friend.

Baldur’s Gate 3

OpenCritic Rating: 96

The Baldur’s Gate series has always been popular, but the franchise’s third mainline installment helped to bring it to a whole other level. Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best role-playing games of all time and is made all the better by the inclusion of a split-screen local co-op mode.

Players can also experience the title via online multiplayer, though this is arguably not as fun as doing so with a friend or loved one by one’s side. The game is full to the brim with content, so those looking for something to while away the days with should definitely consider checking it out.

The Binding of Isaac: Repentance

OpenCritic Rating: 87

As far as indie game darlings go, they don’t come much bigger than The Binding of Isaac. Together with the likes of Undertale, Celeste, and Super Meat Boy, it played a hugely important role in the popularization of indie titles, while also helping to bring about a resurgence of sorts for the roguelike genre.

For those who are yet to play Edmund McMillen’s masterpiece, The Binding of Isaac: Repentance is a great place to start. Not only is it the perfect entry point for new players, but also a great way for long-time fans of the title to rediscover what makes The Bing of Isaac so special. With four-player local co-op support, it can be just as fun with friends as it is solo, if not more.

Borderlands 3

OpenCritic Rating: 81

Gearbox Software’s Borderlands series hasn’t changed all that much since making its debut back in late 2009. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, with the latest entry providing all of the same carnage and loot-oriented gameplay that made earlier entries so enjoyable. It looks great too, and while some may bemoan the lack of innovation, they can at least be thankful that loot drops remain free rather than being locked behind aggressive and predatory microtransactions.

The Borderlands games have always done an excellent job of incorporating split-screen and this is once again the case in Borderlands 3. The game features both horizontal and vertical options and, exclusively on next-gen consoles, as many as four players can get involved at once. While playing online, it’s also possible for additional players to drop into the session, although the maximum number of players at any given time is four.

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake

OpenCritic Rating: 81

Strictly speaking, the original release of Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons can be played like a traditional co-op game if players choose to do so. However, the 2024 remake includes a dedicated local co-op mode, allowing two players to share the experience without having to cozy up and share a single controller.

There’s perhaps an argument to be made that the story is more impactful when experienced solo, though there’s still plenty of fun to be had by sharing it with a friend or loved one. In fact, more than most local co-op PS5 games, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake requires coordination and teamwork and thus forces players to get in sync with one another.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

OpenCritic Rating: 83

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 picks up right where its predecessors left off, providing high-octane gunplay and one of the best FPS multiplayer experiences around. The single-player campaign is pretty decent too as one might expect from a Black Ops title, but, as is so often the case with Call of Duty games, it finds itself playing second fiddle to the multiplayer madness.

Thankfully, split-screen support in Black Ops 6 is much better than it was in Modern Warfare 3, although there are still one or two limitations, such as both players needing to have an Activision account. It’s also impossible to play through the game’s campaign with a friend, although the lack of a couch co-op campaign is arguably offset by the fact that the hugely popular Zombies mode still supports local multiplayer.

Can’t Drive This

OpenCritic Rating: 63

In some ways, Pixel Maniacs’ Can’t Drive This is actually an anti-co-op game, despite players sharing a single split-screen. The way that it achieves this is incredibly innovative, with one player creating tracks and puzzles for the other using a series of modular components akin to those found in one of those old connect-the-pipes-style games.

The developer describes the game as a competitive co-op title, which seems somewhat fair given its core mechanics. Ultimately, however, the game is a lot of fun whatever one wishes to call it, and is well worth checking out. Granted, with four players involved things can quickly get a little hectic, but that’s arguably a big part of what makes it so appealing to so many players.

Chicory: A Colorful Tale

OpenCritic Rating: 88

Chicory: A Colorful Tale is one of the best indie games since Undertale and boasts a simple yet enjoyable gameplay loop that makes it perfect for multiplayer. Unlike many of the other great co-op multiplayer games on the PS5, in which a momentary lapse in focus can potentially have major and irreparable consequences, Chicory is refreshingly forgiving, with players easily able to make amends for their mistakes.

Together with its vibrant and charming visuals, the low-stakes nature of Chicory makes it a great game to play with young children who perhaps lack the dexterity for more complex games. Conversely, the ease with which it can be picked up makes it a great jumping-off point for those who are unfamiliar with video games. This unmatchable accessibility allows players to relax and focus on sharing this charming experience with the friend or loved one with whom they are playing.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

OpenCritic Rating: 85

Would the multiplayer experience on offer in Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time have been better if the developers had allowed players to play together simultaneously? Absolutely. Even so, the fact that a co-op multiplayer mode was implemented at all is still a nice bonus, particularly for a platformer of this quality.

