Highlights

  • 2024 could be the best year for PS5 yet with amazing games and backward compatibility for favorite titles.
  • Co-op games on PS5 offer fun with friends, lacking traditional stories but showcasing good writing.
  • Helldivers 2's emergent storytelling, Avatar's faithful adaptation, and Gotham Knights' good story stand out in 2024.

The PS5 is moving along nicely, and 2024 could shape up to be the generation's biggest year yet. There are already plenty of amazing games to play. The system's backward compatibility alone grants players access to some of their favorite titles with a serious graphical boost.

There are quite a few great co-op games players can run on their PS5s and play with friends locally or through the internet. Enthralling storylines have never been the domain of these kinds of titles, but it doesn't mean that good writing has never been successfully incorporated into a co-op game.

Updated February 27, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The year has gotten off to a pretty good start, but that does not extend to co-op PS5 games with great stories. Although not worth recommending for its story, Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a fantastic action JRPG with 4-player co-op. Maligned as the release was, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League tells a serviceable tale. Even Skull and Bones can be fun, although its story is very basic. Only one 2024 release so far merits a mention, although it is a special case.

10 Special Mention: Helldivers 2

No (Traditional) Story, But Great Potential For Emergent Storytelling

Helldivers 2 Terminids
Helldivers 2

Released
February 8, 2024
Developer(s)
Arrowhead Game Studios AB
Genre(s)
Shooter
Pros
  • 4-Player Online Co-Op
  • Co-Op Campaign

Helldivers 2 does not have a standard story. Players form part of Super Earth's galactic force, and they are charged with spreading democracy across the cosmos, one bullet or explosion at a time. While it is possible to take on missions solo, players should try to join forces with three other soldiers, improving their chance of survival against the deadly Terminids and Automaton armies. The missions, which come in a few different forms, always have objectives, but they do not typically have plot points attached to them; consequently, they are generally all about the action.

Despite lacking a standard plot, Helldivers 2 has a pretty interesting backstory and great (if unsubtle) satire, along with a fascinating approach to its story. Essentially, players drive the narrative forward, with the tale developing depending on the community's performance and actions. This twist on emergent storytelling was practiced by Arrowhead with the original Helldivers, but the sequel has been such a big success that this element might end up taking a backseat at times.

Helldivers 2 should not be purchased for anything resembling a story.

9 Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

Faithful Extension Of The Movies

Na'vi looking at a waterfall standing at the edge of a cliff in Avatar: The Frontiers of Pandora
Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora

Released
December 7, 2023
Developer(s)
Massive Entertainment
Genre(s)
Action-Adventure
Pros
  • 2-Player Online Co-Op
  • Drop In & Drop Out Campaign

OK, it might be a stretch to describe Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora's story as "great" since it plays things very safe. That said, the game is a spot-on imitation of James Cameron's movies in this area, delivering a straightforward but sound narrative defined by epic action alongside plenty of opportunities to take in the Western Frontier's natural beauty. The latter is undoubtedly Frontiers of Pandora's main selling point since the open-world is nothing short of gorgeous, along with being as expansive as any other modern Ubisoft project.

Related
Avatar: Frontiers Of Pandora - 6 Ways The Game Does Open World Right
In many ways, Frontiers of Pandora is a shining example of how to make a fun, engaging, and immersive open-world experience for players.

Considering the gameplay is not far removed from Far Cry, the fact Frontiers of Pandora handles co-op similarly to that franchise makes sense. Avatar is generally presented as a single-player experience, but a guest can jump in at any moment, and their progress will be saved for their campaigns. Although nothing too special, this system works well and helps extend the game's staying power.

8 Gotham Knights

For All Its Flaws, The Game's Story Is Pretty Good

gotham-knights-framerate-performance-fps
Gotham Knights

Released
October 21, 2022
Developer(s)
WB Games Montreal
Genre(s)
Action RPG
Pros
  • 4-Player Online Co-Op
  • Drop In & Drop Out Co-Op

Gotham Knights garnered a mixed reception at launch, and that is being kind. In truth, it was among 2022's most disappointing games, and its reputation has not started to mend. However, nowadays, Gotham Knights is far easier to recommend since it is frequently discounted and can be accessed through subscription services like PS Plus Extra. And, for all the title's flaws, its story is quite good.

