Puzzle-solving abilities will be put to the test in these cooperative games.
Local co-ops might not be as popular as they were in the 1990s, but they also haven’t completely disappeared. Similar to this, the puzzle genre continues to generate new projects at a respectable rate, despite the fact that most of the releases are independent works that do not garner a lot of notice from the general public.
There are many games to encourage conversation and collaborative thought. While some are more story- and narrative-focused, others are more mechanics-focused. There are many different types of puzzles, including those using shapes, directions, physics, and/or portals. Puzzle co-op video games will advance and expand over time.
12. Trine 4
Trine is excellent in general. All the games in the series are good places for beginners to start, with the exception of the third game, which has received some criticism but is nonetheless charming. If forced to choose, Trine 2 is likely the franchise’s pinnacle, however not much separates it from Trine 4. Again, in the latter, players can take on the roles of three fantasy characters (a wizard, a thief, and a knight); this time, their objective is to locate a lost prince.
Trine 4 is without a doubt a success as an adventure co-op game, but when judged just on the level of difficulty of its puzzles, the game falls short of great.
The other Trine games, such as the fifth installment from 2023, are also excellent choices. Having said that, Trine 3 is the series’ least strong entry.
11. Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes
This game involves a lot of discussion among the participants, so not everyone will enjoy it. In essence, there is a bomb that must be disarmed. The only person who can see the bomb is the one who must lead the other players in defusing it.
The time restriction before the bomb bursts in Keep Talking And Nobody will make you jump for joy. As the crew works to unravel the destructive jigsaw in front of them, things can become tense very quickly. However, for some people, that might be a memorable and enjoyable way to spend the evening.
10. Never Alone
This game can be enjoyed by players alone or with a friend. It is unique since it is based on an old Iupiaq folktale. In actuality, it resulted from a collaboration between E-Line Media and the Cook Inlet Tribal Council. As a result, the game offers a lot of cultural information.
The eight chapters of Never Alone center on Nuna, a little Iupiaq girl, and her polar fox friend. Nuna and the fox can both be controlled by one person in co-op. Together, the two characters must solve challenges throughout the game, and when they succeed, they figuratively reveal Iupiaq’s cultural knowledge. Check out the game’s expansion Foxtales for much additional material.
9. Portal 2
One of the greatest single-player puzzle games ever made is without a doubt Portal 2, and it thoroughly merits that title. However, the co-op campaign included in Valve’s initiative is almost as amazing. Playing as two robots, the players must navigate a number of levels as GLaDOS offers commentary that tries to (not so discreetly) set them up against one another.
The level of each new task in Portal 2 gradually increases, as in most co-op puzzle games, but the game also changes how the problems are solved. Although they are initially created in a way that could result in one individual taking command, later phases are much more focused on teamwork.
8. Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together!
Due to the ability to change the shape of the avatars they play as, two players in this underappreciated Switch game must work together to solve a variety of shape- and physics-based puzzles. A number of the puzzles call you to move things around or mold oneself into the ideal shape to complete certain tasks.
The problems are sufficiently varied and span a respectable spectrum in terms of complexity. Despite this, Snipperclips is ultimately a game for the whole family that kids can play.
7. Unrailed!
Players in this chaotic game must construct a railroad as it is moving. As they attempt to stop the train from derailing, gamers should be ready for a lot of frantic yelling among themselves.
Unrailed! is a puzzle game that emphasizes quick thinking, but players can ease into it because there are four different degrees of difficulty. The title might be somewhat difficult, despite the fact that the idea seems straightforward at first.
6. Shift Happens
Shift Happens is a game with four stages and lots of puzzles that are designed for two players. While teamwork is encouraged, there is also the option to stab each other in the back if you so desire. After all, friends enjoy teasing one another occasionally.
Shift Happens has a charming, simplistic design, but as the campaign goes on, the levels gradually become increasingly challenging. However, this game might not be for a group of friends searching for a gripping story.
5. Knights And Bikes
Knights and Bikes is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a cooperative puzzle game that features engaging characters and a compelling plot. Nessa and Demelza, two childhood friends, are portrayed by the players as they explore an old island. Captain Honkers is the name of their pet goose.
The numerous problems in the game require varied skills from the characters. There are entertaining sidequests like customizing your bike in addition to the riddles and narrative. In a single-player mode, the player can cooperate with an AI.
4. Human: Fall Flat
Human: Fall Flat would be a blast for fans of strange physics. There are various ways to solve the problems, and the game can be played by one to eight players. The game can generate a lot of laughter because of the physics and the option to meddle with other players. Human: Fall Flat is one of those online multiplayer games that becomes crazier and more entertaining as more players join it.
The game gives players little indications on how to solve the area’s puzzles but has no actual narrative to speak of. Instead, it places players in relatively open stages.
3. We Were Here Forever
We Were Here differs from other puzzle cooperative games in that the players must work together to escape a castle, even though We Were Here Forever changes the scenery. The only thing the two players have in common is a walkie-talkie and the desire to assist one another with the clues they uncover in the deserted castle they are stuck in.
We Were Here Forever, the latest and possibly the most well-polished game in the genre, is a delight to play through. However, its forerunners were equally excellent.
2. Tick Tock: A Tale For Two
This game is meant for two players, as the title indicates. The participants can be local or remote, but they must be able to communicate with one another. Tick Tock: A Tale For Two’s plot was somewhat influenced by Scandinavian fairy tales. The players must work out a variety of puzzles to free themselves from a creepy environment that a clockmaker built.
Tick Tock: A Tale For Two distinguishes itself by straddling the single-player and multiplayer divide. Before beginning a campaign, two players must each possess the game on a different piece of hardware. To finish their playthroughs, they will need to collaborate, but Tick Tock does not give them a means of doing so. As a result, they will have to set up their own system.
1. Ibb & Obb
Ibb & Obb does not offer single-player, in contrast to some other cooperative puzzle games; as a result, co-op is required. This game’s puzzles are all gravity-based.
Players must pass 15 levels, but there are additional hidden levels to locate. Fans of this game adore it for the music as well as the adorable artwork, cooperative gameplay, and riddles. With a companion, relax while working on some puzzles while listening to Kettel’s soothing electronic music.
Above is a list of the best Co-Op games that have been carefully selected and compiled. In addition, you can also find more games for PC here. See more puzzle games that are not on the completely free list: Little Alchemy 2, That Level Again, High Rise, IQ Dungeon, Coreball, FLIP: Offline Match Puzzle Game, Flow Free,… Have a good time!
