This article is part of a directory: Everything Major You Need To Know About PlayStation Plus
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There are a lot of fantastic games to play on PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, with many of them offering engaging single-player storylines and experiences. Sometimes, though, it's more fun to enjoy a game with friends, and it's even better if that title can be played locally. Online games have made massive strides in recent years, but it's hard to deny how entertaining it is to play through a riveting cooperative adventure with friends in the same room.

Although they might not be the standard anymore, local co-op games are still fairly common, and Sony's subscription service has quite a few projects that support the feature. These titles cover a wide range of genres and gameplay styles, so there should be something for most players. Here are the best local co-op PS Plus games.

Updated March 26, 2024: PS Plus Extra and Premium's March 2024 games did not focus on local co-op projects, so subscribers will need to just stick to the dozens of options that were already on Sony's service.

While all of these PS Plus local co-op games are on Premium, some of them are not available with an Extra subscription. Each entry specifies whether the title can be played on both tiers.

In case someone prefers physical copies, links to a game's Amazon page will be provided.

Tales Of Symphonia Remastered Or Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition

Metascore: 68/81

tales symphonia and vesperia

  • Tales Of Symphonia RemasteredTales of Vesperia Definitive Edition
    PS Plus AvailabilityPremiumPremium
    Platform(s)Switch, PS4, Xbox OneSwitch, PS4, PC, Xbox One
    Released2023-02-172019-01-11
    Developer(s)Bandai Namco EntertainmentNamco Tales Studio
    Genre(s)Action RPGJRPG

While not supported by every entry, Bandai Namco's Tales franchise is generally a reliable pick for co-op. PS Plus Premium subscribers have access to two of the most beloved games in the series: Symphonia and Vesperia. The former is rightfully hailed as a classic of the genre, and the PS2 release cemented the IP as an all-time great. PS Plus has the 2023 remaster, which does not offer much more than a boost to the visuals and a few minor tweaks. As this iteration is largely the same as the 2003 version (or, more accurately, the PS3 HD rerelease), the game can feel antiquated by today's standards, and a complete newcomer might struggle to get through the campaign's fairly slow opening few hours. Nevertheless, Symphonia offers a great story and even better characters, along with a real-time combat system that supports a plethora of playstyles. Co-op also fixes one of the title's biggest shortcomings: fairly dumb partner AI.

Alternatively, players can try Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition, which has arguably aged better as a complete package than Symphonia. Although the games do not have extremely different battle systems, Vesperia is notably faster and more responsive, creating an overall superior experience. Its cel-shaded visuals have also aged like fine wine, allowing both the 2008 original and its 2019 iteration to be pleasing to the eye. The story is also top-notch, and it is led by perhaps the best protagonist in the entire Tales franchise.

Regardless of which game people pick, they can look forward to a lengthy action JRPG with a well-implemented co-op. That said, co-op is limited to combat.

Dragon's Crown Pro

Metascore: 80

Dragon's Crown Pro gameplay screenshot
Dragon's Crown

PS Plus Availability
Premium
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS3 , PS Vita
Released
August 6, 2013
Developer(s)
Vanillaware
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Pros
  • 4-Player Local Co-Op
  • Co-Op Campaign

Vanillaware does not create bad games, and Dragon's Crown ranks comfortably among the decorated developer's greatest achievements. Originally released for the PS3 and Vita, the game eventually made its way to the PS4 in the form of a Pro edition, and this version is on PS Plus Premium. Featuring six playable classes, Dragon's Crown blends side-scrolling beat 'em up action with RPG systems, crafting an experience that can be deeply addictive despite being ultimately quite repetitive. Players will find themselves playing through the same nine levels as they gradually level up their characters (and take on higher difficulty levels), and the combat system is more than good enough to keep things interesting for a long while.

