The Top Co-Op Games to Play on Steam Right Now

Steam offers an abundance of exciting games for PC gamers to purchase, download, and savor, thanks to its vast collection of titles. The Steam Greenlight initiative is also aiding independent game developers in promoting their creations, thereby increasing the number of choices available for players, with numerous games introduced on the platform every month. With the user-friendly friends list and invitation features, Steam facilitates seamless gameplay between players, making it an ideal platform for cooperative gaming experiences. From well-known AAA titles to lesser-known Indie gems, Steam boasts an impressive selection of co-op games that cater to all preferences. To help gamers navigate through the plethora of options, we've compiled a list of some of the top co-op games on Steam, highlighting their key features and what players can anticipate.

As local co-op has its own discussion, online co-op will take center stage for this article.

Sons Of The Forest

The Forest, a horror survival game by Endnight Games, gained massive popularity upon its release in 2014. Nearly a decade later, the studio is back with its sequel, Sons of the Forest, which retains all the beloved gameplay elements of its predecessor while adding some exciting surprises. The game is currently available in Early Access, with developers promising numerous updates and new content in the upcoming months, as indicated by countdown timers for patches and releases. Although it can be played solo, Sons of the Forest truly shines when played with friends, allowing players to construct bases, set up traps and defenses, and explore together, much like in the original game.

Phasmophobia

For those seeking a spine-chilling experience, Phasmophobia is an excellent choice. This Indie game requires players to explore various locations and collect evidence of paranormal activity using a range of tools. However, what seems like a routine task quickly turns into a nightmare as players realize that the spirits they are investigating are malevolent. Phasmophobia is a haunting and intense game, especially when played in VR, that is sure to leave players on edge.

Players have the option to invite their friends to join the game, which can alleviate the anxiety and stress that come with playing. Additionally, the game's mechanics provide an excellent avenue for cooperative play, as players must collaborate and communicate with one another in order to successfully survive each location.

It Takes Two

It Takes Two should be at the top of any gamer's list for a fun and immersive cooperative experience. Developed by the same studio behind A Way Out, this game is a true masterpiece of cooperative gaming. With an engaging storyline, stunning art style, and addictive gameplay, players will need to work together to progress through the action-packed puzzles that make up It Takes Two's chapters.

Regardless of which character is chosen, players will constantly alternate between taking a leadership role and providing support, highlighting their partner's strengths while showcasing their own. It's a masterful example of how cooperative multiplayer can create an unforgettable gaming experience.

Terraria

Terraria is often overlooked in comparison to Minecraft, but some argue that it is just as captivating, if not more so. Unlike Minecraft's 3D blocks, Terraria features a charming 2D pixelated design. It also boasts procedurally generated worlds, ensuring that each playthrough is unique. For those seeking a greater challenge, Terraria offers a more complex combat system and a range of formidable bosses that will require players to explore, grind, and upgrade their gear.

Terraria can be a blast alone, but it's even better with friends. Players are free to tackle the entirety of Terraria as a coop pair or even in a group.

Left 4 Dead 2

Despite the recent release of Back 4 Blood by Turtle Rock Studios, many players still flock to Left 4 Dead 2 for their zombie-fighting fix. This is due to the game's phenomenal reputation in the cooperative scene since its original release in 2009. The sequel offers upgraded features while still maintaining the core gameplay elements that made the original so enjoyable. As a result, players can experience an engaging, fast-paced, and immensely fun game. Left 4 Dead 2 is best enjoyed with friends through cooperative play, which offers a plethora of mod support and custom campaigns to explore.

Valheim

Valheim, an Indie sensation, offers a challenging but satisfying gameplay experience where players embody the role of a Viking and must construct shelter, craft weapons, and gather materials to create armor and other tools in order to survive. At the beginning, players are vulnerable and must either evade or confront formidable enemies, much like in The Forest and its sequel.

Valheim's combat system resembles that of Dark Souls, requiring players to master enemy attack patterns and behaviors to overcome them. Formidable bosses also pose a challenge to players. However, the game allows for cooperative play, as players can bring a friend to make the journey less daunting.

Don't Starve Together

The Indie game, Don't Starve, gained immense popularity due to its challenging gameplay, seemingly unjust mechanics, and captivating art style, leading to a devoted fanbase. The game is played from a top-down view, where players must gather resources and construct shelters while evading various lethal creatures that arise in every procedurally generated playthrough.

Don't Starve Together offers the same arduous challenges as the original game, but with the added feature of multiplayer, allowing players to work together and choose from an intriguing cast of characters, each with unique abilities and statistics.

