Co-op gaming has been a beloved part of the industry almost as long as video games themselves have existed, although its popularity has waxed and waned over the years. While often linked to competitive player-versus-player experiences, the PC gaming world definitely knows and loves its cooperative mode titles, particularly those designed for online play. Finding local co-op games can sometimes be a bit challenging on platforms like Steam as they don’t always spotlight these options, but the gems are there if you know where to look.
When players want to dive into multiplayer fun with friends, many will naturally turn to shooters or MMORPGs, genres that have given us countless memorable releases. Still, Steam offers a wealth of co-op games that don’t fall under these categories.
Updated November 24, 2024: With few new free co-op games hitting Steam recently, I’ve added a couple of older picks that are still worth your time. They’re both excellent in their own right, and despite being quite different from each other, deserve a spot on your playlist.
Brief Overview
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Co-op Titles to Watch For: As a general note, games heavily focused on PvP won’t be included, so don’t expect to see Counter-Strike 2 here, even though its Wingman mode has some co-op aspects.
- Selection Criteria: While quality is always a top priority for these rankings, new entries get a highlight so you don’t miss fresh content.
Once Human
Steam User Rating: 71%
In July of 2024, Once Human was released, standing out amidst numerous major free-to-play launches that month, even managing to overshadow The First Descendant. While not without its flaws, this open-world survival shooter by Starry Studio is an ambitious project that’s definitely worth downloading for a test run. The plot centers on a world overrun by an alien infestation, a disaster fueled by human corporations. As a player, you become a meta-human tasked with resisting this chaos while unraveling the enigmatic source of this apocalypse.
Once Human allows for single-player survival, a mode that accentuates solitude, but also supports multiplayer, which is generally more rewarding. Although its PvP multiplayer can be skipped if you’re not interested, the co-op mode offers a richer experience despite some areas that could be improved.
You can choose between organizing a Party, Hive, or Warband, depending on how many friends you’re playing with. While each has its advantages, sticking with Hive can be beneficial if you plan to run the campaign together. Even if the game becomes repetitive on occasion, having friends along makes the trek more enjoyable.
Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop
Steam User Rating: 94%
Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop is a treasure deserving more attention. Originally a 2010 Valve game, this modified expansion is still being updated and has surpassed the original in many ways. Reactive Drop ups the ante by expanding upon the classic twin-stick shooter with refined features, including support for up to 8 players in co-op across multiple campaigns.
Though it also contains PvP elements, this game excels in cooperative play, where teamwork is crucial to success. There’s no “lone wolf” survival here; you must coordinate with your team to fend off relentless enemy waves while progressing through detailed levels.
We Were Here
Steam User Rating: 90%
In We Were Here, teamwork is not just encouraged; it’s mandatory. This innovative puzzle game splits two players in a frozen landscape where communication through walkie-talkies is their only means of solving interconnected puzzles—each player experiences the game uniquely, providing a dual storytelling and problem-solving experience, much in the vein of ideas seen in escape rooms.
With You
Steam User Rating: 89%
With You is a charming puzzle-platformer where two players solve physics-based challenges by effectively “bouncing off” each other. Its wobbly controls are endearing, and the game’s design aims to strengthen your bond with your co-player as you maneuver through quirky levels.
MultiVersus
Steam User Rating: 83%
After a period of development refinement, MultiVersus from Player First Games is back, offering a joyous rebound of characters reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. While it offers solo content, the game shines brightest in 2v2 multiplayer, offering chaotic fun and an array of characters (albeit needing some unlocking). Despite some launch hiccups, MultiVersus’ combat remains a strong, enjoyable variant of the genre.
Muck
Steam User Rating: 93%
Developed by Dani, Muck is a solid entry in the sandbox genre, providing an intense survival challenge in a procedurally generated island setting. Permadeath stakes are high, and its colorful aesthetic belies the trials players face, including boss fights that can tax your skills. Co-op eases the burden, making survival more manageable yet still challenging.
