Co-op Puzzle Games have become a much more popular genre in recent years. Luckily, there are a ton of games in the genre to play and enjoy. All of them are a little different, and some are certainly better than others.
With so many games available, it can be a little tough to narrow it down to just ten, but that’s the ultimate goal. All puzzle games have a few things that define them: difficulty, creativity, and story.
That’s mostly what the list will focus on, and if you don’t see your favorite game on here, it doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of a spot. These games just ended up being the best based on the criteria.
10
Operation: Tango
Clever Plays
Operation: Tango might be a little long in the tooth by now, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad game. This game may not be the best in its genre, but it has a lot going for it.
You’ll play as one of two roles: an Agent or Hacker. Your job is very different depending on which role you choose. This means you’ll have a very different experience with each role, giving players a reason to replay the game.
It’s got a decent story that gets all the missions fitting together, but the game really pushes players to work together to make it through some of the toughest challenges.
9
Pico Park 2
Tecopark | Gemdrops Inc.
If you’ve never heard of Pico Park 2, it would be very surprising. Not only is it incredibly cheap, but it’s super popular due to its simple but effective gameplay.
You and up to eight others, either online or local, can join up to take on some truly tricky puzzles. While there isn’t a lot of story, the game makes interesting use of the simple mechanics.
Few games have as many funny moments as Pico Park, as you and your friends attempt to solve deceptively simple puzzles while screaming at each other over making silly mistakes.
8
Keep Talking, and Nobody Explodes
Steel Crate Games
Another rather simple game that relies heavily on good communication over everything else. It’s certainly a game that can make or break a friendship if you aren’t careful.
As the name implies, you’ll be defusing a bomb, but one player has the bomb while the other has the manual. This means you’ll need to effectively communicate with each other before time runs out and things get messy.
There’s not much in the way of story, but this game is a little unique in the way it’s played and can be a great party game even with just one computer. An incredible game that will always lead to some interesting shenanigans.
7
Death Squared
SMG Studio
Another oldie, but a goodie, Death Squared puts players in control of several little square robots. Solving these puzzles involves a lot of teamwork and coordination, although raw communication is less important.
Again, there’s less story to be found here, but what is here are a lot of creative puzzles that can be played together or solo, making it a much more flexible experience.
Solving this game’s puzzles requires a lot of focus and cunning, especially when things start getting more complex, but overall, it’s a great game to sit down and enjoy with a few friends.
6
Escape Academy
Coin Crew Games
Our first entry that has some actual story, which interconnects throughout the whole game, is Escape Academy. This game focuses significantly on the aspect of puzzle-solving you’d see in escape rooms.
While it is a little funky to run on occasion, there’s no denying that this game really makes a name for itself with a story focused on a school about being an escape artist.
It’s got a lot of visual puzzles that require you to venture all over the grounds of the school in an effort to solve them all. It isn’t perfect, but what it does offer is a fun and enjoyable experience.
5
Unravel Series
Coldwood Interactive
Another classic series made up of two incredible games. It’s got it all, some solid story, interesting puzzles, and creativity to boot.
The games are a little dated now, but that doesn’t stop them from being two of the most influential co-op puzzle games that have ever been made. You’ll play as one of two characters in this adorable story as you use your yarn to cross gaps and solve puzzles.
It isn’t particularly difficult at this point, but there’s no denying that it is adorable and a creative use of the characters that leans into some interesting mechanics.
4
We Were Here Series
Total Mayhem Games
As far as co-op games, there probably isn’t a more well-known series out there for indie titles than We Were Here. These games have been coming out forever and somehow always manage to make some interesting changes and impacts to the formula.
Each game follows two characters, and as you work together to solve various difficult challenges that require some skill and communication, a story begins to unravel. These are best enjoyed when you can’t see the other person’s screen and use in-game communication via walkie-talkies.
A great series with a ton of great games to enjoy, as you and a friend attempt to describe difficult puzzles to each other over the radio. While they can be a little simple at times, they’re nothing if not memorable.
3
Portal 2
Valve
A list about puzzle games without at least one of the Portal games on it can’t really be about puzzle games. As one of the progenitors of co-op puzzle games, it still reigns as a must-play.
Unlike most games, Portal 2 offers an entirely different story if you’re playing co-op versus solo. It’s a rare treat that offers players a reason to play with their friends rather than play by themselves. Not to mention, there are editing tools to make your own levels, adding even more fun to the mix.
A classic title that really set the genre up for success, and of course, almost every game out there has some kind of Portal reference. While it is a great game, some things have managed to surpass it.
2
Split Fiction
Hazelight Studios
If anyone hasn’t played Split Fiction, you’ll have to stop reading here and go play. Not only does it offer a friend pass, so you only need one copy to play with your friends, but it’s a phenomenal game that really breaks the mold of co-op puzzle games.
You’ll play as one of the two female protagonists who spend the story running through various fictional worlds, solving puzzles, and going from strangers to friends. It’s got everything you need from story and creativity to some deceptive puzzles that require you to master ever-changing mechanics.
It seems like it should take the cake based on the criteria, right? But there’s still one game that has a bit more of a compelling narrative and manages just a few more memorable moments.
1
It Takes Two
Hazelight Studios
There’s really nothing on the market that comes close to It Takes Two. It’s a fun, silly story with some hard-hitting points that will make you question things in your life.
You’ll play as one of two characters, much like Split Fiction, although this story is a bit tougher to swallow. It’s all about two divorcing parents as they journey to fix themselves and reach an understanding for the sake of their daughter.
Why is it number one? Because there’s just nothing out there that you can play with someone that’s simple mechanically, but also meaningful in its story and mechanics. Each level is a little different, and the major moments will have a lasting impact on you.
