Local co-op might not be as common as it was during the '90s, but the practice has not completely died down either. Similarly, the puzzle genre continues to produce new projects at a reasonable rate, even if the releases tend to be indie projects that do not attract too much mainstream attention.
10 Puzzle Games Like Puyo Puyo Tetris 2
If you enjoyed Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 then these puzzle games should be right up your alley.
There are plenty of games to get people talking and thinking together. Some are more mechanics oriented while others have a little more story and narrative involved. Puzzles can take many forms, whether it be about shapes, instructions, physics, and/or portals. As time passes, the best puzzle co-op games will continue to evolve and grow.
Updated on December 26, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The year is almost over, so this is the perfect time to look ahead at some upcoming co-op puzzle games. While not extremely common, these types of projects will occasionally make an appearance during 2025. Let's highlight two titles that are on the horizon. Click below to jump to this section.
15 Human: Fall Flat
Work Together To Overcome Physics
Human: Fall Flat
- Released
- July 22, 2016
- Developer(s)
- No Brakes Games
- Publisher(s)
- Curve Digital
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- 2-Player Local Co-Op
- 8-Player Online Co-Op
Lovers of funky physics will likely get a kick out of Human: Fall Flat. One to eight players can play, and there are multiple solutions to the puzzles. Due to the physics as well as having the ability to mess with other players, the game is a great pick if someone is craving a bit of laughter, although they should be prepared for the occasional bout of frustration.
Human: Fall Flat is one of those multiplayer games that gets more chaotic and fun as more players join in. With no real narrative to speak of, the game drops players into fairly open levels and gives them small hints on how to overcome the area's puzzles.
14 Escape Academy
Master The Art Of Escape Rooms
Escape Academy
- Released
- July 14, 2022
- Developer(s)
- Coin Crew Games
- Publisher(s)
- iam8bit
- Number of Players
- 1-2
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Puzzle
- 2-Player Local & Online Co-Op
- Co-Op Campaign
As suggested by its title, Escape Academy enrolls players in a school for escape artists, one that challenges students to overcome a series of locked room scenarios. While featuring a cute mystery-themed story, the 2022 game primarily focuses on its puzzles, which typically revolve around exploring a room to find clues and hints. The campaign starts relatively simple, before gradually building up the challenge level while remaining fair throughout.
Escape Academy is a blast solo, but it also works well in co-op. The gameplay does not change all that much if another player is brought on, although it does incorporate communication to an extent. Along with being an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys escape rooms, this project is just generally a fun option for puzzle fans.
13 Trine 4
A Very Good Puzzle-Adventure Game In A Mostly Consistent Series
Trine 4: The Nightmare Prince
- Released
- October 8, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Frozenbyte
- Publisher(s)
- Modus Games
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Genre(s)
- Platformer
- 4-Player Local Co-Op
- 4-Player Online Co-Op
Trine is generally awesome. Except for the somewhat maligned third entry, which is not devoid of charm either, all the games in the series are decent starting points for newcomers. If push comes to shove, Trine 2 is probably the franchise's most popular game, but there is little separating it from Trine 4. Once again, the latter allows players to go on a fantastical journey as three fantasy archetypes (wizard, thief, and knight); this time, their goal is to find a lost prince.
The Best Local Co-Op Games on Steam (Couch & Split-Screen Included)
Find the best local co-op and split-screen games on Steam, from couch classics to modern hits perfect for friends, families, and offline play.
As an adventure co-op game, Trine 4 is an unquestionable triumph; however, when analyzed purely on the quality of its puzzles, the title is merely good with moments of brilliance.
The other Trine games, including 2023's fifth entry, are also great picks. That said, Trine 3 is the weakest game in the series.
12 Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes
Keep Calm And Try Not To Die
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
- Released
- October 8, 2015
- Developer
- Steel Crate Games
- Publisher
- Steel Crate Games
- 4-Player Local Co-Op
This is a game with a lot of talking involved between the players, so it is not for everyone. Basically, there is a bomb that needs to be diffused. Only one person can see the bomb, and they have to guide the remaining players through the process of defusing it.
Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes will get the adrenaline pumping, as the bomb has a time limit before it explodes. Things can get stressful quickly as the group tries to solve the destructive puzzle in front of them. For some though, that is a fun and unforgettable way to spend an evening.