No More Room In Hell
Steam User Rating: 89%
Facing off against zombies in No More Room In Hell, up to 8 players utilize a wide range of weapons in a bid for survival. Proximity-based voice chat adds a strategic layer, inspired by survival situations depicted in media like The Walking Dead, offering immersion and hours of gripping gameplay.
Unsolved Case
Steam User Rating: 89%
Unsolved Case puts players in the shoes of detectives hunting the Cryptic Killer. Co-op puzzle solving is the essence, necessitating constant communication as teammates decipher fragmented clues. Although the content is short, this game is a tantalizing teaser for future titles from Eleven Puzzles.
Sven Co-Op
Steam User Rating: 93%
Originally a mod for Half-Life, Sven Co-Op brings cooperative gameplay to this classic, transforming it into a standalone experience available for free on Steam. It offers a trip down memory lane, backed by solid mechanics and extensive maps that transcend its age, highlighting a pivotal time in co-op FPS gaming.
One-Armed Robber
Steam User Rating: 88%
With its unique concept of pulling off heists with a catch, One-Armed Robber offers whimsical chaos. Supporting four-player co-op, this game thrives on its outlandish scenario but is best played with friends to sustain its excitement.
One-Armed Cook
Steam User Rating: 92%
From the same studio that brought One-Armed Robber, One-Armed Cook puts players in charge of an entire restaurant experience using hilariously challenging one-handed controls. Fun and straightforward, it invites quick, chaotic bursts of culinary creativity with friends.
Cry Of Fear
Steam User Rating: 88%
Born from a Half-Life 2 mod, Cry of Fear delivers an engrossing psychological horror experience. It boasts several campaigns and keeps players engaged with its cooperative gameplay after following its single-player narrative for full context.
Warframe
Steam User Rating: 87%
Warframe has evolved into one of the defining examples of free-to-play success. The vast cooperative content allows up to four friends to enjoy battles and storylines, perfect for long-term engagement with campaigns and grinding, even if coordination isn’t always necessary.
Damnosaur
Steam User Rating: 92%
With a blend of anime aesthetics and arcade shooting, Damnosaur involves defending against time-traveling dinosaurs. Delivering frenetic gameplay and supporting local co-op, it beckons players to team up and fend off waves of creative adversaries.
Escape Memoirs: Mini Stories
Steam User Rating: 86%
Set within intricate escape-room challenges, Escape Memoirs lets players conquer puzzles alone or with friends. Its complexity is just right for fans of brain-teasers, providing an engaging, if brief, session that tests critical thinking.
Lost Ark
Steam User Rating: 71%
A top-down MMORPG comparable to Diablo, Lost Ark offers exploratory and combat experiences heavily tethered to a sprawling world. Although criticisms exist, its rich content pieces like raids and cooperative quests keep it buzzing with activity.
Dungeon Defenders 2
Steam User Rating: 77%
This action-packed tower defense game invites players to protect Etheria from monster hordes through collective strategy and engaging combat. It remains a reliable choice for co-op fans, despite being out for several years.
Palia
Steam User Rating: 62%
Still in development, Palia pitches itself as a life sim light on cooperative features at present but with the potential to offer more communal experiences in the future.
Halo Infinite (Only Multiplayer)
Steam User Rating: 70%
Halo Infinite’s free multiplayer modes promise classic Halo combat dynamics with ongoing updates that keep playlists fresh. Cooperative modes and team-based games deliver a robust experience, even with some areas still under scrutiny from the community.
Sky: Children Of The Light
Steam User Rating: 84%
From the creators of Journey, Sky presents a serene MMO experience prioritizing exploration over combat. Its unique approach fosters casual interactions with players, offering a peaceful escape from more intense games.
In summary, there’s something for everyone in this diverse group of co-op games on Steam. Whether you prefer strategic coordination, survival cooperation, or carefree exploration, you’ll find countless opportunities to connect and have an enjoyable time with friends.