7:08
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In terms of co-op support, four friends can team up to take on the campaign's challenges. When the full playable roster is used, the on-screen action can get a touch chaotic and overwhelming; nevertheless, co-op is a positive addition to Dragon's Crown. The game is great solo, but bringing a friend along can make the grind less exhausting.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

Metascore: 76

tiny-tina's-wonderlands-classes-borderlands-4
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS5 , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , PC
Released
March 25, 2022
Developer(s)
Gearbox Software
Genre(s)
Action RPG , FPS
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Split-screen

Borderlands is synonymous with co-op, but the main games are not available on PS Plus. Fortunately, the January 2024 lineup somewhat remedied that oversight by adding Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, a spin-off that gives Gearbox's trademark looter shooter franchise a traditional fantasy makeover, or at least as "traditional" as Borderlands is willing to get. The story is framed around a campaign of Bunkers & Badasses, an obvious stand-in for Dungeons & Dragons. Tiny Tina acts as the Dungeon Master, and players take control of a new hero who has joined the party that is looking to take down the Dragon Lord. The narrative starts fairly by the numbers and safe, but things get progressively more absurd, ultimately resulting in quite an enjoyable experience.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands replaces the core entries' sci-fi weaponry with options inspired by fantasy tropes, although they largely function the same way. And, similar to Borderlands, the spin-off drowns players in loot with incremental stats that can seem inconsequential if the weapon is not tried directly. Tiny Tina's Wonderlands makes activating co-op quite simple, and players even have a few options that determine how loot is spread among the party. On the PS5, the shooter supports 4-player local co-op, instantly making it one of the best split-screen games on PS Plus. On the PS4, players will have to settle for 2-player support.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

Metascore: 85

teenage mutant ninja turtles shredder's revenge key art
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Released
June 16, 2022
Developer(s)
Tribute Games Inc.
Genre(s)
Beat 'Em Up
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Beat 'em ups really are made for co-op, and TMNT: Shredder's Revenge exemplifies that. Inspired by the franchise's classic entries in the genre, the 2022 release is a colorful and challenging throwback that should satisfy fans of Turtles in Time along with newcomers who never stepped into arcades. For the most part, the campaign follows a fairly standard structure for a beat 'em up, including offering a myriad of playable characters: the Turtles themselves, Splinter, April, and Casey Jones. More importantly, each character has a unique moveset and strengths that set them apart from their peers. This versatility significantly enhances the project's replayability since a single playthrough probably won't take somebody longer than a couple of hours.

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In co-op, friends can team up to take on the Foot Clan, and they will do more than just share a screen. Shredder's Revenge incorporates a couple of multiplayer-focused mechanics that reward co-op play, including special 2-player attacks. Along with local co-op, the game also supports online multiplayer for up to 6 participants, and it is possible to mix and match the two versions to fully stack a lineup.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Metascore: 79

Two Sackboy players tugging at something in the ground in Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy: A Big Adventure

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
November 12, 2020
Developer(s)
Sumo Digital
Genre(s)
3D Platformer , Action , Adventure
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Crossplay (PS5 & PS4)

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a delightful 3D platformer, a genre that is not overrepresented on the PS5. As the LittleBigPlanet spin-off can largely be experienced in single-player, any solo runners will have generally a good time; however, the game not only supports local and online co-op but occasionally emphasizes it. While most of the campaign's levels are designed for solitary players, there are a few stages specifically created for co-op. These do not have to be completed to get to the end of the campaign, but they do make the process a lot easier.

While these stages are co-op driven, the rest of the campaign can also be tackled by four players. Sackboy uses a drop-in, drop-out multiplayer system, permitting friends to jump in whenever they feel like it. This method complements the game's relaxed tone and makes it perfect for short sessions since players do not have to commit to completing a full playthrough.

Untitled Goose Game

Metascore: 80

untitled goose game cover art co op
Untitled Goose Game

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS4 , Switch , Xbox One , PC
Released
September 20, 2019
Developer(s)
House House
Genre(s)
Puzzle , Stealth
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Untitled Goose Game offers unbridled chaos. A quaint British town becomes subject to unspeakable horrors due to the arrival of a goose, one that plans to turn the citizens' lives upside down. And, to make matters worse, the waterfowl can bring a friend.

