It's another scorching hot week of summer, and that makes it the perfect time to spend the weekend inside playing video games with friends, family, or partners. Whether you're trying out a new release or getting in a few more rounds of an old favorite, playing co-op games with your nearest and dearest is a great way to spend time. The following five co-op games are titles you should consider giving a try this weekend. The lineup include a mix of brand-new games, games that are debuting on a new platform for the first time, and games that have been out for a little while but are still worth checking out during a co-op gaming session (or several).
Peak
Developed and published by Aggro Crab and released in June 2024, Peak is a cooperative climbing game that took off immediately following its launch. Many factors contributed to Peak's popularity: the variety of regularly cycling maps, the simple but addictive gameplay, and the variety of obstacles ranging from simple ticks to the looming danger of the Scoutmaster. Players who are stuck at home during summer and would rather be traveling around the world can boot up Peak to experience gorgeous scenery from the alpine to the tropical as they work together to summit the many mountains they will encounter.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 83 /100 Critics Rec: 100%
- Released
- June 16, 2025
- Developer(s)
- Landcrab
- Publisher(s)
- Aggro Crab, Landfall
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unity
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Exploration, First-Person
Apex Legends
Since its launch in 2019, battle royale hero shooter Apex Legends has made its way to practically every console around. This week, the game finally made its long-awaited debut on the Nintendo Switch 2, making this weekend the perfect time to play a round or two. Players can compete against their friends if they're feeling up for a challenge, or team up and work together in squads if they're in the mood for something a little more cooperative. First-time players and Apex veterans alike can enjoy this popular title on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Apex Legends
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 81 /100 Critics Rec: 74%
- Released
- February 4, 2019
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Respawn Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Source on console/PC, Unreal Engine 4 on mobile
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS4, Switch & Xbox One
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Battle Royale, First-Person Shooter
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Players looking for something cozy and relaxing to play with their friends should check out Hello Kitty Island Adventure, which recently released for the PlayStation 5 and is also available for Nintendo Switch, PC, and Apple Arcade. This adorable Sanrio-themed life simulator allows players to visit each other on Friendship Island and perform activities like foraging, fishing, catching Critters, playing mini-games, and even just dressing up and taking photos with Hello Kitty, My Melody, and the many other island residents. Plus, this weekend is the perfect time to get caught up on Hello Kitty Island Adventure before the Wheatflour Wonderland DLC releases in mid-September.
- Released
- July 28, 2023
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Sunblink
- Publisher(s)
- Sunblink
- Engine
- Unity
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Life Simulation
Gatekeeper
Fast-paced action roguelite title Gatekeeper recently left Early Access and saw a full release earlier this week. Players can team up in groups of up to four to defeat Chaos's minions as they attempt to recover the stolen Heart of Time. Gatekeeper features nine unique playable characters, over one hundred artifacts, and a system that allows players to combine their characters' skills with these artifacts, resulting in a near-infinite amount of customized skill sets that keep each gaming session feeling fresh and new.
Chillin' By The Fire
Announced during last week's Nintendo Partner Direct showcase, Chillin' By The Fire is not only as chill as its name suggests, it's the perfect summer activity to enjoy together with friends. Players can build a campfire in all sorts of weather, sit around it together and roast marshmallows, and chat about anything and everything. There are also multiple gameplay modes available including many different challenging environments, a Survival Mode where fire-building resources are limited, and a Playground Mode where players must compete to build the biggest fire (and yes, sabotaging others' fires is a total valid option.) Available for the Nintendo Switch 2, Chillin' by the Fire is the ideal co-op celebration of all things summer.
- Released
- July 31, 2025
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Oink Games
- Publisher(s)
- Oink Games
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Multiplayer, Survival