The Best Couch Co-op Games on PS4 (2022) – GameSpew
Playing video games rarely has to be a solitary activity these days, but what are the best couch co-op games you can play on PS4?
Playing with other people via the internet is entertaining and all, but nothing beats the riotous fun of having a friend or relative actually there beside you. And thankfully, there are a lot of games that accommodate two player local co-op on PS4. Some games will even let you play with more.
So, if you’re wanting to discover a wealth of games that allow you to get comfy on the couch with one or more people and work together as a team, look no further. We’ve assembled a mighty list of the best couch co-op games on PS4. All of these will give you hours of fun. Though depending on the actions of your co-op partners, we can’t guarantee you’ll still be on talking terms afterwards!
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1. It Takes Two
From Hazelight Studios, the same team that brought us A Way Out (which you’ll find further down this list), It Takes Two stands out because co-op isn’t an optional mode; it’s the only mode. This game simply cannot be played solo; you need to either play locally with a friend, or get a friend join you online.
You and your co-op player will join forces as May and Cody, a husband and wife on the brink of divorce. Through some sort of inadvertent voodoo magic, their daughter unwittingly turns them into a pair of dolls. And so they must overcome their differences, working together to try and turn back into humans – and maybe, just maybe, they’ll save their marriage along the way. Like an interactive Disney film, It Takes Two is filled with heart, humour, and a host of beautiful locations. If you’re looking for a game you can play with just one other person, this really is one of the best couch co-op games on PS4.
Read our review of It Takes Two
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2. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
If you’re a fan of the Borderlands series, then you’re going to love Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. Set in the same universe, this loot-ridden RPG has you playing a tabletop game with series favourite, Tiny Tina. Chaotic adventures are aplenty, and the game is even better when you’re playing with friends in tow.
With voice talent from the likes of Andy Samberg involved, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is non-stop fun. First-person shooters really don’t get much more enjoyable than this, and so if you like the idea of shooting through weird and wonderful enemies, gathering loot and levelling up your character, loo no further. It’s one of the best couch co-op games on PS4. And it has ButtStallion the unicorn it it. What more could you want?
Read our review of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands
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3. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Sackboy is back, and this time he’s embarking on an adventure free of the bells and whistles that the LittleBigPlanet games entailed. With its PS4 release a little overshadowed by the fact it was a PS5 launch title, Sackboy: A Big Adventure is an adorable 3D platformer filled with imagination, adventure and so much cuteness. You can play Sackboy: A Big Adventure on your own, but like many other games on this list it really shines when played with friends or family in local co-op. In fact, there are a number of levels that can only be played in co-op, requiring two or more players to get past certain obstacles or reach new heights.
While playing as a team is imperative to progress through Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and there’s support for up to four players, those who like a bit of competition can also have some fun. Whoever collects the most orbs during a level will be crowned the winner at the end, and if anyone wants to air their grievances they can whack the other players for a short while.
Read our review of Sackboy: A Big Adventure
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4. The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes
Essentially an interactive movie, House of Ashes is the third entry into Supermassive Games’ Dark Pictures Anthology horror series. This time, you follow a group of soldiers based in Iraq. A mission doesn’t quite go to plan when they find themselves stuck in an ancient underground temple. It seems evil really does lurk in the darkness. As you’ll soon find out, our soldiers aren’t alone down there.
Whether it’s an enemy troop out for their blood, or an ancient evil seeking them out, trying to stay alive is not going to be easy. But that’s your job; through the choices you make, the fate of everyone lies solely in your hands. Or you and your co-op friends’ hands, that is. House of Ashes boasts a ‘Movie Night’ mode which allows up to five players to pass a controller around, taking control of at least one character. There are plenty of jump scares to be had here, and since the story can be so different depending on how you play, it’s worth having multiple playthroughs to see how else your adventure could have ended.