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House House's Untitled Goose Game is a silly but charming game that puts players in charge of a goose (or two geese in local co-op) as they steadily try to complete tasks. More often than not, this process involves being a nuisance to the townsfolk, and the indie title is a lot of fun. Beyond the addition of a second goose, the game does not change too much since the campaign's objectives remain the same. Players can have a blast working together as they annoy the furious NPCs.

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition

Metascore: 75

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World game coop
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS3 , PS4 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Switch
Released
August 10, 2010
Developer(s)
Ubisoft Montreal , Ubisoft Chengdu
Genre(s)
Beat 'Em Up
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game Complete Edition adapts Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel as it pits the titular character against a slew of his girlfriend's ex-partners. Harboring back to traditional beat 'em ups, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game is a charming romp defined by retro visuals, simple but solid gameplay, and tough bosses.

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The game comes with seven playable characters that have a few unique features, allowing friends to team up and work together to take on the roster of sinister exes. There are even a few co-op combos to spice things up.

Overcooked! 2

Metascore: 81

overcooked 2 two players
Overcooked 2

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Released
August 7, 2018
Developer(s)
Team17 , Ghost Town Games
Genre(s)
Simulation
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

The best local co-op PS Plus games often threaten to ruin friendships, and Overcooked! 2 will test even the sturdiest of bonds. Sure, losing to a friend in a game of Mario Kart 8 can be frustrating and might lead to the occasional outburst, but that is nothing compared to the high pressure of running a restaurant.

As orders roll in, players must work together to remain on top of everything. Poor communication will lead to wasted seconds and pointless actions, along with perhaps a touch of anger. However, when everyone syncs up and the kitchen begins to operate like a well-oiled machine, the outcome is pure magic.

Magicka 2

Metascore: 72

Magicka 2 co-op
Magicka 2

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS4
Released
May 26, 2015
Developer(s)
Pieces Interactive
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Magicka 2 is a power fantasy in the sense that it gives players the ammunition to create spells that could impress the likes of Gandalf, Shang Tsung, and Doctor Strange. While players are given all the tools they might need, executing them is hardly easy as it requires carefully pressing the right buttons to combine magic types, and these input sequences are long. Testing as the game's learning curve can be, Magicka 2 rewards the committed with satisfying wizardry destruction.

Although possible solo, Magicka 2 is meant to be played with a few friends as enemies hit hard and without remorse. In a group of four, players can spread overwhelming and delightful mayhem across the land. It is a lot of fun.

Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition

Metascore: 83

Spiritfarer Farewell Edition
Spiritfarer

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
Xbox One , Stadia , PC , PS4 , Switch
Released
August 18, 2020
Developer(s)
Thunder Lotus Games , Kowloon Nights , Canada Media Fund
Genre(s)
Platformer , Indie Games , Simulation
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Spiritfarer casts players as Stella, a woman who assumes Charon's role of ferrying the dead to the afterlife. A management sim with some minor platforming, Spiritfarer follows the genre's typical formula of resource collection to expand the protagonist's business. A beautiful art style and unusual premise help set the game apart from its peers.

Something else Spiritfarer does exceptionally well is local co-op. A second player can step into the paws of Stella's cat, Daffodil. Along with being adorable, the feline can complete many of their master's actions, lessening the busy work synonymous with these games.

Secret Of Mana

Metascore: 63

secret of mana
Secret of Mana (2018)

PS Plus Availability
Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , PS Vita , Switch
Released
February 15, 2018
Developer(s)
Square Enix
Genre(s)
JRPG
Pros
  • 3-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

PS Plus has all three modern remakes/remasters of the Mana franchise. Trials of Mana is a very good action RPG, but it does not support co-op, a strange change considering the series is quite well-known for its multiplayer implementation. The Legend of Mana remake is arguably the best of the three titles, and it features two-player co-op, with a second user taking control of one of the AI characters. While taking advantage of this option results in a superior overall experience, Legend of Mana's multiplayer is fairly rudimentary and grants little agency to the second user since they are not given customization options. There are ways to get around that, but it is more of a hassle than it should be.

