Top Steam Games for Playing Co-Op and Split-Screen Locally

Local co-op and split-screen gaming may be primarily associated with consoles, but PC owners have a wide range of options available to them as well. With most major multiplayer releases finding their way to Steam, players can easily find partners online to join them in their gaming endeavors. While LAN parties may have made the shift to online connections, players still have the option to play with both friends and strangers alike.

While online gaming has become the norm, local co-op has by no means disappeared. In fact, some of the most memorable multiplayer experiences on Steam have been those that allow players to share a screen and enjoy the game together. While PC gaming may not be immediately associated with local co-op or split-screen gameplay, there are still plenty of titles that showcase the potential of these multiplayer experiences.

It Takes Two

Hazelight has proven to be a master in creating 2-player Steam games, with A Way Out being a great option for couples who want a mature storyline. However, their latest release, It Takes Two, is widely considered to be the better game overall. The game's plot follows a married couple who are shrunk down and must embark on a thrilling adventure to return home. Despite the seemingly familiar concept, the game excels in its character development and stunning visuals.

Broforce

Amidst the possibility of a divorce, May and Cody find themselves in a situation where they must put aside their differences and work together. Despite drifting apart over the years, the co-operative gameplay of It Takes Two aligns with the narrative's underlying themes and helps to emphasize them further.

Broforce is like the gaming version of an '80s action film - it's boisterous, silly, and endlessly entertaining. Free Lives' creation is a clever spoof on the genre's most beloved classics and characters, delivering spot-on run 'n' gun gameplay that's further amplified by environmental destruction and charming pixel art. Although it's certainly enjoyable in solo mode, Broforce truly shines when you and your pals are storming through levels together and planting the American flag atop a defeated boss.

Portal 2

Valve has a reputation for creating some of the most popular and long-lasting multiplayer games in the industry, many of which prioritize cooperative gameplay. However, games like Left 4 Dead, Team Fortress 2, Alien Swarm, and Counter-Strike are typically associated with online multiplayer or LAN support rather than local co-op. While Portal 2 also falls into this category to some extent, it is better equipped for local two-player action than most of Valve's other projects. One advantage is that the game offers split-screen support right out of the box, making it a more viable option for local play compared to the Left 4 Dead games.

Cuphead

Rewritten:

Cuphead, developed by Studio MDHR, immerses players in a world filled with vibrant and challenging bosses that pay homage to classic cartoons. While the journey is undoubtedly tough, players need not face the Devil's debtors alone - Mugman (or Ms. Chalice in The Delicious Last Course DLC) can accompany Cuphead. However, even with the power of friendship, the game remains unforgiving.

Cuphead may not be for everyone, but it excels in everything it aims to achieve. Its stunning visuals, punishing yet fair gameplay, and stellar soundtrack make it a must-play for those seeking a challenge. As a local co-op game on Steam, it easily ranks among the best.

Castle Crashers

Castle Crashers, originally an Xbox 360 exclusive in 2008, has since been released on multiple platforms, including a 2012 Steam release. With each port, the game's reputation as a co-op masterpiece has only grown. Players select a knight and embark on a quest to rescue four princesses, which involves defeating cartoonish enemies through a lot of hacking and slashing. Each character has a unique set of abilities and customizable weapons and stats, allowing for a diverse range of play styles.

Castle Crashers truly embodies the essence of cooperative gameplay, as it incentivizes players to create well-rounded teams. Additionally, the game's humor exudes a charming late 2000s vibe.

Overcooked! 2

When it comes to co-op projects, Team 17 has a proven track record of success. While Worms is undoubtedly their most well-known property, honorable mentions must be given to The Escapists and Alien Breed. However, if tasked with selecting a local co-op PC game to showcase the developer's portfolio, it's hard to overlook the intense and challenging restaurant simulation of Overcooked! 2, despite its colorful visuals and association with the party genre. With up to four players working together in a kitchen, the pressure is on to keep up with orders and stay organized - making teamwork an absolute necessity for success.

Helldivers Dive Harder Edition

Arrowhead has established itself as a competent developer in the co-op genre, with a track record of delivering solid multiplayer experiences. Although not all their projects have been exceptional, they have consistently added value to the multiplayer space. Magicka, released in 2011, is a noteworthy adventure game that is still worth playing, although its sequel surpasses it. Gauntlet is a well-executed co-op dungeon crawler that is enjoyable with friends. However, Helldivers is the crown jewel in Arrowhead's collection, a twin-stick shooter that takes players on an exhilarating journey against three formidable enemies in a thrilling war.