11 Never Alone
A Co-Op Puzzle Game With A Unique Setting
Never Alone
- 2-Player Local Co-Op
Players can enjoy this title solo or with a friend. It is quite special, as it is based on a traditional Iñupiaq tale. In fact, it was made from a partnership between the Cook Inlet Tribal Council and E-Line Media. This makes the game a wealth of cultural insights.
Never Alone has eight chapters that focus on a little Iñupiaq girl, Nuna, and her arctic fox companion. In co-op, one player can control Nuna and the other can control the fox. The game has the two characters solve puzzles together and, with completion, literally unlock cultural insights about the Iñupiaq. For even more content, check out the game's expansion Foxtales.
10 It Takes Two
Mainly Worth Playing For The Story, But Solid Puzzles Too
It Takes Two
- Released
- March 26, 2021
- Developer(s)
- Hazelight Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, Switch
- 2-Player Local Co-Op
- 2-Player Online Co-Op
Hazelight specializes in co-op games, with both A Way Out and It Takes Two requiring two players. While the decision to omit single-player support might have limited the potential audiences for both games, it also means that these campaigns are designed entirely around co-op, ensuring that teamwork and coordination are not only central to the mechanics but also the stories.
Both titles are very good, but It Takes Two gets the nod as it is slightly more polished and features more puzzles. That said, Hazelight loves to play around with genres, so neither game is purely a puzzle experience. After another fight, a married couple are on the brink of a divorce, only to find themselves inhabiting their daughter's dolls. This turn of events paves the way for a wild and creative adventure that blends mini-games, platforming, puzzles, and storytelling to perfection.
9 Portal 2
One Of The Best Puzzle Games Also Has One Of The Best Co-Op Puzzle Modes
Portal 2
- 2-Player Local Co-Op
- 2-Player Online Co-Op
Portal 2 is rightfully hailed as one of the best single-player puzzle games of all time, and it completely deserves that reputation. However, Valve's project also comes with a co-op campaign that is almost as fantastic. Cast as two robots, players must work their way through a series of levels while GLaDOS provides a running commentary that tries to (not so) subtly pit the partners against each other.
16 Games To Play If You Love Portal
Fans of the Portal series will love these games with similar themes, plots, and gameplay mechanics.
As with most co-op puzzle games, Portal 2 steadily ramps up the complexity with each new challenge; however, the game also tweaks the nature of the puzzles' solutions. While initially they are designed in a way that could lead to one person taking charge, the later stages are far more concerned with teamwork.
8 Snipperclips: Cut It Out, Together!
Charming Co-Op Puzzle Fun
Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together
- Released
- March 3, 2017
- Developer(s)
- SFB Games
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
- 4-Player Local Co-Op
This underrated Switch game has two players solve various shape and physics-based puzzles together, as they can change the shape of the characters they play as. A lot of the puzzles involve moving objects or making themselves into the perfect shape to do various tasks.
The puzzles are diverse enough and cover a fairly decent range in terms of difficulty. That said, Snipperclips is ultimately a family-oriented game that is accessible to children.
7 KeyWe
Running A Post Office Is A Job For Two
KeyWe
- Released
- August 31, 2021
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Developer
- Stonewheat & Sons
- Publisher
- Sold Out
- 2-Player Local Co-Op
- 2-Player Online Co-Op
A cute co-op game about two kiwis who manage a postal office, KeyWe takes a silly concept and creates a charming campaign that can keep someone entertained for a couple of hours. For more than 30 levels, players will have to work together to ensure packages get to where they need to go, and the developers do a good job of shaking up the formula to ensure things remain interesting.
KeyWe's puzzles are not extremely difficult, but they are not braindead either and complement co-op well. While solo runs are possible, they are not the ideal way to experience this delightful little title.
6 Shift Happens
All About Co-Op Teamwork
Shift Happens
- Released
- September 9, 2015
- Publisher(s)
- Daedalic Entertainment
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- 2-Player Local Co-Op
- 2-Player Online Co-Op
Meant for two people, Shift Happens is a game with four stages and plenty of puzzles to solve. While players can work together, the game also lets you stab each other in the back if fancied. After all, friends sometimes love to mess with each other.
12 Best Puzzle Games On Xbox Game Pass
Puzzle-game enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to the Xbox Game Pass, with several great titles available.
Although Shift Happens has a cute, minimalist design, the levels do get more complex as the campaign progresses. For a group of friends who are looking for a compelling narrative though, this game may not be for them.