That leaves Secret of Mana, which is arguably the weakest remaster of the trilogy. Just to be clear, this iteration is still fun to play, and the developers tried to retain the original version's spirit. However, the 3D art style is a mixed bag, and the campaign can be a drag at times since it is not extremely well-balanced. For all its flaws, Secret of Mana's local co-op is brilliantly implemented, allowing three players to take charge of all three party members. The secondary users have nearly as much control as the protagonist, so they do not come across as bit-part players. Co-op even fixes some of the game's bigger issues, mainly the lackluster partner AI.

Alienation

Metascore: 79

Alienation co-op game
Alienation

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS4
Released
April 26, 2016
Developer(s)
Housemarque
Genre(s)
Shooter , Action RPG
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

A twin-stick shooter, Alienation was a blast when it came out in 2016 and time has done little to hurt the game's appeal. Earth has fallen at the hands of an alien invasion, so it is up to the players to turn the tide by doing a lot of shooting and killing.

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Alienation supports single-player and online co-op, both of which are quite fun, although the latter isn't all that active nowadays. However, the shooter is arguably at its best when played in local co-op since this allows the team to coordinate better. There are four characters with individual classes, each of whom has unique strengths and weaknesses. Alienation is explosive, incorporates engaging RPG elements, and offers quite a steep challenge.

Moving Out 2

Metascore: 80

Players move in a couch through a window in Moving Out 2
Moving Out 2

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS5 , PS4 , Switch , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One
Released
August 15, 2023
Developer(s)
SMG Studio , Devm Games
Genre(s)
Simulation
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Crossplay

PS Plus Extra's August 2023 line-up was special as it contained two day-one additions, something that had yet to happen with the subscription service. Sea of Stars is a retro RPG throwback from the same developer behind The Messenger, and it will eventually support 2-player co-op for those who want to play with a friend. PS Plus' other launch-day inclusion was Moving Out 2, a sequel that has largely gotten very good reviews. Its predecessor is also on Sony's subscription service, and while a perfectly enjoyable game in its own right, newcomers will probably want to start with the sequel since it expands on most of the same ideas.

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While technically playable solo, Moving Out 2 is really designed with co-op in mind, to the point the game can be difficult to recommend solely as a single-player option. Essentially, it is all about moving furniture, which is one of those ideas that sounds like it cannot possibly be fun. However, unlike reality, Moving Out 2 turns the tedious task into an over-the-top adventure where each piece serves as its own puzzle. The game uses exaggerated physics to shake things up, and movers will need to work quickly (and wisely). The core gameplay loop is largely similar to the first game, but the sequel really goes for broke in its setting by incorporating a multidimensional element. Silly as that might sound, it works well in this instance.

Kingdom Hearts: Melody Of Memory

Metascore: 74

melody of memories kingdom heart co-op
Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
Xbox Series S , PS5 , PS4 , Xbox One X , Xbox One S , Switch
Released
November 13, 2020
Developer(s)
Square Enix , indieszero
Genre(s)
Rhythm
Pros
  • 2-Player Support

OK, this one is the definition of an acquired taste. While the main Kingdom Hearts entries have some widespread appeal due to their accessible and flashy combat, Melody of Memory is far more niche. Featuring a reasonably lengthy story and more than 20 playable characters, the rhythm game challenges players to lead a party of three through a series of stages that culminate in boss fights. Narratively, this entry is not that stark of a departure from the standard KH outing, and the gameplay does a pretty good job of adapting the franchise's standard hack and slash combat to the rhythm genre.

Now, the campaign does not support co-op, and this mode will need to be completed to really fill in the multiplayer. Basically, once tracks are completed in the story, they become available to replay, and a number of them can be taken on with a friend. The co-op mode plays out identically to solo runs, just with an added competitive edge. While friends can play against each other or other people online, they can also work together to try and outscore the CPU. Melody of Memory is fun, but it is mainly for die-hard Kingdom Hearts fans; consequently, this recommendation only stands if both players love Square Enix's series.

A Hat In Time

Metascore: 79

a hat in time co-op
A Hat in Time

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , PC , Switch
Released
October 5, 2017
Developer(s)
Gears for Breakfast
Genre(s)
3D Platformer
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Even though split-screen is associated more with consoles than PC, there are exceptions to every rule. A Hat in Time is a weird case since, despite adding local co-op on all platforms, only the PC iteration features split-screen support. On consoles, players have to settle for a shared screen, which can be frustrating since it takes away control from the secondary user. Consequently, a duo's mileage may vary with this project since it really depends on whether they can co-exist with a single camera.