Read our review of House of Ashes
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5. Streets of Rage 4
Streets of Rage is back, and it still kicks ass. Featuring sumptuous graphics, a killer soundtrack, and addictive brawler gameplay, Streets of Rage 4 presents 12 stages in which to pummel enemies. Even better, there’s a whopping 17 playable characters to do it with if you include the 12 unlockable retro fighters. And you can play along to music from the original Streets of Rage and its sequel if you remember them fondly.
While Streets of Rage 4 is immensely enjoyable when played alone, it really comes into its own when played in local co-op. Up for four players can work together as a team, though watch out if friendly fire is turned on as you’ll no doubt end up hurting each other. If you do end up having a score to settle, you’ll be thankful there’s a versus battle mode, where players can go against each other to prove who’s the best.
Read our review of Streets of Rage 4
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6. Unravel Two
Gorgeous, that’s what Unravel Two is. Sequel to the excellent Unravel, couch co-op play is integral to Unravel Two. You can play it in single player, but Unravel Two was meant to be enjoyed with a friend, with many of its puzzles emphasising teamwork.
Unravel Two is rather laid back for the most part, allowing you to take things at your own pace. There are moments where you’ll be running for your life though, and you’ll be glad that you’ve got another player by your side to help you negotiate obstacles. Honestly, if you love couch co-op games, you need Unravel Two in your life. It looks beautiful too, especially when played on a PS4 Pro.
Read our review of Unravel Two
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7. Diablo III: Eternal Collection
Without a doubt, Diablo III is the ultimate couch co-op experience. The game is exactly the same whether in single player or multiplayer and it’s seamless, meaning players can join or drop out at any point without interrupting anyone else’s game. Up to four people can play on the same screen for some serious monster-hunting madness.
The difficulty of Diablo III scales depending how many people are playing, so with a full roster of four, your enemies are going to be much tougher than if you were fighting them alone. The only downside to sharing a screen is when one player opens their inventory, everyone else is left twiddling their thumbs until they’re done. Even with this, it’s still our all-time favourite co-op game, so grab a pal and set off on an intrepid journey to the depths of hell…
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8. Earth Defense Force: World Brothers
The Earth Defense Force series has been around for a long time. All about defending Earth from invading alien species, it has players shooting giant alien ants, spiders, and all kinds of other creepies from outer space. The latest game in the series, Earth Defense Force: World Brothers, is no different in its core concept. But it has one major difference: a voxel art style makes it way more fun and accessible for all players.
Team up with a co-op buddy to take out the invading forces in split screen. You’ll work together to shoot your way through all kinds of giant alien threats. And with each player being able to select a roster of four characters, you can change between them at any time. All have their own weapons and special abilities, so combat remains fun and frenetic. If you’re looking for something fun and mindless, then World Brothers is a worthy contender as one of the best couch co-op games on PS4.
Read our review of Earth Defense Force: World Brothers
9. Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game – Complete Edition
Though it first released waaaay back in 2010, Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game ceremoniously returned to storefronts in January with a Complete Edition. Originally released to tie in with the film release, it since became a bit of a classic in its own right, offering a fun spin on the side-scrolling beat ’em up genre.
Okay, so it’s no Streets of Rage 4 – though maybe we’re just biased – but taking control of Scott, Ramona and friends as they brawl their way through various environments is a heck of a lot of fun. And it’s made even more fun when you bring a friend into the fray with you via couch co-op. Like all good beat ’em ups, having a friend along for the ride makes everything that much more fun. You can fight over who picks up the most coins, but ultimately you’ll be working together for the same goal. There’s a lot of fun to be had, and if you enjoy side-scrolling combat action, then this is one of the best couch co-op games on PS4 you can play.
Read our review of Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game
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10. Blazing Chrome
Blazing Chrome is the best run ‘n’ gun shooter released in years, and it also supports couch co-op play for two players. Working as a team, you’ll obliterate a wide range of robots and alien life as you blast your way through level after level. Chances are you’ll die a lot initially, but as you begin to learn enemy attacks patterns and level layouts, you’ll find that everything gets much easier. And once you’ve completed the game, you’ll obtain new characters to play as and unlock some additional modes.