The game implements a controller-swapping system, with players handing over the pad after reaching a checkpoint or dying. There’s also a more head-to-head oriented mode that sees players racing to reach checkpoints or break as many boxes as possible, though this is again all handled with a single controller, meaning that players will have to sit and wait their turn.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil In Me

OpenCritic Rating: 72

Much like Supermassive Games’ other narrative-driven survival horror games, The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil In Me supports both local and co-op multiplayer. In a welcome change though, the experience ends up being a lot better for those playing locally, with support for up to five players as opposed to just two. Granted, four of those players will be sat doing nothing for most of the time, but it’s nice to have the option of playing together nonetheless.

Each player can be assigned to a different character (or multiple characters if there aren’t enough players) and will be handed the controller whenever the time comes to make a decision or act. One wrong move can lead to their own character’s death, or, in some cases, the death of one of the other players’ characters instead. It’s this near-constant sense of jeopardy that makes the game so enjoyable and a must-play for any horror fan.

DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos

OpenCritic Rating: 76

A lot of modern superhero games are geared more toward teenagers and young adults than they are young children, not just in terms of the way that they control, but also some of the themes that their narratives tackle. DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos bucks the trend in this regard, providing players with a family-friendly open-world adventure that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Better still, DC’s Justice League: Cosmic Chaos offers up a local co-op experience, allowing two PS5 players to share the screen as they explore Happy Harbor together. It’s not the longest game in the world, with the main story lasting just ten hours or so, but for those playing the game with younger children, this may actually be ideal, particularly if they happen to have a short attention span.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles

OpenCritic Rating: 70

Given the massive popularity of the Demon Slayer anime, a video game adaptation always seemed like something of a certainty. Likewise, that it ended up taking the form of an arena fighter probably didn’t surprise too many people, given that the fighting game sub-genre so often goes hand in hand with anime adaptations.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Hinokami Chronicles isn’t the best fighting game to come out of 2021, but it’s still a decent enough game. Fans of the anime should really enjoy what the game has to offer, more so if they experience it with a like-minded friend or family member as opposed to on their own.

Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed

OpenCritic Rating: 68

Though its single-player experience ultimately failed to live up to the high standards set by some of its predecessors, Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed is far from a bad game. In fact, for better or worse, it’s an incredibly faithful recreation of the 2006 original, bringing Crypto kicking and screaming into the modern era of gaming.

The game supports two-player local co-op with each player given their own part of the screen as well as a shared mini-map and objectives list. Though it’s pretty normal for a game to be better when played with a friend, few benefit quite as much as Destroy All Humans! 2 – Reprobed, with its split-screen co-op mode helping to turn what would otherwise be a bang-average experience into a truly great one.

Diablo 4

OpenCritic Rating: 88

Much like its predecessor, Diablo 4 supports couch co-op, with PS5 players able to share their screen with a friend. The game itself is one of the best Diablo games in years, offering players an exciting and challenging experience that few other franchises can come close to matching.

As far as dungeon crawlers go, they really don’t come much better than this. Granted, the visuals are a little basic, but the gameplay more than makes up for this, as too does the immense customizability when it comes to the game’s classes and end-game builds.

Dirt 5

OpenCritic Rating: 81

Dirt 5 is arguably one of the best multiplayer racing games released in the past few years and a great one to enjoy with friends or family on the couch. It features a plethora of cars, varied and challenging courses, and a wide variety of game modes and challenges to keep players busy for hours at a time.

Racing games have always done a fantastic job of implementing split-screen and Dirt 5 is no exception. The game features many different screen options and, unlike many other split-screen titles, adjusts the field of view accordingly rather than simply maintaining the original aspect ratio and filling the excess space with black bars.

Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons

OpenCritic Rating: 72

Few franchises did more for the beat ’em up genre than Double Dragon, with Billy and Jimmy kicking countless asses throughout the late eighties and early nineties. In the years that followed, however, the series followed the genre into a deep slumber, which, despite numerous attempts to revive it, would end up lasting several decades.

