Some of the greatest co-op games are surprisingly rich in story, and the best ones know not to sacrifice physical gameplay for plot–you can definitely have both in equal measure. You’ll often find games that are specifically made for two players hit this sweet spot beautifully, but a few primarily single-player games with co-op modes make you wonder why you were ever doing it solo. In a market fairly saturated with physics-based party games (you can find plenty of these on our list of the best funny co-op games, though, don’t worry), or competitive team shooters, sometimes you have to dig deep to find something slower paced.
We’ve taken the hard work out of it and listed 10 of the best stories in co-op games, from iconic remakes to unsung indie heroes. If you’re still waiting for player two, check out our list of unmissable games with great stories to tell, too.
Split Fiction
- Released: 21 March, 2025
- Developer: Hazelight Studios
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Hazelight Studios built its reputation on cinematic co-op, and Split Fiction continues that tradition with flair. It’s one of the best two-player co-op games in our opinion, and even got a perfect 10/10 score in our Split Fiction review. The game follows two aspiring writers who find themselves trapped inside their own unfinished stories–wildly different worlds that constantly shift tone and genre. One moment you’re sneaking through a futuristic sci-fi city, the next you’re riding mythical beasts in a high-fantasy kingdom. It’s absolutely packed with narrative twists and turns, and sometimes feels like you’re watching an interactive movie.
The story uses the tension between its two leads–both authors in their own fashion–to create friction in the game. They disagree on tone, structure, even what makes a good ending. It becomes both a gameplay mechanic and the emotional spine of the adventure, and emphasizes how crucial two perspectives are to complete the many puzzles and challenges within. Hazelight feature a few times on this list, and for good reason. They really are setting the standard for co-op story games.
Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons Remake
- Released: 28 February, 2024
- Developer: Avantgarden Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
The remake of Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons brings a gorgeous modern overhaul to what was already an iconic heart-breaker of a story. You love to cry, right? Good. Guiding two siblings on a journey to find a cure for their dying father, traveling across a fairytale world filled with strange creatures and lingering sadness, if you want to get deep in your feels with a pal, this is the co-op game for you.
Each brother has distinct abilities, and can only rely on each other, so their bond forms the heart of the experience. It’s a sweet, sad, short fairy tale-esque adventure–one that’ll stick with you long after you finish. The remake enhances the game’s atmosphere without losing what made the original so powerful: a cinematic tale about love, loss, and growing up far too quickly. Just be aware that co-op is local play only, which serves the purpose well, encouraging you to genuinely connect and collaborate throughout.
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Children of Morta
- Released: 3 September, 2019
- Developer: Dead Mage
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
At first glance, Children of Morta looks like a classic action roguelike. You dive into procedurally generated dungeons, battle corrupted creatures, and gather upgrades. But what sets it apart is its focus on family ties and its rich story that welcomes co-op teams of two into a surprisingly deep world.
Rather than a random selection of heroes, you play as different members of one family, each with unique combat styles and personalities. Each of the family members contributes differently, and success comes from understanding those strengths and their bonds. John, the dad, is adept with a sword and shield, while son Kevin is a stealthy dagger-wielding fighter, for example. Between dungeon runs, the game slows down to show quiet domestic moments–conversations at the dinner table, personal struggles, shared grief. These scenes flesh out the characters in ways most roguelikes never attempt, and give you and your co-op partner the layered storytelling you’re after.
Unsighted
- Released: 30 September, 2021
- Developer: Studio Pixel Punk
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
If you like big sprawling worlds packed with lore and multiple paths through, you shouldn’t sleep on Unsighted’s co-op mode any longer. You’ve got classic top-down action combined with a tense, ticking-clock narrative that gives every decision weight and encourages you to make creative decisions quickly as a team–what more could you want? Set in a ruined cyberpunk city, you play as Alma, an android slowly running out of energy. Every character you meet faces the same fate unless you intervene and save the day.
Its full co-op adds a strategic edge to the fast-paced combat and puzzle-solving of the solo mode, and might make you question your or your friends’ moral compass when choosing whether to pull the life force from one NPC to save another. You’ll need to coordinate attacks and abilities when enemies swarm from all directions, pool limited resources, and make some hard choices about what’s best for your friends (and foes). You’ll also have to keep moving–Unsighted has a clock that keeps running, even when you hang around, meaning characters are always ticking one second closer to tragedy and you’ve got to think fast. The narrative is heartbreaking and ripe for fan theories and further exploration, so makes perfect playing for friends who like to get their teeth into a juicy story.
Grounded 2
- Released: 15 October, 2025
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, PC
Grounded 2 expands the backyard survival concept of the original into something bigger and more ambitious, with a story that fits the ’90s throwback theme to a T. Once again shrunk to insect size, players must craft, build, and battle their way through an environment that turns ordinary garden features into towering landmarks. It’s still in early access, but already a great co-op game for all ages. We’ve got a bunch of helpful Grounded 2 guides if you’re needing some direction.