Blazing Chrome is a brilliant game to play in couch co-op, the only thing that lets it down a little is that it’s not drop in, drop out. If you’ve got a single player game going on, you’ll have to quit it to start again in co-op.
Read our review of Blazing Chrome
11. Minecraft Dungeons
Adore Minecraft? Love dungeon crawlers? Minecraft Dungeons is the game for you. It’s definitely one of the best couch-co-op games on PS4 right now. Especially for younger players. Tasking you with taking down the nefarious Arch-Illager, Minecraft Dungeons has you making your way through numerous dungeons. There are monsters to defeat, switches to pull, and mountains of loot to be discovered. It’s basically My First Diablo.
Up to four players can play in local co-op, and more players means more fun. Also, while Minecraft Dungeons‘ campaign is quite short, multiple difficulty options means there’s plenty reason to go back time and time again. In fact, you’re going to have to play on harder difficulties to get the best loot. Numerous expansions are available now, too.
Read our review of Minecraft Dungeons
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12. Knights and Bikes
In Knights and Bikes players take control of Demelza and Nessa, two girls each possessing unique abilities. They’re out to save the island of Penzfury from a terrible curse, although there’s a twist; their adventure is powered by their imaginations. That probably explains why you’re also accompanied by a goose called Honkers and the head of an undead knight.
With its mix of gameplay styles, Knights and Bikes stands out from the crowd. There’s action, there’s adventure, there are puzzles; working together, you’ll need to overcome them all. And with a friend in tow, Knights and Bikes is elevated into being a pretty special experience. Do yourself a favour and get it bought if you’re after a couch co-op game to play.
Read our review of Knights and Bikes
13. A Way Out
A Way Out is very much a rarity. It’s a game that can only be played in co-op, either with two people sat side-by-side, or across the internet. With no single player option whatsoever, working with another player is absolutely integral to the A Way Out experience. You and your co-op partner will take control of Leo and Vincent. They’re both prison inmates, but they hatch a plan to escape. And it’s up to both players to carry out that plan.
After breaking out of prison you’ll be glad for the change of scenery. But as you can imagine, life as a runaway fugitive isn’t easy; you’ll have to avoid the law, watch out for trouble and work together to survive. It’s a game that really relies on both players working together and co-operating to be successful. It’s an excellent story to boot, too, and if you want a break from the hard-hitting subject matter, you can always unwind with a minigame, like a round of Connect-4.
Read our review of A Way Out
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14. Cuphead
Originally an Xbox One console exclusive, Cuphead is now available on PS4. Cuphead‘s a gorgeous-looking game, inspired by 1930s cartoons. But don’t let its exterior fool you: this is a rock-solid shooter that’ll test your mettle in just about every way. Thankfully though, every level is playable in couch co-op, with player two taking on the role of Cuphead’s sidekick, Mugman.
Playing together makes the game a little easier, although it’s still no walkover: you’ll do less damage, and trying to keep track of your character amid a screen of multicoloured bullets is enough to send anyone reeling. Needless to say, it’s an exhilarating challenge, but one that requires a lot of patience.
Read our review of Cuphead
15. Overcooked 2
Bigger and better than its predecessor, Overcooked 2 is undoubtedly one of the best couch co-op games on PS4 available right now.
Working as a team, you’ll need to cook dishes on demand as efficiently as you possibly can. It’s not always easy when the kitchens you’re working in appear to have lives of their own though. How about chopping a cabbage while an earthquake rips through your kitchen? Or washing the dishes on the back of a moving truck? Yes, this is one zany game, but with a friend by your side, it can be hilarious – even when you fail.
Read our review of Overcooked 2
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16. LEGO City Undercover
The GTA of the LEGO game world if you will, Lego City Undercover is much more open world than most other games of its ilk, and because of that, it’s one of the best. In our opinion, anyway. Okay, so any LEGO game could have appeared in this list of best couch co-op games on PS4. They’re all excellent – you can take your pick of any. This one’s our personal favourite though; there’s just so much to do, and its original story is a lot of fun.