Fast forward to the year 2023 and the franchise returned with Double Dragon Gaiden: Rise of the Dragons; a roguelite spin-off from developer Secret Base. Released across multiple platforms, the game proved to be a hit with both players and critics alike. Like so many of the games that came before it, it supports couch co-op and is a must-play title for fans of the long-forgotten genre.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO

With more than 180 playable fighters at launch, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is one of the most content-rich Dragon Ball games of all time. It’s important to note that the copious amount of characters that the game boasts doesn’t quite make up for some of its rougher edges, nor does it excuse some of the limitations from which its combat system suffers. However, for franchise fans and fighting game lovers alike, Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO will almost certainly scratch an itch.

Unfortunately, local co-op was apparently seen as an afterthought to the game’s developers, who ended up limiting two-player battles to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber stage. Even with this sparsely populated setting, though, squaring off against a friend in Sparking! ZERO is still an awful lot of fun, with players able to relive fights from the manga and anime series or create their own dream matchups using the game’s enormous roster.

EA Sports FC 25

OpenCritic Rating: 76

Like many other long-running sports sims, EA’s FIFA franchise is often criticized for its lack of innovation, and for good reason. For years it has felt like the franchise has been treading water, though that’s not really the case with the series’ last few entries. The HyperMotion technology used in FIFA 22 and FIFA 23 helped the games feel like true next-gen titles and made them some of the most realistic football games ever made, both in terms of their mechanics and their visuals. EA Sports FC 25 takes this one step further with HyperMotionV and offers great local multiplayer support to boot.

Up to four local players can play the game offline, while two can play together while connected to PSN. Unlike some other co-op games with online multiplayer, only one of these players will need to have a PS Plus account, with the other able to join as a guest by pressing the triangle button. Local co-op works in just about every game mode, including Rush, Kick-Off, and the microtransaction-heavy Ultimate Team.

Escape Academy

OpenCritic Rating: 80

Released in July of 2022, Escape Academy is a puzzle game in which players are placed into the shoes of students who are training to become escape room masters. The game can be played by a single person, but becomes infinitely more enjoyable when tackled with a friend. Players can either do this over the internet or while sitting together on the couch, as this is one of the many split-screen games on the PS5.

There are numerous escape rooms found throughout the game, each of which is based on a different academic subject. This makes it great for local co-op encounters, as the strengths of one player can make up for the weaknesses of the other. Granted, some of the puzzles are a little too easy, while others are perhaps just a tiny bit too hard, but the complete package remains a fun one when all’s said and done.

F1 24

OpenCritic Rating: 77

Though there are definitely better racing games available on the PS5, none are able to capture the high-octane excitement of Formula One quite as well as F1 24. The customization options should be more than enough to satisfy all but the most hardcore of gearheads, while the visuals are all that one might expect from a big-budget current-gen title.

Like previous installments, the game features a healthy selection of cars and tracks and the MyTeam Career Mode should appeal to those who are looking to spend some serious time out on the track. Better still, career mode supports co-op split-screen gameplay, allowing two players to race together as part of the same team.

Fortnite

OpenCritic Rating: 84

Having helped to spark the battle royale trend that just doesn’t seem to want to go away, Fortnite has grown from strength to strength. It’s now one of the most popular and most profitable video games of all time, having generated billions of dollars in revenue for its developer and publisher, Epic Games.

Fortnite‘s split-screen mode is beautifully presented, although some may have preferred having a slightly wider field of view rather than character images. That said, it’s arguably a far better solution than simply having black or empty space on the screen as many other developers opt for. Both players are able to take part in the battle royale insanity online and it’s even possible for one player to leave midway through the match without it affecting the other.

Gran Turismo 7

OpenCritic Rating: 87

While there can be no excusing the aggressive monetization found throughout Gran Turismo 7, it’s hard to argue that the gameplay itself isn’t top-notch. Those looking for a realistic driving simulator really aren’t likely to be disappointed, with all of the cars measuring up almost perfectly to their real-world counterparts.

It is worth noting, however, that for some strange reason, the team over at Polyphony Digital thought that it would be a good idea to lock the game’s multiplayer mode behind single-player progress. As such, those looking for a multiplayer racing game that they can dive right into may be better served with WRC 9 or the excellent Dirt 5.

