Best Couch Co-Op Games For Xbox Series X/S In 2022-23

Playing video games is pure fun, but playing with friends sitting next to you is even better: the competitive aura, the friendly banter, and the pleasant atmosphere create a cooperative gaming session that is something special. 

For that reason, playing one-on-one in a virtual contest or teaming up against the CPU is a very enjoyable pastime among friends, and fortunately, the gaming industry has many good titles to boast about.

What’s more, the collection on a variety of platforms has dozens of games that support co-op or local multiplayer mode. Although, in this article, we will cover the 10 best couch co-op games available on Xbox One.

Must-play offline co-op games for Xbox Series X/S

Keep in mind that the games that will be presented in this list are only those that have a cooperative mode that allows two or more players to play on the same Xbox console. Also, the order of the list is random and does not reflect any preference as such. Without further ado, let’s get started.

1. It Takes Two (2021)

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing a game that looks like a Pixar movie, this is definitely your chance to fulfill it. One of the masterpieces of game director Josef Fares. It takes two is a multiple “game of the year” award winner not to be missed.

This two-player co-op game from Hazelight Studios is an action-adventure platformer packed with ticklish humor, tricky puzzles, and a heartwarming story.

Part of the reason it has become one of the must-plays is that it is essentially a two-player experience at its core. As you’ll see, the gameplay is designed in such a way that you can’t play it alone and will need a partner to overcome its many challenges. And even in terms of the story, It Takes Two emphasizes the role of companionship in life through its quirky but meaningful plot.

2. Cuphead (2017)

If the art style of It Takes Two is comparable to a Pixar movie, then Cuphead is the rejuvenation of the classic Disney cartoon style. It is a unique indie game from StudioMDHR that has been a huge success and has sold over 5 million copies in the two years since its release. 

Nonetheless, and surprisingly, the aesthetics and difficulty of the run-and-gun game have been a topic of avid discussion in the community. Furthermore, despite there being a single-player mode in Cuphead, you can also opt to go the two-player route and team up with a friend. Playing as Cuphead and Mugman, you embark on a dangerous journey in which you gain special powers and take on various bosses to pay back the Devil.

3. A Way Out (2018)

This is another cooperative gem from Hazelight Studios. An alternative is an action-adventure game with a constant focus on two-player split-screen gameplay. Also, like It Takes Two, it is directed by Josef Fares and designed exclusively for co-op.

While it doesn’t have a single-player mode, you can still join another player, either locally or online. Not to mention that only one of the two players must have the game for online co-op sessions.

This title follows the story of Vincent and Leo, two inmates who conspire to break out of prison and escape from the police. During the journey, they must work together to achieve certain common goals. 

Nevertheless, the two players have complete freedom to play as they wish and at their own pace. Therefore, the individual progress of these two characters does not need to be synchronized all the time.

4. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled (2019)

Taking on the responsibility of remastering the original Crash Team Racing, Beenox has done a commendable job with Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled. Fortunately for fans of the classic, this adaptation stays true to its previous-generation counterpart while adding additional content and delivering in a variety of departments, including gameplay and graphics.

On the other hand, the local multiplayer mode supports up to a total of four players through a split-screen format. So you are free to choose from 56 racer options, customize your kart, and adjust the race rules. 

Here, the goal is simply to win the race and defeat your opponents using the various power-ups available for each track. It’s like Mario Kart but with Crash Bandicoot characters.

5. Don’t Starve Together (2017)

Don’t Starve Together is the sequel to the well-received indie game of the same name from 2013. So it takes the original formula and enhances it using the multiplayer approach. It also supports local multiplayer with up to 6 participants, and players can join as “friends” or “strangers.” 

In any case, the goal is to survive as many days as possible in a randomly generated hostile world. All this must be accomplished while keeping your character’s in-game hunger, health, and sanity meters under control.

6. Portal 2 (2011)

A game that embodies the proverb “old is gold.” And it’s impossible not to pay attention to Portal 2, especially if we’re talking about the best couch co-op games. 

This puzzle-based platformer from Valve is a cult classic and is often referred to as “one of the best games ever.” It features both single-player and cooperative modes.

However, in the cooperative mode, players take on the roles of test chamber robots Atlas and P-Body, and their goal will be to use their portal weapons and solve the mind-blowing challenges that each level brings. 

But that’s not all, because for those who wish to expand their Portal experience, there is “Peer Review” downloadable content that continues after the story of the co-op campaign.

7. FIFA 23 (2022)

There’s nothing better for a good time than a competitive, banter-filled game of FIFA with a friend, right? Well, following the legacy of the franchise, FIFA 23 comes with improved inputs and subtle gameplay tweaks.

It also features a “FUT World Cup” mode where you can play a co-op match from the couch against a friend or with a friend against the CPU. Additionally, the Ultimate Team cooperative game mode offers the opportunity to take to the field with your own customized team.

8. Rocket League (2015)

Not sure whether to play Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled or FIFA 23? No problem; Rocket League is a good middle ground, bringing gas-guzzling race cars to a hybrid soccer game, resulting in an edgy and exciting gaming experience. 

Here you can pair up with a friend offline and dive into any of the game modes, thanks to the game’s split-screen multiplayer support.

9. Overcooked! All You Can Eat (2020)

Overcooked! All you can eat is a love letter to fans of the cooking simulation series. It includes remastered versions of Overcooked and Overcooked 2, along with all DLC content. 

Furthermore, up to four players can play multiplayer from the couch and assist one another in the game’s cooking challenge. Each member can contribute to the team’s success by completing tasks such as chopping vegetables, washing dishes, and the like.

10. Halo: The Master Chief Collection (2014)

This title is undoubtedly the ultimate group activity for friends who have grown up playing the famous Halo series. This installment is a fully remastered package consisting of Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Halo 2: Anniversary, Halo 3, Halo 3: ODST, Halo: Reach, and Halo 4. Best of all, since this entire compilation supports split-screen play, you can go shoot some aliens together with up to three other players.

To sum up…

All in all, this has been a very varied list, and each one of the games you find here offers a totally different experience. Therefore, it is up to you to choose the one that interests you the most. But rest assured that all of them are excellent ways to spend time with your friends and loved ones.