Although adhering to the typical gameplay of the genre, the game manages to execute the fundamentals exceptionally well. Moreover, the incorporation of a delightful multiplayer feature has elevated its replay value. Helldivers supports up to 4-player cooperative play, complete with friendly fire, making it a thrilling experience when battling the Cyborgs or bugs as a team. This feature enables players to coordinate their load-outs, which in turn adds a strategic element to the matches.

Children Of Morta

After completing the campaign prologue, players can enjoy the local co-op option in Children of Morta, allowing two players to team up against the game's procedurally generated challenges. As the Bergson family strives to protect the world from the many monsters lurking within Mount Morta, players initially have access to only two playable family members. However, as progress is made in the campaign, more characters become available for selection.

Despite the risk of progress being reset due to failure in the dungeons, players do not have to start the game completely over. Moreover, Children of Morta features a storyline that unfolds in between runs, adding an extra layer of depth to the game. Each character has unique play styles, strengths, and weaknesses, making it essential for players to complement each other to succeed in co-op play.

Totally Reliable Delivery Service

In Totally Reliable Delivery Service, the main objective is to deliver the requested items to their destination. As a delivery worker, players must traverse the city, collect the items, and then journey towards their final stop to complete the task. However, the game is physics-based, which makes it challenging for the characters to handle fragile boxes and navigate through obstacles. Despite the difficulties, players can still enjoy the game's charming sandbox environment.

Players can enjoy this indie game alone, but it truly shines when played with friends. The game revolves around completing deliveries, which requires teamwork. However, the chaotic nature of the game often leads to players hindering each other's progress instead of helping. Despite the potential frustration, Totally Reliable Delivery Service's charming presentation and humorous tone make for a delightfully amusing experience.

Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes

The premise of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is reminiscent of a high-stakes Hollywood blockbuster, with players divided into two roles: one defuses a bomb while the group provides instructions using a manual. Communication is key as the defuser must describe the bomb to the group, making for a challenging and entertaining experience that tests players' communication and listening skills. This game is accessible to all, regardless of their gaming experience.

Divinity: Original Sin 2

The co-op feature in both Divinity: Original Sin games is truly exceptional. Larian Studios has done an excellent job in creating one of the best tactical RPG franchises of modern times, with engaging single-player campaigns. However, co-op gameplay adds an entirely new dimension to the game, making it a unique and exciting experience that shouldn't be missed.

Stardew Valley

Divinity: Original Sin 2 offers a unique experience by allowing players to explore the game world individually. Players have the freedom to pursue their own quests and uncover the story at their own pace. In case they decide to team up, players can strategically assign responsibilities during battles, ensuring that everyone has a role to play and feels valued.

Stardew Valley, a beloved indie game, offers a captivating solo experience with the added bonus of an impressive co-op split-screen mode. Players can live out their farming dreams while also exploring dungeons. The game's sheer depth and addictiveness make it a satisfying experience for solo play, but its co-op mode is equally impressive. By selecting "co-op" in the starting screen, players can choose to host or join a world, and if they decide to host, they can set up cabins for their guests to act as farmhands. These guests have the ability to perform nearly all the same tasks as the host, making for a well-executed co-op experience.

Resident Evil 5

In February 2023, Capcom surprised fans by releasing a PC patch for Resident Evil 5. This update removed the outdated Games for Windows Live and added a feature that had been available on consoles for over a decade - split-screen support. While local co-op is not uncommon, split-screen games on PC are rare, making this addition all the more exciting for fans of the game. It's always a pleasant surprise when developers take the time to update and improve older games, and this patch is a perfect example of that.

Now, RE5 as a game is a bit of a mixed bag. It takes place in West Africa and completely abandons the horror elements in favor of full-blown action. While it's not as absurdly over-the-top as Resident Evil 6, its predecessor, it's still essentially a blockbuster in video game form. However, RE5's redeeming quality is its well-executed co-op mode, as the campaign was specifically designed to be enjoyed in this way.

Trine Games

Trine games from Frozenbyte are exceptional, except for the third entry, The Artifacts of Power, which is slightly underwhelming. However, it still offers a great co-op experience. The games feature a group of fantasy archetypes on a puzzle-platforming adventure. Players can switch between characters on the fly, which is a crucial mechanic as each hero has unique abilities required to solve puzzles. In co-op, each player specializes in one character, forming a party reminiscent of D&D and classic fantasy stories.

All games' campaigns support 3-player co-op; however, Trine 4's Unlimited Mode allows for a fourth person to join in.

Lego Games

Lego games are a popular option for local co-op, much like Trine. With each new entry, Traveller's Tales has improved the gameplay and expanded the scope, but ultimately, the choice of game may come down to personal preference for a particular license. However, it is important to note that not all titles offer split-screen co-op, so players interested in that feature should check before making a purchase.

Steam has more Lego games than just the ones mentioned above.