Goat Simulator 3

OpenCritic Rating: 72

Those who enjoy causing chaos will likely adore Goat Simulator 3. It offers all of the same wacky antics as its predecessor does while also opening up the door to local co-op multiplayer, with support for up to four players and the ability to play with either horizontal or vertical split-screen depending on the number of players.

Playing with friends makes the classic Goat Simulator madness all the more enjoyable, particularly when there are four players involved. Though it might not be the best split-screen multiplayer game on the PlayStation 5, there is a strong argument to be made for it being one of the most enjoyable, albeit in short bursts.

Haven

OpenCritic Rating: 75

There are a lot of great cooperative games out there that may appeal to couples. Playing a game together can be a fun, easy, and entertaining way to strengthen a relationship. Although most cooperative games feel great with friends, titles like Haven make the experience feel even more fulfilling for couples.

The story follows a pair of lovers who have ended up on a mysterious planet and must co-exist with the alien life found there. It’s relaxing, engaging, and has moments of excitement sprinkled in via exploration and battles. The storyline is engaging and feels realistic. There’s a lot to enjoy with Haven and it looks beautiful on the PS5.

Heavenly Bodies

OpenCritic Rating: 73

Developed and published by Australian Studio 2pt Interactive, Heavenly Bodies is one of the more unique couch co-op multiplayer games on the PS5. It takes place out in the vast nothingness of outer space, wherein players must work together to perform various duties aboard a futuristic space station.

The game plays like a combination of Getting Over It and QWOP, with each of the analog sticks on the controller tied to one of the playable character’s arms. The lack of gravity allows for some excellent physics-based puzzles, while the simple yet difficult-to-master control scheme provides plenty of challenge.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

OpenCritic Rating: 77

There were countless video games based on Mattel’s popular Hot Wheels franchise around the turn of the century, but things eventually dried up after a decade or so. Since then, Hot Wheels games have come around every four or five years or so, which has helped to restore some of the sense of wonder that was lost as a result of the earlier over-saturation.

Much like its predecessor, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 does a brilliant job of capturing the essence of the toys and is a little reminiscent of some of the fantastic Micro Machines games from back in the nineties as a result. Those looking for something a little less realistic than Gran Turismo yet not quite as wacky as a kart racer would therefore do well to check it out.

The House of the Dead: Remake

OpenCritic Rating: 61

There were plenty of great lightgun games back in the nineties and early two-thousands, but few were quite as memorable as The House of the Dead. Despite its corny writing and voice acting (or perhaps because of it), the series went on to garner something of a cult following, leading to a remake being released across multiple platforms in early 2022 and a PS5 update arriving the following year.

Sadly, The House of the Dead: Remake is nowhere near as good as its predecessors, though that’s not to say that it’s a bad game. In fact, when played with a friend it can actually be a lot of fun even with the game’s many shortcomings. The lack of a light gun definitely holds it back, but the ability to use PS Move controllers makes up for somewhat, as too does the game’s use of the DualSense’s touchpad.

Human: Fall Flat

OpenCritic Rating: 68

Those looking for something a little more relaxing and a lot more comedic will definitely want to check out Human: Fall Flat. This hilarious ragdoll-physics-based game is pure fun, featuring a wide array of levels, outfits, and more.

The basic premise sees players trying to make it through hazard-filled levels, or simply trying to get from point A to point B using their less-than-reliable characters. With physics similar to titles like Gang Beasts and Party Animals, Human: Fall Flat is a great game for families. It never takes itself too seriously and can actually be quite challenging in later levels, requiring players to work together to make it to the goal.

It Takes Two

OpenCritic Rating: 88

Games designed specifically with co-op gameplay in mind can often be something of a mixed bag, but, for the most part, at least, It Takes Two manages to hit all the right notes. It looks great, requires a fair amount of critical thinking, and promotes teamwork and cooperation among its players. Perhaps most importantly though, it’s a lot of fun.

Given that It Takes Two requires two players to complete, it should come as no surprise that it features a local split-screen mode, although, for a game centered around co-op gameplay, the lack of a horizontal option is perhaps a little disappointing. Thankfully, that’s just about the only thing about the game that could be described as such. Just about everything seems to have been designed with a two-player experience in mind and the subsequent results really do speak for themselves.

Just Dance 2024 Edition

OpenCritic Rating: 69

When it comes to dance and rhythm games, they really don’t come much better than Ubisoft’s Just Dance series. Granted, the formula may be fairly repetitive, but for those who enjoy bumping and grinding, that likely won’t be too much of an issue. In fact, repetition probably won’t matter at all for anyone who likes doing such things with their friends or family.

