The Xbox Series X is home to superb games already, and there are plenty of upcoming games to be excited about too. As much as we all love competing in the best multiplayer games on Xbox Series X, sometimes you would rather team up with a friend than fight them. Co-op games let you and your friends turn the tables on the game itself to stack the odds in your favor. While local co-op has started to fade away, cross-platform games make it easier than ever to join up with friends online even if they’re playing on a different console. These are the best co-op games on Xbox Series X.
Make sure you’ve got the proper Xbox Series X accessories, specifically the best headset, to communicate with your co-op partner.
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It Takes Two
90%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Platform, Adventure
Developer
Hazelight Studios
Publisher
Electronic Arts
Release
March 25, 2021
It Takes Two is the most unique game on this list because it can only be played cooperatively. That’s right, there is no single-player option, meaning you have to play through this one with a friend. While that might sound like it adds an unnecessary barrier to entry, working together is integral to the overall message and story. In this game, you play as a couple going through a divorce while trying to care for the child they have together. In the process, you’ll encounter an absurd amount of gameplay variety that changes things up every 10 minutes or so. It Takes Two has the luxury of throwing realism out the window, allowing for some wildly interesting and unique gameplay moments. This was easily among the best games of 2021 for a reason, and we can’t wait to see what Hazelight Studios does next.
Sea of Thieves
68%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Adventure
Developer
Rare
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
March 20, 2018
Arguably the greatest action pirate game of all time, Sea of Thieves sends you and your fellow booty hunters on a neverending quest for loot, all while taking on deadly skeletons and other formidable creatures. The thing Sea of Thieves gets right is that it allows for many different types of playstyles. For instance, if you’re someone who prefers an action-oriented approach, you can prioritize quests that feature lots of combat, while those who’d rather sail the seas and take it easy can do so as well. There’s also a plethora of quest types and gear to unlock, giving you plenty of agency over how you build your pirate.
PowerWash Simulator
78%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Simulator, Indie
Developer
FuturLab
Publisher
Square Enix
Release
July 14, 2022
So many games, co-op or otherwise, are all about constant action and tension. That’s great, but sometimes you need a game to just chill out and relax with. That’s where PowerWash Simulator comes into play. We know the name sounds boring, as does the concept of spraying water on stuff to clean it, but you have to give it a shot. There’s something so therapeutic and meditative about slowly and methodically cleaning the grime off various buildings and vehicles. With a friend along, it’s a great way to unwind.
Elden Ring
94%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG)
Developer
FromSoftware
Publisher
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Release
February 25, 2022
Many of us expected Elden Ring to be a hit, but few could have anticipated just how popular it would become. This is arguably developer FromSoftware’s best game, as the studio has honed in on what it does best, refining many gameplay components from the beloved Souls formula. In this case, Elden Ring features a massive, sprawling open world, with a non-linear structure that allows players to tackle objectives in any order. When it comes to cooperative play, the non-linear design is a major aspect, as players will often bring something different to the table depending on their build and experience. Since the game is so brutally difficult, you’ll often find yourself needing to summon help, leading to some memorable co-op moments. Part of the fun is seeing what kind of gear or abilities your co-op partner will have. Will they hurl lightning bolts at the boss or will they use a massive sword to deal lots of damage all at once? Tackling Elden Ring with a friend is an absolute blast, especially after overcoming a powerful, and menacing boss.
Remnant II
79%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Developer
Gunfire Games
Publisher
Gearbox Publishing
Release
July 25, 2023
For a completely different flavor in the Souls-like genre, Remnant 2 came out of nowhere to become possibly the best co-op Souls-like of 2023. Trading out swords and shields for guns and shotguns, the mix of third-person shooting and Souls-elements might seem like a terrible combination, but this title manages to pull it off with grace. Thanks to the huge selection of classes, randomized levels and story, and persistent ways to increase your power, you and your friends can get hooked on this title quickly. The game can be played alone, but when the difficulty ramps up, it feels like it was made for co-op.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection
86%
4.5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter
Developer
343 Industries
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 11, 2014
Halo is a franchise that needs no introduction, so being able to play most of the series in one convenient package is an absolute treat. Sure, Halo is often remembered for its fast-paced competitive multiplayer suite, but The Master Chief Collection also features the campaigns for Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo Reach, and Halo 4, all of which can be played cooperatively locally or online. These are games that many of us grew up with, bringing back fond memories of playing through the campaigns with friends on a Friday night after school. There’s so much to do in this collection, even if you only stick to the campaign modes across all games.
Grounded
70%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Adventure
Developer
Obsidian Entertainment
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
July 28, 2020
Ever want to be shrunken down to the size of an ant to explore your backyard? This might sound ridiculous, but as a kid, it was a thought that only existed in our imaginations. In Grounded, Obsidian Entertainment made that idea a reality. It’s an interesting survival game that places you in the shoes of a tiny character who must use leaves, blades of grass, and other objects in the backyard to defend against deadly ants and spiders. Grounded can be difficult, but if you play with a friend, collecting resources and braving against powerful enemies is far more manageable. It’s a refreshing take on the survival formula, offering lots of deep gameplay systems that feel satisfying — with a sprinkle of comedy throughout.
