Video games have come full circle: originally, friends played together in arcades, and now we can connect online. Instead of driving people apart, games now bring us closer together and provide great experiences. What are the best games to play with friends in 2022?
Among many co-op games, we have selected seven that require more than just sharing the same server. These are the games where communication is crucial, and understanding each other's actions is key to achieving goals.
It Takes Two
Hazelight's popular game catches our attention again after featuring in various top lists of 2021. It tells the story of a married couple on the brink of divorce, who are magically transformed into dolls. To become human again, they must reflect on their lives and attitudes. This psychological and adventurous tale is accompanied by stunning visuals. It can be played online or in split-screen mode, and if you own the game, you can invite others for free with a one-time pass.
Mario Party Superstars
This is more of a party game than a true co-op experience, offering a digital version of competitive tabletop games. Players move their tokens along a board, completing various simple yet enjoyable missions. Popular characters from the Mario franchise are available to play, with Bowser occasionally causing chaos. Unfortunately, this game is exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Overcooked! 2
The sequel to the original Overcooked is even better. It requires two players to manage a hectic kitchen, cooking increasingly complex dishes with unusual ingredients and serving demanding customers in the restaurant. This chaotic cooking simulator provides a lot of fun, especially when played with two connected gamepads.
The multiplayer version of the popular game Don’t Starve turns survival in a hostile environment into a shared mission for two or more players. Hunting, gathering, crafting, and defending yourselves are all better when done together. The expansion even allows dead characters to become playable ghosts.
Don’t Starve Together
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
In this unique co-op game, you are an expert at defusing a bomb planted in a room. However, your expertise isn't enough, so you need to call your colleagues who have the necessary knowledge (found in the manual on a special website). The catch? They can't see the bomb, highlighting the crucial role of communication in this game.
Portal 2
While Portal 2 is the oldest game on our list, it is still hailed as the king of co-op experiences for a reason. The game challenges players to navigate unexpected obstacles and view the unseen through each other's perspective. This puzzle-filled adventure keeps players constantly communicating, ensuring a balanced gameplay experience. Despite outdated visuals, it remains enjoyable to play.
Sea of Thieves
If you've ever fantasized about being a pirate, this is the game for you. Grab your friends or family members to form a pirate crew, engaging in various activities like robbery, sailing, fishing, and navigation across the seas. Inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean, Sea of Thieves requires teamwork to succeed, making it unsuitable for solo play or random partnerships.
It Ain’t No Fun If the Homies Can’t Have None
Once you experience cooperative multiplayer gaming, single-player games may lose their appeal. Effective communication is crucial for a fun co-op experience, elevating gaming to a whole new level. Fortunately, there are numerous co-op games that cater to this need. What are your favorite co-op games? Feel free to share in the comments!