As one might expect from a series’ most recent installment, Just Dance 2024 is the most action-packed Just Dance game yet. It features some of the most popular songs from recent years, with Just Dance Unlimited providing access to hundreds more. Players can enjoy these tracks alone or together locally with up to five other people, much like most of the franchise’s other installments.

KeyWe

OpenCritic Rating: 75

KeyWe flew under a lot of people’s radars when it was first released back in the summer of 2021. However, this charming puzzle platformer has gone on to become a cult classic of sorts, with thousands of people checking it out in the years since its initial release.

The game has players controlling Jeff and Debra: two adorable kiwi birds who work in a whimsical post office. Together with a friend sitting next to them or an online stranger, they’ll need to help the two little birdies to solve puzzles and get all of the messages delivered on time.

Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

OpenCritic Rating: 82

For those who enjoy LEGO games, they really don’t get much better than Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. Brick for brick, it’s one of the largest LEGO games ever made, and the skill and accuracy with which Traveller’s Tales has arranged them all is just as impressive as the game’s ambitious scope. It covers the stories of all nine mainline Star Wars movies and boasts a somewhat ridiculous 380 playable characters for players to choose from.

Granted, LEGO games can be something of an acquired taste, but there really is a lot to love here. Those put off by the art style would do well to watch a trailer or two before writing off the game entirely, as some of the visuals and environments that the developer has been able to create can actually be quite stunning in their own special way. Playing through the game solo can be a lot of fun, but doing so with a friend promises to be an absolute blast and is a must for Star Wars fans.

Madden NFL 24

OpenCritic Rating: 66

For pretty much everybody outside of the United States, FIFA is the ultimate football game. When it comes to American football, however, no franchise can compete with Madden, with more than 40 different editions being released in the three and a half decades or so since the series first made its debut back in 1988. Thanks to the power of the PlayStation 5 and its peers, this year’s edition is one of the most visually impressive yet and features an improved co-op franchise mode.

Sadly, like all annual sports sim titles and an increasing amount of modern video games in general, the microtransactions in Madden NFL 24 are both excessive and intrusive. Granted, the game can still be enjoyed without spending any additional money and is a must-play for those who love American football, but the aggressive nature of its monetization does tarnish the overall experience quite a bit.

MLB The Show 24

OpenCritic Rating: 80

Though most games tend to lean more toward online multiplayer these days, players can always rely on sports sims to keep things on the couch. To be clear, MLB The Show 24 does feature online co-op, but it also allows for up to four players to team up locally without the need for an internet connection, making this a must-play game for local multiplayer-loving baseball fans.

Thanks to the power of the console and the skill of the development team, couch co-op fans can enjoy one of the best local multiplayer experiences around right here with this game. It features a variety of different game modes too, though it’s important to note that not all of these support local multiplayer.

Moving Out 2

OpenCritic Rating: 82

Released in mid-2023, Moving Out 2 does everything that a good sequel should. It polishes and refines the things that made the original game so popular while also introducing new ideas and mechanics to help keep the experience feeling fresh. It succeeds in almost every area, offering players one of the best local co-op experiences that the PS5 has to offer; not to mention one of the most unique.

The premise of the game is quite simple: carry the objects across the level without hitting obstacles. Despite this simplicity, though, the game can actually be incredibly challenging if players are unable to coordinate their movements just right. The single-player experience can be a little frustrating for this reason, but when played with a few friends who are on the same wavelength, it can be an awful lot of fun.

NBA 2K24

OpenCritic Rating: 68

For the most part, the first wave of annual sports games to hit the PS5 and Xbox Series consoles were a little underwhelming and struggled to justify their $70 price tags. Thankfully, however, the following years brought with them several great sports titles that gave players a much better idea of what exactly the next-gen consoles were truly capable of. One such title was NBA 2K24.

To be clear, it’s far from a reinvention of the wheel and the manipulative microtransactions are just as problematic as ever. However, the improved graphics and mechanics make this a must-play for any serious basketball fan. Even those with only a passing interest in the sport should be able to take enjoyment from the game’s local multiplayer options, which allow for up to four players at any given time.

