5 Best Couch Co-Op Games Right Now

We can all agree that some of our fondest gaming memories have come from playing with our friends. And even more so when you're all in the same room, toughing it out an elbow to elbow on the sticks. However, only co-op games provide that one-of-a-kind experience that caters to whatever you and your friends are looking for, whether it's a fantastic story game that you can complete in a single sitting or a grueling arcade game that requires dozens of tries. Nonetheless, gaming with your friends is filled with memorable moments, hours of laughter, and good times in general. So, if you're looking for something to play with your friends, here are our picks for the best couch co-op games to play in March 2023.

5. Minecraft

In Minecraft, the world is your oyster – literally. And the possibilities only grow exponentially when you play with your pals on split screen. Minecraft allows four people to play on the same screen at the same time. As a result, you can all gather on the couch and prepare for a session full of adventure and mayhem. Furthermore, you can add different texture packs to your game to make each session appear unique. However, if you don't want to grind survival, you can switch to creative mode and work together to create spectacular builds, monuments, and really anything you want.

While you cannot join the featured servers to play online with others, you can still download various community maps. These include mini-games, full-fledged stories, and more. So, despite releasing in 2011 and being over a decade old, Minecraft never fails to keep us entertained. Continually making it one of the best couch co-op games available today.

4. Cuphead

Cuphead is a one-of-a-kind side-scrolling platformer that transports you to the 1930s with vintage animation and music where you and a friend play as a pair of cups (2-player max). While this may cause you to overlook the game's simple and artsy aesthetic, don't underestimate its ability. The lack of checkpoints, minimal life regeneration, and what feels like an endless roster of boss fights make it extremely challenging. As a result, Cuphead can be a tedious hair-pulling grind, but consequently, that's also what makes it one of the best couch co-op games to play with a friend.

Nonetheless, when you and a friend step into the shoes of Cuphead and his loyal companion Mugman, you'll quickly learn what works and what doesn't. Since there are always new ways to strategize with your friends and combat levels. As a result, replayability is limitless and often, unavoidable. Nonetheless, you'll never get tired of the challenge and more than likely be hooked for hours on end. If that's the case, you should check out Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course DLC; at least this time you'll know what you're getting yourself into.

3. LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga combines two of the greatest things from our childhood: LEGO and Star Wars. In The Skywalker Saga, you and a friend can play through each movie, which is divided into 45 missions in split-screen co-op. And the numerous LEGO-based gaming features, such as creating objectives out of LEGO bricks and enemies crumbling apart at the touch of your lightsaber, make for irresistibly enjoyable gameplay.

However, The Skywalker Saga has much more to offer than merely playing each mission. You can unlock and play 380 different characters from the series by completing challenges, accessing hidden locations, and finishing levels. The open-world element, allows you and a friend to travel throughout the entire galaxy, visiting worlds that are overflowing with secret adventures. As a result, your hands will be full, and the only thing you and your friend need to worry about is who is the Jedi and who is the Padawan.

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart is one of the most widely recognized products from Nintendo and one of the best couch co-op games of all time. From the famous Rainbow Road to the unforgiving Bowsers Castle, each race is unique as it is challenging. Furthermore, the laughter will never stop as you and your friends throw green and red shells at each other in an endless battle for bragging rights.

In Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, you can choose between three game modes: Grand Prix, Battle, and Vs. Race. Each mode is distinct and ideally suits what you and your buddies are looking for, but Grand Prix and Vs. Race is ideal for couch gaming. What's more is you can select from 42 different characters and a variety of karts that can be customized for speed, acceleration, or control based on your playstyle.

1. It Takes Two

Communication is the key to a good relationship, and it is essential for It Takes Two. This platformer is quite the adventure, as you and a friend play as two divorced parents. A wizard, however, magically shrinks and sends them on a quest to work out their differences and rebuild their relationship and love for one another. How exactly do they do this? A series of mini-games in the story require both parties to cooperate in synchronization and by using each player's talents; this makes the need to rely on one another to combat the game's challenges, which often results in some frustrating and hilarious situations.

The storyline gradually unfolds to reveal a bittersweet plot that will ultimately bring you and your friend closer together. Consequently why it's also one of the best couch co-op games to play with that special someone, serving as a good reminder that it takes two to tango. This is a must-play couch co-op game in our opinion, as it is truly a masterpiece. But if you're still doubting it, then let It Takes Two Game of The Year award to be your selling point.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other couch co-op games you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!