Co-op feels natural and helps to compensate for some of the surprisingly difficult survival elements you might otherwise struggle to control in single-player mode. Base-building, resource gathering, and boss fights all benefit from teamwork. Environmental storytelling plays a big role, and scaling a picnic table or trash can makes you feel on top of the world with the sheer scale in comparison to your tiny selves. Someone is meddling with the bugs this time around, making them act differently, and there are unseen powers at play, so if you like a kooky retro mystery vibe, you’ll not be able to put Grounded 2 down for long. There’s a fairly lengthy roadmap for the development of the game, but you can keep an eye on our opinions in our Grounded 2 in progress review.
Spiritfarer
- Released: 18 August, 2020
- Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Few games handle themes of death and acceptance as gracefully as Spiritfarer, so this one is for all the whimsigoth besties out there who want something equal parts dark and sweet. We reckon it’s one of the best co-op cozy games you could ever want. One player plays as Stella, a newly appointed ferrymaster guiding spirits to the afterlife, building a boat that serves as both home and sanctuary along with her beloved cat, who the second player controls.
While the mechanics are gentle, the storytelling hits deep. Each spirit has a rich backstory and unresolved regrets. You help them fulfil their last wishes and eventually say goodbye, but what of Stella’s story? Slowly clues of her past begin to solidify and you’ll reckon with memories both beautiful and tragic. Sharing that emotional journey with another player makes its quietly devastating moments even more powerful.
It Takes Two
- Released: 26 March, 2021
- Developer: Hazelight Studios
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
If somehow you haven’t played It Takes Two yet, consider this your sign to finally pick it up. It gets recommended all the time on various co-op lists, but it would be an aching omission not to include it specifically for the strength of its storytelling. Another Hazelight classic that is built entirely around co-op, you play as a married couple magically transformed into dolls, forced to confront their failing relationship through increasingly inventive levels, puzzles, and combat.
It’s a rich experience–equally mechanically satisfying and emotionally heartrending, and you’ll truly feel like you went on an adventure together once the credits roll. The story walks a careful line between humor and sincerity. Cody and May argue, blame, and stumble, but they also obviously know each other inside out and can connect on a level most would struggle to. It’s a reminder that collaboration, both in games and relationships, takes effort.
Diablo IV
- Released: 6 June, 2023
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
I mean, yes, Diablo IV is all about overpowered loot, tight builds, and demon-slaying. But beneath the constant rain of legendary gear and button-spamming combat lies a surprisingly strong narrative centered on the classic war between good and evil. Fantasy fans will fall in love with the worldbuilding, then stay for the gorgeous character design and genuinely challenging gameplay. If you’ve not had anything to do with the series before, Diablo IV is a great place to start.
The campaign leans into dark fantasy classic tropes of demons, prophecies and possession, and every location is cloaked in a sinister atmosphere. The characters are nuanced and interesting, with plenty of side quests and lore to absorb, and you’ll get a fair dose of gorgeous cinematic cutscenes in between all the slashing. Co-op play enhances the whole experience–either in 2-player couch co-op or 4-player online–acting like a party-based RPG where you can strengthen your bonds as well as your weapons.
Moon Hunters
- Released: 10 March, 2016
- Developer: Kitfox Games
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC
Moon Hunters feels like a myth you’re helping write in real time. It’s a short, replayable RPG that lets players shape their characters’ legends over the course of five days, and every playthrough creates another layer in an enduring mythos. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, and there are multiple endings to achieve if you’re craving more than the one playthrough can offer.
In Moon Hunters, you’re responsible for finding out why the moon didn’t rise, and how to bring it back again. As the source of all magic and power in the land of Issaria, everything lacks balance without it and sinister monsters start to attack innocents. It’s a mythical, fantastical story filled with choices and divergent paths, perfect for co-op couples that love seeing how their decisions play out.
Tales of Vesperia
- Released: 7 August, 2008
- Developer: Namco Tales Studio
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
Famous as a series of uncompromising multiplayer JRPG greatness, our one pic from the whole franchise has to be Tales of Vesperia. The game blends classic JRPG storytelling with fast-paced, real-time combat that works surprisingly well in co-op. The story follows Yuri Lowell, a former knight who takes justice into his own hands in a world powered by magical technology. What starts as a simple mission quickly escalates into a huge conflict involving political corruption, ancient powers, and clashing ideals.
Co-op can be a bit funny, as one main player deals with everything outside of combat, but once you get into battle, every player has a chance to shine independently. Up to four players can control different characters in battles, chaining special attacks together in satisfying combos.
It’s a lengthy adventure packed with charm, emotional stakes, and memorable character arcs. For players who love story-driven RPGs but want to share the action, Tales of Vesperia remains one of the genre’s most rewarding cooperative experiences. Just make sure you set aside plenty of time.