Nobody Saves the World

OpenCritic Rating: 80

Nobody Saves the World borrows a lot of its ideas from other dungeon crawlers, but manages to put them all together in a way that feels both fresh and unique. The gameplay is challenging but fair and the way that players are forced to constantly switch up their loadout ensures that they are a lot less likely to become complacent or bored during a run.

Although the game didn’t feature local co-op at launch, the feature was eventually patched in after a couple of months to coincide with the game’s PlayStation and Switch releases, allowing two friends to play together on a single console. The experience is every bit as enjoyable as online co-op, if not more so, with players now able to vent their frustrations a lot easier due to their partner sitting right beside them on the couch.

Outward: Definitive Edition

OpenCritic Rating: 64

Released in mid-2022, the definitive edition of Outward brought with it a wide range of improvements, helping to turn what was already an enjoyable co-op RPG experience into an even better one. From combat to difficulty, everything is now much more well-balanced, with the visuals also being noticeably improved.

While there are certainly better co-op RPGs out there, those looking for a great two-player PS5 game to share with a friend could definitely do a lot worse. It’s not a game to be played with young children on account of its violent combat, but older players may well prefer some of its darker and more mature themes.

Overcooked 2

OpenCritic Rating: 82

While Overcooked 2 may not be a traditional split-screen game, it’s still one of the best local co-op titles available on the PS5. This release is an absolute blast and an ideal family game thanks to its wholesome yet hectic theme. The action all takes place on one screen, but each player is free to control their own character.

To succeed in Overcooked 2, players will need to work together to overcome a hazardous kitchen while simultaneously balancing a variety of foods and recipes to cook a spectacular dish. It’s a ton of fun in a group and can be pretty challenging to boot, particularly if not everybody is on the same page.

Quake Remastered

OpenCritic Rating: 87

The Quake series is one that should need no introduction, at least not for gamers of a certain age. Together with other popular FPS series like Doom, Wolfenstein, and Unreal, id Software’s multiplayer first-person shooter helped to shape and define the genre. Much to the delight of fans, a remastered version of the franchise’s debut installment was released for the PlayStation 5 in late 2021 and is every bit as enjoyable as the original.

While it’s undeniable that the fps genre has come a long way in the two-and-a-half decades since the game’s original release, the remastered version of Quake still oozes class and will evoke fond memories of classic nineties multiplayer shooters in those old enough to remember them. Better still, players will be able to play the game locally with up to three of their friends, either in co-op or deathmatch modes.

The Quarry

OpenCritic Rating: 79

As is the case with some of the other great titles from Supermassive Games, The Quarry features a somewhat unique couch co-op mode. Rather than players each having their own controller, they’ll instead be assigned a different role, with players having to pass the gamepad among one another depending on whose character is in the hot seat.

When it comes to gameplay, The Quarry is incredibly similar to the studio’s other interactive games, though stands apart from its Dark Pictures Anthology series. This arguably makes it much more accessible and a lot more in keeping with the developer’s breakthrough title Until Dawn. It’s a solid enough game with more than 100 endings, so can be a great way to pass the time with friends.

River City Girls 2

OpenCritic Rating: 78

Side-scrolling beat-em-ups have seen something of a resurgence in recent years, thanks in large to the success of titles like River City Girls. The game’s sequel, River City Girls 2, was released in late 2022 and built upon everything that made the original game so great; from its fantastic sense of humor to its wonderful local co-op mode.

River City Girls 2 has support for up to 4-players, either online or locally via couch co-op. As with most other modern beat-em-ups, everyone shares the same screen, which helps to evoke memories of classic arcade brawlers like Double Dragon and Streets of Rage. This game is every bit as enjoyable, particularly when played with a friend or three.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

OpenCritic Rating: 80

Sumo Digital is a developer that’s renowned for its ability to churn out fun and engaging games, and this is once again the case with Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Granted, it perhaps doesn’t look quite as impressive as one might expect from a PS5 launch title, but it’s far from ugly and makes up for its lack of visual fidelity with tight platforming and an all-around charming adventure.

The game’s co-op mode is a little reminiscent of the one found in Portal 2, with players working together to solve puzzles and progress through stages. In fact, certain stages can only be tackled with multiple players, meaning that players will need to work together to fully complete the game. This is obviously more fun with friends or family, though the game does now feature online multiplayer for those who prefer it.