Payday 2

Gamers who relish the thrill of pulling off heists in Grand Theft Auto 5 and GTA Online will be delighted with Payday 2. This game is entirely based on the concept of heists, offering groups of players a diverse range of missions, bank jobs, and other types of heists to complete. To avoid getting caught, players must stay calm while dodging guards, deactivating security cameras, taking hostages, and carrying out other heist-related tasks.

Players can approach missions in Payday 2 using different strategies, which adds to the game's appeal. Some missions require a stealthy approach, while others allow players to go in with guns blazing. Additionally, players can unlock various character types and special abilities as they progress in the game.

Killing Floor 2

Killing Floor 2 by Tripwire has proven to have a longer shelf life than many other games in its genre. While it may not have the same popularity as Valve's zombie co-op shooter, it has maintained a steady playerbase on Steam and is regularly available at a low price point. While it is technically possible to play the game solo, it is not recommended or particularly enjoyable. This is a game that shines when played with a few other people, as the wave-based levels provide accessible and constant thrills when executed well. However, Killing Floor 2 offers more than just an enjoyable loop, with its standout feature being the variety of classes available to players. Each class brings something fresh to the table, and testing different team configurations adds a great deal of replayability. These lite RPG elements are implemented well and elevate what could have otherwise been a forgettable shooter into a memorable experience.

Sea Of Thieves

Despite facing a rocky start upon its release in 2018, Rare's high-seas endeavor, Sea of Thieves, has managed to weather the storm and establish itself as a cornerstone of the online gaming scene. With the ability to cater to both co-op and PvP enthusiasts, as well as solo players, the game offers a sense of freedom and adventure that is unparalleled. While Rare did provide some guidance, the game is primarily designed to inspire players to forge their own paths, a task that is made all the more enjoyable when sailing with a crew.

Sea of Thieves may not have a complex storyline, but it offers a plethora of activities to keep players entertained. From missions and tall tales to factions, treasure hunts, and timed events, there's always something to do. However, players can also opt to simply explore the sandbox and embrace whatever challenges or encounters come their way, such as battling a Kraken or engaging with other pirate ships.

Barotrauma

Barotrauma, the survival game that had been in Early Access for a few years, finally made its full debut in March 2023. The game immerses players in a deep-sea exploration aboard a submarine, with creatures far more terrifying than a Great White Shark lurking in the alien ocean. While the campaign caters to solo players, Barotrauma's two co-op modes are arguably the game's most thrilling experiences. In these modes, players take on different roles in the submarine, each with a crucial part to play in the mission's success and the crew's survival. The game manages to maintain an excruciatingly stressful atmosphere even when playing with friends, making for a truly exhilarating experience.

Risk Of Rain 2

Risk of Rain 2, the sequel to Hopoo Games' 2013 hit game, is a third-person shooter that is even more ambitious and expansive than its predecessor. Despite the differences, the game still maintains the same essence as its predecessor. Players must choose a class and navigate through open levels, fighting off hordes of enemies and gathering loot to progress toward an escape point. The game's emphasis on loot is evident, as players are constantly rewarded with empowering gear that makes them feel invincible, until they inevitably encounter enemies that prove to be too powerful.

As a multiplayer roguelike, Risk of Rain 2 truly shines and is highly recommended. The game's class system adds a layer of strategy to gameplay, encouraging teamwork and cooperation among players rather than just individual play. Unlocking the different classes is also an enjoyable process in itself. Overall, Risk of Rain 2 is one of the top co-op games available on Steam.

Portal 2

Portal 2 offers a unique and engaging puzzle game experience, particularly for pairs of players seeking a challenge. While the single-player campaign is impressive, the game's cooperative storyline stands out as its own thrilling adventure. Players will navigate through a series of GLaDOS' intricate and seemingly malevolent portal-based tests, controlling one of two bots in the process. The game's clever use of Portal's signature gameplay mechanics is sure to impress, and the cooperative play requires players to work together closely to escape each room. Overall, Portal 2 is a must-try game that is made all the more enjoyable through its cooperative mode.

Deep Rock Galactic

In Deep Rock Galactic, players take on the role of a resource collection team assigned to various missions to gather minerals and other valuable items. This quirky and futuristic first-person shooter requires players to work together as one of four different classes to ensure the successful completion of each mission, which may involve tasks such as collecting a specific quantity of resources, defending a designated area, or neutralizing specific threats.

Deep Rock Galactic is a great FPS, offering a challenge at higher levels while simultaneously promoting a fun and funny environment.

Zombie Army 4: Dead War

Zombie Army 4 manages to stand out from Left 4 Dead as a third-person shooter game on Steam. The game's campaign is delightfully absurd and fast-paced, with hordes of zombies lurking around every corner. Although the story may not be filled with unexpected twists, the constantly changing locations keep it fresh and engaging.