Putting that aside, A Hat in Time is such a great 3D platformer that it still merits a recommendation. The game oozes charm out of every frame, and it matches an abundance of personality with tight controls and creative worlds. As long as players are willing to stick close to each other, the co-op can be a lot of fun as well.

Children Of Morta

Metascore: 80

children of morta
Children of Morta

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC
Released
September 3, 2019
Developer(s)
Dead Mage
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

An action-RPG roguelike, Children of Morta follows the Bergson family as they crawl their way through randomly-generated dungeons. Featuring seven playable characters that each feel unique, players have a wide range of duos they can try out, and they will need to experiment since swapping between family members is required.

Along with decent gameplay that blossoms nicely as the campaign progresses, Children of Morta also tells a surprisingly effective character-driven narrative, presenting the Bergsons as a unit with history rather than mere puppets. Friends looking for a more difficult co-op game should try out this title.

Lost Planet 2

Metascore: 68

Lost Planet 2
Lost Planet 2

PS Plus Availability
Premium
Platform(s)
PS3 , Xbox 360 , PC
Released
May 11, 2010
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Split-screen

Capcom's Lost Planet is such a bizarre series. The franchise produced three main games and a spin-off, all of which are fairly distinct from each other. Even though the console Lost Planet trilogy was all released on basically the same hardware and within a span of about 7 years, they vary so greatly in terms of strengths, weaknesses, and tone that they cannot be recommended as a whole. If someone is seeking a single-player experience, they should check out the original Lost Planet; however, if co-op is someone's poison, they should look no further than Lost Planet 2. Lost Planet 3 is also a game that exists.

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Supporting local split-screen and 4-player online co-op, the sequel was clearly designed to be played with friends. The campaign is split into missions that contain a few basic objectives, although they are mainly there to give players something to kill while wearing awesome mech suits. Lost Planet 2 emphasizes teamwork to an extent, especially during its massive and awe-inspiring boss battles. Even all these years later, the latter encounters are still visually impressive.

For The King

Metascore: 74

for the king ps4
For The King

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
April 19, 2018
Developer(s)
Ironoak Games
Genre(s)
RPG
Pros
  • 3-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Depending on the player, For the King will either be a frustrating time-sink that is not worth the hassle or an addictive RPG that does an admirable job of replicating a tabletop campaign. Fondness for the latter is required to appreciate IronOak's project as the developer clearly set out to recreate that type of experience, and that goes beyond the implementation of turn-based movement and fantasy tropes. For the King is driven by randomness, with nearly every action taken by players adhering to the discretion of the RNG gods. As such, there can be times when the game seems to be actively working against the player, which is not fun. However, randomness is a central part of many classic tabletop games, adding an element of unpredictability to playthroughs. Love or hate it, For the King knows what it wants to be and delivers on that promise.

Moving past that extended disclaimer, this RPG tells a fairly basic story about setting out on an adventure to protect the kingdom following the death of its ruler. Players create a party and are dropped into a grid-based map, with every action being turn-based. For the King utilizes roguelike elements to ensure each playthrough offers something different, and players will likely find themselves having to start over after their characters are wiped or they are just having a brutal campaign. The combat is also turn-based and generally enjoyable, opting to match accessible mechanics with a high difficulty ceiling (even on lower levels).

Human: Fall Flat

Metascore: 67

human fall flat lumber
Human: Fall Flat

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Released
July 22, 2016
Developer(s)
No Brakes Games
Genre(s)
Puzzle
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Split-screen

If unpredictable physics and a sandbox that encourages experimentation are a recipe for endless giggles, then Human: Fall Flat turns players into master chefs. Each of the game's thematic levels provides a few objectives that require completing platforming challenges and solving puzzles; however, Human: Fall Flat is at its most entertaining when any guidelines are ignored in favor of producing chaotic messes.