Destiny 2
74%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Bungie
Publisher
Activision
Release
September 06, 2017
When Destiny 2 launched in 2017, it was a fine game, but it didn’t necessarily come out of the gate swinging. Thankfully, after years of updates and the split between Activision and Bungie, Destiny 2 has become one of the best FPS games on the market. Better yet is that it’s now free-to-play, making it even easier to dive in and enjoy. Of course, Destiny 2 can be played solo and is even enjoyable in that regard but is primarily designed with cooperative play in mind. This means you and your squadmates will need to team up to progress through story missions, strikes, or even raids, which are at the heart of the endgame experience. With so much content — both free and paid — it’s easy to get lost in the world of Destiny 2.
Diablo IV
77%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Developer
Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher
Blizzard Entertainment
Release
June 06, 2023
While originally a PC exclusive, modern console players can now enjoy Diablo 4 on equal footing as PC players thanks to amazing controller support. If you’ve never touched this series that essentially invented the looter genre, this is the perfect game to start with. The world is beautifully grim; the classes are varied and allow you to express yourself with varied builds, and it is not only playable but intended to be played cooperatively. Grab a friend, pick your classes, and explore the land, slaying thousands of demons, looting up, and repeating to your heart’s content. With new content consistently added, you won’t get bored any time soon.
Baldur's Gate 3
97%
5/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Google Stadia
Genre
Role-playing (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Tactical, Adventure
Developer
Larian Studios
Publisher
Larian Studios
Release
October 06, 2020
While Baldur’s Gate 3 might visually look like a Diablo game, it is far from it. This is a hardcore CRPG in that you get a deep, adaptive story that everyone will experience differently. Bring a friend along and you only add to the ways the game will bend and twist to accommodate your combined actions. The cast of characters you meet are all fantastic, but having a real friend in your party, or even just in the world doing their own thing, gives the already amazing game a completely new flavor. If you want the best RPG experience possibly ever made, bring your friend to Baldur’s Gate 3.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge
79%
Platforms
Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), Android, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Tribute Games
Publisher
DotEmu, Netflix
Release
June 16, 2022
Beat ’em ups are a dying genre, but were at one point some of the first great co-op games. Arcade classics like The Simpsons and Turtles in Time drained way too many of our quarters than we’re willing to admit, but thankfully you don’t need to keep running to the change machine with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge. This game feels like it was ripped right out of the ’90s in the best possible way. Play as all your favorite turtles, plus others, in this amazing callback to classic brawlers.
Gears 5
81%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Shooter, Adventure
Developer
The Coalition
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
September 10, 2019
Gears 5 is an underrated entry in the acclaimed shooter series, offering memorable characters and a fantastic campaign, all while taking risks — most of which pay off. For instance, the campaign features a small-scale open world, with light RPG mechanics and even side-quests for you to complete. Old school Gears fans might not totally be into the new changes, but for the most part, many of the new features are welcome ones. Gears 5 features fully cooperative campaign and horde modes with split-screen and online functionality, perfect for players looking to work as a team. Horde mode is as robust as ever in Gears 5, with a class-based system that allows you to play how you want, along with wave after wave of Locusts to eliminate.
Forza Horizon 5
86%
4/5
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Genre
Racing, Sport
Developer
Playground Games
Publisher
Xbox Game Studios
Release
November 09, 2021
The Forza series is known for being at the top of its class, and no entry makes that clearer than Forza Horizon 5. This game sends players to a massive representation of Mexico, with multiple unique biomes to explore and drive through. There are lots of different mission types that are designed in such a way that break up the monotony of a driving game. Sure, the primary goal with most objectives is to reach your destination as quickly as possible, but there are lots of other mission types — such as the hysterical Piñata pop mode, which requires you to pop as many Piñatas as possible — that offer an excellent change of pace from simply driving from point A to B. And of course, you can complete races and missions with, or against your buddies, serving as a massively social experience.
Tetris Effect: Connected
90%
Platforms
PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2
Genre
Music, Puzzle, Indie, Arcade
Developer
Monstars, Resonair
Publisher
Enhance
Release
May 14, 2020
Somehow, after decades of iteration, Tetris has managed to remain fresh, offering arguably “perfect” gameplay that still holds up. This is clearly evident with Tetris Effect: Connected, a game about unity and togetherness (as its name suggests). Each stage has different music and visuals, featuring various types of tetrominoes that change depending on the theme. Beyond that, there are numerous multiplayer modes that change up the Tetris formula, making it the best entry for those wanting to play with friends. There’s even a mode that requires you and other players to take down bosses together. How cool is that?!
