Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass has become an essential part of the gaming world. It’s not the only game subscription out there, but it’s certainly the most sought after, and many would argue it’s the top choice. The platform’s key appeal is providing gamers with day-one access to all of Xbox’s first-party games and select third-party titles as well. While this is a significant attraction, the real success of Game Pass arguably comes from its wide variety of games. Whether you’re into horror adventures or prefer online player-versus-player battles, there’s likely something for everyone. So, naturally, it also includes online cooperative games—but which co-op titles truly stand out on Game Pass?
As of November 25, 2024, there haven’t been many new additions of online-only co-op games to Xbox Game Pass except for the notable release of Black Ops 6. Given this, we’ve added a couple of games that support both online and local multiplayer to broaden the conversation.
The focus will mainly be on games that boast online co-op, since we’re saving local co-op for another article. However, we’ll make a few exceptions for must-play titles, which we’ll mention at the end.
Let’s talk about Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 first, where Zombies co-op is back in action. Though not the first Call of Duty title to grace Game Pass, Black Ops 6’s day-one release is a big deal. Although Activision’s popular shooter was always going to be a best-seller without the service’s boost, Game Pass broadens its reach, particularly to those who’ve taken a break from the series. Treyarch has capitalized on this by bringing back a traditional narrative mode compared to some recent underwhelming entries.
The primary focus of Black Ops 6 is multiplayer, spanning both PvP and co-op modes. While it includes familiar modes like Deathmatch, Kill Order, and Domination designed around 6v6 encounters, the main co-op feature here is the Zombies mode. Survivors work through multiple zombie waves, revealing new territories, weapons, and abilities over time. This iteration is reminiscent of Black Ops Cold War, sticking to a proven formula with slight tweaks to keep it fresh.
Moving on to Sea Of Thieves, a pirate adventure calling for teamwork. Despite an underwhelming start, this game has transformed into a strong multiplayer offering, where crews of four can embark on treasure hunts and face legendary creatures like the Kraken. While solo play is an option, the cooperative and PvP elements make team play more rewarding.
Ultimately, Game Pass ensures that whether you’re facing zombies, heading out on pirate adventures, or even looking to survive miniature worlds, there’s no shortage of engaging co-op experiences to explore with friends or strangers online. Your next great multiplayer adventure could be just a download away.