There are so many side quests, races and collectibles to find, and, like any LEGO game, being able to play the entire game in local co-op makes everything much more fun. Grab a friend and run around like lunatics smashing everything in sight. What else would you do in a LEGO game after all?
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17. Manual Samuel
Chances are you’ve never played anything quite like Manual Samuel. Putting you in control of the titular Samuel who’s made a deal with Death for another chance at life after meeting an unfortunate demise, it challenges you to manually take control of his bodily functions for a day with hilarious results. You’ll need to make him blink, breathe, straighten his back; you’ll even have to make sure he takes a pee successfully.
Rest assured, what’s a uniquely stimulating experience when played in single player becomes even more outlandish when played in co-op with a friend sat by your side on the couch, each taking control of half of Samuel’s body. Trust us, Manual Samuel will make you work like a team like no other game will, and that’s a good thing in our book.
Read our review of Manual Samuel
18. Cat Quest II
Honestly, Cat Quest II isn’t all that different from its predecessor. It’s still a simple action RPG with colourful visuals and cuteness levels that are off the chart. What it does have that the original game doesn’t, however, is couch co-op gameplay. Why else would it be on this list?
It may be called Cat Quest II, but that doesn’t stop canines from getting in on the act. With a party consisting of both a dog and a cat, in couch co-op a player can take control of each, using their skills to back up their buddy. It’s the best way to play the game. And it really is unadulterated fun. Pick it up if you’re after the best couch co-op games on PS4. You won’t be disappointed.
Read our review of Cat Quest II
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19. Team Sonic Racing
If you love kart racers, you should definitely pick up Team Sonic Racing. Unlike previous Sonic kart racing games, Team Sonic Racing demands that you work together with two teammates to race to victory. And those teammates can be sat beside you on the couch if you wish, as the game supports local multiplayer for up to four players.
Featuring 21 tracks and 15 racers each with their own customisable vehicle, Team Sonic Racing has a fair bit to offer kart racing fans. And its co-op racing mechanics genuinely add to its gameplay. Definitely pick it up if you’re after some local co-op kart racing fun on PS4.
Read our review of Team Sonic Racing
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20. Degrees of Separation
If you like puzzle games, Degrees of Separation will be right up your street. Designed to be played in co-op, Degrees of Separation has you working with another player to solve platforming and physics-based puzzles in order to collect scarves and progress your adventure.
Taking control of either Rime or Ember, each player will have to position themselves effectively to make use of their unique powers. Rime’s chilling aura, for example, allows him to walk on water at is freezes when he approaches. Ember, on the other hand, can cause geysers to erupt with the heat she emanates.
Read our review of Degrees of Separation
21. Alienation
Twin-stick isometric shooter Alienation is an absolute blast, but to be truly enjoyed it needs to be played in co-op. Although local co-op play wasn’t available when Alienation first launched, it’s a feature that was patched in later – and something we’re eternally grateful for. Shooting your way through hordes of aliens is much more fun with a friend by your side. In Alienation, you and up to three friends can combat extra-terrestrial foes whilst displaying your slick reloading skills and picking up sweet loot.
You’ll be glad for the company too, as Alienation can get very challenging as you make progress into its later stages. With its beautiful visuals and addictive gameplay, Alienation is undoubtedly one of the best couch co-op games on PS4.
Read our review of Alienation
22. Guacamelee! 2
Super-colourful and Mexican-flavoured Metroidvania Guacamelee! 2 is very much like its predecessor, only better in every way. It looks nicer, plays better, and is a hell of a lot funnier, too. And the original Guacamelee! was a funny game.