Sure, Gotham Knight's plot does not reach the same heights as the Bat Family's greatest comic storylines nor does it match Rocksteady's trilogy, but that does not mean it has no value. The playable characters share a camaraderie that feels genuine, and they grow quite a bit throughout the campaign. The central mystery/story is consistently engaging and well-written, even if it can be predictable at times.

7 Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Play Through Abbreviated Versions Of The Movies

lego star wars the skywalker saga free play story mode bugs
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

Released
April 5, 2022
Developer(s)
Traveller's Tales
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure
Pros
  • 2-Player Local Co-Op
  • Drop In & Drop Out Campaign
Cons
  • No Online Co-Op

The Lego games are always reliable options when it comes to lighthearted co-op games, and The Skywalker Saga is a contender for the best in the franchise. Covering all nine main movies, the campaign is chock-full of content, Easter eggs, and unlockable characters. Die-hard Star Wars fans should get a kick out of seeing this humorous but still quite authentic adaptation; conversely, people who are not that into the sci-fi property should still find something to enjoy in this gorgeous adventure.

Related
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga - The Best Skills To Upgrade First For Each Class
Each class in the latest Lego Star Wars game has four unique abilities to upgrade, but which ones should players get first?

Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga handles local co-op in largely the same way as other Lego games, permitting friends to go along for the ride without impacting much of the story. Online co-op is not supported, so this is just for those looking to take on the Empire from the comfort of a single couch.

6 Returnal

Clever Blend Of Story & Gameplay

returnal co-op two players
Returnal

Released
April 30, 2021
Developer(s)
Housemarque
Genre(s)
Third-Person Shooter
Pros
  • 2-Player Online Co-Op
  • Drop In & Drop Out Campaign
  • Co-Op Progression/Ranking System
Cons
  • No Local Co-Op

As part of the "Ascension" update, Returnal added co-op, permitting up to two players to combine forces. Only online co-op is supported, and the feature is activated once someone dies for the first time. After that point, that person will be able to host a public or private session from Selene's crash site; alternatively, they can join a cycle. Co-op does not significantly change the Returnal experience, although the game's difficulty is ramped up to make up for the fact there are two Selenes.

A rogue-like, Returnal follows a scout who lands on an alien planet and becomes stuck in a time loop. Delivering quite an emotional storyline that complements the premise and gameplay, Housemarque's title is among the best PS5 co-op games on the market.

5 Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Cute & Clever Writing

Chicory A Colorful Tale Screenshot
Chicory: A Colorful Tale
Released
June 10, 2021
Developer(s)
Greg Lobanov
Genre(s)
Adventure
Pros
  • 2-Player Local Co-Op
  • Drop In & Drop Out Campaign
Cons
  • No Online Co-Op

Those who are looking for something a little more relaxing and charming should check out Chicory: A Colorful Tale. It's a great change of pace, putting players into a world that has seemingly lost its color and tasking them with literally painting things back to life.

It's a joy to run through with a friend, and the story is heartwarming, to say the least. This is the perfect thing to pop in for a relaxing night on the couch. It's a great little indie-style gem hidden among the bigger co-op offerings.

4 Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

An Entertaining DnD Adventure

A close-up on Tiny Tina's intense smile in Tiny Tina's Wonderlands.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands

Released
March 25, 2022
Developer(s)
Gearbox Software
Genre(s)
Action RPG , FPS
Pros
  • 4-Player Local Co-Op
  • 4-Player Online Co-Op
  • Split-Screen
  • Crossplatform Support
  • Drop In & Drop Out Campaign

Gearbox's Borderlands has been delivering fun co-op first-person shooter mayhem for over a decade, and all the entries are a blast in their own right. The first entry to debut directly on the PS5, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands is a spin-off that builds upon the ideas of Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep, a Borderlands 2 DLC. Set within the world of a tabletop game, players create a character and then go on a comical adventure to stop the Dragon Lord.

