Research has consistently shown that people who play video games cooperatively have more success than those who do it competitively. So, it is no surprise that local co-op video games have become so popular among gamers. They give you the chance to hang out with your friends and work through the video game obstacles together.

Although everyone’s taste is unique, there are certain local co-op video games that have stood out to us. These games guarantee immersive and entertaining gameplay, plenty of challenges, and hours of collaboration. With that said, let’s dive into the 4 best local co-op video games in 2026.

It Takes Two

We couldn’t list the best local co-op video games in 2026 without starting with It Takes Two. This game may have dropped in 2021, but it remains one of the best action-adventure local co-op games on the market. This game, developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts has a compelling storyline, animated gameplay, and numerous game mechanics.

It Takes Two takes you into the world of Cody and May, a couple on the brink of a divorce. After they tell their daughter, Rose, the young girl deals with the news by playing pretend. Inadvertently, she traps her parents in her handmade dolls. You and your fellow player get to play as the handmade dolls, finding a way to reach Rose, while trying to fix their relationship.

Overcooked 2

Overcooked 2 is one of the most intense video games on our list. This cooperative cooking simulation game puts you and your fellow players, in teams up to four, in absurd restaurants to prepare and cook food. You get to gather the ingredients before chopping, cooking, and serving them on dishes. The game even includes dishwashing to give you the complete experience.

This game sold 1.7 million units on Steam alone, earning nearly $25 million since its release in 2018. One of the best parts about Overcooked 2 is that it isn’t limited to only one platform. You can play Overcooked 2 on platforms PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 and newer. As one of the best local co-op video games in 2026, this game demands cooperation.

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is undoubtedly one of the most popular video games you can enjoy, with over 50,000 players at any given time. This game is as soothing as it is enjoyable, giving you the chance to tend to a farm and explore a small town. There are, of course, challenges, such as locating precious gems and collecting secret notes.

The only thing that can make the Stardew Valley experience better is playing it with a friend. You can host the farm yourself or join your friend’s farm. From there, the two of you can grow crops, make sales, and improve your farm, earning a profit. The gameplay is even more entertaining when you have someone to share it with, making it one of the best local co-op video games in 2026.

Split Fiction

Split Fiction is the newest title on our list, and it was developed by Hazelight Studios, like It Takes Two. It tells the tale of Mio Hudson and Zoe Foster. Our two protagonists become imprisoned in the world of their stories. The protagonists are connected to a machine designed to steal creative ideas, which is what traps them. This concept makes it one of the best local co-op video games in 2026.

Mio is a science-fiction author, whereas Zoe is a fantasy writer, and the worlds they are trapped in reflect that. You and your friend play through a split screen, navigating obstacles and dangerous enemies, as the two protagonists become closer. This game got raving reviews from critics and players alike, earning itself 91/100 from critics, surpassing even Ghost of Yotei as a 2025 release.