PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium offer a vast array of amazing games, particularly those that highlight captivating single-player narratives. However, the joy of enjoying a game with friends, especially in a local setting, is unmatched. While online gaming has seen remarkable advancements, there’s something uniquely enjoyable about diving into a cooperative adventure with friends right next to you.
Local co-op games may not dominate the landscape as they once did, but they remain a significant section of Sony’s subscription offerings. The PS Plus service boasts a diverse selection of titles that cater to local multiplayer enthusiasts, embracing various genres and gameplay styles. Below, we present the top local co-op PS Plus games to enjoy with friends.
All games listed are available on PS Plus Premium; however, some titles may have restricted access on the Extra tier. Each game is tagged to reflect its availability across tiers. Note that our rankings are influenced by release dates as well as gameplay quality, so newer titles are highlighted first.
Updated December 15, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The PS Plus Extra and Premium lineups for December 2024 have been announced, launching most games just after the 17th. While heavy hitters may not feature local multiplayer, there are still exciting additions like “Biped”. Check out the highlighted games for December 2024 below.
1. It Takes Two (December 2024 PS Plus Essential)
One Of The Best Co-Op Games Ever
The final lineup for PS Plus Essential in December 2024 showcases a variety of titles, including “It Takes Two”, recognized as a premier co-op experience of the decade. Following the critical success of “A Way Out”, Hazelight Studios presents a new narrative where a couple facing divorce must work together after being turned into dolls by their daughter. This game is a testament to collaboration, as players must communicate and strategize to progress. There are no solo options here, uniquely positioning “It Takes Two”as a fully cooperative experience.
2. Phogs! (From December 17, 2024)
Two Sides Of The Same Dog
“Phogs!”stands out as a whimsical puzzle platformer that challenges players’ teamwork skills as they navigate levels as a dual-headed canine. As they venture through various stages, players must cleverly utilize the character’s unique abilities while ensuring effective communication to solve puzzles. The enchanting art style and light-hearted narrative make it a great choice for family gameplay or a casual gaming night.
3. Overcooked! All You Can Eat!
A Full Course
“Overcooked! All You Can Eat!”combines the beloved cooking chaos of “Overcooked!”and “Overcooked! 2”, along with their expansions, into one comprehensive package. The game pushes players to work in harmony to prepare meals under increasingly ridiculous conditions, making it a perfect recipe for laughter and occasional rivalry. It’s ideal for players of all ages, though it’s known to test friendships!
4. TimeSplitters Trilogy
A Great FPS Series That Is A Trip Through Time
The “TimeSplitters”series celebrates its revival through PS Plus Premium, with all three titles available for dual-player local co-op. Notably, “TimeSplitters 2″and “Future Perfect”are hailed as two of the best first-person shooters ever created, featuring engaging story modes that shine brighter when shared with a partner. The blend of humor, action, and creative multiplayer modes ensures that this trilogy remains a fun trip down memory lane.
5. Tales Of Symphonia Remastered Or Tales Of Vesperia: Definitive Edition
Arguably The Definitive Co-Op JRPG Franchise
For JRPG enthusiasts, the “Tales”franchise is synonymous with quality co-op gameplay. Both “Tales of Symphonia”and “Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition”are morally rich adventures packed with engaging characters and unique real-time combat systems. While “Symphonia”is a nostalgic classic, “Vesperia”offers a faster-paced experience, making it a prime choice for cooperative play among friends.
6. Cult Of The Lamb
The Lamb Builds A Cult With The Help of The Goat
“Cult of the Lamb”introduces 2-player co-op gameplay as of 2024, adding a new dimension to its cult-building adventures. While the online narrative remains unimpaired by the new feature, playing alongside a friend enhances the odds of success in dungeon crawls and expands the replay potential of the game, making this quirky title even more enticing for cooperative adventurers.
7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Co-Op Beat ‘Em Up That Is Accessible & Fun
Paying homage to classic arcade beat ’em ups, “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge”allows players to embody their favorite heroes and team up to take down the foot soldiers in vibrant, nostalgic levels. With local co-op support and special attacks designed for team play, this title captures the essence of cooperative gaming with a colorful modern twist.