Four player local co-op makes a return, allowing you to play Guacamelee! 2 with friends for the most riotous Metroidvania experience you can have. And if you have a PS4 Pro or PS5, you’ll be happy to hear that it makes use of the system’s power to make the visuals even prettier. Honestly, get this game added to your PS4 library pronto if you like hilarious co-op adventures.
Read our review of Guacamelee! 2
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23. PHOGS
While you can play PHOGS by yourself if you want, it’s a game that’s been designed with a co-op experience in mind. You see, PHOGS is all about taking control of a two-headed dog. You and your co-op partner will each control one end of the dog, so you’ll need to work together in co-ordinating where to go and what to do.
Co-ordinating your movements is only the tip of the iceberg, though; PHOGS is filled with puzzles that will require you both to don your thinking caps in order to progress. There are numerous collectibles in a level, too, so there’s plenty to keep you occupied. But the very best thing about PHOGS is just how stinkin’ adorable it is. Just look at it! A two-headed dog! Who can wear hats! There’s not much more we could ask for in a co-op game, really. And that’s why it’s one of the best co-op games you can play on PS4.
Read our review of PHOGS
24. Resogun
Perhaps the cream of the crop of the PS4’s initial launch line-up, Resogun offers classic side-scrolling shooter action with a bit of micro-management thrown in for good measure. It might be a bit old now, but don’t let that put you off; this is still one of the best couch co-op games on PS4.
With two players sharing the same screen, you have to coordinate with each other if you want to survive, and even more so if you want to save all the humans. Regardless, this is an absolute blast to play, and you’ll waste hours trying to chase those high scores whilst saving your little green friends.
25. Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition
Bigger and simply better than its predecessor, Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition is a must-have for RPG fans. And even more so if they like to quest with a friend by their side.
You can spend every minute of Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition‘s adventure in couch co-op if you wish, making it a great game to play while cuddling up with your partner in the winter months. Or just play with your best friend. It’s really up to you. Just make sure you play it if you’re really into epic RPGs.
Read our review of Divinity: Original Sin 2 Definitive Edition
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26. Ninjin: Clash of Carrots
Honestly, you’ll have never played anything quite like Ninjin: Clash of Carrots in your life. While it’s essentially a side-scrolling beat ’em up, it moves at such a fast-pace that it’s in a world of its own.
Playable in couch co-op, for the most part your characters will run forward of their own free will, with you just needing to move them around the screen in order to avoid enemy attacks and get your own hits in. It’s all very tactical, with many enemies needing to be attacked in certain ways to dispatch them. It’s quite heavy on humour, too, making you chuckle as you play. Just watch out for the final boss though, as he’s a tough so-and-so.
Read our review of Ninjin: Clash of Carrots
27. Dangerous Golf
Remember Burnout’s Crash Junctions fondly? Well, Dangerous Golf is pretty much made up of them, although instead of driving a car into traffic you’re now hitting a golf ball around a room full of very breakable objects. Sounds fun, right?
One of the best things about Dangerous Golf is that it features a fully-fledged couch co-op campaign. It features the same levels as the single-player campaign but with tweaked goals, letting you and your co-op buddy take turns to destroy as much as you possibly can. To get the high scores you can’t just go hitting the ball willy-nilly though; you must plan your shots carefully and ensure you make the perfect putt. Just try not to get too mad at your co-op partner when they mess up your hard work!
Read our review of Dangerous Golf
28. Moving Out
Moving house in real-life is stressful, but Moving Out tries to make light of the whole affair and succeeds. Designed to be played in co-op, Moving Out asks you and up to three others to take items out of various properties and load them up into a van, ready to move out. Though there are, of course, various complications. Some items require multiple people to carry, for example, and some properties are haunted. You’ll need to act fast, too, if you want to get the best ratings. And you can return to jobs to complete bonus objectives.
The best thing about Moving Out is how reckless you can be. Why carefully carry a bed through a house when you can just lob it out of a window? It’s simply silly, stupid, fun. Needless to say, it’s quickly become one of our favourite couch co-op games on PS4.
Read our review of Moving Out
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