In split-screen, two people receive blank humans to direct, and the addition of another player opens up even further the already vast gameplay possibilities. The more creative and curious the users are, the more fun Human: Fall Flat becomes.

Kingdom Two Crowns

Metascore (Switch Version): 85

kingdom two crowns co-op
Kingdom Two Crowns

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
Android , iOS , PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
December 11, 2018
Developer(s)
Noio , Coatsink
Genre(s)
Strategy
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Strategy games are already niche, and Kingdom Two Crowns is a fairly unique entry in that genre. The side-scroller casts players as a ruler who must travel across islands to try and establish their kingdom. Naturally, this process involves investing a lot of money in infrastructure, all the while creating strongholds that can protect people from monsters. Being king or queen is not simple, easy, or predictable, and failure is part of the learning process in Kingdom Two Crowns.

If the weight of this responsibility is too much for one shoulder to take, then a second ruler can step in to help carry the burden. However, Kingdom Two Crowns' co-op involves little direct interaction between the players since the game casts them as monarchs who co-exist while still largely doing their own thing.

The Ascent

Metascore: 77

The Ascent
The Ascent

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PS4 , PS5 , PC
Released
July 29, 2021
Developer(s)
Neon Giant
Genre(s)
Action , RPG
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Debuting as an Xbox console exclusive, The Ascent eventually joined Sony's ecosystem, and while not a masterpiece, the cyberpunk game has more than enough to offer to warrant a recommendation. Just to be clear, this action RPG works well as a solo experience, and an argument could be made that this option represents the game at its best. Nevertheless, the 4-play co-op support does not detract much from the overall package, even if it does not add a great deal to it. Furthermore, The Ascent can be a slog at times, so having a few friends along for the ride can help greatly during these moments.

Set in Veles, players step into the shoes of a mercenary, a role that is not exactly highly regarded. The beautifully designed urban jungle is arguably the game's highlight, and exploring Veles leads to some of the campaign's most memorable moments. The RPG utilizes a twin-stick shooter combat system that, while decent, might take a second to grow on someone since it is slower than the genre's typical offerings.

LittleBigPlanet 3

Metascore: 79

LittleBigPlanet3 Sackboy and friends cooperative characters
LittleBigPlanet 3

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS3 , PS4
Released
November 18, 2014
Developer(s)
Sumo Digital
Genre(s)
Puzzle , Platformer
Pros
  • 4-Player Support

Those looking for a fun and less stressful platforming game will find a lot to love with the charming release, LittleBigPlanet 3. The third mainline installment (8th installment overall) in the LittleBigPlanet series offered up some interesting new mechanics for local co-op players to enjoy. Three new characters were introduced alongside Sackboy, each with unique mechanics.

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These gameplay elements helped to create a much better cooperative experience where players can "feel as if they're important" to the progression in each level. With a lot of user-generated content to explore, LittleBigPlanet 3 is a great local co-op adventure with a ton of replayability.

Fury Unleashed

Metascore: 78

Fury Unleashed coop
Fury Unleashed

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Switch
Released
February 24, 2017
Developer(s)
Awesome Games Studios
Genre(s)
Roguelike , Run and Gun
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

PS Plus has a couple of run and gun options, and the genre is fairly synonymous with co-op. One of the best modern-ish titles is Fury Unleashed, a 2017 game that harbors back to the glory days of arcades while providing a fresh spin. Adopting a roguelite formula, the title challenges players to complete a series of levels altered by procedural generation, granting changes to each run. The gameplay is fairly straightforward, with players having access to a few special abilities with the standard gun. While the core gunplay gives Fury Unleashed a pick-up and play quality, depth is provided through combo and progression systems, the latter of which permits permanent upgrades to be unlocked.

Fury Unleashed supports two-player local and online co-op. In practice, multiplayer does not significantly alter the immediate experience; however, it extends the game's replayability since things can get rather repetitive during solo runs. Bringing a friend adds a bit more flavor, which should help keep the loop interesting for a while longer. Still, fans of run and gun games should check out this indie release regardless of whether they have a co-op partner or not.