Sea of Stars

OpenCritic Rating: 89

Most turn-based RPGs make use of a party system, with players typically taking control of three or more different characters during battle. With this in mind, it’s a little surprising how few of them offer local co-op support. Thankfully, Sea of Stars is among the small number that do, allowing up to three players to take control of their own character both in and out of combat.

Released in August of 2023, this critically acclaimed indie game should appeal to fans of nineties RPGs, with its charming art style and well-written story reminiscent of SNES classics like Terranigma, Chrono Trigger, and Suikoden 2. With an average completion time of around 27 hours, it’s not quite as long as some of its peers, although there’s more than enough side content for those hoping to squeeze a few extra drops of fun out of their playthrough.

Sonic Origins Plus

OpenCritic Rating: 73

Many feel that couch co-op is going the way of the dodo, and there’s plenty of evidence to support that point of view. The number of new local co-op games being released every year is shrinking rapidly, but there is a reprieve of sorts. Many classic games that supported two players are being remade or remastered, with their co-op modes thankfully remaining intact.

One such example of this is Sonic Origins Plu s, which bundles together 16 classic Sonic games into one single collection. Not all of these games support two players, but most of them do. As a result, it’s the perfect purchase for those looking to relive their childhoods and perhaps share some of these treasured memories with their own kids or other loved ones.

Sonic Superstars

OpenCritic Rating: 73

Those looking for a more modern 2D Sonic experience may prefer 2017’s Sonic Mania or the 2023 title, Sonic Superstars. The former is arguably the better of the two games, but was never actually treated to a proper PS5 port and limits the local co-op action to just two players rather than four. In addition to accommodating more players locally, Superstars just feels a lot more like a game that was designed with multiplayer in mind.

The fact that Sonic Superstars appears to have come at the expense of a true Sonic Mania sequel is a little disappointing, as the single-player experience on offer here struggles to compare to the one in Sonic Mania. However, for those looking for the best local co-op games to play with their friends and family, Sonic Superstars is well worth a look.

Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection

OpenCritic Rating: 60

Although it would have been nice if Aspyr had applied just a bit more polish here and there, Star Wars: Battlefront Classic Collection does just about enough to justify its claim of being a definitive collection. It not only provides excellent value for money, but also brings two of the best multiplayer Star Wars games of all time to modern consoles.

Like many of the best local multiplayer PS5 games, both Star Wars Battlefront and Star Wars Battlefront II provide local co-op support, allowing two players to tear it up in many of the franchise’s most iconic locations. The visuals are no longer as impressive as they once were, but like Obi-Wan in A New Hope, the core gameplay has aged surprisingly gracefully given its age.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

OpenCritic Rating: 86

The TMNT franchise led the way when it came to sidescrolling brawlers back in the day, with many considering Turtles in Time to be one of the best arcade games ever made. It’s for this reason that fans of the genre were so excited for the release of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, and boy did it live up to the hype.

Shredder’s Revenge is an expertly crafted love letter to a bygone era of gaming and a must-play for any fan of the genre. Sadly, the PlayStation version is limited to four local players rather than the six that some of the other platforms are able to accommodate, but this should still be more than enough for all but the most popular of players.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands

OpenCritic Rating: 78

Gearbox Software’s Borderlands games have always had fantastic local co-op support, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, which serves as a spin-off, of sorts, continues this rich tradition. Like the most recent Borderlands game, it supports four-player split-screen on next-gen consoles, which can be an absolute blast on a large enough screen. It also works well for those looking to play locally with just a single friend rather than three, as they’ll now have the choice between either a vertical or horizontal split.

Though it still suffers from a lot of the same flaws that besiege the main series, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands can still be a lot of fun and offers near-endless replayability thanks to the wide array of weapons on offer and its newly refined class system. The Coiled Captors DLC is a bit of a letdown, mind, so players may want to save themselves a few bucks and spring for the standard edition of the game rather than the Chaotic Great Edition.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2

OpenCritic Rating: 89

The Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater games were incredibly popular around the turn of the century, not to mention some of the best sports sim games ever made. With this in mind, the decision to remake the series’ first two installments for the modern age seemed like something of a no-brainer, particularly with so many lesser titles being successfully remade or remastered.

Though not quite as impactful as the original titles, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 was still incredibly well received, with Activision later confirming the game was the fastest-selling entry in the franchise to date. A highly-rated next-gen release followed a few years later, with the game then given away to PS Plus subscribers in August of 2022.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy

OpenCritic Rating: 77

Frozenbyte’s Trine franchise has grown in popularity with each new installment. Released in August of 2023, Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is the series’ latest offering and one of the very best to date. Like in its predecessors, co-op once again plays an important role, with players having to work together to solve the game’s many puzzles.