Tiny Tina's Wonderlands has awesome gunplay, comfortably the best in the series so far. The story does not take itself all that seriously, and while the humor is hit-and-miss, the spin-off is more consistently charming than some of the franchise's recent main entries. The overall narrative is rather forgettable, but the minute-to-minute writing is generally solid. This is an easy recommendation for fans of Borderlands or anyone looking for a lighthearted FPS set in a fantastical universe.

3 Baldur's Gate 3

Masterful Storytelling

Baldur's Gate 3 splitscreen
Baldur's Gate 3

Released
August 3, 2023
Developer(s)
Larian Studios
Genre(s)
RPG
Pros
  • 2-Player Local Co-Op
  • 4-Player Online Co-Op
  • Splitscreen
  • Co-Op Campaign As A Dedicated Option
Cons
  • Splitscreen Remains During Battles

Roughly a month after coming out on PC, Baldur's Gate 3 made its way to the PS5, and Larian's project survived the transition in one piece. Based on Dungeons & Dragons, the RPG delivers in nearly every area, be it combat, customization, storytelling, or co-op support. The latter highlights Baldur's Gate 3's tabletop origins since players can set up a co-op campaign save file that they revisit as a group; obviously, this can be quite a commitment, so the game also offers new players the chance to join existing playthroughs.

Related
Baldur's Gate 3: 5 Tips To Get The Most Out Of Co-Op
Baldur's Gate 3 lets players band together in a cohesive multiplayer experience. Here is how to make the most of it.

Set in a vast and complex world, Larian created a deep RPG that emphasizes player choice, particularly in its secondary content. The turn-based combat system can be initially overwhelming if someone is not familiar with the studio's previous releases, but it is rewarding in the long run. In co-op, players are allowed and even encouraged to do their own thing and decide when they want to come together.

2 The Quarry

Perfect For Horror Nights

the protagonists throwing a bonfire party in the quarry
The Quarry

Released
June 10, 2022
Developer(s)
Supermassive Games
Genre(s)
Survival Horror
Pros
  • 8-Player Local Co-Op
  • 8-Player Online Co-Op

If horror is a group's genre of choice, then they cannot go wrong when it comes to Supermassive Games. The developer has carved out a niche for itself in the co-op interactive drama market, with Until Dawn and The Dark Pictures Anthology chapters all being dependable picks. 2022's The Quarry is another feather in the studio's cap, and it supports up to 8 players in both local and online co-op.

An ode to 1980s slashers, The Quarry wears its inspiration on its sleeve. As tends to be the case with these sorts of stories, the game finds a group of teenagers heading out to the eponymous location with plans to spend the night. Things quickly go wrong, and one of them might be responsible for the mayhem. Depending on how many people are playing the game, The Quarry could just assign a single character to every player, which will force everyone to decide whether they will prioritize self-preservation over what is good for the collective.

1 It Takes Two

The Ultimate Co-Op Adventure

it takes two couch co-op
It Takes Two

Released
March 26, 2021
Developer(s)
Hazelight Studios
Genre(s)
Action , Adventure
Pros
  • 2-Player Local Co-Op
  • 2-Player Online Co-Op
  • Split-Screen
Cons
  • No Single-Player Option

Developed by Hazelight Studios, a company whose primary focus is co-op experiences, It Takes Two is a deeply emotional story of a little girl coping with her parents' divorce by playing with hand-made rag dolls that resemble her mom and dad. The girl's tears falling on the dolls trap her parents' souls inside the toys, and they become the two-player characters.

Players will have to travel through magical realms that are a reflection of the parents' positive memories of one another. By solving environmental puzzles and completing platforming challenges, they attempt to mend their broken relationship and get back into their own bodies. From the gameplay perspective, it's a fun, challenging platformer that relies heavily on cooperation between players. However, it is its creative, unique narrative that makes this game a truly essential title to play on the PS5.

More
Best PS5 Games Under $10
PS5 and PS4 owners do not need to break the bank to play an amazing game.