Death Squared

Metascore: 72

Death Squared co-op
Death Squared

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One , Switch
Released
July 13, 2017
Developer(s)
SMG Studio
Genre(s)
Puzzle
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

SMG Studio's Death Squared is an intriguing puzzle game that pushes cooperative play to the forefront. Split into levels (or tests), players have to direct their colored cubes toward their associated square. Each level comes packed with traps and challenges, and although the game can be played solo, Death Squared shines brighter in co-op.

Players need to coordinate to help each other reach their end goal, and communication is key. Puzzle games tend to be isolating, but Death Squared flips that completely on its head to create one of the genre's more memorable modern releases. It is charming, difficult, and even tells a decent story for a puzzle game.

Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince

Metascore: 80

Trine 4 two players battle spiders
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
Switch , Xbox One , PS4 , PC
Released
October 8, 2019
Developer(s)
Frozenbyte
Pros
  • 4-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

The Trine series has always been known for its engaging cooperative gameplay but some players were disappointed with the third installment in the series, noting that it took away from a lot of the gameplay elements that made the series such a fun local-co-op romp. Trine 4 aimed to set things right by once again giving players the puzzle-solving, side-scrolling, action-heavy platforming content they'd come to know and love.

While some players still regard Trine 2 as the best in the series, there is so much to appreciate with the fourth installment, including its stunningly beautiful visuals and environments. The gameplay is also better than ever.

Enter The Gungeon

Metascore: 82

enter the gungeon co-op
Enter the Gungeon

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One
Released
April 5, 2016
Developer(s)
Dodge Roll
Genre(s)
Roguelike
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

Dodge Roll's Enter the Gungeon's co-op is not perfect, but it is unique. A fairly successful roguelike, the 2016 game has many of the genre's standard tropes, including punishing difficulty and level-reset following a death. However, Enter the Gungeon does try to grant players a sense of progress by allowing them to purchase and unlock weapons for future runs, so it is not the most unforgiving roguelike on the market.

Rather than allowing friends to pick different starting characters, the co-op mode casts the second player as an in-game NPC who is not usable in solo runs. This firmly casts player two in a supportive role, although they still gain access to most of the same weapons as the main user. Furthermore, while Enter the Gungeon is tough in any state, co-op ramps up the challenge considerably.

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham

Metascore: 73

lego batman 3 batman and robin - Copy
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
Android , iOS , PC , PS3 , PS4 , PS Vita , Wii U , 3DS , Xbox 360 , Xbox One
Released
November 11, 2014
Developer(s)
Traveller's Tales
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Split-screen

LEGO games are reliable picks for 2-player local co-op, and the third entry in the Batman franchise is no exception. Beyond Gotham is the biggest adventure in the Dark Knight-themed series, and as its title suggests, the game brings in a massive roster of characters from across the DC Universe. Beyond Gotham is one of the more divisive entries in the series, mainly due to its celebrity cameos and uneven story, along with just plain old franchise fatigue. Still, DC fans should get a chuckle from messing around with the game's characters and locations.

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Beyond Gotham is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to co-op Lego games on PS Plus. Both the Extra and Premium tiers have a wide selection of options, many of which cover different popular licenses. Consequently, a subscriber might prefer to pick their favorite franchise and stick to that. Extra members have access to DC Super-Villains and Jurassic World, both of which support 2-player local co-op. The tier also has two non-licensed co-op games: Lego City Undercover and Lego Worlds​​​​​​. The former is a particularly fun open-world adventure.

The Premium tier adds a plethora of Lego goodies, including the first two Batman games. Many would argue that both of these titles are better than Beyond Gotham, although the latter has its fans. Lego Harry Potter Collection, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (and The Clone Wars), Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, and Lego Indiana Jones round up the selection, and they are all at least decent. The Star Wars and Harry Potter games are the pick of the bunch, though.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: House Of Ashes

Metascore: 72

cave in House of Ashes
The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS5
Released
October 22, 2021
Developer(s)
Supermassive Games
Genre(s)
Survival Horror
Pros
  • 5-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign

PS Plus Extra subscribers can play through the first three entries in The Dark Pictures Anthology, and they are all decent horror games in their own right. Along with specializing in the genre, Supermassive tends to provide co-op in their modern games, with The Quarry arguably representing the best implementation of the feature. The Dark Pictures Anthology set the foundation for that project's multiplayer, and all the games shine the brightest when experienced as part of a group rather than solo.