As one might expect from a Trine game, the writing is strong and the puzzles are challenging; yet not to the extent that they take away from players’ enjoyment. The art style may not be to everybody’s taste and there are a few bugs here and there, but most players should be able to overlook these thanks to the strength of the game’s core mechanics.

Vampire Survivors

OpenCritic Rating: 88

Developed and published by Lucas “poncle” Galante, Vampire Survivors took the world by storm when it launched into early access in late 2021. The game has continued to improve since then, with couch co-op being added to celebrate the game’s Switch release in August of 2023. The following year, Vampire Survivors was ported to PlayStation consoles, meaning it’s now available on every major platform.

The game pits players against wave after wave of monsters, allowing them to purchase new stages, weapons, and characters using the coins that they earn. There are a ridiculous amount of unlockables in Vampire Survivors, both temporary and permanent, ensuring that players have plenty of reasons to return to this remarkable roguelike shoot ’em up from time to time. Doing so with a few friends is arguably the best way to maximize the mayhem.

Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef

OpenCritic Rating: 72

Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef is a 2D sidescroller that was released in October of 2022. Fans of classic run-and-gun games should find a lot to like here, even if they have little to no knowledge of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. It’s one of the most underrated local multiplayer PS5 games of the past few years, offering a healthy spattering of fun and hand-drawn violence for a very reasonable price.

There are four different classes in Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses. This bodes well, as the game supports up to four players either locally or online, providing them with an impressive arsenal of weapons with which to cause absolute chaos. It’s a bit like Contra, only with orcs, and a lot more going on.

Warhammer: Chaosbane – Slayer Edition

OpenCritic Rating: 68

Anyone who’s already played Warhammer: Chaosbane will probably want to skip the Slayer Edition of the game. This is because it’s effectively just an enhanced version of the original and not a particularly good one at that. To be clear, it does offer some subtle improvements here and there as well as a 4k facelift, but these extra bells and whistles don’t really come close to justifying purchasing the game again.

However, those who enjoy Warhammer games and are yet to experience the base version of Chaosbane should give the Slayer Edition some serious thought, particularly if they’re able to pick it up on the cheap. It boasts some excellent boss fights, an endless supply of loot, and a decent amount of customization through classes. There are one or two rough edges and the voice acting is laughable in places, but these minor niggles are very easy to overlook when playing the game with friends.

We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie

OpenCritic Rating: 83

Many of the best PS5 co-op games allow players to split up so that they can work through their objectives faster, but this isn’t really the case when it comes to We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie. Well, technically, it is during the snowman level, but for every other stage, players will need to work together in perfect harmony, with both having control over a single Katamari.

With this in mind, We Love Katamari REROLL + Royal Reverie is a great game for fostering teamwork, as the only way to find success is by pulling in the same direction. Those who grew up playing Katamari games will find nostalgia at every twist and turn, but new players should enjoy it too thanks to its bright and cheery visuals and its simple yet highly addictive mechanics.

WRC Generations

OpenCritic Rating: 74

The World Rally Championship series has never quite reached the same heights as some of the more established racing game franchises, although WRC Generations arguably comes pretty close. The game looks great and, much like many of its predecessors, supports both online and local multiplayer.

Despite split-screen functionality being included, however, the inability to alter the orientation of the split in the screen may frustrate some players, as too might the two-player limit. Those only wishing to play with a single friend or family member should be fairly satisfied with the experience that’s on offer though, particularly if they prefer a more rugged driving experience.

WWE 2K24

OpenCritic Rating: 80

Following a one-year absence, the WWE 2K series made a triumphant return in early 2022. Granted, WWE 2K22 is far from the best wrestling game ever made, but it’s considerably better than anything else that the WWE 2K series had been able to muster up in almost a full decade. The next few installments continued this upward trend, improving on their predecessor in just about every measurable way.

Though the majority of game modes are tailored towards the single-player experience, exhibition matches in WWE 2K24 allow for all manner of multiplayer mayhem. There are a ridiculous number of match types available, with players also able to tweak and change the rules and settings to their liking. For wrestling fans, this really is a must-play title.