Playing games together is a great way for families to bond. Co-op games, short for cooperative games, offer a fantastic way for families to play together, providing both entertainment and opportunities to work as a team.

In this blog, we recommend some of the best family video games for all age groups and interests. From simple games you can enjoy with your youngest to more complex puzzle-solving and epic adventures, our list features the most fun co-op games for kids and adults alike.

Family Co-op Games 6-Year-Olds & Younger

Games for young children should be simple, non-violent, and visually appealing. The following co-op games for kids feature bright colors and easy-to-understand mechanics and encourage creativity and teamwork.

If you would like to enjoy a collaborative game with your youngest family members, here are some excellent choices:

PHOGS! (PC, Switch, PS4, Xbox One)

co-op games for families - phogs

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In this delightful puzzle-adventure game, players control a two-headed dog and solve puzzles together. Each head of the dog can be controlled independently, requiring coordination and teamwork to navigate through various engaging levels.

Visually, PHOGS! stands out with its bright, cartoony graphics and playful design. The game’s art style is appealing to both children and adults, making it a perfect choice for family gaming sessions with your youngest.

Snipperclips (Switch)

Snipperclips

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Snipperclips is a unique puzzle game where players control paper characters that can cut each other into different shapes to solve puzzles. This innovative gameplay mechanic requires players to think creatively and work closely together to complete various challenges.

Kids will enjoy the cute and simple graphics while learning to think outside the box and solve problems collaboratively. The game encourages players to communicate and plan their moves together, making it an excellent choice for cooperative play.

Critter Crunch (PC, PS3, iOS)

critter crunch

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Critter Crunch is a charming and colorful puzzle game where players take on the role of Biggs, a friendly creature who must feed critters to other critters in a chain reaction to clear levels. The gameplay involves matching and feeding critters to create combos, requiring both strategy and quick thinking.

Visually, Critter Crunch stands out with its bright, hand-drawn art style and whimsical animations. The game’s mix of strategic puzzle-solving and fast-paced action keeps players entertained, making it a delightful choice for family gaming sessions.

Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

lovers in a dangerous spacetime

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Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is surely one of the most fun co-op games appropriate for young children. It is a vibrant, action-packed space shooter where players control a circular spaceship, each managing different actions such as steering, shields, weapons, and engines. The game requires constant communication and cooperation, making it both challenging and incredibly fun for families.

Visually, the game is stunning with its bright neon colors and whimsical design. The levels are filled with imaginative environments and enemies, creating a visually engaging and joyful atmosphere.

Strategic Co-op Games for Families

Strategic co-op games are excellent for families because they encourage critical thinking, planning, and teamwork. They require the entire family to put their heads together, think ahead and work together to achieve common goals.

Here are our top recommendations for family-friendly cooperative games that will make everyone switch on their brains, while enjoying quality time together:

Human: Fall Flat (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Human Fall Flat - best co-op games for families

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Human: Fall Flat is a quirky, physics-based puzzle co-op game where players control a customizable character named Bob. The game’s unique charm comes from its hilarious, wobbly physics and open-ended puzzle-solving.

Players must navigate through various dreamlike landscapes, each filled with challenging obstacles and interactive objects.

Gameplay encourages creativity and experimentation, as there is often no single solution to the puzzles. Families can work together to figure out how to move objects, climb structures, and manipulate the environment to progress through the levels. This game regularly receives updates with new levels, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting for repeated family game nights.

Portal 2 (PC)

Portal 2

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Portal 2 is a puzzle co-op game where players use portals to navigate through a series of increasingly difficult puzzles. The game requires players to think critically and communicate to solve the puzzles, making it a fantastic choice for families who enjoy mental challenges.

The game’s sleek, futuristic visuals and witty dialogue add to its unique charm.

Don’t Starve Together (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

don't starve together - best co-op games for families

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Don’t Starve Together is a survival game where players must work together to gather resources and fend off dangers in a dark, whimsical world. The game features a hand-drawn art style with a gothic, Tim Burton-esque aesthetic that adds to its unique charm.

In the game, players explore a world filled with strange creatures, wild landscapes, and numerous surprises. The gameplay requires strategic thinking and cooperation to gather food, build shelters, and craft tools to survive.

Fantasy Co-op Games for Families

Fantasy games provide an excellent avenue for families to explore imaginative and mystical worlds together. They combine engaging storytelling with vibrant visuals, allowing players to immerse themselves in magical environments.

Here are our top picks of the most immersive and exciting fantasy co-op games you can enjoy together with your family:

Castle Crashers (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

castle crashers

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In Castle Crashers, players embark on a quest to rescue princesses and defeat enemies. The game is set in a colorful medieval world where you choose from several unique knight characters, each with special abilities.

The gameplay in Castle Crashers is fast-paced and cooperative, encouraging players to work together to overcome obstacles and bosses. The story is light-hearted, with plenty of humor and whimsical characters that keep the mood upbeat.

It Takes Two (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)

It takes two - best co-op games for families

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It Takes Two is a beloved co-op adventure game that has captivated both children and adults with its heartfelt story and inventive gameplay. Players take on the roles of Cody and May, a couple on the brink of divorce who are magically transformed into tiny dolls. Together, they must navigate through a fantastical world to repair their fractured relationship.