House of Ashes has five playable protagonists, and if five players are participating, they will each get to control a single character. Obviously, they won't get to play all at the same time since the campaign shifts between different points of view, so someone will be active while everyone else watches. The exciting factor is that one person's decisions should impact the party.

Resistance 3

Metascore: 83

A large alien creature stalks through a destroyed city in the rain
Resistance 3

PS Plus Availability
Premium
Platform(s)
PS3
Released
September 6, 2011
Developer(s)
Insomniac Games
Genre(s)
FPS
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Split-screen

PS Plus only has the last entry in Insomniac's Resistance franchise, which is a shame as all three PS3 games are solid first-person shooters. While those not familiar with the previous games might feel a touch lost at first, Resistance 3 does a respectable job of introducing newcomers to humanity's war against the Chimera. The game also has a new protagonist and largely does its own thing removed from its predecessors.

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The campaign supports co-op, with a second player taking on the role of the protagonist's friend. While the story does not reference the arrival of a second hero, Resistance 3 still incorporates its split-screen co-op well, making it simple for players to jump in and take part in the campaign.

Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition

Metascore: 84

resident evil 5 poster
Resident Evil 5

PS Plus Availability
Premium (PS3 Version)
Platform(s)
PS3 , PS4 , Xbox 360 , Xbox One , PC , Switch
Released
March 5, 2009
Developer(s)
Capcom
Genre(s)
Survival Horror
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Split-screen

Capcom's Resident Evil is primarily known for its single-player campaigns, but the franchise has dipped its toes into co-op on occasion. For the most part, the series has a solid track record when it comes to 2-player gameplay, and its co-op peak is undoubtedly Resident Evil 5. Marking a full shift into action territory, RE5 is a third-person shooter with a campaign that can be fully experienced with a partner, and the game is at its best when that is the case.

Chris Redfield and Sheva Alomar have to make their way through a nation in West Africa infested with the Uroboros Virus. Teamwork is very important here, and players are expected to have each other's backs. Ammo is relatively scarce too, so coordinating weapons to ensure both protagonists are armed and ready is crucial.

Resident Evil 6, Resident Evil Revelations 2, and Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles also support couch co-op and are part of PS Plus Premium. They do not quite reach the same heights as RE5, but they are decent (particularly RE6).

Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard

Metascore: 67

Vikings Wolves of Midgard coop
Vikings - Wolves of Midgard

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PC , PS4 , Xbox One
Released
March 24, 2017
Developer(s)
Games Farm
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Split-screen

Diablo's shadow looms far and wide over the isometric action RPG genre. While Blizzard's franchise might not be on PS Plus, Vikings: Wolves of Midgard serves as a respectable alternative. Except for its Norse influences, a setting that was more unique in 2017 prior to the launch of God of War, Vikings doesn't deviate too far from the beaten path for this type of game. The kill, loot, and recycle loop continues to be repeated for a reason – it works.

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard supports local and online co-op, and the journey is far more enjoyable with a few friends who are willing to synergize their builds.

Darksiders: Genesis

Metascore: 67

Darksiders genersis two players in the desert
Darksiders Genesis

PS Plus Availability
Extra & Premium
Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Stadia
Released
December 5, 2019
Developer(s)
Airship Syndicate
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Pros
  • 2-Player Support
  • Co-Op Campaign
  • Split-screen

The Darksiders series was well-known for its Legend of Zelda-style gameplay, so it came as a surprise to many gamers to hear about the release of Darksiders: Genesis. The top-down helped to evolve the franchise by offering up some great hack-and-slash mechanics and blending them with some very welcome cooperative gameplay.

The finished product is a (roughly) 15-hour-long adventure that players can enjoy alone or with a friend, featuring a small variety of characters, some great puzzle design, fluid combat, and beautiful visuals. This is one of the best co-op games on PS Plus.