Playing games alone can be fun, but playing with friends is where the real chaos, laughter, and memories are made. Whether you’re shouting instructions through a headset, sharing snacks on the same couch, or working together from different devices, co-op games create shared moments that single-player games just can’t match. title:: Best Games to Play With Friends in 2026 (Co-Op & Multiplayer Picks) In this article, we’ll look at the best games to play with friends in 2026. Instead of just listing titles, we’ll explain what makes each game great for groups, how it feels to play together, and which platforms you can use.
Why Co-Op Still Matters
While live-service games and big open-world RPGs often get the most attention, co-op games have built a dedicated, happy community. These games aren’t just about gameplay—they’re about the experience. It’s the laughter when things go wrong, the planning before a raid, and the quiet chaos of steering a digital spaceship together. Co-op games come in all genres. They might be shooters, survival games, party games, or puzzle adventures. What matters most is that they’re designed for, or are best enjoyed with, multiple players working together.
Deep Rock Galactic
You and your friends play as dwarves mining alien caves and fighting off waves of space bugs. Each mission is exciting, and teamwork ensures everyone stays involved. The game is chaotic, charming, and more strategic than it first appears. Why it works: Each player has a role, and good communication is important. The game encourages teamwork and adds just enough chaos to keep things funny.
It Takes Two
This puzzle-platformer is made for two players and turns co-op into a unique story experience. You and your friend or partner play as a couple turned into dolls, facing creative and emotional challenges together. Why it works: The game is built for co-op, so you have to work together in ways that are fun, meaningful, and sometimes even heartwarming.
Valheim
This Viking survival game starts out simple but becomes epic as you play. You can build a village, sail across the sea, and fight huge monsters, all while spending time with your friends. Why it works: The game mixes relaxed exploration with tough boss battles, and building things together gives you a real sense of achievement.
Overcooked! 2
Get ready for kitchen chaos. Up to four players work together to prepare dishes while dealing with wild, moving, and sometimes tricky kitchens. Why it works: The game is both funny and stressful in the best way. It’s perfect for friends who don’t mind a lot of shouting.
Lethal Company
This newer game mixes horror, scavenging, and teamwork. You and your friends collect scrap from creepy, abandoned industrial sites, where scary things wait in the dark. Why it works: The game has real tension and jump scares, but the best memories come from when things go wrong.
Phasmophobia
If you like ghost-hunting, this is still one of the best multiplayer horror games. Use special tools to find paranormal activity while trying to survive. Why it works: The mix of jump scares and teamwork makes for memorable group sessions. The more you believe in the ghost, the scarier the game feels.
R.E.P.O.
In this quirky indie co-op game, you play as space repo agents collecting cargo in strange places. Every mission combines chaos with careful teamwork. Why it works: The silly situations and physics-based gameplay make every mission both unpredictable and funny. ### Garry’s Mod (GMod) GMod is a sandbox game with endless creative options for co-op play. You can play anything from hide and seek to murder mystery—the only limit is your imagination. Why it works: The game is endlessly moddable, so every session feels different. It’s perfect for friends who like to create their own fun.
Peak
Peak combines climbing with co-op challenges, and the goal is to help your team reach the top, both in the game and as a group. Why it works: The game rewards good teamwork and communication. Moving forward together makes every victory feel deserved.
RV There Yet
In this co-op adventure, you and your friends manage an RV and try to survive both the wild and some very strange situations. Why it works: The game combines survival gameplay with quirky humor and group decision-making. Road trips have never been this wild.
Final Thoughts: Shared Chaos, Lifelong Memories
The best games to play with friends aren’t always the biggest or best-looking. They’re the ones that make you laugh, shout, plan, and connect. Whether you’re surviving in a scary warehouse or tossing tomatoes in a digital kitchen, these games turn regular moments into memories you share. So grab your headset, message your friends, or invite someone over. In 2026, there are plenty of great co-op games to try, and you never have to play alone.