8. Sackboy: A Big Adventure
Co-Op Required To Get The Full Experience
“Sackboy: A Big Adventure”delivers a whimsical take on the 3D platforming genre, enabling up to four players to cooperate. While many levels can be enjoyed solo, certain stages are explicitly designed for team challenges, promoting cooperative strategies that enhance the gameplay experience.
9. Dragon’s Crown Pro
Beat ‘Em Up RPG With That Vanillaware Magic
Vanillaware’s “Dragon’s Crown Pro”is an iconic action-RPG that fuses side-scrolling beat ’em up elements with RPG mechanics. Available for up to four players, this game offers a chaotic and thrilling multiplayer experience featuring a mix of character classes and skills, making it both engaging and enjoyable when tackling its intricacies with friends.
10. Children Of Morta
Strong Narrative, Characters, & Co-Op Gameplay
In “Children of Morta,”players delve into the lore of the Bergson family, each member offering unique abilities that can be leveraged in co-op play. This action-RPG balances challenging gameplay with a heartfelt narrative, providing an engaging cooperative experience full of character growth and development.
11. Lost Planet 2
A Cult Classic That Is Only Worth Playing With A Friend
“Lost Planet 2″stands as a unique gem designed for cooperative play. With its mission-driven design and the presence of massive bosses, the game emphasizes teamwork and coordination, making it a rewarding experience when shared with friends. The dynamic environments and mission objectives are vastly improved through local or online co-op play.
12. Vikings: Wolves Of Midgard
A Viking Epic
“Vikings: Wolves of Midgard”invites players into a Norse-inspired hack-and-slash experience as they battle hordes of enemies. Its support for local co-op makes tackling this isometric action-RPG even more thrilling as players can strategize and develop their character builds, continually enhancing their synergy while having fun slaying mythical creatures.
13. Earth Defense Force 5
Cathartic Fun
“Earth Defense Force 5″offers a hilariously chaotic apocalypse where players must fend off alien creatures in epic battles. While the solo experience can become monotonous, having a second player enhances the absurdity and allows for greater team dynamics, making each mission filled with enjoyable and somewhat silly action.
14. Untitled Goose Game
Double Trouble
“Untitled Goose Game”transforms a tranquil village into a realm of chaos as players take on the role of an adorable, mischievous goose. The local co-op mode introduces a second goose, amplifying the delightful bedlam as players work to outwit unsuspecting villagers, enhancing the fun exponentially.
15. Cat Quest 2
Adorable Action RPG Goodness
“Cat Quest 2″combines charm and action in a delightful package for players who wish to embark on an adorable RPG adventure. With well-implemented co-op gameplay, friends can enjoy battling enemies and navigating quests together, creating an engaging experience that is accessible for all ages.
16. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition
Challenging Beat ‘Em Up For More Than Just Fans
This pixel-art gem puts players in the shoes of Scott Pilgrim as he fights through hordes of adversaries. With co-op functionalities and unique character abilities, this game pays homage to the classic beat ’em up genre and remains an exhilarating experience for fans, regardless of their familiarity with the source material.
17. Magic 2
Fun Magic System
“Magicka 2″immerses players in a fantasy world where they can wield an expansive range of magical spells. With its complex spell-crafting system and cooperative gameplay design, this title shines when players band together, combining magical powers to create both chaos and fun.
18. Alienation
Isometric Shooter Awesomeness
19. For The King
“For The King”offers a unique blend of tabletop adventure and roguelike mechanics. With humorous randomness playing a significant role in gameplay, this title is a joy to experience with friends as they strategize and adapt to the whims of chance during their quests.
20. Human: Fall Flat
Physics Silliness
“Human: Fall Flat”invites players into a creatively chaotic space where they navigate platforms and solve puzzles using unpredictable physics. This title thrives in a local co-op format, enabling friends to embrace their curiosity and creativity, leading to countless amusing moments.
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