It Takes Two is highly praised for its storytelling, character development, and the seamless integration of its co-op gameplay. The game’s ability to blend emotional depth with fun, varied gameplay makes it a standout choice for family gaming sessions.

Trine 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Trine 2 - best co-op games for families

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Trine 2 is a visually stunning puzzle-fantasy that takes players on a magical adventure through beautiful fantasy environments. Players control three characters—a wizard, a thief, and a knight—each with unique abilities that must be combined to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.

The game’s lush, fairy-tale visuals and enchanting music create an immersive atmosphere that captivates players of all ages. The cooperative mode allows players to switch between characters or control them simultaneously, promoting teamwork and strategic thinking.

Combative Co-op Games for Families

Combative co-op games can offer thrilling, action-packed experiences that are still family friendly. These games provide a fun way to enjoy some action and friendly competition without exposing children to excessive violence or mature themes.

Here are some great combative games that families can enjoy together:

Rocket League (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Rocket League

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In Rocket League, players control rocket-powered cars to play soccer, combining sports and racing for a fun and competitive experience. The game is non-violent, focusing on teamwork and skill as players race around the field trying to score goals.

Rocket League’s fast-paced action and easy-to-learn mechanics make it accessible for players of all ages. The game features various modes, including 1v1, 2v2, and 3v3, allowing families to play together in different team configurations.

Cuphead (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Cuphead

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Cuphead is a challenging run-and-gun game with a unique 1930s cartoon art style. Players take on the roles of Cuphead and Mugman, battling through a series of difficult bosses in co-op mode.

While Cuphead’s combat is intense and demanding, the violence is stylized and cartoonish, making it suitable for families looking for a challenging yet visually appealing game. The hand-drawn animation and jazzy soundtrack add to its charm, creating an immersive experience that is both nostalgic and fresh.

Splatoon 2 (Switch)

Splatoon 2

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Splatoon 2 is a colorful and dynamic family-friendly shooter where players control Inklings, characters that can switch between humanoid and squid forms. The primary mode involves teams competing to cover the most territory with their ink, requiring cooperation and strategy.

Splatoon 2’s vibrant, cartoonish graphics and lively music create an energetic and engaging atmosphere. The game’s innovative mechanics, such as swimming through ink and transforming between forms, add unique twists to the traditional shooter genre.

Cozy Co-op Games for Families

Cozy co-op games provide a relaxing and comforting experience, making them perfect for unwinding and spending quality time with family. These games feature charming visuals, calming gameplay, and encourage creativity and cooperation.

Here are some top cozy co-op games for families to enjoy together:

Stardew Valley (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

Stardew Valley is an immensely popular farming simulation game where players can grow crops, raise animals, and explore caves together. Its appeal lies in the variety of activities it offers, including fishing, mining, and socializing with villagers, which add layers of complexity and keep players engaged over the long term.

The gameplay is relaxing and promotes cooperation as players manage their farm and resources. The game’s charming pixel art style and soothing music create a peaceful and engaging environment.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Switch)

Animal Crossing - best co-op games for families

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If you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable gaming experience for your family, Animal Crossing: New Horizons will prove to be the quintessential cozy game.

In the game, players create their paradise on a deserted island by gathering resources, building structures, and crafting items. The game’s gentle pace and open-ended gameplay allow players to explore, decorate, and interact with charming animal villagers at their own speed.

The game also features seasonal events and regular updates, keeping the experience fresh and engaging. Families can visit each other’s islands, share their creations, and participate in activities like fishing, bug catching, and gardening.

Overcooked 2 (PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch)

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Overcooked 2 is a chaotic cooking simulation game that requires players to work together to prepare meals in various challenging kitchen environments. The game is fast-paced and demands quick thinking and precise coordination, making it both fun and challenging for families.

The colorful and whimsical graphics add to the game’s appeal, while the increasing difficulty of kitchen scenarios keeps players on their toes. Each level introduces new obstacles and recipes, requiring players to adapt their strategies and work closely together to succeed.

Tips for Successful Family Gaming Sessions

Playing games together as a family can be a delightful and enriching experience. To make the most of your co-op gaming sessions, consider the following tips:

Choose the Right Games

Select games that match the age and interests of your family members. Younger kids may enjoy simpler, colorful games, while older children and adults might prefer more complex, strategic titles.

Look for games that offer engaging, age-appropriate content to ensure everyone has a good time.

Balance Screen Time

Balance screen time by following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guidelines: under 30 to 60 minutes per day on school days and 2 hours or less on non-school days, with lower limits for younger children.

Ensure some days are screen-free to encourage outdoor play and other hobbies.

Get Fiber Internet

A fast and stable internet connection is crucial for online gaming. Fiber-optic internet provides high speeds and low latency, reducing lag and ensuring smooth gameplay.

Additionally, invest in good-quality controllers, headsets, and displays.

Keep your gaming systems and software updated to avoid interruptions. Regular updates not only improve game performance, but also add new features.

Conclusive Thoughts: Best Family Video Games

Family-friendly co-op games are a fantastic way for families to come together, share laughs, and create lasting memories. These games encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and teamwork, making them perfect for family bonding.

We encourage you to explore these co-op games during your next family game night. And remember, to fully enjoy these games, make sure you have a reliable and fast internet connection for a truly amazing gaming experience.